The Stepkids are a NYC/Connecticut based trio that plays an interesting blend of groovy psych-lounge in indie/DIY sauce. The soulful vocals and psychedelic keyboard and guitar flourishes add extra complexity and depth to the sound – one of the most refreshing we stumbled upon recently. Check out their songs, on their Myspace profile, they are all noteworthy. And if you don’t have anything going on tonight, you can see them at The Mercury Lounge as part of Spotify’s Late Nights, with another Deli favorite: Delicate Steve.

Mp3: The Stepkids: "Legend"

NYC based established singer songwriter Rachel Yamagata is going DIY with her upcoming album "Chesapeake", which will be released in October on her own label Frankenfish Records. The fact that an artist with Rachel’s talent and profile (who was signed to RCA and Warner Bros) is choosing the DIY route speaks volumes about the current state of the record industry. NYC fans will be able to see her live at The knit on November 4. Enjoy her brand new video.

Some bands have the desert in their sound. Equals, with their spacious, instrumental and atmospheric post-psych-rock, is one of them. The band is about to release their debut CD, out on Manateam records, with a show at Emo’s on August 25. These dudes deliver live big time, so don’t miss the trip!

Although TECLA describes her music as “Tropical Electronic Pop,” I was unable to decipher any electric ukuleles or steel-drum machines in Strangers in Masks. However, the undertone of calypso and reggae rhythms tastefully layered with lush and throbbing synths did have me feeling like I was at a summery shimmery dance party on a beach on the moon. Am I contradicting myself? That’s fine. The way TECLA’s music mashes genres is so forward-thinking, it’s easy to get dizzy (and giddy). Picking up where M.I.A. left off, she weaves socially conscious and delightfully eccentric lyricism with a gift for infectious melody. You can think about it, but you don’t have to. You can just dance until your brain wakes back up. It’s that good. Download it for free here. – BrokeMC

Awesome NYC indie pop band Arizona formed in NYC in 2006, was on the cover of The Deli in 2007, and disbanded in late 2009. They’ve gone on to form new bands and work on new creative projects, but Friday night they’ll all be back together to play a some old Arizona tunes and to share some of their new music. The show is at a (not so secret) secret location in Williamsburg, though all are welcome. Directions can be found here. If you missed Arizona the first time around, this will be a rare chance to seem them play in their native land.

The Pharmacy are playing a string of shows around the greater PNW currently, but they’ll be home in Seattle September 11 to play the mysterious grounds of The Black Lodge.  If you can find this all-ages venue, it’ll be worth your while.  The band’s latest album, Weekend, is their most refined effort yet.  They have dialed down the psych-pop angle and focused their efforts on more precise, compelling compositions, both lyrically and musically. 

THE PHARMACY – JOSEPHINE by SEAYOU

Using her Kate Bush-y soprano for intricate vocal parts, and supporting it with all sort of musical influences – ranging from garage rock to dream-pop and even post-rock – Brooklynite Idgy Dean (real name Lindsay Sanwald) creates poppy DIY music that’s original and hard to pinpoint. Her new EP "Heart & Lung" showcases a promising vulcanic creativity, which you’ll be able to witness live on August 18, when she’ll celebrate her record release at Pianos.

Though Seattle’s folk favorites Dutchess & The Duke have folded, the beat goes on for frontman Jesse Lortz.  Lortz is back with a new solo album under the guise of Case Studies.  The World is Just a Shape to Fill the Night is a venerable attempt to instantiate Lortz into the upper echelons of talented songwriters who’ve struck it out alone- Leonard Cohen may be a stretch, but certainly Townes Van Zandt comparisons can be within reach.  Recorded with Greg Ashley (Gris Gris) and with help from friends including Crystal Stilts’ Keegan Cooke on drums and guitar, The World is Just a Shape to Fill the Night is a well-tempered solo debut that slowly sinks its hooks into you with repeated listens.  The album is out now on Sacred Bones.    

The Brooklyn-based four-piece Virgin Forest, featuring members of Phosphorescent, will be releasing their debut full-length in January, 2012. The band plays gentle chill-folk with jazzy accents. Stream or download the mp3 "South Beach" below and go see them live at The Knit on August 16 – opening for One Hundred Dollars.

Mp3: Virgin Forest: "South Beach"