Articles by Ray Fontaine

Junior Astronomers at Afro Punk photo by Ray Fontaine

Applause for Afropunk’s Artistry and Activism

August 31, 2017 by Ray Fontaine

On August 26 and 27, 2017, Afropunk called together a fantastic showcase of fashion, music, activism, and community. This year’s Brooklyn festival , held... read article

Miguel at Northside Festival - MCCarren Park Main Stage photo by Ray Fontaine

Northside Festival Lights Up The Weekend!

June 27, 2017 by Ray Fontaine

From June 7th to June 11th, the northern Brooklyn streets were filled with over 100,000 festival goers, concert hopping throughout Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Bushwick in... read article

American Nomads Rock the House !

May 3, 2017 by Ray Fontaine

Greenpoint-based American Nomads threw a big bash at Drom in lower Manhattan to celebrate the release of Ghost Highway, their new album, to a packed... read article

Omega Sirius Moon photo by Matthew Narvin

Omega Sirius Moon-Brooklyn’s “Queen of Collaboration”

April 7, 2017 by Ray Fontaine

Omega Sirius Moon (“OSM”) is a Bed-Sty-based multi-media artist quickly becoming known as the ‘Queen of Collaboration’. OSM, as she is referred to by most,... read article

Becca Stevens at BRIC House Sessions photo by Ray Fontaine

BRIC House Sessions: Becca Stevens -REGINA Album Release Party / Jess Best

April 5, 2017 by Ray Fontaine

Becca Stevens‘ album release party at BRIC’s Media Center in downtown Brooklyn was not the only musical event at the March 30th BRIC House Sessions... read article

Raia Was, Iris Lune and Courtnee Roze – A Musical Revolution in Brooklyn!

October 4, 2016 by Ray Fontaine

On September 24, 2016, National Sawdust hosted Revolution Volume 7, a musical series focused on displaying the best of independent pop culture in Brooklyn. The... read article

Afropunk Brings The Punk To Close Out Summer in Brooklyn !

September 14, 2016 by Ray Fontaine

Every year at Brooklyn’s Commodore Barry Park, Afropunk helps the summer season go out with a bang. Everyone was ready to celebrate good music and... read article

Iris Lune Tunnel-from Ella Joy Meir_07-25-16

Exotic Tunes from Iris Lune

July 31, 2016 by Ray Fontaine

Iris Lune, a Brooklyn-based indie electronic alternative band, is gaining attention with their innovative synth folk sound. Iris Lune released their debut Iris Lune EP... read article

Raging Fyah_Brooklyn Bowl-07-13-16_photo by Ray Fontaine

MUSICAL FYAH RAGES IN BROOKLYN!

July 28, 2016 by Ray Fontaine

Spiritual Rez and Raging Fyah, two wildly different reggae bands, made their double billing a night to remember at Brooklyn Bowl on July 13, 2016.... read article

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings Celebrate Brooklyn! 2016

June 14, 2016 by Ray Fontaine

Despite the rain and a bit of a chill, the summer finally arrived in time for the kick off of the 2016 Celebrate Brooklyn! season.... read article

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Artists on our Radar

Janet LaBelle Takes the Spotlight: Blending Vintage Vibes with Modern Magic

Janet Labelle With Guitar In Hand / photo by John Nyboer

Dynamic Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Janet LaBelle continues to push her creative boundaries. Known for her unique ability to fuse analog warmth with modern production, LaBelle has been praised by Jersey Beat for her “sweet voice and sharp, thoughtful songwriting,” and her newest projects are no exception. Her music defies easy categorization, effortlessly blending elements of folk, classic rock, and pop into a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. LaBelle recently released her single “Day in the Sun” on September 13 via her own Wild Violet Records, and it has already been captivating audiences with its sunny melodies and deeply personal narrative. The song, inspired by a meaningful hike with a friend in 2023, showcases her talent for finding beauty in simplicity, a theme that resonates through much of her work. The inclusion of horns marks an exciting creative evolution, adding a new layer of depth to her already richly textured sound. Throughout her career, LaBelle has explored a wide range of musical styles. She first made waves as a teenager in the punk-pop band Avery, and since then, her solo work has spanned genres like classic rock, folk, pop, and even French chanson. Her previous EPs, including Moon Songs (2010) and Blossom & Blue (2011), demonstrate her eclectic tastes, with influences ranging from surf rock to vintage country. Working with respected producers such as Evan Taylor (Bernie Worrell) and Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu, They Might Be Giants), LaBelle continues to expand her sound, evolving with each new release. Fans can catch her live at upcoming performances, including a show at Our Wicked Lady on September 24th and at Sleepwalk on December 3rd. These live shows will give listeners a chance to hear both her new and classic material in an up-close setting. Her combination of memorable songs, captivating performances and a unique voice sets her apart as an artist who continues to rise, drawing listeners in with every new creation.

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