Singer/songwriter Rachel Stewart is bringing her dreams to life in a very literal sense with her new project, Sedona. The debut of her first single “Call Me Up” was paired with an accompanying video (below) that paints this artist’s music into a dreamlike world—one that apparently consists of ornate fairy tree houses and vast woodlands. And what would a dream world be without setting yourself in it as a hit television sensation? Suddenly, Stewart’s enchanted fairy den becomes surreal as her character watches Sedona’s flirty pop music video on an vintage TV screen. The whole approach is DIY and otherworldly, which basically encapsulates the heart of this artist’s songwriting. Stewart’s methodology walks the line of escapism, with the intention of her music being to take you somewhere else, or at least a bit further from the reality you’re in. And this was just Sedona’s debut. Since then, she’s released the soulful single, “Same Sky” and has made plans to put out an audiovisual EP titled Home Before Dawn by this summer. Check out the music video for Sedona’s “Call Me Up” below don’t miss her playing live at Elsewhere 01.25. – Rebecca Carroll
Matt Muse “Don’t Tweak” Video
Matt Muse has released a video for the track “Don’t Tweak” from his 2018 album Nappy Talk. The video was directed by Leo Allen II, and illustrates Matt’s vision for the song.
Here is what Matt had to say about the song and video: “’Don’t Tweak’ stands as my affirmation that despite all adversity, I’ll use my voice and art to make life better for my family, homies, & the south side. The video is a fun, Robin Hood-themed answer to my question in the second verse ‘How a young kid on the South Side gon sleep/When my schools closed & my mayor won’t see me?.’ Chicago’s unprecedented school closings under mayor Rahm Emmanuel left a long-lasting negative impact on Chicago’s south side residents, so I chose to dedicate this video to them (us). The grind and hustle of a Chicagoan is what makes us special and unique, with the goal of making a way out of no way, by any means necessary. ‘Don’t Tweak’ is my ode to that grind and hustle that I’ve naturally inherited from my city.”
New Man Like Machine EP Available for Streaming & Purchase
3X3 is the new EP from Man Like Machine, which is available now via Seventh Wave Records. A rhythmic thrust pushes one out into the cosmos. The underlying pressure of the moment factors into the roaring yearn of the vocals. It’s a brooding, enveloping sound that commands your attention.
Dogs At Large “All Day”
Dogs At Large have released a new single called “All Day”. This is the first single from their forthcoming album Delusions of Paradise which will be released via Fine Prints on March 1st.
Dog At Large are fronted by singer and songwriter Sam Pirruccello, and this new album was recorded almost entirely live at Shirk Studios.
You can catch Dogs At Large tonight, December 19th, at Empty Bottle with Sean Green and Jungle Green. They will also be performing on January 26th at Cole’s with Cass Cwik & The Small Gas Engines.
Zøume brings industrial-metal to the Knit on 12.21
Industrial rock seems to be experiencing a timid reinassaince in NYC – and that’s better than nothing, considering how much of a niche genre it is. Brooklyn quartet Zoume is blending the genre’s clangy electronic sounds and apocalyptic atmospheres with post-hardcore, metalcore, and even hip hop influences, forging an imaginative hybrid bound to become the soundtrack of anybody’s favorite nightmares. Those interested in a radical break from Christmas music should not miss their show at The Knitting Factory on December 21st.
Shy Riot “Don’t Kill People”
Shy Riot recently released their debut EP “Don’t Kill People”. Across the EP’s four tracks, Shy Riot blends a very modern take on Hip Hop with surprising elements of rock. The results are at times abrasive, “Sold My Soul”, but always enjoyable. The best example of this is on “Need No One”, where you find the rock guitar leading seamlessly into in the trap beats.
New Track: “Spoiler” – Lester
“Spoiler” is a new single from the quartet of Lester. As languid instrumentals stir and matriculate, vocals vaporize into the ether. A hushed, slow-burning, anti-gravity experience is in reach. Allow yourself to drift and fade away.
