Celebrity Interviews! New Artist Profiles! Contests! Brooklyn Music Venue Picks! June 2010

What is it about Brooklyn that intrigues the rest of the planet? Is it something in the water? The view from its namesake bridge? The parks, beaches and boardwalks? More likely it’s the steady stream and mix of a diverse citizenry who have added their talents, voices and dreams to everything else that Brooklyn was, is and will become. No one can really explain how the borough has inspired artists of all kinds over the years, but Brooklynites, whether native born or those who have adapted it as their home, have made and continue to make indelible marks on the world of music.

Once associated almost exclusively with the ‘70s disco scene, Brooklyn has gained respectability over the last few decades, attracting and nurturing musicians of all genres and drawing hordes of fans to an ever-increasing number of music venues. From the burgeoning music hub of Williamsburg to the concert halls, clubs and bars throughout the borough, Brooklyn is alive with the sounds of rock, pop, soul, hip-hop, folk and jazz, as well as a variety of ethnic music and more. Indeed, this sonic boom is “how New York became America’s music capital again,” according to a 13-page New Yorkmagazine cover story.

This newsletter is designed to be a one-stop resource for Brooklyn music, presenting interviews with those who have helped shape the borough’s music culture and profiles on talented local performers awaiting discovery. We also dig into Brooklyn’s past contributions to the music world and look ahead to upcoming releases, events, artist news – and more.

We just introduced the “BK Play”, our very own music player, which features songs from Brooklyn artists that you might otherwise not come across. The BK Play is spinning “Sam’s Song” penned by Johnny Pisano,“We Both Live in Brooklyn, Babe” from Frank Hoier , “This Little Song “ a Sweet Soubrette composition and “Available” , what looks to be a home grown funk classic from Brother HiJinX.

We were privileged to be able to spend some time with Jack Walsh, who hired Richie “LaBamba” Rosenberg (Conan O’Brien, Southside Johnny, and Bruce Springsteen) as his wedding band and whose hard work and dedication helped put Brooklyn on the musical map. Bath Beach resident Johnny Pisano is one of those “musicians’ musician” who has quietly made great music. We were thrilled to have him share his some his musical insights and experiences in this installment of “Artists on the Horizon”.

We invite you to tell us what you think of Brooklyn Roads and to join us in supporting the musicians, venues and music who call Brooklyn home.