NYC

RANN embarks for extensive tour, hits SXSW + plays LPR on 04.10

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Dueling left and right stereo channel guitar bursts introduce RANN’s live-in-studio video recording of “Falling,” the latest single off their debut album “Yellogun.” The polyrhythmic structure is soon filled out with precisely placed synth, sharp drums and driving bass figures that allow for dramatic spaces between those notes.  “How does it feel?” introduces the essential vocal hook, with the songs title embedded in the answer line “right before you start falling.”  When the arena sized chorus ultimately emerges, a catchy rising melody hook punctuates each passage through.  The overall feel is reminiscent of ELO’s psych-pop Beatles influenced hits. Directed, edited, and shot by Ryan Ela of Midnight Treehouse Productions, the video makes use of high quality black and white imagery in showcasing the bands impressive live performance.  The band is about to embark on a winter-through-spring tour including featured performances at SXSW, then on to LA and culminating with an end of tour concert at Le Poisson Rouge on April 10th. The band recently won  the Indie Pop section of our Best of NYC Readers’/Fans’ Poll for Emerging Artists. – Dave Cromwell

 

Philadelphia

New Track: “Two Faces and a Vase” – My Son Bison

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We can’t help but notice the step in the right direction that My Son Bison have recently taken in finding their voice on the band’s latest single "Two Faces and a Vase." Lovely harmonies and melodies (influenced by The Beach Boys) are accompanied by a driving backbeat, creating a joyous tune about self-discovery. The track was engineered, mixed and mastered by Ron DiSilvestro, and features Philly renaissance man Koofreh Umoren (West Philadelphia Orchestra, formerly of The Extraordinaires) on the trumpet. (BTW: Check out the neat cover art, titled "Conversation," by local street artist Joe Boruchow.) My Son Bison will open for The Shadowboxers this Wednesday, February 24 at Johnny Brenda’s.

NYC

Meat Wave is The Deli Chicago’s Best Emerging Artist of 2015! 2nd Dos Santos Anti-Beat Orquesta, 3rd Campdogzz

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Deli Readers,

Our Best of Chicago Poll for Emerging Artists has been – as usual – a lengthy and painstaking journey which took us through prairies of numbers, horizons filled with band names, and a dense, (mostly) joyous rain of music. We have finally reached our destination and we can announce the final results!

The Post-Punk trio of Chris Sutter (vocals/guitar), Joe Gac (bass), and Ryan Wizniak (drums) known as Meat Wave formed in 2011. In September of 2015 they released their third album, first on Hollywood’s SideOneDummy Records, Delusion Moon. The band spent most of 2015 touring the UK and North America fine tuning a sound that is both chaotic and pleasingly melodic.

The spirit of this Cumbia Jam band is undeniable, and Dos Santos Anti-Beat Orquesta has a unique sound that our readers and voters both agreed on. 2015 saw the release of their thrilling debut album, Dos Santos.

Campdogzz is the duo of Jess Price (vocals/guitar) and Mike Russell (of Wedding Dress, Suns) (multi-instrumentalist) creating gritty blues-infused rock. The will be expanding the band and touring in 2016. 

Check out our poll’s top 15 below, and don’t forget to get even deeper, exploring all the finalists organized by genre:

ALT ROCK – ELECTRO-HIP HOP – INDIE POP – NOISE ROCK/AVANT – PSYCH ROCK/POP – PUNK/GARAGE/METAL – ROOTS MUSIC

[JASON, PLEASE UPDATE THE HEADPHONE LINKS IN THIS CHART!]

BEST OF 2015 POLL FOR
EMERGING Chicago ARTISTS
****** FINAL RESULTS – TOP 15 ******
 
 ARTIST
J
OS
R
TOT
  
1
 Meat Wave
6.5
 
0.017
6.517
2
 Dos Santos Anti-Beat Orquesta
 
3
2
5
 icon
3
 Campdogzz
3
 
0.072
3.072
 icon
4
 Soddy Daisy
3
 
0.065
3.065
 icon
5
 Luggage
3
 
0.012
3.012
 icon
 
 Al Scorch
3
 
0.012
3.012
7
 Bleach Party
3
 
0.009
3.009
 icon
8
 Circuit Des Yeux
3
 
0.008
3.008
 icon
9
 Disappears
3
 
0.005
3.005
 icon
10
 Whitney
3
 
0.004
3.004
11
 Archie Powell & the Exprts
3
 
0.002
3.002
12
 Saba
3
 
0.002
3.002
 icon
13
 The Congregation
3
 
0.001
3.001
 icon
14
 Jude Shuma
2
 
0.5
2.5
 icon
 
 Burnside & Hooker
 
1
1.5
2.5
Legend: J = Jurors,
R = Deli Readers, OS = Open Submissions

—

If you wonder how this chart came into existence, here is how it all went down: first, we let the local bands submit their music (for free), and got our Deli editors to pick the nominees. Then we polled a list of 15+ Chicago scene expert (our jury) and asked them to nominate 3 more bands of their choice each (3 points for the top choice, then 2 and 1). Then we polled our readers. We tried to keep things open for each single genre, from Indie Rock to Roots Music to Hip Hop.

