Features

Gary U.S. Bonds’ Brooklyn Experience

August 25, 2021 by B.L. Howard

Rock and roll legend Gary U.S. Bonds, who first made his mark with “New Orleans” and “Quarter to Three” back in 1960, has continued his... read article

Strummin' In The Yard photo by Ehud Lazin / courtesy of Sideways-Media

Annie Keating Finds Her ‘Emotional Place’ in Brooklyn

May 30, 2021 by David K. Moseder

Annie Keating’s music is, in her own words, “soulful, intimate and honest; a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll.” Always a... read article

Ben Rice_Carolann Solebello_Nicole Atkins

Thriving BK Artists

Brooklyn Artists Survive — and Thrive — Through Trying Times

May 8, 2021 by The Brooklyn Roads Team

As we look forward to the reopening of live performance venues, Brooklyn Roads reached out to some of our “Artists On Our Radar” alumni to... 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

Neil Diamond On Stage at Erasmus High School on 09.29.14 B.L.Howard Productions

Neil Diamond: A Beautiful Noise Birthday Salute

January 21, 2021 by David K. Moseder

Neil Diamond, whose birthday is on January 24th , received an early birthday present when the musical “Neil Diamond: A Beautiful Noise” , opened at... read article

pauline_Baruch_425_Photo by Joey Rosado-resized # 2

Pauline Jean photo by Joey Rosado

Back on Our Radar: New Music From Old Favorites

January 13, 2021 by David K. Moseder

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot?” Not at Brooklyn Roads. We’re starting 2021 by checking in with some local artists we have featured over the years... read article

Fisty Gathering photo by Blair Hopkins

Fisty Adds Bluesy Punch to Brooklyn’s Rock Scene

November 17, 2020 by Michela Arlia

Chantal, Rebecca, Heidi, and Lola are the front women for the band Fisty, formed in Brooklyn in 2008. Guitarist Heidi calls their sound “alternative, feminist,... read article

JLH press pic- photo by Rob Carter-courtesy of Devious Planet

Jane Lee Hooker -Garage Rockers Or....? photo by Rob Carter / courtesy of Devious Planet Media

Jane Lee Hooker: Bluesy, Rocking, Soulful Storytelling

October 5, 2020 by Michela Arlia

Established in 2013, Jane Lee Hooker is a rock and roll band fused with blues and what they describe as “vintage swagger.” The group’s front... read article

Gangstagrass photo by Melodie Yvonne

Brooklyn Americana Music Festival Goes Virtual

September 3, 2020 by David K. Moseder

The Brooklyn Americana Music Festival (BKAMF) is alive and well! This year’s edition, however, takes to the digital stage with performances by 60 artists in... read article

Jalopy Theatre's Front Window photo courtesy of B. L., Howard Productions

Community of Artists Drives Jalopy Theatre’s Success

June 9, 2020 by David K. Moseder

Established in 2006, The Jalopy Theatre and School of Music is the brainchild of Geoff Wiley. His wife and business partner, Lynette Wiley, tells Brooklyn... read article

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Artists on our Radar

Ciao Malz: Music With a Storyteller’s Charm

WFUV NY Slice Session- photo by Gus Philippas for FUV

Brooklyn’s indie scene is home to countless rising talents, and one that stands out is Connecticut-born, Brooklyn-based artist Malia DelaCruz better known as Ciao Malz . A self-taught musician and engineer, Malz has a gift for crafting indie pop songs that are both clever and unpolished in the best way. Her latest release, Safe Than Sorry, a four-track EP released in December 2024, showcases her evolving approach to songwriting and collaboration. Growing up surrounded by classic rock, folk and indie music, Malz was drawn to the art of storytelling. “I like songs that feel lived-in, a little rough around the edges but full of heart,” she tells Brooklyn Roads. The DIY nature of indie music was a revelation that made her realize that imperfections could be part of the sound. That perspective shaped her songwriting process, which she describes as intuitive and sometimes surprising, “It’s hard for me to tell where the songs are going at first, but the choruses are catchy.” After attending college in Queens, Brooklyn quickly became her creative home. “There’s always new and different music playing from cars, coffee shops, even the fish supply store,” she says. Playing alongside the borough’s talented musicians has kept her inspired and motivated. Among Brooklyn’s many venues, Union Pool holds a special place for her, for its intimate performance space. First featured on WFUV’s NY Slice in 2021 and once again on March 20, 2025 with her warm, dreamy single, “Always Be My Maybe,” Malz has played venues like Baby’s All Right, Bowery Electric and Pianos NYC. Her latest EP came together in an unexpected but organic way. While working on other artists’ music, she asked a band to stick around after a session to help flesh out some of her songs. “We were able to turn them into full songs pretty quickly,” she recalls. The experience shifted her perspective on collaboration, as she comments, “in the past, I had done everything myself, but after making that EP, I think of it differently.” Ciao Malz is an artist worth watching. For those looking for music that’s deeply personal and full of heart, she’s one to have on your radar.

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