With a name like Slut Magic, from the get-go it’s obvious this quartet makes no bones about being straightforward and political. “Slut” is such a loaded word, but for band founders Lauren Riucci and Emma Sky, it represents the assurance and indomitability that they want to reclaim through music. That music more than lives up to its aspirations; recalling the loud-soft-loud dynamics of grunge bands like Hole, Slut Magic knows how to balance every thrashing punk scream with moments of structural refinement (and vice versa). Slut Magic will play Trans-Pecos on Valentine’s Day, and will be donating all proceeds to Planned Parenthood – so if you’re looking to mosh for a cause this holiday, this might be the perfect opportunity. -Sunny Betz

It’s easy to talk about personal and cultural background when breaking down the music of SIRINTIP. Their frontwoman’s childhood journey from Thailand to Sweden and then to New York is definitely a source of inspiration. However, the complex and vibrant sound of SIRINTIP is also a product of honed technical skill and a deep love of jazz, a passion that they were able to share at a recent three day jazz singing workshop at New Jersey’s OCVTS Performing Arts Academy. SIRINTIP will play Trans-Pecos with Elijah Fox, Rosemary Minkler and Devon Yesberger on February 7; check out a great example of their adventurous arrangements in their latest video for “Don’t Give Up”, below. – Sunny Betz

Once upon a time, Morrissey sang “life is very long when you’re lonely,” and since then musicians from all walks of life in the world have scrambled to find similar catharsis in solitude and sadness. Brooklyn garage-punk band White Rope, echo that very lyric in their 2015 track "The Pain Olympics", but to a different end. The title of the track itself seems to parody the fervor with which a lot of artists mine their personal trials and traumas for lyrical content, but with a sense of humor (I mean, they do replace “lonely” with “horny”…). White Rope channels vulnerability in their own way, not shying away from real pain but also recognizing how goofy it can feel to put all that out there. White Rope celebrated the release of their new album NO FUNERAL (streaming) at Alphaville on January 31st, their next show is at Ceremony224 on April 2nd. – Sunny Betz 

In the past few years, the DIY scene (re)discovered roots music, and we are not mad about it (anymore). For Queens-based band Seldomo, Americana is a fun place to get a little weird. Their 2017 album Probably Cool pays homage to all the best country/Americana tropes, but with the off-kilter sensibilities of lo-fi and slacker rock. It’s a bit reminiscent of Alex G’s Rocket, although Seldomo has a flavor all their own, bringing in the unexpected mandolins and accordions alongside the standby guitars. At Alphaville on February 3rd, the band will sing to you about strangers walking dogs at midnight and meeting past lovers by rivers, all with their own flair. If you are rediscovering roots music, like we are, you don’t want to miss out. – Sunny Betz

After his intriguing debut two months ago, Brooklyn-based songwriter/producer Sunspeaker has quickly returned with his second electro-pop single, “Under the Gun,” premiering right here. The track evokes dreamy, disco-like vibes, conjuring up images of a pulsating slo-mo dance-floor. Each facet of this song is packed with slow-burning heat; from the beat’s smooth, sensual feel to the impassioned lyrics, Sunspeaker was able to balance lyrical intensity with groove. Unlike the vocal flexibility heard debut single “I Will Not Love You,” the vocals in this new track tread steadily over a clean yet busy blend of sounds, allowing the production skills of this solo artist to shine. Sunspeaker will be headlining a show at Gold Sounds on Feb 2, catch him playing “Under the Gun” (below) live and stream his debut singles on Soundcloud or Spotify. – Rebecca Carroll

“The Revolution”, a showcase of emerging local artists hosted by The National Sawdust, will be celebrating it’s 35th rotation with three engaging new voices in the New York music scene. Queen Esther conjures the melancholy of black Americana with her take on country; The Hornē Electric band approaches their compelling brand of funk with a combination of technical savvy, creativity and a sense of humor; headliner Mizan K balances complexly fractured beats with soothing soul vocals, creating music with which she seeks to let people “know they are not alone”. Three very different creators to be sure, but each reflects the diversity of backgrounds and specialties housed by the artistic hub that is New York City. “The Revolution: Vol. 35” will take place on January 26 at 10:00 pm – you can listen to a playlist of the featured artists below, and buy tickets here. – Sunny Betz

It wouldn’t be remiss to call KOTA The Friend a “renaissance man”- the Brooklyn based rapper not only writes his own music, he cultivates his creative world by both producing and directing visuals for much of his work. This attention to detail has paid off too – since his 2016 debut Palm Tree Liquor, KOTA’s relaxed and honest songwriting has won him sold out shows and international tours, and on his most recent EP Anything., we were treated to collaborations with fellow New Yorkers Angel Haze and Chelsea Reject. KOTA The Friend will be playing Baby’s All Right on January 18th – listen to his latest track "CAMP", a laid-back musing on friends past and present, below. – Sunny Betz 

