LANZ, the solo project of Beirut’s multi-instrumentalist Benjamin Lanz, just unveiled single “Auckland,” from upcoming LP Hofferlanz II. Revealing an "avant" approach to pop, the track features unpredictable hooks built across a framework of drum machines, and both acoustic and electric guitars. Though the new album maintains LANZ’s signature edgy style, the songwriting seems to be moving towards a more comfortably pop aesthetic with indecipherable lyrics. Make sure to check out the Cyd Charisse-inspired video for “Auckland” while waiting for the Hofferlanz II debut on April 13th.–Amanda Ogea
Philadelphia
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New Track: “The Prelude” – Diamond Thomas
It seems fitting that our first sonic snippet from Diamond Thomas‘ forthcoming album is “The Prelude”. Stepping into a church/gospel sample, the track (which was produced by Fel Sweetenberg) lifts with an assertive lyrical tongue. Sharply announcing his presence amid the upbeat backdrop, there’s a confident aggression at play. This preview lays a strong foundation for what’s to come.
Austin
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10 Austin SXSW Artists That Are Going To Make 2018 Their Year
Bursting at the seams with talent and energy, these Austin artists have bright futures as they play their way through the meat grinder that is SXSW.
The Lagoons: Their now-signature blend of synth-pop, jazz, soul and electronica was first heard on their Summer 2016 single ‘California’ and was followed up by their Spring 2017 "Gems EP". These guys define ambient chill-tronica
Los Coast is the brainchild of Trey Privott and John Courtney and is completed by Megan Hartman on bass, Damien Llanes on drumkit, and Nat Wright on keys. Together, their music is a punchy, psych-tinged, lyrical variety of rock and soul.
Capyac is a surreal dance act made up of one half swamp baby (P. Sugz), one half mechanical trash diva (Potion). Their freakish dance music is as addictive as it is out there.
Mélat is the eclectic soul of modern RnB. Mélat tells a story that is both challenging and inspiring crafted from her very own life experiences. It is a pure and honest reflection of her soul. From love, lust, success, to failure Mélat sings of what it means to be a human being simply longing to "be".
Annabelle Chairlegs live in a microdose of psychedelia. A cyclone of energy, these guys aren’t out to break down the walls of psych rock, they’re just trying to break down your living room walls. Vocalist and chief songwriter Lindsey Mackin’s surreal set of pipes can whip and growl in a single breath that bites like Janis and floats like Debbie Harry.
Kalu & The Electric Joint: This musical chemistry comes from the bond forged by frontman Kalu James, who emigrated from Nigeria at age 18 to claim Austin as his new home, and guitarist Jonathan “JT” Holt, who adds a touch of American soul to Kalu’s West African heritage.
Hovvdy: Based in Austin, Texas, Hovvdy (pronounced "howdy") is the writing and recording project of Charlie Martin and Will Taylor. Hovvdy has found a unique identity in rhythmic, down-tempo pop songs that are hopeful, yet melancholy; relatable, yet distinguishable.
GO FEVER is Australian ex-pat Acey Monaro, Jim Campo (keys), Benjamin Burdick (bass), Keith Lough (guitar) and Josh Merry (drums). Their sound evokes all the best music from the second half of the last century, drawing on late 70’s pub rock, new wave, girl groups and rock and roll.
Mr. Kitty: A duo that does Gothtronica mixed with electroclash offers one of the most exhilarating live shows at SXSW. Crystal Castles, HEALTH, and witch house music can all be detected in the melancholic electro-banging of Mr. Kitty
Greyhounds: Anthony Farrell and Andrew Trube are a musical duo that oozes with passion and soul. Combining some Motown vibes with their jazz/soul instrumentation makes these guys one of the most powerful live performances to put on your schedule for SXSW.
