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 rest of the month of April, along with descriptions and the bands’ websites.
Although I am definitely saddened by the fact that I was not able to attend some of the amazing shows that occurred last week, including Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings and Young the Giant, I am more than excited for the rest of the month, and I hope you are as well!
You no longer have to worry about looking around—let me do the research for you!
APRIL 11: KITHKIN @ NEUMOS, 8 P.M.
Special guests: Wishbeard, Fauna Shade, Thee Samedi | All ages | $7 advance
Seattle U alums Kithkin have done a ton since graduating last June, including performances at Bumbershoot and Iceland Airwaves this past summer and fall. This show will kick off the group’s West Coast tour, soon followed by their upcoming performance at Sasquatch! Memorial Day weekend.
Listen to: “Altered Beast”
APRIL 11: INFECTED MUSHROOM @ THE SHOWBOX, 8 P.M.
18 & over | starting from $36.50
One of the best-selling groups in Israeli music history, Infected Mushroom has been rocking the airwaves with their psytrance/electronica/psychedelic indie sound since forming in 1996. Although the group’s last released album, “Army of Mushrooms,” came out in 2012, the duo have released a combination of singles and EPs since, helping its audience to remember that Eisen and Duvdevani have projects aside from producing Lady Gaga’s “ARTPOP.”
Listen to: “See Me Now”
APRIL 12: KRIS ORLOWSKI @ THE SHOWBOX, 8 P.M.
Special guests: Campfire OK, St. Paul de Vence | All ages | $12 advance, $15 day of show
For local Seattle band Kris Orlowski, featuring lead vocalist and guitarist Kris Orlowski, their musical journey since 2009 has led to this show. On April 12, the group will be celebrating the release of their first full-length album, “Believer,” set to come out on April 15; the CD will also be sold at the show.
Listen to: “All My People Go”
APRIL 18: SWITCHFOOT @ THE SHOWBOX, 8:30 P.M.
Special guest: The Royal Concept | All ages | starting from $25
Remember how we all used to love Switchfoot when we were in elementary/middle school and wanted to listen to some “stellar” Christian beach rock? On this night, you will be able to celebrate the band that’s been grooving your little preteen heart out since 1996; catch up on some of their work while watching the classic 2002 film “A Walk to Remember.”
Listen to: “Love Alone Is Worth the Fight”
APRIL 19: BONOBO DJ SET @ NEUMOS, 9 P.M.
Special guests: J-Justice, DJ D’Nelski | 21+ | $20 advance
In the map that came out a few weeks ago regarding “distinctive artists by state,” the British musician, producer and DJ Bonobo was listed as “distinctive” for the state of California. Although I am a native Californian and had never heard of the DJ, the 38-year-old has some pretty unique aspects, including playing with a full band when on tour. Head on over to Neumos for some Saturday night delight and find out.
Listen to: “Cirrus”
APRIL 20: LIL DEBBIE @ THE CROCODILE, 8 P.M.
Special guests: Havi, Donte Peace, Feezable The Germ, Dirty D, Most Official | All ages| $15 advance
Formerly of the group White Girl Mob with Kreayshawn and V-Nasty, the California native has worked with RiFF RaFF on a few songs, gaining Internet success to catapult her career in 2012. Since then, she has released two EPs and a mixtape, all drawing influence from various genres for a unique hip-hop sound.
Listen to: “$lot Machine”
APRIL 22: SLEEPER AGENT @ THE SHOWBOX, 7:45 P.M.
Special guests: HOLYCHILD, Pagiins | All ages | starting from $12
The six-piece has been touring their alt-rock sound around the world since 2009, including performances on the Weezer Cruise 2012, on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and at Coachella 2012. The Kentucky based group just released their second full-length album, “About Last Night,” on March 25, so listen to their new tunes before shaking your thang at their show.
Listen to: “Lorena”
APRIL 23: ELLIE GOULDING @ THE PARAMOUNT, 7 P.M.
All ages | $40 advanced, $45 day of show
Citing musicians like Kanye West and Bjork as influences, the English singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has a lot to live up to—and she has done splendidly since first appearing on the scene in 2008. The 27 year-old now has singles such as “Burn,” “How Long Will I Love You,” and “Beating Heart” helping her gain prominence around the globe.
Listen to: “Burn”
APRIL 23: BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB @ THE NEPTUNE, 8 P.M.
Special guest: Royal Canoe | All ages | $22 advance, $25 day of show
Another group from across the sea, the English quartet is known for being guitar-fronted and experimenting with different genres, ranging from folk to world music. Since their formation in 2005, the group has released four LPs, as well as hits like “Ivy and Gold” and “Lights Out, Words Gone.” Their most recent LP, “So Long, See You Tomorrow,” was released on February 3; check it out to get prepped for their show.
Listen to: “Luna”
APRIL 24: FRANZ FERDINAND @ SHOWBOX SODO, 8 P.M.
All ages | $31.50 advance, $34 day of show
One of those classic indie-rock bands, Franz Ferdinand has been a fixture of the music scene since 2002. The Scottish group may be most well known for hits off of their self-titled debut album, but their comeback will rightfully showcase their importance in the music world to this day.
Listen to: “Fresh Strawberries”
APRIL 25: TOKYO POLICE CLUB @ NEUMOS, 8 P.M.
Special guests: Geographer, Said The Whale | All ages | $18 advance
Fun fact: At the group’s “final show” in 2005, they were signed by Paper Bag Records. Since then, the group has played at popular festivals like Bumbershoot, Outside Lands, and Glastonbury, and has released hit songs like “Tessellate” and “Bambi.”
Listen to: “Hot Tonight”
APRIL 30: MASTODON @ SHOWBOX SODO, 7:30 P.M.
Special guests: Gojira, Kvelertak | All ages | starting from $25
Unlike the other musical acts listed here, Mastodon focuses on heavy metal, and does so with a band. The group has released five studio albums and a live album since forming in 2000, and is known to feature progressive concepts, harsh screams and unique instrumentation in their songs.
Listen to: “Dry Bone Valley”
APRIL 29: MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA @ THE NEPTUNE, 7:30 P.M.
Special guests: Balance and Composure, Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band | All ages | $18 advance, $22 day of show
The Atlanta natives have been strumming out their indie rock/alt-rock sound since 2004, and have had the opportunity to perform with acts such as Grouplove and Brand New along the way. The group, led by vocalist and pianist Andy Hull, has also left a mark on the television world, appearing on shows like Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
Listen to: “Virgin”
APRIL 30: DIRT NASTY @ NEUMOS, 8 P.M.
Special guests: Dirtay, Billy the Fridge, Ryan Caraveo, AK Romero, DJ Gerze | 21+ | $13 advance
Probably the most worthy of your time, the actor/rapper formerly known as Simon Rex brings his coke snorting, booty-loving jams to your faces with literally not a care in the world. It’s weird to hear his raps like “1980” and “Lookin’ For a Nasty Girl” when you realize that he formerly played the boyfriend of Val Tyler on “What I Like About You.” Classic Hollywood, you guys.
Listen to: “Bang Her”
