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According to information distributed through NYC Newswire, Brooklyn independent artist Kota the Friend has released his new 10-track project Local Art Dealer, Vol. 1, a genre-blending album that highlights collaboration, independence, and the borough’s creative culture. The album officially dropped March 25 on all major streaming platforms, marking another milestone for the Clinton Hill native and his FLTBYS (Flight Boys) Music label.
The project centers on a simple but resonant idea: the culture driving music, fashion, and art starts at the neighborhood level. For Brooklyn listeners, that message lands close to home, especially as local artists continue to shape the borough’s identity without relying on traditional industry systems.
Each track on Local Art Dealer, Vol. 1 features contributions from a range of creatives, including producers, engineers, and vocalists. The album’s concept reframes the term “local art dealer” as a reflection of community-driven artistry—people building and sharing their work from within their own circles.
Kota, who was raised in Clinton Hill, has long tied his music to Brooklyn’s creative energy. That influence carries into his FLTBYS showroom in DUMBO, where he creates while surrounded by visual art and fashion. The space reflects a broader approach that blends disciplines rather than separating them.
“This project is about ownership, creativity, and community,” Kota said, emphasizing the importance of independence and grassroots creativity.
The album also marks a shift in Kota’s sound, with the artist reintroducing trumpet playing on select tracks. The instrument, part of his earlier musical background, has recently become a visible part of his live performances.
He began showcasing this during his residency at Blue Note, where he performed trumpet live on stage, something fans hadn’t seen since before his rap career took off. Additional performances are scheduled in both New York City and Los Angeles, continuing that live evolution.
Before its official release, Local Art Dealer, Vol. 1 was made available to dedicated fans through the EVEN.biz platform, giving early supporters access ahead of streaming. The full project is now widely available, including on Spotify, expanding its reach beyond Kota’s core audience.
The rollout reflects a strategy that many independent artists across Brooklyn are increasingly exploring—direct-to-fan engagement first, followed by broader distribution.
For BrooklynBuzz.com readers, the release highlights a larger trend shaping the borough’s music scene: artists building sustainable careers by staying independent, collaborating locally, and creating across multiple disciplines.
As the album circulates across streaming platforms, listeners can expect to see more of this model, where Brooklyn’s creative communities remain at the center of how music is made and shared.