As someone who loves music, I’m always checking calendars regarding when my favorite or up-and-coming bands are coming to the Seattle area. For all of you beautiful people who share that passion, I have complied a list of some of the acts coming to Seattle in the month of November, along with descriptions and the bands’ websites.
I have added some more information this time around, including recently released singles from each of the bands and more information on the specific shows.
You no longer have to worry about looking around—let me do the research for you!
NOV. 4: IRON & WINE @ The Paramount, 7:30 p.m.
Special guest: Laura Mvula | All ages | $29.50
If you’re both interested in seeing someone who looks like Zach Galifiankis and incredibly talented in the music department, Iron and Wine is an act to see. Having performed since 2002, the singer-songwriter Samuel Bean definitely knows what he’s doing, and utilizes a variety of instruments–including the banjo– to make the experience that much more entertaining.
Listen to: “Joy”
www.ironandwine.com
NOV. 5: TWENTY ONE PILOTS @ The Neptune, 8 p.m.
Special guests: Robert Delong, Sirah | All ages | $18
This Columbus, Ohio duo has been bringing the heat for the past four years, with two self-released albums and one full-length album. If you’re a fan of bands like Walk the Moon (“Anna Sun”) or The Mowgli’s (“San Francisco”), I would strongly recommend heading over to the band’s label, Fueled by Ramen, to check out if you have a new favorite.
Listen to: “House of Gold”
www.twentyonepilots.com
NOV. 6: NADA SURF @ Showbox at the Market, 7 p.m.
Special guests: Mates of State, The Prom | All ages | $15
This New York quartet has been active in the indie and alternative rock music scene longer than I’ve been alive–that’s got to account for something. Check out any of the band’s seven studio albums, including last year’s “The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy,” to get hyped up for a great night.
Listen to: “Waiting for Something”
www.nadasurf.com
NOV. 6: OF MONTREAL @ Neumos, 8 p.m.
Special guests: La Luz | All ages | $18
of Montreal is not actually from Montreal–but don’t let that little whit lie keep you away from their insane psychadelic mix of everything you love. With the band’s current eight members, live performances are quite possibly as freaky as their music–go jam out to their old singles (“Groslandic Edit” is a favorite of mine) and then head over to Neumos for a great concert.
Listen to: “Fugitive Air”
www.ofmontreal.net
NOV. 8: CASS MCCOMBS @ The Crocodile, 8 p.m.
Special guests: Michael Hurley | 21+ | $13
McCombs has performed and toured with acts such as Modest Mouse, Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti and the Shins within his 12-year career. If that list doesn’t impress you, just check out any music from his eight albums, especially “Bobby, King of Boys Town,” which was featured on HBO’s “Girls” this past winter.
Listen to: “There Can Only Be One”
cassmccombs.com
NOV. 8: MINUS THE BEAR @ Showbox at the Market, 9 p.m.
Special guests: Constant Lovers, Slow Bird | All ages | $25
The Seattle group has been on the scene since 2001, and do not disappoint in a variety of aspects (including their funkalicious music). If you already love their song “My Time,” check out the video–it will have you smiling from ear to ear in no time.
Listen to: “Listing”
minusthebear.com
NOV. 12: TORO Y MOI @ Showbox at the Market, 7:30 p.m.
Special Guests: Classixx Live | All ages | $25
Chazwick Bundick started recording music in 2007 while at the University of South Carolina, and has blown up ever since with his mixture of various genres, including electronic, chillwave and funk. Named one of Fuse Magazine’s 30 must-see acts at 2013 SXSW, it’s obvious that Toro y Moi should not be missed.
Listen to: “Rose Quartz”
www.toroymoi.com
NOV. 14: TURQUOISE JEEP @ The Crocodile, 8 p.m.
Special Guests: NighTraiN | All ages | $15
If you have not succumbed to the popularity of “Lemme Smang It” as of yet, you probably won’t understand just how amazing this group is. Featuring the talents of Flynt Flossy, Yung Humma and Whatchyamcallit, this band has been dropping songs for college students like ourselves to gaggle over since 2009–what a great way to break out in laughter without being judged.
Listen to: “Naughty Farmer”
www.turqouisejeep.com
NOV. 15: JESSIE WARE @ The Neptune, 9 p.m.
