(Photo: Rubblebucket, via Gabrielle Sierra)
A young musician could ask for no better place to live and work than Brooklyn, NY. Aside from all of the open mic nights, band battles, and vast rehearsal spaces, Brooklyn also boasts an artist friendly community. This borough not only provides the support and space for up and coming music makers to practice their craft, but a crowd to whom they can showcase the results.
As a result, some of today’s best new bands reside right here in our great borough, and we thought it only fair to take a moment and call some of them out.
There are a lot of DJ’s around, and sometimes it gets hard to tell them all apart. Thankfully electronica gets a breath of fresh air from Brooklyn (via Milwaukee) brothers Robert and David Perlick-Molinari. With an extensive background in music (Robert earned his degree in French Horn at Northwestern, while David produced MGMT’s hit album Time To Pretend) the two bring much more to the stage than a Mac Book Pro. Complete with organized dance routines, live French horn solos, and an album that tells a story of space exploration, French Horn Rebellion has the range and know-how to make it all the way to the top. (Photo: French Horn Rebellion)
Track to discover: “This Moment” from The Infinite Music Of French Horn Rebellion
It is tough to pull off the one man with a guitar act, but Christopher Paul Stelling manages to do just that. He is one of those old souls, grabbing hold of the classic folk storytelling style of music and giving it a boost with his clear and heartfelt voice. The effect is a sound that seems familiar and yet wonderfully new, leaving you feeling simultaneously empty and full of emotion. Stelling is the ideal Brooklynite, having traveled the country (at times with nothing but his guitar) before finding his home here, bringing an appreciation, a travelers mind, and a depth to his tunes. Best of all? Stelling provides all of his tracks for free on his website.
Track to discover: “Flawless Executioner” from The Songs Of Christopher Paul Stelling.
Lucky you: Christopher Paul Stelling will be performing August 23rd at Mercury Lounge, August 27th at Brooklyn Bowl, October 18th at Rockwood Music Hall and November 1st at Cameo Gallery.
While Rubblebucket was first formed by Alex Toth and Kalmia Traver at the University of Vermont, the eight person group eventually made their way to Brooklyn, NY, bringing with them their unique blend of indie rock. By mixing reggae beats with an upbeat horns section (Traver often takes a moment from singing to blast on her saxophone) Rubblebucket has the rare ability to make New York crowds dance through a set from beginning to end. The group just released their latest album Omega La La with a little help from LCD Soundsystem producer Eric Broucek and are currently touring around the US.
Track to discover: “Came out of a Lady” from Omega La La (be sure to check out the song’s ultra-creative low budget video as well.)
Darwin Deez may have begun his career while living in South Carolina, but he found his niche (and home) here in Brooklyn and New York City. And while Deez’s style may seem to be yet another hipster trend, his sound and presentation allows him to stand apart from the pack. When performing with his band-mates this singer leads intricate (and rather hilarious) dance routines, calling on all styles from eighties dance moves to childlike follow-the-leader. The songs are fresh and sweet, with his earnest lyrics sung over pop beats and handclaps, sticking in your mind long after hearing them played.
Track to discover: “Constellations” from Darwin Deez
Danny Ross is one smart cookie. While growing up on Long Island, Ross was inspired by The Beatles and decided to teach himself to play the piano, the guitar, and the harmonica. Later Ross self-released his debut LP, creating the album with songs he had written and composed while majoring in Popular Music Composition and Performance (a major he created) at Cornell. The artist now resides in Brooklyn, NY, and often performs around the area. His intelligence and intensity is apparent in his work; he is alive on stage, moving from the piano to the guitar with a catchy energy. Ross’s music is classic and clean, taking a page from blues and rock artists of the sixties and seventies. With such a clear head and intelligent approach to music, it is no surprise that Ross is (and will be) able to keep his momentum going.
Track to discover: “Oh, Christine” from Danny Ross Presents One Way
Of course our faves only scratch the surface of the talent emerging from Brooklyn, which is why any night you’re available should be spent checking out a live performance. You never know when you will catch the next big act, or at least discover your new favorite artist.
Who’s your favorite Brooklyn band?