Deli Readers,

Our Best of KC Poll for Emerging Artists has been—as usual—a lengthy and painstaking journey which took us through prairies of numbers, horizons filled with band names, and a dense (mostly), joyous rain of music. We have finally reached our destination and we can announce the final results!

1. Yes You Are

Yes You Are’s (pictured above) brand of ethereal rock is a magnetic, encapsulating experience from start to finish. Kianna Alarid and Jared White craft purposeful pop songs surrounded by transcendental swaths of sound. After quickly pronouncing themselves onto the Kansas City scene and becoming a fan favorite, they gained national traction by supporting Neon Trees on their summer 2015 tour. The band recently made its debut appearance at The Midland opening for Lucius, winning over an even stronger KC contingent.

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2. HMPH!

When you think about complex instrumental music, you don’t immediately think it would necessarily be palatable to the masses. But much like the group’s melodies and rhythms, HMPH! twists experimental math rock into fascinating, engaging tunes. HMPH!’s debut album Headrush—released last summer on Haymaker Records—made a name for itself on a number of Best of 2015 lists (including ours!)

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3. Missouri Loves Company

Missouri Loves Company jumpstarted the new year by earning readers’ votes as the winner of our 2015 Emerging Artists’ poll. The six-piece plans to release a full-length album soon, having recently released songs from its latest studio sessions. Be sure to check them out in KC in April at Davey’s Uptown, and look out for new music from them soon.

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Check out our poll’s top 15 below, and don’t forget to get even deeper, exploring all the finalists organized by genre:

POP – POST ROCK – PUNK/METAL – ROOTS – ROCK

[MICHELLE, PLEASE UPDATE THE HEADPHONE LINKS IN THIS CHART!] BEST OF 2015 POLL FOR EMERGING KC ARTISTS ****** FINAL RESULTS – TOP 20 ******

ARTIST J OS R TOT   1 Yes You Are 10.5   1 11.5 2 HMPH! 7.5   0.013 7.513 3 Missouri Loves Company 3   2 5 4 Rachel Mallin & the Wild Type 3 1.5 0.162 4.662 5 Via Luna 3.5   0.175 3.675 6 Hyborian 3   0.163 3.163 7 Sie Lieben Maschinen 3   0.097 3.097   Earth Spun Occupants   3 0.053 3.053 9 The Widow’s Ride 3   0.039 3.039 10 Merit Badge 3   0.038 3.038 11 The Roseline 3   0.016 3.016 12 Sunday Heroine 3   0.002 3.002 13 Berwanger 3   0 3 14 AJ Young 2.5   0.016 2.516 15 Sara Morgan 1   1.5 2.5 16 Modern Day Fitzgerald 2   0.5 2.5 17 Westerners 2   0.5 2.5 18 Kangaroo Knife Fight 2   0.231 2.231 19 Doris 2   0.23 2.23 20 Spencer Mackenzie Brown 2   0.142 2.142 Legend: J = Jurors, R = Deli Readers, OS = Open Submissions

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If you wonder how this chart came into existence, here is how it all went down: first, we let the local bands submit their music (for free), and got our Deli editors to pick the nominees. Then we polled a list of 15+ K.C. scene expert (our jury) and asked them to nominate 3 more bands of their choice each (3 points for the top choice, then 2 and 1). Then we polled our readers. We tried to keep things open for each single genre, from Pop to Roots to Metal. 

If you are a geek interested in all the subtelties related to how this poll works, you can read its rules here (happy reading!). But if all you care about is the awesome new music KC produced in the year 2015, this list is all you need. Enjoy!

Many Thanks to our Jurors: Ann Stewart, Barry Lee, Bill Brownlee, Brenton Cook, Chris Haghirian, Dedric Moore, Don Simon, John Todd, Justin Mantooth, Michael Byars, Rhonda Lyne, and Sondra Freeman.

Hope you’ll find some awesome new artists you weren’t aware of!

The Deli’s Staff

Deli Readers,

Our Best of L.A. Poll for Emerging Artists has been – as usual – a lengthy and painstaking journey which took us through prairies of numbers, horizons filled with band names, and a dense, (mostly) joyous rain of music. We have finally reached our destination and we can announce the final results!

