NYC-based artist Car Astor has given synth-pop a number of makeovers since beginning her solo career in 2016. Over the course of her two EP and two single releases, this singer/songwriter has displayed her talent as an emerging artist by mixing clean blends of synth-heavy electro pop. Her wide vocal range steers her sound, allowing her to deliver in formats ranging from poignant ballads to danceable hits. But it is Car Astor’s experimentation that pushes her music beyond the lines of her genre. Her most recent single, “Girlfriend,” (featured below) coolly executes a catchy pop melody, but is given depth with an electro-rock backbone and a defiant lyrical attitude. Though she may abide by archetypical pop song structures, this frontwoman’s darker style and killer vocal control is enough to give her sound a more sultry, polished edge. Her more touching songs, however, like “She Cries” and “Closed Eyes Open” off her first EP Ties, expose the softness around this artist’s edges with their rich arrangements and thoughtful substance.  Check Car Astor out for yourself on Soundcloud or Spotify and catch her playing live at Mercury Lounge on December 23. – Rebecca Carroll

Brooklyn indie rock trio Valentin Marx is premiering here a brand new single, titled “Made Up.”. This band has certainly reemerged with an enlightened new perspective on this track, exposing more than just their collaborative talent. “Made Up” offers a bold look at the modern social landscape (and all zombifying apps that come with it), voicing the afflictions of forming relationships in the digital age—and it does it with style. Starting with an airy dream-pop feel, the song’s smooth jangly guitars in the opening are met by lead singer Andrew Kissel’s slacker-ish vocals, forming a tension that is all too fitting for this track’s lyrical context. Being just the first taste of this band’s upcoming releases, “Made Up” gives a relatable, jam-worthy preview of the new material that can be expected in the new year. Check out Valentin Marx’s newest single below and stream their earlier music on Bandcamp. – Rebecca Carroll

Hayes Peebles’ cerebral folk has been permeating the Brooklyn scene since the release of his debut single, “Ghosts” (2016). A couple of singles, an EP and two acoustic b-sides later, Peebles has accumulated a collection of sparkling acoustic Americana that conjures bittersweet and melancholic thoughts. Just released earlier this week, his newest single, “I’ll Be Fine,” flows with a lighter tempo that remains grounded with expressive and heart-tugging lyrical content. Many artists make an effort to show the softer side of their taste, but tracks like “Short and Sweet” and “Bella” display the effortlessness of this artist’s melodic style. Though raised on indie rock idols Interpol and The Strokes, Peebles has wandered quite a bit from his roots with a style that channels the gentle spirit of Bob Dylan and the twang of Neil Young—but all rock is not lost. Sometimes you can snag a taste of his younger influences in songs such as “Straight to Hell,” which burns steadily through big-stadium blues riffs. Hayes has torn through his local scene and, with the help of industry acclaim, is quickly becoming one of most distinct emerging voices in folk music. Check out his new song “I’ll Be Fine” below and stream his full discography on Soundcloud or Bandcamp. – Rebecca Carroll

Brooklyn’s Misty Mtn has had quite a year as they approach the release of their debut EP, set for release this Spring 2019. Drips and drops of singles and live performances have kept fans hooked to this band as they forge forward, leaving behind a thin trail of treats for us to keep nibbling on—their latest of which being their newest single, “We’ll Call It Even,” released November 19. As their third and possibly most inventive track in their string of EP teasers, this light jam gives a clean snapshot of the urban hustle and pursuing art in a big city.

Their first release as a duo was the sincere synth-driven single, “Greener,” premiered about a year ago. This song combines samples of mellow pop, folky rhythms and gorgeous melodies, blending with the band’s darker Nordic aesthetic to produce their self-coined genre, ‘dark mountain pop.’ Their single “Guess Who’s Back” was their second track to hit the NYC scene, and displayed their taste for adding an electronic edge to classic genres like post punk and RNB. This band’s consistently strong releases and imaginative sound leave little room for feelings other than anticipation for their upcoming material. Keep an eye out for the release of Misty Mtn’s debut EP coming out this Spring 2019, and stream “We’ll Call It Even” on Soundcloud. – Rebecca Carroll

Adeline, neo-soul diva and frontwoman of NYC disco revivalists Escort, has recently broken out as a solo artist and released her debut, self-titled LP, [ad•uh•leen]. Out earlier this year, singles "Emeralds” and “Swirl” gave a cheeky, synth-driven sample of this artist’s stunning vocal style, and are now followed by “Hi Life” (streaming) which delivers spunky and danceable energy reminiscent of the vibrant voices of the disco era, filtered through modern soul. This collection of jams burns through savory melodies with a sultry disposition and plenty of glitter to go around. Listen to Adeline’s single, “Hi Life,” below and check out her latest solo material on Soundcloud. – Rebecca Carroll

