Brooklyn Voices – February 2016

February 3, 2016 by David K. Moseder

Yeasayer-photo by Liane Chan / courtesy of Wikipedia

Named one of WFUV‘s Artists to Watch in 2016, Sunflower Bean’s full-length debut album, Human Ceremony, will be released February 5 on CD and vinyl. It was recorded in Brooklyn and produced by Matt Molnar of the now-disbanded Bushwick band, Friends…Patrons at Baby’s All Right in Williamsburg on Jan. 31 got to hear for themselves why Cigarettes After Sex was named one of Rolling Stone‘s 10 Artists You Need to Know. These El Paso expats’ latest single, “Affection,” has racked up almost two million YouTube views in four months…On the heels of their late-2015 EP Hell, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart will be playing at Baby’s All Right on March 3… No fooling: Psychedelic pop band Yeasayer’s fourth album, Amen & Goodbye, is due out on April 1. The video of “I Am Chemistry,” the first single from the album, garnered more than 200,000 YouTube hits in less than one month following its Jan. 7 release…Four (count ’em, four) Brooklyn singers and songwriters will share the bill at Union Hall on Feb. 18. They are: Annie Keating, Gabriel Mayers, Radionics and Natalia Zukerman. Radionics, by the way, recently released a digital EP, Fools on the Range, that was recorded at Seaside Lounge Studios in Greenwood Heights…Antibalas, Charles Bradley and Talib Kweli will be representing Brooklyn at Tampa’s Gasparilla Music Festival in March…Country singer Laura Cantrell is planning a 15th anniversary vinyl edition of her debut album, Not the Tremblin’ Kind. The album was recorded at now-defunct Coyote Studios in Williamsburg, a neighborhood Cantrell had called home for 10 years at the time, and released on local label Diesel Only Records…MGMT, who popped up on an episode of the podcast Song Exploder in late January, recently tweeted: “2016 is the year MGMT re-dominates your mind hole.” Stay tuned.

Notable Quote: “Brooklyn is where I primarily developed. I had an opportunity to make records and perform in clubs here and there, and I started networking with the right people in the right places.” – Busta Rhymes

Busta Rhymes / photo by Mikamote / courtesy of Wikipedia

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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