1. James Supercave

Sharp on the heels of their full-length debut album, Better Strange, James Supercave is giving psychedelic rock a welcome facelift with an array of infectious grooves alongside warm, creamy atmospherics. The Echo Park band write songs that are hearty and yet soulful, offering a wildly eclectic journey that constantly rewards. Right when stylish electro pop is beginning to overstay its welcome, leave it to James Supercave to rewrite its formula with wide-eyed wonder.

2. Rudy De Anda

A slight outsider in the LA music scene, Long Beach resident Rudy De Anda is proudly raising the flag of an oftentimes relegated territory that sports a bevy of talent. Rudy’s first solo-outing after founding psych-pop troupe Wild Pack of Canaries has something of a more slacker appeal, putting a stronger emphasis on lovestruck songwriting with a deft touch of whimsy.

3. Miya Folick

As stated on her strong readers poll showing, it’s safe to assume that Miya Folick isn’t just emerging…she’s here to stay. She’s captured the hearts and minds of numerous publications with her raw delivery, a dry, though evocative voice that echoes with resounding effect alongside her reflective observations and haunting melodies. Her latest, reveal, “Oceans”, is a darkly introspective number that should strongly connect with listeners.

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Check out our poll’s top 15 below, and don’t forget to get even deeper, exploring all the finalists organized by genre:

ALT SOUL – AVANT-INDIE – DREAM POP – GARAGE/REVIVAL ROCK– INDIE POP – INDIE ROCK –PSYCH/POST PUNK – ROOTS MUSIC – SINGER-SONGWRITER – SYNTHPOP

[JUAN, PLS UPDATE THE HEADPHONE LINKS IN THIS CHART!] BEST OF 2015 POLL FOR EMERGING L.A. ARTISTS ****** FINAL RESULTS – TOP 15 ******

ARTIST J OS R TOT   1 James Supercave 5.5   0.005 5.505 2 Rudy de Anda 5   0.036 5.036 3 Miya Follick 3.5   1.5 5 4 Paul bergmann 4   0.046 4.046 5 Smoke Season 1 3 0.016 4.016 6 L.A. Drones 2 2 0.007 4.007 7 Ballerina Black 2   2 4 8 Michaella 3   0.5 3.5 9 French Vanilla 3   0.13 3.13 10 Death Lens 3   0.121 3.121 11 1st Vows 3   0.117 3.117 12 Kim and the Created 3   0.099 3.099 13 NoMBe 3   0.016 3.016 14 The Violet Mindfield 3   0.002 3.002   James the Human 3   0.002 3.002 Legend: J = Jurors, R = Deli Readers, OS = Open Submissions

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If you wonder how this chart came into existence, here is how it all went down: first, we let the local bands submit their music (for free), and got our Deli editors to pick the nominees. Then we polled a list of 15+ L.A. scene expert (our jury) and asked them to nominate 3 more bands of their choice each (3 points for the top choice, then 2 and 1). Then we polled our readers. We tried to keep things open for each single genre, from Indie Rock to Roots Music to Hip Hop.

If you are a geek interested in all the subtelties related to how this poll works, you can read its rules here (happy reading!). But if all you care about is the awesome new music L.A. produced in the year 2015, this list is all you need. Enjoy!

Many Thanks to our Jurors: [Britt Witt (Indie Rock Reviews), Betty Elektro (Elektro PR), Jay Tinsky, Droozie Lane (Freaky Styley Booking), Juan Rodríguez (The Deli LA), Pat McGuire (Flood Magazine), Janette Ayub (Girl Underground Music), John Giovanazzi (The Complex), Dan Frazier (Free Bike Valet), Liz Garo (The Echo), Michael Grodney (Dirty Laundry), Angela Ratzlaff (OC Register), Karla Hernandez (Sofar Sounds), Neil Shield (Origami Vinyl), Ryan Mo (The Deli LA), Matt Draper (Echo Park Records), Jesser Boredom (Bored to Death), Rosemary  Bystrak (San Diego: Dialed In).]

Hope you’ll find some awesome new artists you weren’t aware of!

