Wow! We got almost twice as many submissions this year as we did last year. Thanks to everyone who helped spread the word and give bands a chance to have their music heard by critics all over the country. After tallying the votes for the Open Submissions stage of our Austin Year End Poll, it’s time to release the results.

Please note that no editor was allowed to vote for bands in their own scene. The editors that voted on the Austin scene were: Q.D. Tran (Deli Philadelphia), Jordannah Elizabeth (Deli San Francisco), and Paolo De Gregorio (Deli NYC, Editor-In-Chief).

Acts advancing to our Readers/Fans Poll with a ranking above 6.5:

1. Criminal Birds (Indie Rock) – 7.3
2. Emily Wolfe (Songwriters) – 7.2
3. The Vliets (Psych Rock) – 7.2
4. Growl (Indie Pop/Rock) – 7
5. Hikes (Folk Pop) – 6.8
6. Danny Malone (Songwriters) – 6.8
7. Language Room (Alt Rock) – 6.6
8. Foe Destroyer (Garage Pop/Rock) – 6.6
9. Milezo (Psych Pop/Rock) – 6.6

Honorable Mentions (ranked above 6.0):

Calliope Musicals (Psych Pop/Rock) – 6.3
Lake Lady and the Mountain Man (Soul/Indie Pop) – 6.3
Paula Maya (World Music) – 6.3
Anya (Hip Hop) – 6.2

Total submissions from the Austin Scene: 43

WHAT’S NEXT: These results end the first phase of the poll. In the next few days we’ll unveil the artists nominated by our local jurors (mostly venue promoters and other industry people who know the Austin scene insode out), and we’ll let our readers and writers influence the poll with their vote.

Thanks to all the acts who submitted to us. Our open submissions pool was truly a celebration of the diversity and richness of Austin’s talent. Keep creating, keep supporting and stay tuned for your chance to vote!

The Deli Staff

The Austin music scene just wouldn’t be the same without the quirky, whimsical, experimental, melt your face off rock and roll trio, Megafauna. Nobody can forget the first time they’ve seen them. Nobody can forget the last. The band is tight, the songs are awesomely weird, but it’s Dani Neff, the Sultana of Shred, that leaves audiences happily bewildered and wide-eyed, mouths agape and thirsting for more.

Constantly touring, pumping out records, and playing local shows, it’s difficult to understand why we aren’t seeing Megafauna on the covers of Rolling Stone and Spin magazines. But fans are confident that they are heading straight in that direction. See some sick female shredding tomorrow at Spiderhouse Ballroom for the Well-Being for Women Showcase, so that you can say you saw Dani before she’s nationally referred to as the next Lita Ford or Joan Jett. – Written by Jodi Lang

Some may think it’s tough to compete as a vocalist in a town full of songwriters, but Tameca Jones has the rare ability to turn a cover that you’re sick of hearing into a brand new, soul squeezing work of art and people everywhere love her for it. Born and raised in Austin, this powerhouse of a vocalist often teams up with other local artists like the charming rapper, Phranchyze, and singer/soulwriter, Ray Prim. Jones shines brightest, however, when backed by her own band, running up, down, and all around familiar melodies and making them her own. See her this weekend, along with a bunch of other kick ass female fronted bands at Spiderhouse Ballroom, Saturday, January 18th. –Written by Jodi Lang

Holiday Mountain play hard. Dancing, glitter and matching neons are just a few staples that comprise the band’s energetic live show. What else would you expect from a psychedelic funk band? Holiday Mountain don’t take themselves too seriously and as a result, nobody in the audience does either; their crowds aren’t afraid to follow suit and bust a move.

