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

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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