LAVACHILD is a NYC based synth pop project fronted by fashionable singer songwriter/keyboardist Chantel De Lava (pictured), whose hypnotic presence charmed us at our 2015 B.E.A.F. festival. Her older single "Want U To" went viral on the internet, and since then Chantel has been releasing promising new material on her Soundcloud profile. She just unveiled a new video for single ‘Kandy,’ streaming below. The song will be featured in LAVACHILD’s upcoming debut EP.

Check out the Delicious Audio Q&A with Lavachild about her favorite synths.

Ironically, more often than not the best way to create something fresh is by digging deep into the past. For quirky and charming orchestral pop artist/composer Nozart, this means smoothly blending classically inspired compositions with his own indie-pop vocals. To some this premise may seem gimmicky at first (after all, how many terrible classical music/rock hybrids have we experienced already?), but his music is convincing in its ambition and execution. His compositions, which include piano, brass, wind, and percussion, are intricate but also minimalist, and definitely steer clear of any pompousness. This is key because it allows Nozart’s vocals enough space in each track to turn them into "songs" rather than orchestral pieces that happen to include vocals.  Nozart certainly has the potential to bridge the chasm between avant and mainstream with his uniquely catchy track "Just Let it Go." Don’t miss his debut live performance at Mercury Lounge on July 8. — Henry Solotaroff-Webber

We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!

Anika Pyle’s DIY pop-punk project Chumped ended their short careers in February, but Pyle and drummer Dan Frelly have started a new project called Katie Ellen, named after Pyle’s grandmother. The band is noticeably more lo-fi than Chumped, but the melodies and charm of Chumped are still present. In January they released a demo entitled “wild <3”, which features the single “lucy stone” (streaming below) that was released in late 2015. The track is centered around the anxieties associated with the pressures and expectations set by society, family, and loved ones. Pyle’s intimate vocals and poignant lyrics shine through the band’s lo-fi and fuzzy recordings. Katie Ellen will be playing the DIY space Suburbia in Brooklyn tonight (July 1st) and will play Aviv on July 17th. – John Honan

Boston band Covey has been making some interesting noise as of late, releasing quality singles within the dream folk realm and opening for huge acts such as Hozier. Now potentially furthering this upward trajectory, they’re premiering here "Bows," a track that may be most emblematic of their bourgeoning sound. Frontman Tom Freeman’s expressive alto, partly reminiscent of The Tallest Man on Earth, takes both the roles of lead singer and backup vocalist through production magic. His passioned melodies are supported by a simple but well orchestrated guitar part and a reverberating high pitch drone, creating a spacious sound that evokes melancholy and emotional desolation. — Henry Solotaroff-Webber