Articles by B.L. Howard

Are You Listening? Brooklyn Is a Winter Wonderland!

December 5, 2014 by B.L. Howard

The temperatures have plummeted, the carolers are practicing their tunes, and the scarves on every Brooklyn hipster actually serve a purpose. While the cry of... read article

BK Summer Music Wrap Up

September 5, 2014 by B.L. Howard

Another summer has come and gone, leaving Brooklyn residents and fans pining for one more concert and extravaganza. Unfortunately, while the heat plays one last... read article

Bridge City Hustle: Charismatic Chameleons

July 6, 2014 by B.L. Howard

When the crowd in the lounge of Toshi’s Living Room and Bar settled in to their second or third drinks between set changes, a few... read article

A Brooklyn Sizzling Musical Summer

July 6, 2014 by B.L. Howard

It’s that time of the year again for the Borough of Churches to preach the holy gospel of summer in the only manner fit: the... 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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