Sammy Rae forges a sound entirely of her own in her debut EP, The Good Life, released July 20. This artist executes her style with such playful spirit and vocal dexterity that this new collection can’t help but gleam with personality. Rae’s tracks don’t feel as though they’re sung, but rather performed, and laced with a bit theatricality and a ton of confidence. Capable of fitting comfortably in either a swanky cocktail lounge, a roaring jazz club, a theater, or a suburban kitchen, her sultry jazz soul has a quality that allows it to wear a multitude of stylistic hats. The EP’s opening track, “The Feeling,” is a flawless preview of her sound, unveiling the liveliness that exists in her layers of joyful saxophone, bouncy percussion and vibrant lyrics. Sammy Rae’s songs are alive and pulse with brilliant authenticity, showcasing not only her musical acuity, but also her colorful character as an artist. To stream Sammy Rea’s The Good Life EP, check out her pages on Soundcloud or Bandcamp. See her live at Bowery Electric on November 19 – Rebecca Carroll

Since the 2016 release of his debut single, Where U Were, indie pop singer/songwriter Quiet Luke has been intriguing music listeners with his peculiar blend of soul, ambient and electronica. As a graduate of NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, this solo artist has learned to express his musical talent in a variety of forms. Whether he is dabbling with synthesizers to produce his soulful, surreal style, or streaming social commentary through his latest performance art EP Your Happy Place (streaming below), Quiet Luke crafts music that intends to be bold. The disparity between his darker, more introspective lyrics and his music’s blissful shell creates a musical experience that’s at once entertaining and thought provoking. – Rebecca Carroll

Debut single “State Lines” recently brought NYC indie rock band Parlors under our radar; smooth yet gritty, packed with overdriven guitar riffs, and driven by Matt Fullam’s steady and raspy vocals, the track offers an inventive sound that’s polished with just enough of a bite. The tempo ebbs and flows along with mild instrumental build-ups, while remaining laced within a catchier songwriting flair. The group is recently formed but has already landed a show at uber-cool Lower East Side venue Nublu, scheduled for 11.30, during which they will release their debut 3-song EP. – Rebecca Carroll

Music producer BLK SLK is an emerging electronic artist and DJ, known for his collection of imaginative electronica. This artist merges synth samples as though quilting together bits of sounds, blending both smooth and hard-hitting beats to form rich, well-produced jams. There isn’t one moment that lulls in either of his debut singles, “Could Be” and “Hook Me Up.” Propelled by dancey beats, BLK SLK’s tracks move along with a fluid yet calculated flow, creating tension in the combination of mellow energy and convulse beats. Remarkably, their production achieves a sense of cohesion, notwithstanding the tapestry of busy sounds. Fitting for either a motivating housework soundtrack or a pre-night out pump up, this artist’s bright sound is an ideal middle ground for any situation in need of a electronic morale boost. Check out BLK SLK’s material below, now streaming on Soundcloud and Bandcamp. – Rebecca Carroll

Sir Babygirl’s recent debut has already caught the eyes and ears of the queer community with her coined ‘hardcore bubblegum’ pop and transgender diva attitude. Positioning herself as a voice for LGBTQ individuals, this artist uses her shamelessly effervescent sound and relatable content as a tool to disrupt our culture’s binary view on gender. Her songs provide tastes of her own conflict with identity, using her music as a medium to reach those grappling with similar issues. The lyrics in debut singles “Flirting With Her” and “Heels” teeter between exposing the insecurities of transitioning and divulging candidly about queer romances, appealing to both sides of the emotional spectrum. “Heels” shimmers with hope and insight, intertwining lyrics such as, “I know it’s hard when you think you’re the only target, the mind’s a funny fruit to sell at the market” with passionate vocal swells, all wrapped in a package of cheerful, pristine pop. This artist has created music that shows the extent to which the pop genre can serve as a platform for community and activism, and intends to harness it. Listen to Sir Babygirl’s new material below, and keep an eye out for her full-length album Crush On Me, set for release January 1. -Rebecca Carroll

The brainchild of Meghan Rose and Jake Ripp-Dieter, NYC alt rockers Loud Soft Loud inhale different music styles and breath out something that’s both accessible and edgy. Bringing to mind a blend of Queens of the Stone Age’s heavy riffs and Joan Jett swagger, their new song/video combo ‘Date With Myself’ is an ode to self-love which perfectly demonstrates the band’s searing distorted sound and Meghan’s powerful voice. They’ll be performing next at the Footlight on Sunday 10.28. – Evan Zwisler

Williamsburg’s National Sawdust is kicking off the fall season up a notch this month with another date of The Revolution – a Deli sponsored event. The lineup will include more NYC-based artists that showcase the emerging and wide-ranging talent of our city’s local scene. Volume 32 will feature live performances from Ayoinmotion, Apex Sky, and the brand new sounds of recently formed project LADY BUG. Ayoinmotion’s electrifying Afrobeat is expected to bump this venue with beat-heavy dance jams and the energetic backing of live performers. Having an experimental and ethereal style, Apex Sky’s live show has been noted for its cinematic presentation, driven by meticulous instrumentals and rich melodies. Debuting her soulful new material, singer/songwriter LADYBUG will open the show with her smooth and sultry performance. Come check out some of New York City’s favorite artists, both well-known and on the rise, on October 27 – click here for tickets and more information.