A playlist of NYC artists playing at the New Colossus Festival
NYC has been orphan a live music festival dedicated to emerging bands since 2015, when the CMJ Music Marathon called it quits. Notwithstanding its flaws, CMJ was an important appointment for the NYC music industry, and here at The Deli we’ve been missing it real bad. Which is why we are curious and excited to see some mainstays NYC promoters trying to build something similar, even though – at least for now – restricted to six venues in the Lower East Side/East Village area.
The fest in question, called New Colossus Festival and scheduled for March 7-10, is presented as "a new annual event taking place the weekend before SXSW […] featuring 100 bands from all over the world," and it’s organized by longtime pals Mike Bell (Lorimer Beacon), Lio Kanine (Kanine Records) & Steven Matrick (Kepler Events/Pianos). Like all events of its kind, it can be accessed via badges on sale here.
We made a compilation of the NYC artists that are currently booked to play the New Colossus, including Nicole Yun of Eternal Summers (who recently moved to NYC and has a solo album coming out) and the new project by Kip of Pains of Being Pure at Heart called The Natvral – stream it below.
CUSSES rock EXIT/IN with The Katies on 01.19
Still filling out your 2019 calendar with all of the shows you want to see? Don’t miss this bill at EXIT/IN on January 19th which includes Tennessee rock legends The Katies and ruthless rock trio CUSSES. Savannah-born and now Nashville-based CUSSES released their album Golden Rat earlier this year, having regrouped to take advantage of an opening slot for Bon Jovi. The new album unleashes some of the most fiery rock to come out of the Nashville scene this year, with tracks like "Pop Racer" pummeling your eardrums with its relentless beat and Angel Bond’s piercing vocals. The Katies, who will follow CUSSES, also recently just reformed; their album White Light covers their personal struggles during their almost two-decade hiatus, such as substance abuse, relationships, and loss. Don’t miss these two bands performing at the EXIT/IN on January 19th; you’ll want their fire in your bones to kickstart your year. Take a listen to CUSSES’ "Pop Racer", their single from Golden Rat, below. – Will Sisskind
Pure Mids bring a sleek, new wave sound on new single “Don’t Quit”
The last time we heard of Pure Mids was late last year when they released their cascading, jangle-pop single "Maybe It’s Alright." The trio of Will Gonzalez, Steve Martinez, and Daniel Jurado are back with new single "Don’t Quit," where they sculpt a sleek, new wave sound that complements rather than offsets their past EP, Optimistic-ism. They shake off the heartache at a quick pace, as its punchy rhythm section takes charge over an oscillating keyboard line that loops around a softly-layered guitar progression.
"Don’t Quit" is available now on all streaming platforms. Juan Rodríguez
Forks of Ivy “Crane Valley EP” out Jan. 9th
Forks of Ivy are preparing to release their debut EP, "Crane Valley”, on January 9th. This is the new project fronted by Tim Tsurutani (aka Tam Tsu), formerly of Caw! Caw!, along with Duncan Reilly, Robin West, Aidan Kranz, and Alex Piazza.
Tim moved back to Chicago from Asheville last year, and quickly recruited this talented group of musicians. Below is demo of the EP’s title track that was released earlier this year. We have heard the final version and it is amazing how the song has progressed. The final version is much more flushed out, fuller, but even the bones below can be appreciated.
You can help Forks of Ivy celebrate the release on January 9th at Empty Bottle with Faintlife and New Drugs.
Photo by Aidan Kranz
New Track: “Eternal Leviathan” – High Reeper
Higher Reeper, the sophomore album from High Reeper, is scheduled for release on March 22 via Heavy Psych Sounds. Its menacing lead single, “Eternal Leviathan,” trudges and rumbles with a looming feel of heavy consequences. The impending destruction of society by a greater force is on the horizon. What remains in its aftermath will be revealed on the band’s forthcoming record. (Photo by Marco Mosti)