Mood Robot: Inspired Synthwave

March 8, 2021 by Rachel Armstrong

Mood Robot / photo by Lissy Elle Laricchia / courtesy of Mood Robot

Mood Robot is a synthwave duo created by and consisting of brothers Ben and Alex. They formed their band about 10 to 12 years ago around the time when electro-pop and indie rock bands were gaining popularity. Ben and Alex found themselves to be quite influenced by this type of music at the time, but they had the urge to create something along those lines that had a little more darkness and grunge.

The brothers tell Brooklyn Roads they grew up listening to a lot of metal, which has become a big part of inspiration for their synthwave sound. The members of Mood Robot also express the importance of why they make music — for the sake of passion and love of the craft. “Alex and I will be making music together until we physically can’t anymore, and we’ll balance it with our careers and families, regardless of the money,” says Ben.

Having experienced living in Los Angeles, CA, and Brooklyn, NY, Ben explains how he views the latter as a culture that welcomes freedom of expression. The “imperfectionist culture” as he put it, is what uniquely makes Brooklyn a birthplace for so many artists.

Pensive Mood Robot/ photo by Lissy Elle Laricchia / courtesy of Mood Robot

Additionally, Ben describes how living in Brooklyn has given himself and many others the opportunity to make many unexpected connections. He mentions how, before the pandemic began, the freedom to attend events, bars, Celebrate Brooklyn! and rehearsals provided great sources of inspiration. Although life since COVID has made social events unavailable, Alex tells Brooklyn Roads that watching other musicians utilize the internet by creating livestream setups has been a great way to connect to the music world.

Paradise Album Art / created by Mood Robot and Una Kravets /courtesy of Mood Robot

The pandemic has not stopped this duo from making their own music either. Mood Robot’s latest EP, Paradise, which includes the single with the same title, was released in November 2020. They tell Brooklyn Roads that electronic production combined with instrumentals on this recording has given them the space to create a new authenticity. They produced Paradise without holding back on subjects such as addiction, life, relationships, and growth. What else can we look forward to from Mood Robot? We will find out in the fall of 2021.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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