THE DELI

There’s something instantly captivating about Cassandra Jenkin’s songwriting presence. The Brooklyn-based songstress wraps her music in a tender yet ethereal aura, while masterfully spinning new slants on classic imagery. On her latest single, "Red Lips," Jenkins combines her breathy vocals with driving electronic pulses resulting in a track that feels soft but strong–accesible alt pop, enshrined with deeper lyricism. Take a listen to the new single streaming below.-Olivia Sisinni

We here at the Deli are excited to announce that our absolute favorite schizo-prog/math-metal-freakout band, Bangladeafy, has not only swept the best NYC metal/punk act category for our yearly polls, but have also garnered the top pick in our NYC reader’s poll! Offering up facemelting riffage at it’s absolute finest, the mindbending duo of Jon Ehlers and Atif Haq make highly virtuosic tunes that push not only the bounds of genres, but of technical playing ability. Bangladeafy is undoubtedly a band to watch, but if you don’t believe me, go ahead and smack that play button below. We would also like to thank all of the bands for participating, and the readers and jurors who make these polls possible every year.-Olivia Sisinni

Avant-pop artist Miles Francis has released his debut single "You’re A Star", along with a fresh music video for the track. To mark the release, Francis will perform at Union Pool on Thursday, March 16th with The Jack Moves and Kendra Morris. Francis not only wrote and produced the song himself, but performed all of the instruments on it as well, while recording in his basement studio. The track touches on balancing the search for popularity with happiness, which Francis experienced himself while touring with acts such as Will Butler of Arcade Fire. His video, directed by filmmaker Charles Billot, shows Francis in a white-clad suit as dancers in colorful costumes symbolize hunger for validation. The video features cameos by Katherine and Lizzie Lieberson of TEEN, both of whom will perform with Francis at Union Pool as members of his live band. Watch the video for "You’re A Star" below. – Will Sisskind

It’s never been quite clear if future funk is supposed to be an ironic criticism of capitalism in the 21st century, or serious straight ahead funk made in someone’s bedroom. Certainly, future funk legends like Saint Pepsi originally intended their music to build upon the social and economic criticisms so central to vaporwave music. However, there has always been an element of unironic enjoyment in the music, something which the most recent crop of future funkers seem to be focusing on.

Perhaps to highlight exactly what the appeal of future funk is, future funk artist Cero Rio, published through the Baltimore future funk collective Sunrise Collective, has titled their latest release "Towards the Future". The sparkling clean songs on this album embrace the sound of artificiality as the sound of the future, something exciting and fresh.  That takes care of the future, but what about the funk?  Groovy basslines and snippy horn melodies make sure to fully deliver on the promise of "future funk".

My recommendation, if you want to hear something new, give it a listen.

-Written by Michael Dranove