Holiday Mountain plans to release new music in early 2014 and was named Austin’s No. 1 Band of 2013 by Sonic Vault. (They have also been nominated for our poll so don’t forget to vote!) Take part in the revelry this Saturday, January 18th at Austin Deli’s Well-Being for Women Showcase at Spider House Ballroom. –Written by Gillian Driscoll

Serafia (Pronounced – Sir-Raw-Fee-Uh) is the self-proclaimed “Soul Sister of EDM” and it will only take you one listen to understand why. The Dominican and Russian crooner takes inspiration from jazz, soul and, of course, EDM to create her soaring sound. Serafia’s single, “Touching My Soul”, incorporates all these genres into a magnetic dance track worth blasting “till the morning comes.” This Saturday, January 18th, let Serafia touch your soul when she performs at Spider House Ballroom. –Written by Gillian Driscoll

Grace London is a 14 year old singer, songwriter, guitar player and foot stomper. The Austin native writes witty lyrics reminiscent of Kate Nash and sings with drama: incorporating repetition, breathing and warbling into her delivery, like a young Merrill Garbus. London released her debut EP, Rocketship Girl, in 2012 to much acclaim (including landing a slot at 2013’s Austin City Limits Music Festival and official showcase at the 2013 & 2014 SXSW Music Festival), and plans to release a full-length in the spring of 2014. 

London not only has a big voice, but a generous heart. Since 2010, the singer has used her music to raise money for causes including the GLSEN – National Safe Schools Program, and A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, to aid relief efforts in Ethiopia. This Saturday, January 18th, London sings out for women’s causes as she performs at the Austin Deli’s Well-Being for Women Showcase at Spider House Ballroom. Check out this talented young star and learn about issues affecting the women and youth in our city this Saturday. –Written by Gillian Driscoll

With a little help from Converse Rubber Tracks, Featherface has recently released an amazing studio track to 7” vinyl. "Ourselves Together" opens with an eerie soundtrack feel, but the piano driven tune quickly evolves into a sweet sounding psych pop song adorned with beautiful harmonies. Brush back all that beautiful hair in this Houston band to reveal a carefully calculated effort at an epic new single. Then, head out to Empire Control Room on February 6th, 2014 to see them with Ghostbunny and The Sun Machine. –Written by Jodi Lang

In honor of women everywhere, Austin’s Deli Magazine has put together a showcase to celebrate female fronted bands! It’s also a chance to raise awareness about issues affecting the women and youth in our city.

Not only will Grace London, Tameca Jones, Serafia, Megafauna, Holiday Mountain and The Love Leighs be playing but Totally Cool Totally Art will be selling teen made art. 50% of the art sale proceeds will go to Allies Against Slavery and 50% will go to the student artists themselves. Come support a good cause!

Spider House Ballroom, 6pm-close, 1/18/14

$10.00/door (includes a FREE Meditation CD!)

$2.00 Lonestar Pints

ALL AGES WELCOME!

Sponsored by do512.

Partnered with The Recording Conservatory of Austin, Carla DeSantis Black of MEOWCon, Outlander Productions, The Good Music Club, and GENaustin – Girls Empowerment Network.

Live music recording provided by Amandatory Records.

Criminal Birds came out on top in our Open Submissions portion of the Year End Poll with their precise but ethereal rock music. The 4 piece band out of Denton, Texas stole my heart at first listen and I’m super proud and excited for their accomplishments this year. Check out their sound and remember to cast your vote for your favorite band in our poll this month! -Written by Charise Sowells

Emily Wolfe came in second in our Open Submissions portion of the Year End Poll. With crisp harmonies and a chill indie rock flair, this songwriter had another thing coming when she thought her first album would be her last. Listen to her latest sounds below and don’t forget to vote for your favorite band in the final stage of our Year End Poll! -Written by Charise Sowells

One Way Train by Emily Wolfe

The Vliets have graced the Open Submission Featured Artist list 2 years in a row! That’s quite a feat, especially in Austin, a city that we all know is so saturated with musical talent. Their laid-back electro rock brings back memories of carefree adolescence, glossing over the hardships and holding onto the life raft of nostalgia. Check out their sound and don’t forget to vote for your favorite band in the final stage of our Year End Poll! -Written by Charise Sowells

We met at a networking meeting for women in music where I received a stack of CDs from hopefuls, but from the moment I pressed play on my kitchen stereo Lisa Marshall stood out. The needle in the haystack of talent, in a scene recently overcome by soulful wannabes, this voice is genuine and true. Her lyrics hit home. Her guitar flows freely. Stay Right Here presents a force to be reckoned with. –Written by Charise Sowells