Discover the best emerging songwriters in the borough

By: AnnMarie Costella
From 24/7 - Brooklyn Courier Life, September 21, 2007

The Brooklyn Songwriter’s Exchange (BSX), a weekly series showcasing the best in local and touring singer-songwriters, is gearing up for their most electrifying season yet at the Brooklyn Lyceum Theatre.

Many of the performers will be previewing songs from their new albums and are greatly anticipating the opportunity to meet their fans in this intimate and historic setting.

“We are entering our third year and we are featuring some of our best artists for the second, third, and fourth time,” said BSX founder and performer Rebecca Pronsky. “We’ve become well known among songwriters and consistently attract terrific talent.”

On the first Sunday of each month, Pronsky will introduce a new artist-in-residence (October: Rebecca Pronsky, November: Jen Chapin, December: Matt Keating). They will host and perform for the entire month along with the other scheduled artists. This new BSX format will allow Pronsky to keep up with her hectic touring schedule while giving new voices the chance to become more actively involved in the series.

In addition, performances on the first Sunday of each month will be held in the Lyceum’s cavernous Downstairs Theatre in order to accommodate larger acts with multiple members and heavier instrumentation. The second, third and fourth Sundays will feature solo/duo acts and will be held in the main level mezzanine space.

Twice As Bright has performed at many New York clubs over the years catching the attention of critics and fans alike with their energetic and melodic brand of pop/rock. They are often compared to The Beatles, Elvis Costello, Interpol, and Queen. “I’m super excited to host the BSX,” said lead singer Greg Hoy. “I welcome the chance to play the songs in a stripped-down, intimate setting.”
Liz Stahler has been influenced by everyone from Patty Griffin and Elliot Smith to Sheryl Crow and Coldplay.

“I think I have a really unique sound in both my writing style as well as in my singing,” she said. “I love what I do so much that I like to think my audience feeds off that passion and they in turn love the shows.” Stahler believes that participating in shows that help to foster a sense of community amongst writers is essential to a successful career.

Illene Weiss is a singer-songwriter, visual artist, and clown (she performs at hospitals with the Big Apple Circus Clown Unit). She has released 3 CDs: Outside, Curious, and Weiss Christmas.

“Someone who might want to come hear my stuff is someone who has an interest in carefully considered song lyrics rooted in pop structures that might be just a little bit "off," with strong melodies and rhythmic elements,” she explained. “Like their writer (me), some songs are serious and philosophical, some are funny and philosophical.”

Rebecca Pronsky’s latest album Departures and Arrivals will be released on Nine Mile Records in October. It is already being praised by critics as “her most polished effort yet.” Although Pronsky will not be devoting as much time to the BSX as she has in the past, the project will remain close to her heart.

“I’ve become more aware of and involved with the community of artists I belong to and connected with many excellent musicians around the country,” she said. “Being exposed to quality music is always important for the growth of any songwriter.”

For more information on Rebecca Pronsky, visit www.rebeccapronsky.com or listen to her music at www.myspace.com/rebeccapronsky.

The Brooklyn Lyceum is located at 227 4th Avenue. You can contact them by phone at 1-866-gowanus. Tickets for the BSX fall season can be purchased at the Brooklyn Lyceum box office or online at www.brooklynlyceum.com.

Photo caption: The BSX presents an eclectic assortment of talented singer-songwriters this season at the Brooklyn Lyceum Theatre.