Over the past ten or so years, New York City has emerged as a haven for indie rock bands with Brooklyn at its epicenter. Most of the praise has been given to Brooklyn, and with good reason: it’s a hipster Mecca. There are way too many new bands to list that have emerged from the borough that it would be a waste of time to list them all, but from the neighboring borough of Queens comes another rising band: Freelance Whales.

The band just released its anticipated second album, Diluvia, in October and have been on the road ever since, which is something they are accustomed to. When we last caught up with them a few years ago, they were touring relentlessly in support of their debut album, Weathervanes. Since then, they’ve worked with producer Shane Stoneback (Vampire Weekend, Cults) on a second album, which has shown their growth as a band. Freelance Whales have learned what their strength is, whic is to say they are at their best when the songs are longer. Working with a name producer and recording an album that many were looking forward wasn’t something that happened overnight.

Since their formation in 2008, Freelance Whales have fused indie rock and dream pop to create a sound that they can distinctly call their own. Culled from both Craiglist and friends of friends, the group united friends and strangers in the name of music. By the time 2009 rolled around, they carefully crafted and honed their vision, albeit by performing on New York City subway platforms (which for many bands, usually doesn’t increase chances of getting noticed or success unless you do something completely outrageous) and ended up recording and releasing Weathervanes independently.

The above mentioned albumis what laid the foundation for the band’s journey into the world of indie dream pop. Written almost entirely by lead singer Judah Dadone, the album consists of memories and dreams that he recalled. After a year of going at it on their own, the band caught the attention of Mom + Pop and Frenchkiss Records, and the labels re-released Weathervanes and that’s what helped the band’s profile grow.

Like any other emerging band, Freelance Whales were helped by the placement of their songs on TV shows and advertisements. They’ve had their songs featured on programs as far ranging as Chuck, One Tree Hill, Skins and commercials for the Chevy Volt and Starbucks. These placements helped connect the quintet with a wider audience, and have allowed them to continue touring in front of new fans who are familiar with their work.

Touring with bands like Tokyo Police Club and Bear in Heaven, along with appearances at festivals, including this year’s Austin City Limits have made Freelance Whales a band to watch. They’ve built a steady following with their unique brand of dream-pop and though they’ve just released Diluvia, the band has some new songs they’ve been working on, so a new album may come sooner than the three year lapse between Weathervanes and the latest. But judging by the band’s track record, expect them to tour a bit longer before another album comes to fruition.

Queens may not be known as a hub for bands, but with Freelance Whales, the borough has a band for which others in the borough can look up to.