Once again, 2017 was a year of experiments in modern folk music. Two NYC acts that pushed the boundaries of the genre and further defined the slightly fuzzy definition of neo-folk were Swimming Bell and Thelma. “The Golden Heart,” the former’s debut EP, carved fresh arrangements and harmonic material out of familiar instrumental textures. Thelma’s self-titled record meandered into darker lyrical and melodic territory, though with a consistent crystalline vocal perched atop often dissonant chords and rockier textures. That being said, Pueblo and Hayes Peebles, on the rootsier end of the spectrum, shone with stellar songwriting and nuanced arrangements, offering up an enlightening modern take on a more traditional sound. Pueblo released their flavorful record “Boring the Camera,” stirred memories of an electric Simon & Garfunkel. Hayes Peebles’ “Ghosts EP” offered breathtaking melodies with lush, sentient lyrics, while peppering in a twangy guitar or two. We also really enjoyed Swoon Lake's lush ballads from her sophomore self-titled EP, although the artist doesn't seem to be very active live. - Geena Kloeppel

Here's a playlist with a song each from these five artists. 

Brooklyn's very own Swoon Lake have bred a new strand of indie music: "ghost folk." The band's own description of their music is peculiar yet accurate; there is an aura of mystery about their tracks, the ambient synths and choral harmonies on their newest song "Bloom" seemingly glide right through you. Grounding elements are the lead vocals and certain electric guitar rhythms; there's seldomly a full drum kit to speak of, but sometimes, like a friendly giant, the bump of the kick drum surfaces from below. Swoon Lake's new self-titled EP is out on Friday, catch their release show on 5.25 at The Glove in Brooklyn. - Geena Kloeppel

Returning for it's third night, Deli NYC sponsored event, The Hum will be back at the Manhattan Inn with another killer line up. The three set event will feature artists like Emmy the Great, Allison Miller, and Shannon Lee to name a few. These are super talented musicians and it's going to be interesting to see what kind of music will be produced through these collaborations. This is part of the month-long residency - presented by Hypnocraft and sponsored by The Deli, that is aimed at spotlighting female musicians across a wide variety of genres. Check out the full line up below, and catch the event happening every Monday in October. - Olivia Sisinni

Monday, October 17 | 8PM | Artist Line Up:

Emmy The Great + Jo Lampert (tune-yards) + Margot //

Allison Miller (BOOM TIC BOOM) + Domenica Fossati (Underground System) + Kendra Morris //

Melodie Stancato (Swoon Lake) + Sarah Kinlaw (SOFTSPOT) + Shannon Lee (Teen Body) //

Here's streaming content for the NYC based artists in the list:

Brooklyn’s Swoon Lake are releasing today their debut EP Like Being In A Mouth, and earlier this summer they shared the appropriately titled lead single “Narcolepsy”. The “spooky folk” trio take a wonderful minimalist approach in their compositions, using delicate guitars and ambient synths. Front-woman Melodie Stancato wrote this song on her ukulele after spending her first night in her New York City apartment, alone. Her gentle crooning drives the haunting, joined occasionally by her bandmates with subtle harmonies. Swoon Lake will be celebrating the release of their EP tonight (September 6th) at the Silent Barn. - John Honan