Special guests: The Invisible | All ages | $25
The first Brit of the month, Jessie Ware has brought a new sense of pop to the music scene, utilizing elements from both downtempo R&B and British electronic music. She has been called the “missing link between Adele, SBTRKT and Sade”–get excited for the mastery of an incredibly talented singer who is only now entering her fourth year as a proper performer.
Listen to: “Imagine It Was Us”
jessieware.com
NOV. 17: CULTS @ Neumos, 8 p.m.
Special guests: SACCO, Mood Rings | All ages | $18
It’s hard to believe this band first came to public prominence through Bandcamp, but thank goodness for the Internet. Although members Brian Oblivion and Madeline Follin may not be in a romantic relationship anymore, their music is still hitting the listener hard, with songs from their recently released second album, “Static.”
Listen to: “High Road”
cultscultscults.com/us/home
NOV. 20: JAMES BLAKE @ Showbox Sodo, 8 p.m.
Special guests: Nosaj Thing | All ages | $30
Another talent from across the pond, James Blake provides his audience with a mixture of experimental, nu-wave trip-hop and soul. Through his wide array of influence, Blake won the 2013 Mercury Prize for his album “Overgrown” –simply listen to his music to see how fantastic his unique sound is.
Listen to: “Retrograde”
jamesblakemusic.com
NOV. 21: BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY @ The Neptune, 9 p.m.
Special guests: Grynch, Cool Nutz | All ages | $30
Bringing hip-hop to the masses since 1992, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is a force not to be reckoned with. The group has only won three awards in their 21-year span, but, trust me, seeing this group live will definitely make you the talk of the town.
Listen to: “Everything 100”
bonethugsnharmony.com
NOV. 22: EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY @ Key Arena, 8 p.m.
Supporting Nine Inch Nails | All ages | $40
The band that primarily plays with three electric guitars and a drum kit–who wouldn’t want to see that?! The Austin, Texas post-rock band has been performing since 1999, with credits in many movies and television shows–obviously they have talent, so go check them out if you love instrumental music and elegance in a band’s expressionism.
Listen to: “Postcard From 1952″
www.explosionsinthesky.com
NOV. 23: BLITZEN TRAPPER @ The Neptune, 9 p.m.
Special guests: Heartwarmer | All ages | $20
This Portland-based band is described as being “alternative country”–since they’ve been performing since 2000, I think they’re making that title work. Their latest album, “VII,” was released this past July and has been getting a tremendously positive response across the board.
Listen to: “Shine On”
www.blitzentrapper.net
NOV. 23: POLIÇA @ Showbox at the Market, 9 p.m.
Special guests: Marijuana Deathsquads | All ages | $16
The five-piece is only entering its second year on the scene–and yet has already performed with the likes of Bon Iver and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Although described as being a bit subdued at SXSW in 2012, the band has also been described as having a live performance that combines “a welcome jolt of beauty and power.”
Listen to: “Chain My Name”
thisispolica.com/us/
NOV. 25: JOHN LEGEND @ The Paramount, 8 p.m.
All ages | $47
Having nine Grammys under his belt, it’s pretty apparent that John Legend knows the music industry. He has not only released four albums in the last nine years, but has also collaborated with artists such as The Roots, Kanye West and Andre 3000.
Listen to: “All of Me”
www.johnlegend.com/us
NOV. 29: BLACK JOE LEWIS @ The Neptune, 9 p.m.
Special guests: Radkey, Think No Think | All ages | $20
Influenced by artists such as Howlin’ Wolf and James, Brown, Black Joe Lewis have been bringing blues, soul and rock’n’roll to the music scene from Austin since 2007. They have had a massive amount of success on the festival circuit, performing at popular attractions such as Bonnaroo, Bumbershoot and Coachella.
Listen to: “Come To My Party”
www.blackjoelewis.com
NOV. 30: THE CAVE SINGERS @ The Neptune, 9 p.m.
Special guests: Pollens | All ages | $20
This Seattle-based band has been rocking the airwaves with songs such as “Seeds of Night” and “Swim Club” for the last six years. The band, who has performed with the likes of Pretty Girls Make Graves and Murder City Devils, has just recently released their fourth studio album, “Naomi,” via their label Jagjaguwar.
Listen to: “Have to Pretend”
thecavesingers.com
