Some of the most imaginative music is created when musical instruments are treated like toys, rather than serious objects that require a lot of practicing to be mastered, implying that conventional instrumental technique might actually harness creativity. If that's the philosophical premise of punk and post punk, since the late '90s the DIY movement has been slowly extending its influence to other musical genres. NYC songwriter and programmer Emily Reo seem to share this approach, crafting whimsical pop songs based on simple but carefully chosen programmed sounds and drum beats, and featuring melodic vocals that, more often than not, are filtered through electronic harmonizers. The result is rather peculiar: her music is playful and ethereal to the point of sounding almost abstract - so much so that we are tempted to label it "Rainbow Pop."
Even though Reo hasn't released any new material in three years, she'll have a rather prestigious show at Baby's All Right on October 6th. Check out the video for aptly named single 'Rainbow Road.'

Brooklyn based (via Maryland and the Philippines) electronic musician Antonio Cuna, better known as Sweater Beats, is wrapping up the summer with the announcement of his brand new “For The Cold” EP (on Big Beat Records), his debut live tour of the same name, and ainfectious new single titled “Better” (streaming below) that blends the chilled atmospheres of trip hop with the melodic substance of synth pop. The young man has been working with several heavy weights on tracks and remixes including Diplo, Omarion, Chance the Rapper, Flume and Chet Faker just to name a few. His debut tour will bring him to the Music Hall of Williamsburg on November 26th. - Photo by Jasmine Safaeian

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

Straddling the line betweeen Otis Redding's soulful vintage pop and Nico's decadent, maudit songwriting, Weyes Blood (aka Natalie Merring, who recently relocated from NYC to LA) is certainly a singular talent. Gifted with an incredibly deep and expressive voice, until recently the singer songwriter performed solo on stage with just an acoustic guitar and a four track recorder playing anything from vintage sounding instrumental tracks to background noise, but she will be joined by a full band for her upcoming tour. Weyes blood recently unveiled two singles from her forthcoming album, Front Row Seat To Earth, titled "Seven Words" and “Do You Need My Love” (both streaming below). The latter, released a few days ago, struggles with impossible love, and the feedback loop that such a love engenders: the harder to grasp, the easier to let oneself slide into unchecked romance. Angelinos will be able to catch her at The Resident on September 15th, while New Yorkers who missed her performance at Rough Trade this weekend will get another chance on November 10th at The Park Church Co-op.

Brooklyn-based musician, Lunifred Benjamin - who recently played Rough Trade - crosses genre lines with his mellow prog-folk, while evoking a rootsier-sounding Destroyer with a voice reminiscent of Girls’ Christopher Owens.  In his most recent release, “Atheist Anthem” Benjamin also strays away from common subjects, claiming “Nobody knows what happens when you die” and bringing up (unsurprisingly given the title) the topic of atheism in a rather casual tone.  Using strings and subtle guitar riffs, Lunifred Benjamin obviously enjoys to be in a category all his own, leaving us wondering what unexpected musical elements he can bring next. - Madeleine Grossman

We've talked about Henry Hall's versatility before here at the Deli, but the NYC artist keeps impressing us in how often he manages to redefines himself. Hall worked on the Introduction EP with electronic producer Ellis, and the result was five tracks of soulful vocals supported by soaring, and at times poppy electronic arrangements. Recently, he has released a video for one of those tunes, "More Tiny," where Hall is singing around Times Square masked by various Snapchat filters. It's one of those videos that's either meant to be deeply symbolic or sardonically funny, but either way it suits the track well - check it out below. Henry Hall will kick off a monthly residency at The Bowery Electric tonight (09.07). — Henry Solotaroff-Webber