Live Concert Photography: Wolkoff and Jesse R. Berlin at The Knitting Factory 4/19/16

Live Concert Photography: Wolkoff and Jesse R. Berlin at The Knitting Factory 4/19/16

Originally known for her work in electro pop projects Her Habits, Gemology and others, Toronto-born, Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter and electro pop artist Joanie Wolkoff has been a JOVM mainstay artist before striking out on her own last year with her solo recording project Wolkoff. Under the Wolkoff moniker, the Toronto-born, Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter and electro pop artist has collaborated with the extremely young, talented and up-and-coming producer Icarus Moth. And with the 2015 release of Talismans EP and the recent release of her full-length debut Shameless, Wolkoff’s collaboration with Icarus Moth has proven to be a much more deliberate, painterly approach that draws from contemporary electro pop, world dance and more as big beats, swirling electronics and lush layers of shimmering synths are frequently paired with medieval-sounding instrumentation. Sonically speaking, the material manages to possess elements of dream pop, electro pop and contemporary R&B; in fact, it’s reminiscent of the Swedish dream pop of Moonbabies‘ Wizards on the Beach and The Knife.

Lyrically and thematically, the material on the album reportedly explores the role shame has in our lives and perhaps more importantly, the possibility of sidestepping its grip on us through breaking rank and venturing into the unknown. Naturally, the material on the album may arguably be among the most deeply personal — and profoundly universal — material she’s released to date.

Jesse R. Berlin is a Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter and performance artist, whose stage show and presence reminds me of a sullen version of Uncle Floyd and others, as it drew from lounge singers, vaudeville, public access TV and variety shows.

I caught both acts at The Knitting Factory last month. Check out photos from the show below.