cks) and a grassroots record label (Playgroundz Records), focused on honest coverage and artist-first support. This channel features underground album reviews, music premieres, full-album streams, interviews, and scene commentary. Coverage highlights independent bands and labels with an emphasis on tone, atmosphere, songwriting, and production. Playgroundz Records works with select artists on release strategy, production, promotion, and distribution, rooted in a DIY ethic and long term development. Content includes:
Underground album reviews
Doom, stoner, sludge, and heavy rock premieres
Full-length album streams
Artist interviews and features
Grassroots label releases
Subscribe for underground heavy music and independent scene coverage. HISTORY
The Origins(2005-2008) - Pioneers of Streaming Live Concerts
Playgroundz was conceived by Michael D'Amato and co-founded with Kevin Farrell in 2005. After previously starting out as a record label under a different name, we transitioned to a website that showcased and promoted bands. In the winter of 2005, Michael D'Amato began experimenting with live streams in his home, from one computer to another being broadcasted from room to room. In 2006, those experiments and pitching the idea of live streaming concerts to the owner and manager of the venue opened the door for us to become the house live streaming engineers at The Vintage Lounge, in Levittown, NY. In February 2006, Playgroundz began streaming friday night band shows and broadcasted their first live show on their website. In March 2006, we also began streaming tuesday night open mic nights along with the friday night band nights. August 5th, 2006 we hosted The Playgroundz Summer Music Festival at The Vintage Lounge. February 2007 we hosted The Playgroundz Winter Festival at The Vintage Lounge. August 2007 Playgroundz is televised on channel 13 WLIW, News 12, and aired on the radio at 102.3FM WBAB. August 24th, 2007 we hosted The Playgroundz Long Island Rocks For Freedom Concert at The Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre and streamed it live for the troops overseas. August 30th, 2008 we hosted the 2nd Playgroundz Long Island Rocks For Freedom Concert at The Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre and streamed it live for the troops overseas. In the fall of 2008, Kevin Farrell left Playgroundz and we dissolved the corporation. In 2009 as the sole proprieter, Playgroundz continued to showcase new bands from around the world on the website. Introduction To The Recording Artists(2010-2023)
In 2010, Michael D'Amato formed a 4 piece rock metal band with long time friends called District 13. District 13, now known as Shots In Order, is Playgroundz first recording artist. On August 1st, 2010, District 13 opened a show for Michael Schenker Group(UFO), and George Lynch(Dokken, The Lynch Mob) at The Crazy Donkey. August 2010 District 13 was televised on channel 1 FIOS. March 26th, 2011, Playgroundz hosted The Playgroundz Recess Revolution Concert at Mulcahy's of Centerreach. On the bill would be their very own District 13 along with other bands. June 25th, 2011, Playgroundz hosted The 2nd Playgroundz Recess Revolution at Mulcay's of Centerreach. November 17th, 2015, Shots In Order (formerly known as District 13) releases their debut album EP. May 24th, 2018 Shots In Order releases their second album EP titled Predatory. October 2020, Glass Steigal releases their debut album EP
February 2021, 10% Reptile releases their debut album EP "The Big Boycott"
September 2023, 10% Reptile releases Holographic Fuzz, Their second album EP.
