New York's Stratosphere Sound Studios are offering a unique glimpse into the recording process this Thursday, alongside a special artist's lounge hosted by Fred Perry. Based in New York's Chelsea area, the studios are regularly used for both music and film projects with previous visitors including The Smith Westerns, Block Party, Courtney Love and Green Day.

This Thursday the studios are opening their doors as part of the city's CMJ Music Marathon, with sets performed by a handpicked selection of new and unsigned acts. Visitors will be able to see the studio's facilities in use, including a classic Neve 8068 console and their collection of the finest vintage and state-of-the-art equipment. To visit the studios this Thursday, simply email rsvp@stratospheresound.com by 16th October. You can find out more about the event on SonicScoop.com

www.stratospheresound.com

New York is home to our Wooster St Authentic and Grand St Surplus  Fred Perry shops. Use our Shop Finder to find your nearest location. 

Celine Danhier's Blank City premieres in the UK this evening, presenting a fascinating look at the misfit cinema of the late 70s and 80s that emerged from an economically bankrupt and dangerous period of New York history. Made on shoestring budgets in collaboration with the pioneering musicians and visual artists that ruled downtown Manhattan, these stripped-down edits coined the phrase 'No-Wave' cinema. Whilst the punk scene of the same era enjoyed a much celebrated notoriety, this thrilling and confrontational underground film movement has never before been chronicled.

                                    Blank City trailer courtesy of E2 Films on Vimeo.

Set to a soundtrack of Patti Smith, Television, Richard Hell & Sonic Youth; Blank City captures the maverick spirit of the New York Underground that continues to be prevalent today. Featured players include actor, writer and director Steve Buscemi, Blondie’s Debbie Harry and Hip Hop legend Fab 5 Freddy, all captured on Super 8 camera wherever the directors could grab a shot.

Blank City will be screened at the ICA, London, from 2-15th March, the QFT Belfast from 6-8 March and The Cube, Bristol from April 30th - May 2nd.

Celine Danhier will also be hosting a Q+A at the Rio Cinema, Dalston at a special screening this evening.

www.e2films.co.uk/blankcity

Though their ten year reign over the airwaves came to an end last year, James Murphy is giving LCD Soundsystem fans some closure with the documentary: Shut Up and Play the Hits. Charting the run up to the band's final show at Madison Square Gardens, New York; the doc has already received a spot at the Sundance Film Festival, with the hope of winning the coveted Best Documentary prize.

Directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace, the film offers a much deeper insight on the frontman and what gets his musical juices flowing. Read More about the documentary on Fred Perry Subculture's music and culture feed The Buzz.