Brooklyn Voices – August 2015

August 10, 2015 by David K. Moseder

Elle King :”Ex’s and Oh’s” Photo courtesy of RCA Records

Skyzoo, Torae, and the Pitch Blak Brass Band are among the local artists who represented our fair borough at the 11^th annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival that moved from DUMBO to 50 Kent in Williamsburg … Kid Cudi, whose career took off in 2008 after moving to Brooklyn from Cleveland, is planning a late-summer release for his latest album, Speedin’ Bullet to Heaven. The musician, rapper and sometimes actor is also taking over for Reggie Watts as the one-man bandleader on IFC’s cult faux talk show Comedy Bang Bang on July 10 … Among Cudi’s favorite collaborators are Crown Heights alt-rockers Ratatat, whose fifth album, Magnifique, is due out July 17 … You’ll have two chances to catch singer / songwriter / multi-instrumentalist Sarah Jarosz locally this summer. The Texas émigré and 2014 Grammy runner-up opened for another Brooklyn act, the Punch Brothers, at Celebrate Brooklyn! on July 9th and, on August 4th, she will be part of the Prairie Home Companion “America the Beautiful Tour”… You would have had to cross the Williamsburg Bridge, however, to catch Elle King (Ex’s and Oh’s) at the Bowery Ballroom for her July 20^th performance. It was part of the Bushwick artists’ first headlining tour … Sharon Van Etten, no stranger to the music halls of her adopted home borough, had released a new five-song EP, I Don’t Want to Let You Down. It includes the title single and Just Like Blood, one of NPR’s “Songs We Love”… Other new releases in time for summer listening include: Sufjan Stevens, Carrie & Lowell; Torres (Mackenzie Scott), Sprinter; Stranger Cat, In The Wilderness; and Kenny Vance, Lost and Found: Archives – Vol. 1.

Notable Quote: “We just wanted to, I guess, sound alike … a gang or a bunch of brothers. So that was the whole idea of using the name Ramone.” –Marky Ramone (Marc Bell) on NPR’s Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me.

Artists on our Radar

Jessi Robertson: A Voice for the Vulnerable

Jessi Robertson-Memory and Abandoned Parts Album Art

Jessi Robertson is a powerhouse voice that captivates you from the first note. In a world where music is often a safe place for personal expression, she stands out as a compelling voice for the vulnerable. With her vivid lyrics and haunting melodies, her over 15-year career as a musician has carved a way for herself in the folk and Americana music scene, captivating audiences with her raw honesty and emotional depth. Born in a small town in upstate New York, Robertson’s journey into music began at an early age. Robertson moved to Brooklyn in 2003, as she honed her craft, recognizing its ability to speak directly to the human experience with authenticity and sincerity. Once in BK, she released her debut album, “Small Town Girls,” in 2010, which gained much traction for its lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. Following this came her 2014 release “I Came From The War.” Throughout her career, Robertson has fearlessly tackled themes ranging from love and loss to social justice and mental health. Her most recent release, “Memory and Abandoned Parts (15-Year Anniversary Edition of Who We Are, What We Have Done)” is a re-release of her original 2008 album. She continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, as the release explores the complexities of the human condition. Robertson’s impact extends beyond the recording studio. Recognizing the power of music to effect change, she uses her platform to advocate for issues close to her heart. Whether performing at charity events or speaking out on social media, Robertson is committed to using her art as a force for good. Through her music, Robertson invites listeners to confront the complexities of the human experience with empathy and compassion, reminding us of the power of art to bridge divides and inspire change. As she continues to evolve as an artist and an advocate, one thing remains certain: Jessi Robertson’s voice will echo in the hearts and minds of listeners for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

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