The Deli’s Staff

Light reflected brilliantly from Jack Kilmer’s wavering tremolo arm as Glimmer dipped into the Non Plus Ultra last Saturday. Oxford shoes, white kicks, and the cowboy hat that had loitered under the haze of cigarettes, drew into the swirl of stretched-out, torrid chords. The first intermission allowed a quick survey of the room: there was spilled beer and little space to move. The audience tripled in size as Golden Daze gave more than a taste of their narcotic, new self-titled debut, even revealing an unreleased track "Within" to closed eyes and mesmerized ears. The night was still young as FYF veteran and self-proclaimed "biggest trashcan" Evan Weiss (ex-Wires on Fire) stepped up with JUNK for some innocent, destructive fun.

You did miss out; but you can still catch Ben and Jacob next week as they support Fell Runner‘s March residency at the Bootleg, presented by KXLU. As always, check our Instagram @TheDeliLA for more pictures of the night. – Ryan Mo

Back in August, Middleboro, Massachussetts-based rockers Black Beach unveiled the sweetly ferocious “Self Portrait” (streaming below). Sounding like something a grunge-loving Dorian Gray would listen to, the drum-pounded lead single off the band’s forthcoming ‘Shallow Creatures’ album relentlessly portrays the inner turmoil of a frantic mind yet, buoyed by by lead singer Steven Instasi‘s voice, allows for the catharsis that pain ultimately brings. Black Beach plays at Middle East in Cambridge, MA on Thursday (3/4). – Zach Weg

Deli Readers,

Our Best of Toronto Poll for Emerging Artists has been – as usual – a lengthy and painstaking journey which took us through prairies of numbers, horizons filled with band names, and a dense, (mostly) joyous rain of music. We have finally reached our destination and we can announce the final results!

1. SATE
Hitherto, the husky soul voice, applied to hard-rock production, has been a forced aesthetic. An argument could be made for solo artist Sate – our Toronto Best Emerging Artist of 2015 – having rectified the situation. Unhinged rockers like "What Did I Do" and "Warrior" (streaming)convince the longer (and more fiercely) she sings.

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2. Dilly Dally
Dilly Dally are generating a serious buzz all over right now. They toured through the USA last year and even cracked Rolling Stone’s List of Bands You NEED to know. 2 guys and 2 gals in this band…so they’re like ABBA…except with Pixies-esque rhythms and undeniable melodies over perfectly constructed grunge tunes. They were just announced as a headliner for CMW in May. This track "Desire" is the real deal!

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3. Ol’CD
Ol’CD is gettin’ mad love from everyone involved with the Deli these days. They were #1 on the Readers Poll and a bronze medal for the FINAL results ain’t too shabby. These fellas have catchy-ass garage rock tunes infused with some surf elements. A real party band. Don’t miss the chance to hop along at one of their upcoming shows.

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Check out our poll’s top 10 below, and don’t forget to get even deeper, exploring all the finalists organized by genre:

ALT ROCK – ELECTRO+HIP HOP – GARAGE ROCK – INDIE POP/ROCK – POST HARDCORE/90’S ROCK – PSYCH/NOISE ROCK – ROOTS MUSIC

BEST OF 2015 POLL FOR EMERGING TORONTO ARTISTS ****** FINAL RESULTS – TOP 10 ******

ARTIST J OS R TOT   1 Sate 7.5   0.01 7.51 2 Dilly Dally 4.5 3 0.003 7.503 3 OL’CD 3   2 5 4 Cardboard Crowns 2   1.5 3.5 5 Fat As Fuck 3   0.5 3.5 6 Spells of Vertigo   3 0.034 3.034 7 Sumo Cyco 3   0.02 3.02 8 Jazz Cartier 3   0.006 3.006 9 Bossie 3   0 3 10 Kurt Marble 2   0.042 2.042 Legend: J = Jurors, R = Deli Readers, OS = Open Submissions

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If you wonder how this chart came into existence, here is how it all went down: first, we let the local bands submit their music (for free), and got our Deli editors to pick the nominees. Then we polled a list of 15+ Toronto scene expert (our jury) and asked them to nominate 3 more bands of their choice each (3 points for the top choice, then 2 and 1). Then we polled our readers. We tried to keep things open for each single genre, from Indie Rock to Roots Music to Hip Hop.

