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

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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