Articles by Rachel Armstrong

Dyme-A-Duzin: True Hip Hop and Soul

August 12, 2021 by Rachel Armstrong

Donnovan Blocker, better known as Dyme-a-Duzin, is a Brooklyn-raised hip hop artist who strives to stay true to his Brooklyn roots in his music. This year the musician has released two albums both in relation to one another entitled Training, and more recently Ghetto Olympics 2, as a follow up to the former. This release was created with the intention... read article

A Pensive Wxlfman photo by Jaye Sant / courtesy of the artist

Wxlfman : Turns Inspired Writing Into Musical Creations

May 1, 2021 by Rachel Armstrong

Wxlfman (pronounced wolfman), is a Brooklyn-based hip-hop musician/rapper and dancer who grew up with the classic hip-hop influences of artists such as A Tribe Called... read article

Pensive Mood Robot photo by Lissy Elle Laricchia

Mood Robot: Inspired Synthwave

March 8, 2021 by Rachel Armstrong

Mood Robot is a synthwave duo created by and consisting of brothers Ben and Alex. They formed their band about 10 to 12 years ago... read article

Jesse Fischer in Performance Photo by Dennis Manuel

Jazz Enthusiast Jesse Fischer: Deeper Than What’s on the Surface

February 16, 2021 by Rachel Armstrong

Brooklyn Roads is happy to introduce Brooklyn-based composer, producer, and pianist Jesse Fischer. Making music with a strong jazz presence, this musical artist gets inspiration... read article

Athena Matsil Photo by Arthur Hunking

Awksymoron: Punny Music and Individuality

December 24, 2020 by Rachel Armstrong

Awksymoron, a band founded by born-and-raised Brooklynite musician Athena Matsil, is what you might call an indie rock group with a twist. Although the band... read article

Bette Smith photo by Shervin Lainez / courtesy of Devious Planet Media

Bette Smith: Joy, Anguish, Outrage — and a Lot of Soul

October 20, 2020 by Rachel Armstrong

Bette Smith is a rock-and-soul singer/songwriter whose latest album, The Good, The Bad and The Bette, was released in September to rave reviews. She tells... read article

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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