Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Darling.
Hi Joe, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Moondog Café emerged as the 3 owners – Detroit artists Jared Talaga, Rob Nash and Joe Darling – crossed paths in 2022 and shared a common goal to open a space for music that invited experimentation, and turned hospitality back toward the artist.
The three of us have all engaged in a variety streams in Detroit’s music industry. As we talked, we identified a shared vision for giving artists a direct and accessible platform to take chances, to build collaborations and develop creative concepts around musical experience.
Once a viable location at the corner of Linwood and Montgomery came into focus, we found a great sound system and an espresso machine, and the rest unfolded from there.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was extremely difficult and at times painful! Getting the neglected building compliant and up to code for assembly and food and beverage service was incredibly challenging. Some contractors wrote the building off as a “tear-down” but we’re grateful the building owner continued to work to bring it back to life. We thought we were receiving a white-boxed unit but it was really anything but. Pretty much every building ordinance had to be reviewed and cleared, not what we expected to engage in as first-time tenants.
Aside from that, our model is kind of an experiment in itself. We’re not in a majorly high-traffic area and we’re a music venue selling coffee and tea, rather than wine and cocktails. We’re also inviting artists to break away from mainstream formats and explore their practice more broadly. Linwood is both a historic thoroughfare and also embedded in Detroit neighborhoods. It’s an interesting set of conditions for the business and, while we’re blessed to be able to support our small team, the owners are typically working without compensation beyond a few tips. This isn’t a path that aspiring business-minded people would likely take, but maybe through some alternative economic conduit and careful guidance, projects like this can find their way to sustainability. We hope our work encourages peers and future generations to work together and follow their dreams!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My name is Joe Darling and I operate 2 businesses- the audio design company Uncanned Music as well as Detroit’s Moondog Cafe. I also collect records, DJ and write about music.
Uncanned Music was founded while I was living in Chicago. We design audio systems and custom playlists for restaurants, bars and hotels all over the country. Most of my work is remote, though, so I was looking for a way to engage more actively in the Detroit music scene. I also have a long history working in hospitality so, after a couple years bartending once a week at Paramita Sound in downtown Detroit, I decided I was ready to work on a small venue of my own.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I’m from a small town in Michigan, an hour-and-a-half west of Detroit. As soon as I could drive, I would pile into the car with friends to see shows at venues like St. Andrews and the Majestic. It was always music that kept me coming back to Detroit, and it was music that made me want to live here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moondogcafedetroit.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moondogdetroit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556547342508
