Reviews

All I Ever Wonder-A Soulful Musical Journey Through Life’s Highs and Lows

July 7, 2024 by Michela Arlia

Brooklyn-born singer, songwriter, producer, and engineer Johnny Burgos’ latest album, All I Ever Wonder, is a soulful exploration that seamlessly blends R&B, R&B, Hip Hop,... read article

Paul Sachs Performs at The Brookyln Art Haus / photo by Briana Lowe

Paul Sachs Performs At The Brooklyn Art Haus photo by Brianna Lowe

Paul Sachs Offers a Rootsy “Tattoo” at Brooklyn Art Haus

January 28, 2024 by David K. Moseder

As part of its monthly “Folkus-NYC” Americana music series, Williamsburg’s new Brooklyn Art Haus hosted veteran folksinger Paul Sachs on Jan. 18, 2024. A true... read article

Bicycle Away Cover Art courtesy of the artist

Sam Rappaport’s “Bicycle Away” Tugs At the Heart

January 19, 2024 by Michela Arlia

San Fernando Valley native-turned Brooklyn-based singer and songwriter Sam Rappaport is back on the music scene with his latest single “Bicycle Away.” As the song... read article

Dana Athens’ The Same Love Is Not The Same

November 13, 2023 by Giulia Arlia

Brooklyn native Dana Athens begins a solo side project following the success of her band, Jane Lee Hooker, to release an inspiring album. Entitled The... read article

Brooklyn Folk Festival Brookyln Folk Festival

Brooklyn Folk Festival:15 & Counting!

October 20, 2023 by David K. Moseder

The 15th annual Brooklyn Folk Festival is being held at St. Ann’s Church in Brooklyn Heights on Friday evening, November 10th through Sunday, November 12,... read article

Ever More Nest photo by Michael Alford

Brooklyn Americana Fest: Number Nine Is Looking Fine

September 21, 2023 by David K. Moseder

The 9th edition of the Brooklyn Americana Music Festival (BKAMF) takes place from Thursday, Sept. 28, through Sunday, Oct. 1. Venues include Dumbo Archway, Superfine... read article

Lesley Mok at M3 Festival 2022 Courtesy of mutualmentorshipformusicians.org

Making Music Memorable: M³ Festival Hits Brooklyn

August 31, 2023 by Michela Arlia

As the dog days of summer come to an end, the 2nd annual Mutual Mentorship for Musicians Festival returns to Brooklyn at the Roulette Intermedium... read article

Kaitlyn Shuko-photo by Paolo Salud - courtesy of the artist

Kaitlyn Shuko Tosses A Musical Stone

August 16, 2023 by Giulia Arlia

Next up on your playlist: Brooklyn-based Kaitlyn Shuko’s mini EP, Stone Tossing. Consisting of two songs, “stone tossing” and “b.b.”, Kaitlyn Shuko shows she is... read article

Cindy Alexander’s “Messy” Gets Rugged and Real About Life

August 1, 2023 by Michela Arlia

Singer, songwriter and storyteller Cindy Alexander has a magical way with words and phrases in her latest album Messy. In the 10-track album, this indie... read article

Lakse Street Dive -Fun Machine The Sequel album art

Lake Street Dive’s Fun Machine: The Sequel EP

July 18, 2023 by Giulia Arlia

If you’re looking for music that feels both nostalgic and new at the same time, take a listen to Lake Street Dive’s Fun Machine: The... 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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