Artists On Our Radar

Bright Days Ahead for Shenandoah and the Night

June 6, 2011 by David K. Moseder

What do bluegrass, jazz and burlesque all have in common? They’re all part of Shenandoah Ableman’s musical influences. Her band, Shenandoah and the Night, also... read article

Christine Vaindirlis: Right at Home a Long Way from Home

June 6, 2011 by Howard B. Leibowitz

Christine Vaindirlis is living proof of our contention that, musically speaking, all roads lead to Brooklyn. Having called London, Milan (where she trained under La... read article

Annika Vitolo Takes It to the Streets

June 6, 2011 by David K. Moseder

From BAM to Broadway, Annika Vitolo’s parents exposed her to a variety of cultural venues, but her favorite musical moments while growing up in Brooklyn... read article

Full of Soul and Inspiration, The Sweet Divines Live Up to Their Name

January 6, 2011 by Howard B. Leibowitz

The Sweet Divines, four young ladies who sing old school soul, live up to the expectations raised by their evocative, self-descriptive name. This is no... read article

Brother HijinX Takes Their Music and Roots Seriously

September 6, 2010 by Howard B. Leibowitz

Brother HijinX is a rock band that grooves hard, incorporating funk elements, odd sounds and textures, and extended improvisation into their music, complemented by strong... read article

Bass Instinct: Johnny Pisano Works And Plays Well With Others

June 6, 2010 by Howard B. Leibowitz

Johnny Pisano has been “on the horizon” for some 15 years and counting, and as the ultimate team player he Is comfortable just outside the... read article

Sweet Soubrette – Heed This Siren’s Call

April 7, 2010 by David K. Moseder

Sweet Soubrette front woman Ellia Bisker took up the ukulele because, with her small hands, “It’s easy to reach the chords, which helps me to compose... 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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