If you are a geek interested in all the subtelties related to how this poll works, you can read its rules here (happy reading!). But if all you care about is the awesome new music Toronto produced in the year 2015, this list is all you need. Enjoy!

Many Thanks to our Jurors: Mike Roth (Artist Manager for Dala), Kiran Singh (Drake), Adam Bentley (Auter Research), Mike Religa (Indie88), Ben Pearlman (Collective Concerts), Craig Laskey (Horse Shoe Tavern), Denholm Whale (The SMiling Buddha), Justin O’Heir (Artistik Management), Mar Sellars (CIUT), Adam Carter (Homegrown Hamilton), Rivoli Booking Team, Yvonne (El Mocambo).

Hope you’ll find some awesome new artists you weren’t aware of!

The Deli’s Staff

Last week, new Brooklyn act Yoke Lore shared its celestial electro-pop debut song, “Heavy Love” (streaming below). Soaring over drum thuds, finger snaps, and vocals that almost cry for love, the lead single off project mastermind Adrian Galvin’s forthcoming debut EP ‘Far Shore’ does nothing less than quietly calm the restless. While Yoke Lore doesn’t seem to have upcoming shows listed, keep posted on his Facebook page for future announcements. ‘Far Shore’ is due May 6 via B3SCI Records.- Zach Weg 

Ah dudes… what on Earth does the first sunny and warm weekend after the winter do to our brains? What kind of happy chemical substance does it unleash? Why do we feel the sudden need to listen to poppy and uptempo music? If that’s where you are on this sunny NYC Monday (in February!), this new track by Argonaut&Wasp is bound to boost your mood even further. The band will be performing live at The Bowery Electric on March 3rd.

Fullbloods celebrated the release of Mild West in KC over the weekend, and are starting a tour tonight in Minneapolis, Madison, Chicago, and Des Moines. They’ll be back in KC on St. Patrick’s Day at The Riot Room. 

We’ve been covering Parlour Tricks since the beginning of time (others, didn’t evenbother covering them once, what’s the matter with that, Pitchfork? Screw your pretentios blindness). It’s great to see them doing so well, check out their latest video below for single "Broken Hearts/Bones," which was premiered by NPR. See them live at Webster Hall on March 31st.

Our readers know we rarely cover classic rock on this column. But if something’s well done we won’t shy away from featuring it, no matter the genre. Midnight Mob‘s new video/song combo for "Swing On" (streaming) rocks in way classic rock normally does not (at least in our opinion). Miss Blackley is – obviously – a heck of a vocalist (check out those churses), and that’s already a big plus. But the entire production here is spot on, including the video itself: what’s more classic rock than a jam in a motel room in the middle of… Nowhere, US? Sure, the genre is not exactly looking forward towards unexplored soundscapes, but we start having the same feeling about a lot of music that’s coming out of the city, from Garage to Shoegazer. At the end of the day, great songwriting, combined with good production values, matter more than genre. Have a classy(c) night of rock with these guys tonight (02.026) at DROM.

Indie R & B group Gully Waters released a new single last month and it is one soulful track right from the pages of a diary. Vocalist Yaya Bey lays it all out with a voice that cuts deep, and is backed by a crying guitar masterfully played by Ajene Harley. This is only a demo and I can’t wait to hear the promising final cut. The group will grace the stage at the Velvet Lounge with Cruzie Beaux February 28th. Don’t miss it. -Justin Bieggar

God bless March and the anticipation for NYC’s spring. This time of the year seems to unleash a musical competition for the next summer hit, and NYC synthpop duo Glassio, with their uber-breezy tracks, is well positioned to score in this department. The title of their latest, ten days old EP, ‘Poptimism,’ says it all, and single ‘Try Much Harder’ (streaming below) delivers on that promise. If you want to experience this ‘aural summer preview’ in person, head to the basement of Bushwick Public House on March 5th – and don’t miss CAFUNÉ, also on the bill.