BK’s post-alternative go-getters BELLS≥ have self-released a new album titled "Solutions, Silence, or Affirmations," distributed by Dischord. Each song on the record is “in constant motion,” with smooth transitions into each segment. The band’s "avant" approach in the arrangement and rhythmic department, and the ability to produce memorable and recurring guitar hooks is reminiscent of much missed post rock heroes Tortoise. Clever writing and instrumental turns make the LP sound fresh and unique – this is a well-executed follow-up to their 2010 "There Are Crashes" LP and 2011’s "Lamé" EP.Check them out at one of their upcoming shows, rumored to be both captivating and rocking. – Michael Haskoor (@Tweetskoor)

Brooklyn based producer Justin Nealis (mostly known as Party Supplies) is about to release a debut album with multi instrumentalist Sean Mahon under that same moniker entitled "Tough Love." The preview single "Beautiful Girl" (streaming) is a rather smooth and sparse dance-pop operation. What we are very impressed with is actually this rehearsal video the band posted on YouTube a few months ago. We love the multi-chord arpeggiator, the vocal sample choice, the organization of the layers, the overall syncopation and flawless performance. It all sounds like a WAAAAY cooler version of Moby – huge potential!

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

Frankie Rose is not really "emerging" anymore but she’s still regarded as an example to follow by many struggling artists in the Brooklyn DIY scene. Check out the new single "Sorrow" below from the upcoming album "Herein Out" to be released on September 24.

The indie-pop band Lazer Cake was formed in Brooklyn, NY during the winter of 2011 by Robby Sinclair. While paying homage to the groundwork of great rock n’ roll songwriting (a la The Cars, Tom Petty), Lazer Cake is blazing a trail of their own with up-tempo pop tunes full of exuberant hooks and melodic twists. Fans of Phoenix and The Shins will appreciate singer/drummer Robby Sinclair’s vocals as they cut through a canvas made of synths (Alan Markley) and broad-stroke guitars. Grant Zubritzky (bass) sets it all in motion. Lazer Cake released its second EP "Welcome to the Bitter Dawn" in 2012 and is currently back in the studio working on new music. You can see them live at Pianos 9/27 and Rockwood Stage 2. – (as posted in The Deli’s Open Blog – post your band’s entries, videos, and Mp3s here). The Deli’s NYC Open Blog is powered by The Music Building.

NYC’s Imaginary People are a new project from veteran songwriter Dylan Von Wagner that blends his trembling, soul infused vocals (reminiscent of Roy Orbison) with the immediacy of rock’n’roll – or at least this is how the preview single "Fresh On" from the upcoming self titled EP sounds. 

Unless they are REALLY imaginary, you’ll hav more than one opportunity to see these guys live since they’ll be celebrating their EP release with two shows in a week at venues two blocks from each other: Pianos on 08.26 and The Mercury Lounge on 09.03.

It’s time to get your funk on. With a resume solid enough to take over this borough’s afro-beat scene, Brooklyn’s People’s Champs have exactly the right ingredients to pour into your summer evenings. From the band’s blazing horn section ‘The Superpower Horns,’ which includes players known for tracking albums with Beyonce, to their powerhouse singer Cole Williams, the band is well on its way becoming NY’s de facto funk and Afrobeat experience. The supergroup has played gigs from sweaty warehouse parties, to the Guggenheim Museum; but no matter what the venue, they find a way to bring a sound together that bridges the distance between Africa and America.

From their debut self-titled EP released in May 2011, the band has finally begun releasing new material, including their latest release, the ridiculously catchy and sun-baked ‘Humanity’. Check out the track’s ‘Fun Secret Mix’ below, and look for more material to be released soon. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)

This band submitted their music for coverage here.

Folks in bands,

The Deli is looking to book 3 or more artists based in the 12 scenes we cover (list here) for various shows we booked in the LES and Williamsburg during the CMJ Music Marathon.

This year’s venue include Pianos, Rockwood Music Hall, The Delancey and Spike Hill.

To be considered, all you need to do is go HERE and fill out the form by August 18, 2013.

Good Luck!

The Deli’s Staff

Just a few years ago, all you’d hear around here was maximalism. From Animal Collective’ sonic towers to Matt and Kim’ Ritalin-fueled drums, the NYC sound was busy, edgy and all at once. Things seem to have changed quite a bit. The ear has turned, and something sparser and earthier has come to take place. – Read Mike Levine’s feature – taken from The Deli NYC’s Issue 34 – here.

Blitz the Ambassador has been lighting up the NYC scene for a few years now. Pivoting from the success of previous tracks “Breathe” and “Something to Believe,” he has returned with a self-produced afrobeat-inspired meditation on the plight of an African in New York City. With nods to Fela Kuti, Sting, and Jay-Z, “African in New York” features a lush textured beat that is equal parts boom-bap and tribal drum circle. Blitz’s highly visceral descriptive narrative is rife with cultural ephemera and slices of the everyday hustle. His masterful storytelling and intrepid flow draw the listener into the world as he sees it. As Blitz continues to refine both his identity and his talents, we find him as honest as ever, harkening back to an Illmatic Nas. His moniker is entirely apt because, like any ambassador, he “represents!”

We blogged about Celestial Shore quite a bit in the last couple of years – they are without any doubts one of the most interesting emerging NYC bands right now. Check out this video for ‘Valerie,’ featured in the upcoming album "10x" scheduled for a September 3 release. Don’t miss their show at Pianos on August 20, or Silent Barn on the 22.

With their gritty guitars and airy melodies, Motive marries the NYC scene poppiness and darkness in one sound. Often compared to The Strokes and Interpol, this band’s strength is in their personal songwriting, with the lyrics taking the forefront in a lot of their music. Their new EP “It’s Illicit” -released in January – has really solid title track, but “Lay Some Light” (streaming below) shows this band’s real potential . Motive will play two shows in NYC with LA band NO (clever, ungoogable name!) on August 23rdat Glasslands Gallery and the day agter at The Mercury Lounge. – Paul Jordan Talbot, photo by Merri Cyr

There is a distinctly appealing quirkiness to the mysteriously named TKTTSM (say “ticketism”)and their self-titled debut album. Meticulously produced tracks emphasize detailed vocal placement over any kind of blurred mix. The cadence and phrasing of singer Johanna Stahley is frequently found residing somewhere between Florence’s Machine and Gwen Stefani’s more angular moments with No Doubt. An off-kilter bar is immediately set with opening song “Calisthenics,” whose lyrics juxtapose recreational chemical consumption alongside the benefits of physical exercise. “Plastic Fantastic” (streaming) playfully updates the style Dale Bozzio pioneered with 80’s MTV darlings Missing Persons, merging rock instrumentation with a dance singer persona. The acoustic guitar driven “I Wanted To” quickly progresses into heart-tugging dreampop, while the lyrically dense “Edumication” bounces between stream of conscience streetwise rhymes. Deeper track “Porcupine” ambitiously blends elements that at times reflect bits of The Cure, Grimes and even Paramore, making a single genre classification more difficult. They will be performing live on August 13 at Glasslands and September 4 at Cameo. – Dave Cromwell