“It’s interesting – being a new artist is a blessing, because you have the element of surprise,” says Darwin Deez (née Smith), the lanky, mustachioed guitarist in Brooklyn’s Creaky Boards. “No one’s expecting anything, so you just get to make your statement. People get it or they don’t. The next statement that you make has to be well received by the people who liked your first statement as well as other people, because you never get anywhere if you just make one statement to one group of people.”
Fresh off a whirlwind United Kingdom tour curated by NME, Deez appears to already be plagued with thoughts of a follow-up to his debut self-titled solo album. London-based indie label Lucky Number just released his record this past spring, and it’s already getting rave reviews across the pond. – Read Nancy Chow’s feature on Darwin Deez here.

Harper Blynn is a combination of childhood friends, college buds and bonds through music that make them who they are today. Previously playing as a duo under the name Pete and J, the Pete Harper and J.Blynn realized they needed a band and called upon J’s friend since middle school Sarab Singh. The three then met Whynot (that is in fact his name) and became the now four-piece Harper Blynn, whose album “Loneliest Generation” was released in December. Their music is emotional and melodic, with throwbacks to The Beatles and Neil Young, but stepping in and out of newer sounds and genres. With lots of “man-singing” as they say and plucky piano or guitar parts, Harper Blynn seems to be aiming to pull at the heartstrings of their listener. – Read Lauren Piper’s interview with the band here.

We continue our "Best of NYC Countdown", covering every day one of the artists that made our Year End Best of NYC list (a chart compiled by a jury comprised of local bloggers, music writers, promoters, record store personnel and DJs).

What do The Paper Raincoat and Wes Anderson films have in common? They are witty, eccentric and absolutely brilliant. The Paper Raincoat’s self-titled album is a splendid soundtrack full of fun folk-pop arrangements accompanied by the charming vocals of Alex Wong and Amber Rubarth. Lots of piano, catchy hooks and details like tambourine only add to the personality of each song. “Rough Cut” and “Rewind” are tracks that clearly demonstrate The Paper Raincoat is on the right track to becoming the next indie darlings. – Melissa Wong

Premiered on Pitchfork, from Suckers‘ debut full-length album Wild Smile, out on French Kiss Records.

Alt Dance masters !!! are back with a new album entitled "Strange Weather Isn’t It?" due August 24 on Warp. The CD was recorded in Berlin, New York and Sacramento, California and co-produced by the band with Eric Broucek. Stream the first single "AM/FM" here.

Made up of Travis Caine (guitar) and Katherine Kin (synth), Brooklyn duo Von Haze is out to hypnotize. Their brooding, psychedelic songs are doused with dark, trippy beats and whirring, droning vocals. Tracks like the 7-minute trancelike "Sooner or Later" or the echoey "Sad Girls" elicit a strange sense of intimacy — as if our hand rested on their thumping hearts, or our ears were pressed up against their mouthing lips. Much like The xx, Von Haze pull us in real close to tell us something we don’t quite understand, but somehow still find sexy. In the past, Von Haze has opened up for The Big Pink and Crystal Antlers, but you can get up close and personal with them on June 17 at their EP release party at Union Pool. – Michelle Gelsani

We continue our "Best of NYC Countdown", covering every day one of the artists that made our Year End Best of NYC list (a chart compiled by a jury comprised of local bloggers, music writers, promoters, record store personnel and DJs).

The powerful sound and bluesy harmonies that lace each track on The Courtesy Tier’s latest EP, “Map and Marker,” simply attest the to the fact that when it comes to music, less really can be more. The Brooklyn-based duo consisting of Omer on guitar and vocals, and Layton on drums and vocals, channels the raw, magnetic vibe of Jimmy Hendrix capped off with bluesy confidence and an electric energy that feels contagious at first listen. Uncontrived lyrics blend with catchy rhythms, giving listeners just enough rock to stimulate the body and words that will speak to an assortment of ages and tastes. It’s no surprise the satisfying melodies of The Courtesy Tier has them climbing quickly and seamlessly to the top of the Brooklyn music food chain. The Courtesy Tier will play Make Music New York on Bedford Ave (Williamsburg) on Monday June 21. – CM

Since Memory Tapes was born, New Yorkers can’t really say that New Jersey is uncool anymore. The (one man) band will take a break from work the second, as yet untitled, album to play some headline dates and festivals this summer, including Music Hall of Williamsburg on June 25 and a series of dates in Europe. Meanwhile, Jamie Harley has made a video for Seek Magic’s standout track, ‘Bicycle.’

Light and airy, with a soft acoustic guitar giving way to soothing, rich vocals, Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Katie Mullins is sure to capture the attention of those who love the simplicity of chick indie rock with her latest album, Pastoral. At first listen the lyrics seem to be basic storytelling, offering anecdotes that remind you of easier, younger days, but Mullins has a way of catching your ear with a line that speaks straight to the heart. Her diverse background, spanning from acting to opera, is apparent in her experimental style, which comes across as strong as it is subtle. With a month-long residency quickly approaching at Pete’s Candy Store this July, Katie Mullins has seamlessly weaved her way through music, lyrics, and the Brooklyn indie scene. Katie’s next show will be at cozy Northeast Kingdom on June 27. – CM

We somehow missed this gorgeous video by North Highlands, an unpretentious Brooklyn band that sounds way more original than many other pretentious ones. In one word, this stuff sounds "FA-RESH"!!! Don’t miss their en plain air show at Rooftop Films on June 19 at the New Design High School (350 Grand St. @ Essex).

David Andrew Sitek, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and producer for NYC’s TV On The Radio (but currently based in LA,) announced his new project Maximum Balloon. Featuring a collective of guest artists Maximum Balloon’s self titled set will be released on August 24th on DGC/Interscope. Guest artists will include Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone from TVOTR, Karen O from Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Yukimi Nagano from Little Dragon, Holly Miranda, Theophilus London, and more. Aku from Dragons of Zynth is featured on “Tiger,” the first track to be released off the album. “Tiger” will be available on iTunes and all digital partners June 15th, but fans can hear the full song a day before it’s available for purchase, June 14th, by logging on to www.MaximumBalloon.com. In addition to “Tiger”, Maximum Balloon will be regularly releasing a series of digital singles in the weeks leading up to the release of the album. Fans can sign up at the band’s website to find out how to receive these songs, along with other extra videos and audio material.