Artists On Our Radar

Yarn Puts a Brooklyn Spin On the Alt-Country Sound

November 6, 2011 by David K. Moseder

“I’ve been waiting so long for you to comfort me, but this boy has moved on,” sings Blake Christiana , bittersweetly, about his home town... read article

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

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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