BIG SOUNDS AT LITTLEFIELD: DEGRAW FEST PRESENTS ECLECTIC BROOKLYN ARTISTS

August 8, 2018 by Ray Fontaine

Ben Rice Performs / photo by Ray Fontaine

Brooklyn-based recording studio Degraw Sound organized the Degraw Fest 2018 at Littlefield on Saturday August 4, 2018 in Gowanus. From 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Degraw Sound hosted 10 stylistically diverse, 30-minute sets in the span of just eight hours. Ben Rice, music producer and owner of Degraw Sounds, not only organized the festival but also performed in it.

Kevin Daniel / photo by Ray Fontaine

The eclectic lineup included classic Americana-style bands such as Kevin Daniel, who brought an entire ensemble on stage, to the punk-rock tunes of Elliot & The Ghost.

For the majority of his set, Daniel played sweet songs like “Myself Through You,” the title track off his most recent EP. He shook up the show with his closing song, “Xanax, Cocaine, and Whiskey,” a millennial version of honky-tonk blues.

GRITS / photo by Ray Fontaine

At 6 p.m., GRITS kicked off with a scream to prepare the crowd for a new sonic affect that fell somewhere between Kings of Leon and a 1960’s Motown band. Before playing their soulful song ,“Darlin’,” the band revealed that it was the first single ever recorded at Degraw Sound.

Elliot & The Ghost / photo by Ray Fontaine

Elliot & the Ghost immediately changed the room’s energy straight to head banging punk rock upon entering the stage. Throughout the set, the band offered high-energy, big-attitude performances. Songs such as ”Krewella,” off of their recent album, Grahlahla, blended funky bass lines with rocked-out vocals to verge on the pop sounds of Weezer.

Up next was Ben Rice himself, bringing a percussion-heavy but mellow rock sound to the stage. His performance was filled with catchy choruses and beautiful melodies as he maneuvered vocal gymnastics between falsettos and bass tones. Rice’s newly released debut single, “The Getaway,” showed influences from Melissa Etheridge and Bonnie Raitt.

Degraw Fest was a relaxed and fun day of local music. Brooklyn Roads will see you next year at Degraw Fest 2019 to see how the budding bands of Degraw Sound music studios will develop.

Artists on our Radar

Jessi Robertson: A Voice for the Vulnerable

Jessi Robertson-Memory and Abandoned Parts Album Art

Jessi Robertson is a powerhouse voice that captivates you from the first note. In a world where music is often a safe place for personal expression, she stands out as a compelling voice for the vulnerable. With her vivid lyrics and haunting melodies, her over 15-year career as a musician has carved a way for herself in the folk and Americana music scene, captivating audiences with her raw honesty and emotional depth. Born in a small town in upstate New York, Robertson’s journey into music began at an early age. Robertson moved to Brooklyn in 2003, as she honed her craft, recognizing its ability to speak directly to the human experience with authenticity and sincerity. Once in BK, she released her debut album, “Small Town Girls,” in 2010, which gained much traction for its lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. Following this came her 2014 release “I Came From The War.” Throughout her career, Robertson has fearlessly tackled themes ranging from love and loss to social justice and mental health. Her most recent release, “Memory and Abandoned Parts (15-Year Anniversary Edition of Who We Are, What We Have Done)” is a re-release of her original 2008 album. She continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, as the release explores the complexities of the human condition. Robertson’s impact extends beyond the recording studio. Recognizing the power of music to effect change, she uses her platform to advocate for issues close to her heart. Whether performing at charity events or speaking out on social media, Robertson is committed to using her art as a force for good. Through her music, Robertson invites listeners to confront the complexities of the human experience with empathy and compassion, reminding us of the power of art to bridge divides and inspire change. As she continues to evolve as an artist and an advocate, one thing remains certain: Jessi Robertson’s voice will echo in the hearts and minds of listeners for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

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