NYC diva returns to OC
NYC diva returns to OC . Check out this story on delmarvanow.com: http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/entertainment/nightlife/2014/12/16/nyc-diva-returns-oc/20509899/
DELMARVA MEDIA GROUP CORRESPONDENT Published 8:57 p.m. ET Dec. 16, 2014
New York City-based vocalist Rachel Brown will be backed by her six-piece band at the 98.1 Listener Appreciation Holiday Party at Seacrets in Ocean City from 7:45 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19. Admission is free.(Photo: SUBMITTED IMAGE)
The annual Ocean 98 Listener Appreciation Holiday Party has grown from an intimate locals bash to a mini-festival of national music acts. This year's edition will take place 5-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Seacrets in Ocean City. New York City vocalist Rachel Brown and her band will play a set at 7:45 p.m.
Brown was born and raised in the Big Apple, but her family has roots in Ethiopia and Bermuda. A newly-released single, "Me & You," features her trademark blend of pop, hip-hop and worldbeat rhythms. She answered a few questions for The Beachcomber about her unique approach to music.
I know you also visited the radio station a few months ago when the weather was quite a bit warmer. How did that go?
I had a great time. I was on the air with BK and Magellan, and they were both a ton of fun to chat with. I also performed acoustic versions of some of my songs.
You're a native New Yorker, but you have band members who come from Hawaii and the Caribbean. Did you set out to find such an eclectic mix of musicians, or is it par for the course in a city with so much talent?
I really wanted to bring together musicians who would understand the music I was trying to create while being able to add their own perspective. I think living in New York City definitely made it much easier for me to find musicians from all over the world.
When you first picked up an acoustic guitar and started writing songs, did you envision what they could eventually sound like with other musicians accompanying you? And how long have you played the ukulele?
Yes, it was always my goal to play with a band. I started playing the ukulele in 2009.
How large will your band be in Ocean City on Friday, and do you adjust the lineups for rooms with smaller stages, like the supper clubs you sometimes play in New York?
We'll have a six-piece band Friday. Yes, I vary the setup according to the venue or type of set I plan to play. It can be anything from solo acoustic to up to eight and counting.
Wyclef Jean invited you on stage to sing with him at a fundraising event, and he later returned the favor by jamming with you at one of your own shows. Were you nervous?
I was certainly nervous, but it was a dream come true. I had a great time. It was incredible and motivating to have his support.
Do you feel like the "Me & You" single is a progression from your previous EP, "Building Castles"?
Since I released "Building Castles," the band has nearly doubled in size. My music in general has a boost of energy injected into it. So for me it definitely feels like a progression, and I hope people who enjoyed the EP will also enjoy "Me & You."
RACHEL BROWN BAND
When: 7:45-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19
Where: Ocean 98 Listener Appreciation Holiday Party at Seacrets, 117 W. 49th St., Ocean City
Web: www.ocean98.com; www.rachelbrownmusic.com
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