If you are a geek interested in all the subtelties related to how this poll works, you can read its rules here (happy reading!). But if all you care about is the awesome new music Chicago produced in the year 2015, this list is all you need. Enjoy!

Many Thanks to our Jurors: Michael Gebel (Empty Bottle), Lisa White (Freelance Music Writer), Eric Muhlberger (Sofar Sounds Chicago), Bill Valenta (Theft Liable To Prosecute), Jim Kopeny (Chicagoist), Brendan Losch (Count Me Out), Jason Behrends (The Deli Chicago), Eric Schelkopf (The Total Scene), Adam (Saki Record store), Elle Quintana (Reggie’s Rock Club), Coleman Brice (Cole’s Chicago), Matt Baron (Coach House Sounds), Bill Valenta (TLTP.com)

Hope you’ll find some awesome new artists you weren’t aware of!

The Deli’s Staff

L.A.

Los Angeles Readers/Fans’ Poll Results!

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The Deli LA Readers’ Poll has come into a close, and after validating all of the votes, we can finally announce the winner and runners up!
 
A hearty congratulations to mope rockers Ballerina Black, as their loyal fans gathered together and amassed over 500 votes to earn them the largest number out of all the bands in our poll. Check out the broodily anthemic "Open Up Your Eyes", a rousing, yet darkly moody number that  can be found on their most recent Whails EP. 
 

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In second place, much sought-after singer-songwriter Miya Folick also counted on the support of her fervent fans, thus collecting over 450 votes to earn her the most votes in the always-challenging indie rock category. Miya has been earning accolades from many a major blog, and we’re elated to have seen her evolve into a full-fledged breakthrough artist since we first wrote about her early last year. Have a listen to her knockout new single "Oceans", a heartstring puller that should be a highlight once she performs it at the Echo on February 25th alongside headliners Palehound.

—

Newhall’s singer songwriter Soren Bryce made it to the third place of this chart. Her soulful songs, at times just featuring her and a guitar, at others built on sparse arrangements of electronic instruments, speak to the heart. Her 2015 self-titled debut EP has found many fans, gathering hundreds of thousands plays on Spotify. 

— 

In fourth place we have a witch-house outfit that, with their highly creative mesh of chopped audio effects and playful samples, are creating a tenebrous sound that is truly of their own making: GRYPT. The trio recently released their most ambitious statement yet, entitled Thy Flesh Consumed, which you can currently purchase as either a digital or limited cassette through their official bandcamp page.

—

Another talented female songwriter made it into the top of this chart – so new we had trouble finding her website and aren’t able to find any embeddable music! Michaella (click on her name to listen) accompanies her beautiful voice with a ukulele: when two thing work so beautifully together, less is always more.

—

Trailing not too behind is power pop band No Win, who are thankfully not only keeping those Badfinger guitar hooks alive but also wrote a killer self-titled EP that should be precedent for a knockout full-length debut (hopefully soon!) that will have me singing along all day long. You can listen to No Win (released Summer 2015) here. 

—
 
And finally, a worthy mention to dance-fueled dream poppers Deep Fields for tallying a solid 200+ votes. Have a listen to their psychedelic-tinged debut, which should please both Madchester nostalgics and 4AD devouts in equal measure.
 

 
Also, a quick shout-out to the following artists below, who also scored impressive numbers and deserve your attention for doing so!
 
 
Thanks to all the bands and artists for promoting this poll, and thanks to the readers for weighing in on their favorites. It just goes to show that the quality of great new artists surrounding our sprawling city right now is simply astounding. 
 
The Deli LA Staff

 

Philadelphia

Debut Cherry EP Available for Streaming & Purchase

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After the disbandment of Kite Party, Russell Edling continued writing material that would eventual become his new project Cherry. He just released an impressive debut four-song EP, titled Gloom, which is available via Lame-O Records. Along with three relatable indie-rock/pop anthems, Edling also included a cover of Fugazi’s "I’m So Tired" to close out the album. He will be celebrating the record’s release on Sunday, April 3 at Kung Fu Necktie with Sun Organ, Lowercase Roses, and Cave People.

