Singer-songwriter Nate Harar has been quietly working on a new collection of songs for his first release in over two years. Herar, who goes by the moniker DALTON, hasn't necessarily changed his technique even if his approach to songwriting has altered since the release of his garage rock-leaning debut effort. In shedding his former skin, Herar is now exploring the more contemplative side of art pop after a time of personal uncertainty. He's generously revealed two tracks off of his latest upcoming EP ANIMAL, Proem and Myanmar, both of which feature sparse arrangements of lavish ambience under achingly intimite observations. His metamorphosis is now complete.

ANIMAL is out on May 5 via his official bandcamp page.

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"Proem" 

"Myanmar"

Thanks to all the artists who submitted their music to be considered for The Deli's Best of Los Angeles Year End Poll for Emerging Artists. We had a record number of submissions from Los Angeles this year - 72! - thanks so much for the overwhelming response!

After tallying our editors' ratings for the Open Submissions stage, it’s time to release the results. Please note that to avoid conflicts no local editor was allowed to vote for bands in his/her own scene.

Total submissions from Los Angeles: 72

Jurors: Travis Leipzig (The Deli Portland), Roxy Morrison (The Deli Toronto), Paolo De Gregorio (The Deli NYC).

Acts advancing to our Readers/Fans Poll:

1. Kiev (8 out of 10)

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2. Sex Helicopter (7.83)

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3. Valley Queen (7.5)

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4. Hearty Har (7.33)

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5. Afternoons (7.16)

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5. Dalton (7.16)

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5. Fellow Bohemian (7.16)

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5. Hi Ho Silver Oh (7.16)

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5. Dark Furs (7.16)

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Honorable Mentions (scores above 6.83)

Twin Oaks, Vokab Kompany, Meg Olsen, Brooklyn Pets, Lady Low, Wages.

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WHAT’S NEXT: These results end the first phase of the poll. We have already unveiled full list of nominees that also includes the artists nominated by our local jurors (see left column here). It's now time for our readers to influence this Year End Poll for Emerging Los Angeles Artists with their vote - look out for th readers' poll on the right column of this same page!

The Deli Los Angeles

We call "Indie Pop" Pop music for the sophisticated minds. This genre achieves it's "pop" status through melodic quality and uptempo bpm, while maintaining an "indie" edge through mild sonic experimentation and careful avoidance of cliches. The bands who submitted in this genre deviate from the mainstream with their unique sound and talent.  

Total submissions in this category: 45

Artists Qualified to the Poll's Next Stage (starting soon):

1. Dalton - 8 (Out of 10)
1. Cultfever - 8
3. The Henry Millers - 7.83

Honerable Mentions (Score Above 7.16)

The Great American Novel, Battle flags, Brooms, RAILBIRD, Miracles Of Modern Science, The Universal Thump, St. Lenox, Hollands, Rebecca Brandt, Deb Oh &, the Cavaliers, Sinem Saniye, Emanuel & The Fear, Ludwig Persik. 

Jurors: Lucy Sherman (Deli Contributer), Hillary Anderson (Deli New England), QD Tran (Deli Philly)

The Deli's Staff

Any fan of the summer (or global warming) will immediately latch on to Dalton. This is the scrappy, thrown together energy of Brooklyn's native son Nate Harar. A man with a deep, abiding belief in the power of the sun to work out whatever kinks are found in his guitar jams. 'Breaker' might not blast off, but it floats along on a breeze knowing it'll get to its destination in due time. We are looking forward to a full release, but if the two tracks up on his Bandcamp are an indication of things to come… we can't wait to play in this warm-weather sandbox - Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)