New England
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Today Junior announce new album, release show
Indie rock trio Today Junior have announced April 6th as the release date of their newest album, Single Forever. The album, nearly two years in the making, was recorded by Elio DeLuca, head engineer at the exclusively analogue recording studio The Soul Shop. Today Junior will be celebrating their new album with a release show at the Lilypad on April 5th, with support from Lady Pills, Shane Tripp, and Dutch Tulips. Check out the show details here, and watch Today Junior perform “Tramps” below, the first single off Single Forever. -Charley Ruddell
NYC
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Stevie Wolf plays Baby’s All Right 03.18 with Cautious Clay, April + VISTA
New York indie-pop artist Stevie Wolf is playing at Baby’s All Right on 03.18, alongside April + VISTA and headliner Cautious Clay. Wolf blends a wide array of musical influences toward a product that’s uniquely his own. On the song "Who," a Jeff Buckley-esque voice floats over lush but sparse electro-pop instrumentation reminiscent of Tame Impala’s 2015 album "Currents" and modern R&B. While the feel of the song is laid-back and radio-friendly, Wolf’s lyrics subtly demand more than a cursory glance, with the disarmingly existential refrain: "Who are you when you’re alone?" Listen to "Who" below. – Ethan Ames
New England
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Kris Gruen releases anthemic lead single from upcoming “Coast & Refuge”
The rustic music of folk-pop singer/songwriter Kris Gruen is almost entirely suggestive of his hometown of Montpelier. The lushly remote capital of Vermont, New England’s most folksy and possibly beard-iest state, provides a gorgeous and peaceful backdrop for any artist in touch with their natural side, and Kris Gruen holds no exception.
However, the newest release from Gruen, the anthemic “What Brings You”, is a coastal shift in Gruen’s approach. Where Gruen’s previous releases call to mind beer hall sing-alongs and bucolic romances, “What Brings You” is large and powerful, amplified by shimmering pop production courtesy of Los Angeles producer Brad Gordon.
“What Brings You” employs the massive hooks and sing alongs that have become synonymous with neo-folk superstars like Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers, while still maintaining the folksy charm and authenticity of the New England countryside. Gruen invites us to partake in his wide-eyed vision of the southern California oceanside in all of its humbling glory, and for a snow-buried New Englander, the invitation has never sounded better. Stream “What Brings You” below, and look out for Coast & Refuge, out on July 22nd via Mother West. -Charley Ruddell
Nashville
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Ross Cooper delivers authentic country on “I Rode The Wild Horses”
Covering country artists here at the Deli is definitely an anomaly for us. However, country artists that are actually cowboys is also an anomaly. Before becoming a full-time musician, Ross Cooper did the whole bareback riding and rodeo thing until an injury ended that career. Luckily for him (and for us), he can put out some good music. On I Rode The Wild Horses, Cooper delivers authentic songwriting and country music that would fit next to contemporaries like Margo Price. Check out the title track below and catch Ross Cooper at Grimey’s on March 12th at 6 PM! – Chris Thiessen
NYC
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Walker Lukens plays SX tomorrow (03.13) + talks about gear on Delicious Audio
One of the most creative singer/songwriters to claim Texas as home, Walker Lukens has put in the time to get where he is. Eclectic pop ditties exude from his pores, and at the recent Float Fest he proved to have one of the hottest live shows in the Austin music scene. Walker Lukens will perform at SXSW tomorrow (03.13) at Cheer Up Charlies. Check out this interview he gave to our sister blog Delicious Audio about gear and the creative process. – Lee Ackerley
Philadelphia
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Krust Toons: “At The Deli” by Tedd Hazard
Krust Toons: "At The Deli" by Tedd Hazard – please feel free to drop him a line at teddandthehazards@gmail.com if you dig or have any funny ideas. You can also check out more of his illustrations and animation shorts HERE.
Philadelphia
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New Birthday Boy EP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Proudly burying listeners in the ragged, rushing sonics of 90’s alt rock, Birthday Boy creates crushing, melodic avalanches on its new EP Mercy Rule. Never one to shy away from a memorable hook, a familiarity forms. The quartet is set to hold its record release celebration on Saturday, March 31 at Creep Records. Birthday Boy will also be supported by Sun Opus as well as Nashville’s The By Gods and Australian rockers Pat Chow.
NYC
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Oh Malô releases electronic single “As We Were,” plays Alphaville on 03.26
Oh Malô’s newest single is full of a dark, frenetic energy that quickly becomes trance-inducing. It’s a welcome new sound for the band, one that shows a more mature vision of the core elements from 2016’s As We Were. The music is as expansive as ever, but the act exchanged their former delicacy for the darkness and tension that comes with a more industrial aesthetic – it’s an evolution we find very exciting. Check out Oh Malô at Alphaville alongside the dream-pop duo Lillet Blanc, on March 26th.– Amanda Ogea
Philadelphia
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New Track: “How’s the Weather?” – Tate
“How’s the Weather?” is one of three tracks featured on New To This, the latest release from Tate. The song serves as an olive branch, hoping to reconnect and potentially start a relationship over. Opening the lines of communication, personal revelations are brightened by the bass & percussion combo, setting an optimistic tempo. Hopefully it will serve as a conversation starter.