Hysterics, GhostPal, the MCFK Emergency Management Squad; Brooklyn-bred Oliver Ignatius has made music under all of these names, but never on his own. That is, until his new single “Light and Dark” (streaming below) dropped on the Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen Soundcloud. The single is a big step away from his previous work (like the moody indie rock of Hysterics and the funk-twinged, experimental psychedelia of GhostPal.) It takes a soft and soulful turn, relying on mesmerizing harmonies and a simple, repetitive melody. He will be playing a solo live show at Pianos on August 12th. – Lilly Milman

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

Born in 2014, the Nashville-based four-piece CHICO has gone through quite a few lineup changes since the release of their debut EP Pipe Dreams. All the current members have played (or currently still play) with other bands, which explains the immense range of the EP. CHICO’s brand of garage rock is infused with psychedelia, slacker rock, prog-rock, and even a bit of folk. While songs like “Bald Sockets” and “Ruined” (streaming below) are explosive and guitar-heavy, title track “Pipe Dreams” is slow and melodic. CHICO will be playing with Butthole, Phobos, and Supermelt at The East Room on July 31st. – Lilly Milman

Brooklyn-based O Mer participates in the effort undertaken by a select number of soul artists (many of them based in NYC) to dismantle once and for all the notions that: A. electronic music is overly clinical and "cold," and B. soul music is not adventurous enough. In his single “Now I’m Alive” (streaming below,) his falsetto, overlaying a heavy bass synth line and melodic drops, makes the song surge with emotion. A pulsating beat accompanies the vocals towards a word-less chorus, where abrasive synths intersect with ghostly melodic lines in a triumph of glissando. The artist employs similar production approach in more lyrically driven single, "Overflown." O Mer will be playing a set at Alphaville on July 13th, alongside Secret Crush and No Ice. – Lilly Milman

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

For Becca Mancari, making music is a showcase of humanity. It’s evident in her songs the effort to convey who she is, through her confident and evocative alto. Through music retaining the twang Nashville is renown for, Mancari informs all of her songwriting with her life experiences, specifically those that involve her travels—she’s lived everywhere from Staten Island to Zimbabwe. She’ll be playing a show with Bermuda Triangle and Liz Cooper at the Basement East on July 12th. – Lilly Milman, photograph by Zachary Gray

Listen to our favorite track “Dirty Dishes” streaming below.

Long Beach-based oso oso’s new LP the yunahon mixtape is the exact brand of sophisticated indie emo that has been missing from the scene for the past decade. Taking cues from early 2000s staples like Death Cab (specifically, their first few albums), the yunahon mixtape is filled with hints of punk, indie pop, math rock, and more—all of which crystallized through distinctive riffs, fleshed out harmonies, catchy choruses, and emotional lyrics. The production is clean, but not artificial, seemingly retaining the sound quality of an old cassette (just like indicated in the title). They’ve already kicked off a fall tour, and will be playing the Brooklyn Bazaar on July 12th. Listen to our favorite track, "reindeer games," streaming below.  – Lilly Milman

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

Showtime Goma (of Sunny Day in Glasgow) turns pop on its head with her new album Smiley Face. Experimenting with different soundscapes, distortions, airy pop vocals, her new record moves in a dozen different directions that all flow together seamlessly. There is the dancey “Big Disaster” (video streaming below,) the slow “Propel,” the experimental “Chug,” and more. Jen Goma’s noteworthy vocal and artistic range shine through in this record, making her an artist to watch. Catch up with Showtime Goma at her album release party at Union Pool in Brooklyn on July 9th at 8. She’ll be touring with Of Montreal in September! – Lilly Milman 

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

According to their Facebook, Sketchy is “5 dudes living in NYC that like pizza and alcohol… a lot.” Their most recent release is a split record with U.K. based band Burnt Tapes, featuring two tracks (“Normal” and “Whiskey And Coffee”) of fast-paced, punchy punk rock. Christopher Schultz on vocals is a force of nature, and he’s backed by arrangements that are powerful and unapologetic. The band will be playing at Muchmore’s in Brooklyn on July 7th with Sally Draper and The Toms. – Lilly Milman

Listen to their new single, "Never Meant to Get This Old" (streaming below) off their upcoming album "Heck" (coming out August 4th.)

Released on the first day of the season, the EP Summer Vibes by Nashville’s Geddes The Sea (also known as Gavin Geddes) is exactly what the summer needed. Rooted in a playful, chamber pop sound, the EP soars through fun lyrics, horn riffs, staccato beats, and powerful harmonies. This is especially seen in "Sunrise" (streaming below) which opens the EP with an infectious melody and vocal arrangement reminiscent of other bouncy, alt-rock bands like Neon Trees. The theme of the release is overwhelmingly optimistic and light—all staples of a good summer pop album. –Lilly Milman

Recently relocated from Boston to Nashville, six-piece TWEN creates music that is an effortlessly cool blend of garage, psych, and slacker rock. On their live, self-titled album, Jane Fitzsimmons’ surfy voice drones over thrashing guitars, giving the effect of a punchier version of Best Coast. Her shoegaze-inspired vocals are what add the psychedelic twist to the grungy arrangements in songs like “Long Time” (streaming below) where reverb takes centerstage. Their sound is so defined in this EP that it’s difficult to believe it was recorded live—but they will be bringing their exceptional live show to The East Room on July 19th. – Lilly Milman

There’s a certain overarching sweetness that consumes the Denver, New York based Strawberry Runners’ EP Hatcher Creek, but a close listen will reveal a far more complicated record. The pop-driven arrangements and saccharine melodies support lyrics filled with darkness. In the title track (streaming below), Emi Night’s lush vocals share an unfiltered look at childhood memories (“My dad keeps us up at night / And he kicks us hard when we try to hide / And my brother cries and I hold him close.”) The juxtaposition of the bouncy song with this kind of raw content conjures up a conflicting listening experience that’s at once uplifting and upsetting. The Strawberry Runners will be playing at the Silent Barn tonight (July 3rd), and then leave for a brief Northeast tour. – Lilly Milman

Yoke Lore’s newest EP Goodpain is a triumph of "indie pop persuasion." In a genre cluttered with cookie cutter synths, bubblegum lyrics, and insincerely grandiose choruses, Yoke Lore’s work sets itself apart with its concision. Restraint is the virtue of good music production, and the Brooklyn based artist demonstrates to be familiar with the concept, giving the listener space to "breathe," while still creating memorable tunes enveloped in a charming, abstract aura. His voice soothes, surprises, and soars on this project, showing his range as a songwriter and as an artist. After a series of well received singles, Yoke Lore will be kicking off a summer tour with his EP release show at Baby’s All Right on July 7th. – Lilly Milman, photography by Wes Santos & Alex Gomez

Listen to our favorite track, “World Wings,” streaming below. 

Playfulness takes center stage with Brooklyn-based four-piece Huck. The semi-electronic band provides a perfect soundtrack for summer, whether you’re cruising down the highway or sitting by the pool. Their single “Without You” (streaming below) takes cues from 8-bit music with its vintage video game sounds, while the arrangement in their other track available for streaming, “Summer Lovin’,” develops in a more linear and soulful way. Their quality songwriting and playful approach solidify them as a New York City artist to watch. – Lilly Milman

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