Quarter Water: A Flavorful Take on Hip Hop Neo Soul

GooGie Raps /photo by Ezra Pollard/courtesy of Quarter Water

Quarter Water, the Brooklyn band fronted by rapper GooGie, specializes in hip hop neo soul, but, GooGie tells Brooklyn Roads, “The limits are pretty endless, so we can travel into other genres and still at its core be hip hop.”

He listened to a lot of doo-wop growing up before getting fully immersed in hip hop, and the former genre influenced his take on the latter. “I always liked harmonizing and I always love a good hook, so they play into the hip hop we make,” he says. GooGie is also fan of The Roots (he’d love to hear them cover one of his songs), funk legends Cameo (he wishes he had written “Word Up!”) and an admirer of Philly rapper Tierra Whack (“She has a big sound and can do amazing things behind a mic”).

Gabriel Leader-Rose , Leland Baker and Alex Han /photo by Ezra Pollard/courtesy of Quarter Water

Bassist and producer Gabriel Leader-Rose has his own diverse musical influences that contribute to Quarter Water’s unique sound. “Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On and Philip Glass’ Koyaanisqatsi were two of my favorite albums growing up, and I think they both made a huge impact on my taste and composition style,” Leader-Rose tells us, also noting his appreciation for “Motown rhythm and soul combined with dramatic chord changes and patterns.”

Being part of our borough’s music scene also fuels Quarter Water’s creativity because, GooGie says, “For years, Brooklyn has been a nest for artists. Everyone around you is involved in some way … it keeps the motivation going. Everyone [here] is an artist … the dude pouring you coffee might have the album of the year. It keeps you thirsty.”

Quarter Water Performs / photo by Ezra Pollard /courtesy of Quarter Water

Speaking of thirst, GooGie tells Brooklyn Roads that the band’s name is derived from the popular “small juice drink that costs a quarter in every bodega in the city. A staple. Multiple flavors and styles.” Hence the title of the band’s debut EP, Flavors.

Among Quarter Water’s favorite Brooklyn music venues, Gold Sounds Bar tops GooGgie’s list because, “I know everyone there and it’s a good space for smaller or bigger shows. Also there is a pool table.” Leader-Rose likes Gold Sounds as well, and “I also love C’mon Everybody,” he says. “The space and sound are great, the folks who run it are great, and they’ve built an awesome community with the shows and residencies they host.”

Quarter Water — which also features saxophonist Leland Baker, drummer Bennett Eiferman and Kaley Puckett on keys — is heading across the river for their next gig (April 2 at Arlene’s Grocery), but we expect to see them back in their home borough before long. “Big things are coming soon,” GooGie promises Brooklyn Roads. “Keep ya ears in tune!”