Brooklyn Voices – June 2010

June 6, 2010 by David K. Moseder

01_02_04-01 The lineup for the upcoming 10th anniversary edition of The Village Voice’s Siren Music Festival in Coney Island will include two local acts: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, based in Greenpoint, and Matt and Kim, who met while they were students at the Brooklyn campus of Pratt Institute…De La Soul headlines Brooklyn Bodega’s 6th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival at Brooklyn Bridge Park, performing on the last day of the July 5-10 event…Other concert series of note include the 101.9 RXP Summer Concert Series at The Williamsburg Waterfront beginning June 25 and the AfroPunk Festival at Commodore Barry Park in Fort Greene, June 25-27…Two-time Grammy nominee MGMT is offering their newest release, Congratulations, in CD and vinyl formats with a limited edition scratch-off front cover. The Brooklyn Heights-based band recorded several of the tracks at Greenpoint’s Context Studios…. High Violet is the fifth studio album by The National.The band produced it themselves, much of it at their own studio in Brooklyn…
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings make it look easy with I Learned the Hard Way, which debuted at number 15 on the US Billboard 01_02_04-02 200. Described by various critics as “superb,” “ass-kicking” and “honest and true soul,” among other accolades, the album is also riding high on the R&B and Independent charts as we go to virtual press…The Chemo, Busta Rhymes’ ninth studio album, is scheduled to be released on July 6…Jay Z has been tapped by Oprah Winfrey to appear on the premier episode of her new cable talk show, Master Class, in January…Notable Quote: “You can’t tell people what they want to hear if you also want to tell the truth,” from Soft in the Center, a featured track on The Hold Steady’s latest release, Heaven is Whenever.

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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