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 May, along with descriptions and the bands’ websites.
You no longer have to worry about looking around—let me do the research for you!
MAY 10: CHILDISH GAMBINO @ THE PARAMOUNT, 8 P.M.
All ages | $31.25, not including fees
Although he may have broken our hearts for leaving “Community,” Donald Glover is definitely showcasing his excellence in the rap world in conjunction with his acting work. Seriously, listening to his debut full-length studio album “Camp” is both mesmerizing and hilarious—I mean, hell, he makes references to Arthur Ashe and Francois Truffaut¬—Glover is not your average rapper and should be accepted and celebrated by your ears.
Listen to: “3005”
MAY 10: DANNY BROWN @ THE SHOWBOX, 9 P.M.
Special guests: ZelooperZ, Raz Simone | All ages | $18 advance
The 33-year-old rapper has caused quite a bit of controversy in his 11-year career, and has an interesting past as a drug dealer and fan of Dr. Seuss that gives influence to his work. Regardless of controversy, Brown is quite talented and pretty funny on his Twitter, and these facets have allowed him to work with acts such as A$AP Rocky and Charli XCX.
Listen to: “25 Bucks” (Feat. Purity Ring)
MAY 11: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA @ THE PARAMOUNT, 7 P.M.
Special guest: Zach Heckendorf | All ages | $41.25, not including fees
The Mexican musical-duo have been known for their fast rhythmic acoustic guitar sound since first debuting in 2000, and, surprisingly, initially gained a cult following on the streets of Dublin. Since then, the two have sold an excess of 1.2 million albums, and have collaborated and contributed music to major films like “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and “Puss in Boots.” Their next album, “9 Dead Alive,” is set to release on April 28, so check it out before the show!
Listen to: “Misty Moses”
MAY 12: OLD 97’S @ THE SHOWBOX, 8 P.M.
Special guest: Nikki Lane | 21+ | $22.50 advance
The Dallas alternative-country band have been around since my birth year—definitely worthy of some massive respect. The group is recognized as pioneers of their genre, and released an EP of 1996 demo recordings this past year, which also featured duets with country music legend Waylon Jennings.
Listen to: “London I Know”
MAY 14: RIFF RAFF @ THE SHOWBOX, 8 P.M.
Special guest: Grandtheft | All ages | $22.50 advance
Remember how fantastic James Franco was as Alien in that super creepy Harmony Korine film “Spring Breakers?” Well, why not go see RiFF RAFF, the inspiration behind the now famous line “SPRANNGGG BREAKKKK”—trust me, it will be money well spent, either if you’re a fan of the music or a fan of comedy.
Listen to: “How to Be The Man”
MAY 16: HELLOGOODBYE AND VACATIONER @ THE CROCODILE, 8:30 P.M.
Special guest: Heavenly Beat | All ages | $15 advance, $17 day of show
Hellogoodbye have been demonstrating their indie pop, synthpop and power pop sound since 2001, and lead singer Forrest Kline has become a well-known vocalist within the genre. Vacationer is a newer band, former in 2010, with Kenny Vasoli from the Starting Line as its vocalist. Both bands should come together on this night to provide a lot of talent to the audience’s ears.
Listen to: “(Everything Is) Debatable”/ “Gone”
MAY 16: LIL JON DJ SET @ SHOWBOX SODO, 8 P.M.
Special guest: Butch Clancy | 18+ | $28 advance
The 43-year-old is impressive in a lot of ways aside from his music career: he’s been on “Celebrity Apprentice” for two seasons and has acted in a far number of stoner comedies. I guess his music just adds onto that already vast amount of talent.
Listen to: “Turn Down for What” (Feat. DJ Snake)
MAY 18: PURITY RING DJ SET @ NEUMOS, 8 P.M.
Special guest: USF | 21+ | $15 advance
The Canadian electronic duo has only been on the scene since 2010, but has done some pretty great work thus far. Thus far, they have worked with Danny Brown, remixed Soulja Boy and Lady Gaga tunes, and released seven popular singles.
Listen to: “Grammy”
MAY 21: LINDSEY STIRLING @ THE PARAMOUNT, 8 P.M.
All ages | $35, not including fees
Stirling originally became famous from videos on her YouTube channel, showcasing her choreographed violin performances and her mash ups with electronic dance and hip-hop, among other genres. As of now, Stirling has more than four million subscribers on her YouTube channel and 600 million total views—plus, she’s downright adorable aside from her talent.
Listen to: “Beyond the Veil”
MAY 22: THE GHOST OF A SABER TOOTH TIGER @ THE CROCODILE, 8 P.M.
21+ | $14 advance
Formed in 2008 in New York City, the group strongly plays folk and avant-garde tunes. What else would you expect from a band that is one-half made up of John Lennon’s son Sean, who have also collaborated with Mark Ronson and Cibo Matto?
Listen to: “Midnight Sun”
MAY 22: IGGY AZALEA @ THE NEPTUNE, 9 P.M.
All ages | $25, not including fees
OH MY GOD. The 23-year-old Australian with the booty from goodness knows where is incredibly talented. She initially emigrated to the U.S. when she was 16, and worked in menial labor in order to achieve her American dream. She was discovered by Interscope and worked largely with T.I. early in her career, and has thus far released a great number of hits, including “Pu$$y,” “Work,” “Bounce,” “Change Your Life,” and “Murda Bizness.” Can you tell I’m a huge fan?
Listen to: “Fancy” (Feat. Charli XCX)
MAY 23: HUGH LAURIE W/ THE COPPER BOTTOM BAND @ THE PARAMOUNT, 8 P.M.
All ages | $31.25 to $61.25, not including fees
Who knew the man who played “House” had a successful career as a musician? Mostly working within the jazz and blues genres, Laurie is a man of many talents; his second album, “Didn’t It Rain,” was released last May, and is only a small portion of what this man has up his sleeve.
Listen to: “Wild Honey”
MAY 24 & 25: CHRISTINA PERRI @ THE NEPTUNE, 8 P.M.
Special guest: Birdy | All ages | $30, not including fees
The Philadelphia native is most likely known by you as the singer of “Jar of Hearts,” which went on to sell 3 million copies in the U.S. and was a major hit. Since then, Perri has contributed music to the “Twilight” movie series and released her second studio album on April 1, titled “Head or Heart.”
Listen to: “Human”
MAY 31: MARGOT & THE NUCLEAR SO AND SO’S @ THE CROCODILE, 9 P.M.
Special guest: Jake Bellows | All ages | $13 advance, $15 day of show
The Indianapolis natives describe their sound as “cinematic chamber pop,” which is enough for me to get interested. Their sixth album, titled “Sling Shot to Heaven,” was released just this past Tuesday, so pick it up before the show and groove out!
Listen to: “Flying Saucer Blues”
