Reviews

“Italian Ice”: Breezy Boardwalk Soul From Nicole Atkins

May 13, 2021 by David K. Moseder

Italian Ice continues Nicole Atkins‘ evolution as a performer, songwriter and producer. The album’s title was inspired from a feel-good childhood memory that Jersey Shore... read article

Dark Tea’s Second Album Is a Flavorful Brew

April 15, 2021 by Michela Arlia

Indie-rock and indie-folk band Dark Tea is set to release their second self-titled album on April 30, and Brooklyn Roads Magazine was offered the opportunity... read article

Dirty Projectors /Photo by Jason Frank Rothenberg / courtesy of Shore Fire Media

Dirty Projectors -With The Windows Closed Photo by Jason Frank Rothenberg / courtesy of Shore Fire Media

Dirty Projectors Make a Clean Sweep With “5EPs”

April 10, 2021 by Michela Arlia

Brooklyn indie-rock band Dirty Projectors recently released a project entitled 5EPs, a 20-track collection of five individual EPs the band set out to release over... read article

Lake Street Dive photo by Shervin Lainez / courtesy of Sacks& Co.

Lake Street Dive’s New Album Is “Obviously” a Winner

March 15, 2021 by Michela Arlia

Lake Street Dive’s latest release, Obviously, is pure joy to the ears. The band’s newest album introduces 11 tracks that differ vastly, but that is... read article

Ben Rice -Future Pretend Album Art

Ben Rice’s “Future Pretend” – Easygoing and Inspiring

February 19, 2021 by Michela Arlia

After the release of Ben Rice’s newest project on February 19, Brooklyn Roads was fortunate enough to get to listen in on his new album,... read article

Adrian Daniel photo by Sean Williams /courtesy of the artist

Adrian Daniel Shares His Inner “Night Wolf”

December 5, 2020 by Michela Arlia

Singer, songwriter and producer Adrian Daniel, who grew up in East Flatbush and Brownsville, continues to make a name for himself with his new album,... read article

Joan Osborne’s “Trouble and Strife” Reflects 2020 Life

September 23, 2020 by David K. Moseder

Trouble and Strife is Joan Osborne’s 11th studio album and her first release of original material in six years. Always a skillful songwriter, her deep... read article

“The New Electronic Guitarist” Explores Modern Guitar Methods

July 21, 2020 by Howard B. Leibowitz

The New Electronic Guitarist is a journey through the world of modern guitar technology that promises to be of interest not only to professional musicians,... read article

The Fu Mos Strike a Soulful Funky Chord in Brooklyn

March 23, 2020 by B.L. Howard

The Fu Mos, a horn-heavy funk, rock, soul and jazz band based in Brooklyn, played an impromptu show at Bar Chord in Ditmas Park on... read article

Tatiana Eva-Marie and The Avalon Jazz Band / ohoto by Kevin R. Mason

Tatiana Eva-Marie and The Avalon Jazz Band On Stage at Kingsborough photo by Kevin R, Mason

Tatiana Eva-Marie and the Avalon Jazz Band -A Musical Love Fest

February 27, 2020 by B.L. Howard

Valentine’s Day 2020 became a musical jazz love fest at On Stage at Kingsborough, thanks to Tatiana Eva-Marie and The Avalon Jazz Band‘s stunning performance.... 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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