Philadelphia

The Whips Tape Release Show at Boot & Saddle Feb. 21

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Suicide Bong Tapes celebrates the release of The Whips‘s Roots Rock Element tonight at Boot & Saddle. The Whips exude a loose (not lax) surf-garage tone – one set off by authentic, harmony-peppered, slick, subtly swerving-guitar runs and the omnipresent current of backend rhythm rumbling. It could be considered a trip back to golden-era simplicity, echoing the early rebellious edge that morphed into punk.  With semi-refined, raw materials, the sound is finished to a pronounced sheen, without masking the natural grain. Louie Louie welds the soulful, vocal-anchored pop that has a penchant toward taking a psych-rockin’ avenue. The infectious jangle of Wild Jim Banfill & His Rolling Rocks (Mark Banfill of The Tough Shits) sets sail on its inaugural journey, opening things up. Get there early as attendees will receive a free tape with admission, while supplies last. Boot & Saddle, 1131 S. Broad St., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita

Nashville

Zoloft infiltrates our brains with “Above”

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When you see a band with a name like Zoloft, you may not know exactly what you’re getting, but you have a pretty good idea what it won’t be. "Exuberant" and "gleeful," for example, aren’t among the first words that come to mind. And while the downtempo ballads on Above may not surprise you with their content, their quality very well might catch you off guard. Levi Miller, the man behind Zoloft, has hit the nail on the head when it comes to matching the feeling of his project’s namesake drug—hallucinatory, distant, kind of like your consciousness is sitting a few inches behind your eyeballs and not quite able to connect. If you’re feeling down, a little bit of non-prescription dream pop may be just what you need. –Austin Phy

Portland

Music in the Schools rocks Clinton St. Theater

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If there’s one thing kids need more of in their lives, it’s music. It’s a way for the younger geneation to express themselves – their angst, anguished emotions, disdain for the world they’ll soon have to traverse – music is a neccessity. Yet with music programs in schools across the country steadily falling to shambles, any efforts to keep this outlet available are more than needed, and much appreciated. Music in the Schools is aiming to keep music alive for those under bar age here in Portland. MITS has teamed up with Clinton St. Theater to put on their monthly showcases, spotlighting young bands and opening them to vernal audiences.

Last night’s showcase touted a four band bill with sponsorship from local all ages festival, PDX Pop Now. Opening up the night were the comically clad KULULULU. Part frenzied rock set, part lively performance art piece, dancers ran around the audience as they thrashed about on stage. Undergrads Dad Rock took the sophomore slot. They haven’t even graduated high school, yet last night marked the release of their second album, Papa Defeats the Beast. It’s pleasantly punky, and proof of how musical guidance at a young age can conceive greatness. 

With the second half of the night being dominated by slow rockers Sabonis and closed out by indie loves Just Lions, February’s MITS installment only further ascertains the importance of keeping music open to everyone, regardless of age.

-Cervante Pope

Philadelphia

Ars Nova Workshop Presents: The Music of John Zorn w/Hollenberg-Millevoi Quartet, Cleric & More at JB’s Feb. 20 & 21

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Ars Nova Workshop celebrates the extensive catalogue of composer/musician extraordinaire John Zorn, presenting a pair of shows this weekend at Johnny Brenda’s. With the ability to blitz through at a volatile, explosive, avant-garde style or to sit comfortably in a more traditional pocket, Zorn’s prodigious production, rate and range are eye/ear opening. While a significant portion of the evening will be focusing on the Masada songbook with the Jamie Saft Trio, Saturday also showcases a new combination, Hollenberg-Millevoi Quartet, performing from Zorn’s new songbook Bagatelles. The quartet includes two-thirds of Many Arms, Nick Millevoi (The Solar Motel Band) & John Deblase, who are signed to Zorn’s label Tzadik Records, alongside Matt Hollenberg (of Cleric, whom will perform on Sunday) and Jeff Eber (Dysrhythmia). These evenings are set to delve into the lesser explored corners of the musical spectrum, celebrating and searching out the potential simultaneously. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 8pm, $15-$25, 21+ – Michael Colavita

Austin

Austin Best of 2015 Readers’ Poll Results! 1. Wonderbitch 2. The Cuckoos 3. Daniel Eyes & The Vibes

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Whew boy y’all! The Readers’ Poll for the 2015 Austin Deli Artist of the Year contest has done gone and finished, and what a hell of a thing it was. We deeply appreciate all of the nominated artists and the fans taking the time to put your votes in, and we think the results are pretty darn interesting.

1. Wonderbitch

Wonderbitch takes the whole shebang for the Readers’ Poll after mobilizing their fan base, which is obviously ravenous for the hard prog-psych riffs and heady concepts this group offers up. Wonderbitch made a big splash on the scene in 2015 with their eponymous record, and it’s obvious that it hit big with the fans from the way they voted their little clicking fingers off for the group.

