THE DELI

LAVACHILD is a NYC based synth pop project fronted by fashionable singer songwriter/keyboardist Chantel De Lava (pictured), whose hypnotic presence charmed us at our 2015 B.E.A.F. festival. Her older single "Want U To" went viral on the internet, and since then Chantel has been releasing promising new material on her Soundcloud profile. She just unveiled a new video for single ‘Kandy,’ streaming below. The song will be featured in LAVACHILD’s upcoming debut EP.

Check out the Delicious Audio Q&A with Lavachild about her favorite synths.

Ironically, more often than not the best way to create something fresh is by digging deep into the past. For quirky and charming orchestral pop artist/composer Nozart, this means smoothly blending classically inspired compositions with his own indie-pop vocals. To some this premise may seem gimmicky at first (after all, how many terrible classical music/rock hybrids have we experienced already?), but his music is convincing in its ambition and execution. His compositions, which include piano, brass, wind, and percussion, are intricate but also minimalist, and definitely steer clear of any pompousness. This is key because it allows Nozart’s vocals enough space in each track to turn them into "songs" rather than orchestral pieces that happen to include vocals.  Nozart certainly has the potential to bridge the chasm between avant and mainstream with his uniquely catchy track "Just Let it Go." Don’t miss his debut live performance at Mercury Lounge on July 8. — Henry Solotaroff-Webber

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

Anika Pyle’s DIY pop-punk project Chumped ended their short careers in February, but Pyle and drummer Dan Frelly have started a new project called Katie Ellen, named after Pyle’s grandmother. The band is noticeably more lo-fi than Chumped, but the melodies and charm of Chumped are still present. In January they released a demo entitled “wild <3”, which features the single “lucy stone” (streaming below) that was released in late 2015. The track is centered around the anxieties associated with the pressures and expectations set by society, family, and loved ones. Pyle’s intimate vocals and poignant lyrics shine through the band’s lo-fi and fuzzy recordings. Katie Ellen will be playing the DIY space Suburbia in Brooklyn tonight (July 1st) and will play Aviv on July 17th. – John Honan

Boston band Covey has been making some interesting noise as of late, releasing quality singles within the dream folk realm and opening for huge acts such as Hozier. Now potentially furthering this upward trajectory, they’re premiering here "Bows," a track that may be most emblematic of their bourgeoning sound. Frontman Tom Freeman’s expressive alto, partly reminiscent of The Tallest Man on Earth, takes both the roles of lead singer and backup vocalist through production magic. His passioned melodies are supported by a simple but well orchestrated guitar part and a reverberating high pitch drone, creating a spacious sound that evokes melancholy and emotional desolation. — Henry Solotaroff-Webber

This 4 piece grunge band from Toronto is starting to make a serious buzz. Currently making their way all the way through the USA right now; they get a brief break back home before heading to Europe in the New Year. I’m diggin’ their latest single "Desire" from their recently released album "Sore". This track just oozes 90’s rock n roll. Basically soft grunge with beautiful atmospheric 0ooh’s that would almost make Kim Deal jealous . You can tell they’re still just dying to unleash some intense overdrive all over the place. The track "Purple Rage" is a good example of this as they show off a little more anger although they never lose the tight rhythm and catchy melodies ….as I’m writing this I got completely off track while playing the video game on their website. Needless to say… Dilly Dally is doing some cool shit and you can see them live at the Horseshoe on November 27th.

The members of electronic duo The Familiar share a Norwegian heritage, and are based one in Brooklyn and the other one in a place called Tromsø, which appears to be a Norwegian city that’s closer to the North Pole than Iceland. No wonder they sing about "Patience" (the title of their single streaming below) in ways that are not exactly heart warming! Of course this is very stereotypical of us, but it’s undeniable that the amount of sunlight a country gets has a direct influence on the kind of art it produces – it’s no coincidence that northern cultures are the primary creators of anything "Goth."  The Familiar isn’t exactly goth, but they are dark and sober in ways reminiscent of electronic bands of the ’80s, and they acknowledge all we said by defining their music as "Dark Arctic ElectroPop." Fortunately though, Ruth Mirsky’s voice breaks the "aural ice" with her simple melodies and thoughtful lyrics full of melancholy. The band just released their sophomore EP "Seconds," which can be streamed in its entirety here.

After having played in a variety of bands throughout his life (including NGHBRS), New York musician Ian Kenny is now focusing on his solo rock project, under the moniker of King Neptune. The band’s first and only single released to date, “Black Hole” (streaming below) is an honest and infectious break-up song about the perception of knowing someone and the realization that it’s not true. The song starts off as a passionate, slightly angry rock ‘n’ roll anthem, slowly evolving through a disorderly succession of the five stages of grief. Acceptance seems to set it in the mellow ending, until the final sentence "I knew you" pretty much denies any progress, sending the author back to the stage of "denial." King Neptune is set to play the Cake Shop tonight (06.30). – Madeleine Grossman

This artist submitted music for coverage here.

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