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

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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