 

2. The Cuckoos

Young psych rockers dominate this list, and none are younger or of a purer old-school psych sound than The Cuckoos. A very new band, big things loom in the future for this Doors-esque act that elicited some truly impassioned commenting from fans on their poll page. It was close there for a while, but a steady push of voting bolstered by a late-game surge saw The Cuckoos take the crown in the Psych Rock category this year.

 

3. Daniel Eyes & The Vibes

Few bands have shot to local glory as quickly as Daniel Eyes & The Vibes, whose first EP is barely a month old but who already have a huge fan base in the city. Riding some intense hype from live shows and early singles, this true rock ‘n roll band has stormed through Austin this Winter, and it’s very likely you’ll be hearing their name no matter the season for a while to come.

 

4. The Bishops

The all-family silky smooth hip-hop act The Bishops has barely been around in its current form, but the three members each have a damned extensive catalog of top notch music as solo artists and in collaborations, often with each other. They’ve barely been together officially as a named trio, but heads around the city and far beyond have had the beats and the bars from these kids on repeat for a while. This group is pretty much destined to hit it big- they almost certainly have by far the most listens on SoundCloud across their four accounts out of any of our nominees bar none)- so if you voted for them here, feel proud of yourself for getting in on the ground floor with one of the city, and the nation’s, most exciting young groups.

 

5. Kev Bev & the Woodland Creatures

Apparently the answer in fair ole Austin to that timeless musical question, “Who wants the funk?” is “We want the funk.” Welp, it’s a good thing then that Kev Bev & the Woodland Creatures are here to turn this mother out with their big funk jams. Turning out big time is also what their fans did to the Hip Hop + Funk poll, where they slid in just barely behind newcomers The Bishops to take second in that poll and fifth overall. In terms of just straight-up fun music, Kev Bev et al. are second to none in the city, however, nor do they slack on the number of members front. This is the kind of band that almost needs to be seen live to really know them, and luckily for us all, that’s an opportunity Kev Bev & The Woodland Creatures provide in spades to the city of Austin.

 

6. The Halfways

The Halfways found themselves in a hell of a contest against upstarts The Cuckoos in the Psychcategory, and it’s not a damn little piece of surprising to us that they made our top 6 after the year they’ve had. Excellent, frequent shows, a few dead-on newpsych singles and one of the best-received and more critically acclaimed records in the city with EP The Halfways were what led this band to dominance in the burgeoning Austin psych scene this year, but in reality, it’s the hazy, dreamworld sound they cull from the ether to play in your ears like a hippy in a good sunny field that make them one of the top acts working in Austin today.

 

Honorable Mention: The Cover Letter, Sophia Johnson, Annabelle Chairlegs

 

Once again: enormous and buttery thanks to all of the acts and bands who promoted the poll, and to all of you loverly fans out there with your awesome ears to hear this good stuff with and your fingers to choose what you like the best. You really da bes.

By the way, if you’re interested in the details of each poll by category and would like to see how it all went down, here are the links to each genre’s results:

ALT ROCK – FOLK ROCK – HIP HOP + FUNK – INDIE POP – INDIE ROCK – PSYCH – PUNK/METAL – ROOTS MUSIC – SINGER-SONGWRITER

Congrats to everyone who came up big in the poll, and stay tuned to this site to find out what act is our overall Deli Austin 2015 Artist of the Year. We’ll be releasing that as soon as we add the tally together for the juror votes and the Readers’ Poll combined, and we guarantee it’ll be some damn fine music.

It is Austin, after all.

The Deli Austin Staff

L.A.

Golden Daze release self-titled full length, play Non Plus Ultra on 2.27

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Breezy jangle heads Golden Daze are celebrating the release of their self-titled debut. The little over half an hour collection shimmers with finely-tuned pop songs with a classic rock bent, ambling about with a touch of lingering radiance. Golden Daze is out now through Autumn Tone records, and make sure to catch their record release show at Non Plus Ultra on Saturday, February 27. You can stream the entire record on their official bandcamp page. 

NYC

The Deli LA Premieres: new single “Motion” by dancepunk REXX

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The Deli LA is proud to premiere this jagged new track from Rex Osterkamp’s dancepunk-for-funsies project REXX. "Motion" cuts about an inch deeper than the bedroom slackers of his previous album I Really Tried to Save the Day, with its visceral lyricism and kick-in-the-teeth dissonance. If Osterkamp’s description of 30 foot dads with Oakley shades doesn’t spin you, the breakneck rhythm will make sure you’re on the ground by song’s end. "Motion" is the first single from REXX’ upcoming yet-to-be-named cassette, slated to release on the fiercely DIY Danger Collective Records in May. – Ryan Mo