On her 2017 album Transphobic, Quay Dash proclaimed herself to be the "Queen of NY", and that’s a title we’re not going to argue. Hers is one of the most visionary new voices in the New York rap scene, and watching her evolution from her debut to last year’s single U.A.F.W.M. can only be described as breathtaking. Quay Dash may have taken notes from the classic bravado of New York artists like Lil Kim, but the musical world she inhabits is all her own: the adrenaline-spiking beats and chilling effortlessness of her delivery are unmistakably hers, trophies of the hardships she’s overtaken to get here. On January 18, Quay Dash will join JADALAREIGN, Dame Luz, Mother Mary Rose, and Na$h at BBYGRL at Baby’s All Right: All Girl Trap/Rap Party to celebrate women in hip hop – so you’d better clear your schedule. – Sunny Betz 

The music of Cindy Cane defies classification – in listening to the singles off frontman Tom Lescovich’s upcoming EPs New York Strangers and all my ex’s live in bushwick, you can find yourself leaping between murky electronica and yearning folk, all with a backbeat of the expressive rawness Lescovich is so good at cultivating. The music of Cindy Cane may span many genres, but it all stems from a deep love of country music. While it may not sound very country, tracks "The Darkness" and "Let Me In" brilliantly reflect the genre’s penchant for laying emotions bare. Cindy Cane landed a rare four day residency at Baby’s All Right starting on January 27, so check out their music below, and wear your best cowboy boots! – Sunny Betz

Seán Barna is an indie folk artist who wears an intimidating amount of hats—songwriter, vocalist, percussionist, guitarist, storyteller, influencer. Beginning with just ‘percussionist’ under his belt at nine years of age, Barna has been building his artist resume since his 2014 debut, Cutter Street. His music is insightful and exploratory, and has gained serious momentum also because of its social and cultural influences. His latest EP Cissy speaks on subjects regarding queerness, mental illness, mortality and national desperation, which far surpasses any 2-D conversation that a drum kit alone might bring to the table. Cissy is candid, calculated and weighed by heavy contemplation on masculinity, creating a stunning and sensitive form of songwriting. This recipe seems to working for the local artist: Barna will be trekking to Austin this year for the SXSW Music Festival. Catch Seán Barna live at SXSW in March and stream his latest EP Cissy on Soundcloud. – Rebecca Carroll

Singer/songwriter Rachel Stewart is bringing her dreams to life in a very literal sense with her new project, Sedona. The debut of her first single “Call Me Up” was paired with an accompanying video (below) that paints this artist’s music into a dreamlike world—one that apparently consists of ornate fairy tree houses and vast woodlands. And what would a dream world be without setting yourself in it as a hit television sensation? Suddenly, Stewart’s enchanted fairy den becomes surreal as her character watches Sedona’s flirty pop music video on an vintage TV screen. The whole approach is DIY and otherworldly, which basically encapsulates the heart of this artist’s songwriting. Stewart’s methodology walks the line of escapism, with the intention of her music being to take you somewhere else, or at least a bit further from the reality you’re in. And this was just Sedona’s debut. Since then, she’s released the soulful single, “Same Sky” and has made plans to put out an audiovisual EP titled Home Before Dawn by this summer. Check out the music video for Sedona’s “Call Me Up” below don’t miss her playing live at Elsewhere 01.25. – Rebecca Carroll

This week, Wilder Maker’s Gabriel Birnbaum shared the first piece of his debut solo project with the new single, “Stack the Miles.” As a preview of his forthcoming record, “Stack the Miles” succeeds in doing justice to this artist’s distinct vocal style and cerebral Americana. The mid-tempo, acoustic feel of this new track calls to mind the folky disposition of Milky Chance’s “Stolen Dance,” with a raw composure that has been likened to early Bon Iver. Currently still involved with acclaimed Ethiopian pop ensemble Debo Band and indie rock group Wilder Maker, Birnbaum seems to have pulled his wide knowledge of genre into the DNA of this new material, forming a unique new spawn of mellow Americana. The Deli caught a glimpse of Birnbaum’s upcoming full-length LP, set for release in 2019, and, let me say, there are more smoldering, soothing sounds waiting for you. Check out Gabriel’s Birnbaum’s new “Stack the Miles” below, and don’t miss him debuting his new music at Mercury Lounge on 12.18, sharing the stage with Brooklyn band, Office Culture. – Rebecca Carroll