Nov 13 – Nov 19 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • L.A. Edition

Des Delgadillo

The Breeders at El Rey Theatre | Nov. 13
Initially a side project for The Pixies’ Kim Deal, Throwing Muse’s Tanya Donelly, The Perfect Disaster’s Josephine Wigs and Slint’s Britt Walford in 1990, The Breeders eventually reached supergroup status. After recording “Last Splash” in 1993, The Breeders didn’t reform until 2013 to ring in the  iconic albums 20th anniversary with a string of shows so successful and fulfilling for the artists involved, they started toying with the idea of cranking out new material. That new music is still to come, but the indie supergroup returns to L.A. to rock the El Rey with openers Melkbelly in tow.

Dream Wife at Echoplex | Nov. 13
Shot into notoriety thanks to a mocumentary in the style of the cult favorite, “This is Spinal Tap,” Dream Wife explodes out of the gate with sonic bursts of grunge and garage rock, all with a coat of immersive pop. The group cite Debbie Harry, Grimes and Kathleen Hanna as influences, and you can really hear that latter influence come through in “Hey Heartbreaker,” a track that sounds a lot like Le Tigre. They’re taking it to the Echoplex Nov. 13 with openers Pompeya and Dr. Doctor.

Kool Keith at Teragram Ballroom | Nov. 13
The founder of the rap group Ultramagnetic MCs, Kool Keith has earned the distinction of one of hip-hop’s most eccentric artists, and that’s saying something. His often incoherent lyrics and bombastic performance style set him apart from his contemporaries, winning him a number of collaborations that made waves in the independent world. If Kool Keith hasn’t been on your radar, change that and catch his Teragram Ballroom performance, and show up early to see Headkrack and Natia do their thing.

Matisyahu at The Wiltern | Nov. 13
Don’t let his roots, which are steeped in Hassidic Judaism, fool you. Matisyahu rose to prominence in the early 2000s for his finesse on the microphone, busting a freakily fast flow and throwing in some rasta flavor to boot. He’ll be coming back to L.A. for a date at the Wiltern in support of his latest album, “Undercurrent,” alongside Common Kings and Orphan.

The Sounds at Fonda Theatre | Nov. 13
These Swedish rockers know how to keep a party started and how to keep it going thanks to their generous helpings of synths, giving even their edgiest of tunes a pop tinge. Their live show is also a sight to behold, with all kinds of audience involvement. Keep in mind, fans aren’t there to see this show, they are this show. Catch The Sounds at The Fonda with openers Fitness and Ggoolldd.

Liam Gallagher at The Wiltern | Nov. 14
Formerly the frontman for Oasis, Gallagher is still considered one of the greatest frontman of all time, especially in his native United Kingdom. His outlandish behavior and distinctive singing style make him a household name across the pond, and his live shows always feature an element of the extraordinary. Catch Liam when he stops off for a special show at the Wiltern with Warbly Jets opening things up.

Phoebe Ryan at Echoplex | Nov. 14
Scandinavian pop sensation Phoebe Ryan went from penning songs for other pop titans to starting a fire of her own, owning every song on which she features thanks to a unique vocal turn and a vivacious charisma. She’s on the brink of cobbling her debut full-length, but before that happens, catch her in all her glory when she plays an intimate Echoplex date with openers Morgxn and Molly Kate Kestner.

Sheppard at The Roxy | Nov. 14
In their native Australia, the indie pop act has received heaping helpings of fanfare thanks to their accessible, melodic sound rife with top-notch production. They’ve also netted nominations for the Australian Recording Industry Association Awards in various categories ranging from best pop release to producer of the year. That momentum’s carrying the group to L.A., where they’ll certainly pick up some new devoted followers when they let their sounds loose. Catch Hailey Knox and Dylan Gardner kicking off the festivities.

SZA at The Novo | Nov. 14
This Neo soul sensation finds herself creeping into the mainstream, an expedition aided by her breakout, the Travis Scott-studded “Love Galore.” Add that to myriad features with other bona fide leaders of the rap game, and SZA’s stock is most certainly still on the way up. Catch her when she graces The Novo for a special date with openers The Beaches.

Death From Above at The Novo | Nov. 15
The culminating efforts between Sebastien Grainger and Jesse F. Keeler resonated with fans when their first album touched the masses back in 2004, so when they announced a reformation in 2011, music fans swelled with a mixture of pride and relief. The self-proclaimed dance punk outfit blend urgent guitars with appropriately dispersed synths for some raging atmosphere. On the back of their latest album, “Outrage! Is Now,” they’ll be returning to Los Angeles for a blistering date at the Novo.

Jacob Collier at El Rey Theatre | Nov. 15
Billboard simply summarized Jacob Collier’s rise by stating that he’s blowing minds, and that couldn’t be more true. From his viral explosion thanks to some impressive new takes on classics, Collier caught the web’s attention. He broke the mold when his debut album, “In My Room,” bowled the music world over with its impressive instrumentation and advanced harmonies. The prodigious Londoner adeptly mixes elements of jazz, a cappella, soul, trip-hop and all kinds of others to create a distinctive sonic pallet that sends chills down new listeners’ spines. Catch the young prodigy when he stops by El Rey Theatre.

Mandolin Orange at Teragram Ballroom | Nov. 15
Firmly grounded in Southern roots, Mandolin Orange gushes with the kind of down-home bluegrass that will make even the most customary country boy blush. The duo has embarked on long stretches of nothing but shows, honing their craft and improving their spontaneity. That chemistry comes through in spades on their latest album, “Blindfaller,” a superb masterclass in what it takes to perfect a bluegrass album. Let Mandolin Orange sweep you off your feet when they hit Teragram ballroom with Rachel Baiman on Nov. 15.

Vintage Trouble at The Wiltern | Nov. 15
VT’s passion rings through everything they do, from the way they embellish every note to Ty Taylor’s incredibly heartfelt vocals. The rhythm and blues act is perfect for a high-energy night out, with anthems that will have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands in unison. Get rowdy to this knockout band when they rock The Wiltern with Desi Valentine.

AMINÉ at The Novo | Nov. 16
His commercial debut may have only dropped last year, but Amine has already picked up some pretty significant endorsements, and the road’s only getting smoother for the young MC. He’ll be hitting the road in support of his full-length debut, “Good For You,” and he’ll be bringing the party to The Novo. Make sure to get there early to get a taste of opener Towkio.

Daley at El Rey Theatre | Nov. 16
Singer/songwriter Daley spent much of the late 2000s grinding it out as an underground artist. Then he managed to get the right people’s attention, and the rest is history. Recognizing his gift for penmanship and proclivity for richly textured songs, Pharrell Williams took notice and boosted Daley up the charts when he produced “Look Up,” and things have been looking up for the singer since. Catch Daley when he visits Los Angeles’ El Rey Theatre with Tiffany Gouche.

Elbow at The Wiltern | Nov. 16
This group of Brits netted the prestigious Mercury prize back in 2008, as well as recording the theme used for the 2012 Olympics. They’ve certainly earned the right to be called one of the most dynamic groups to come out of the U.K., with seven studio albums in their catalogue. They’ll journey across the pond to play the Wiltern for one must-attend date in support of their latest effort, “Little Fictions.”

Gavin Turek at The Roxy | Nov. 16
Frequent Tokimonsta collaborator Gavin Turek was proclaimed L.A.’s disco queen back in 2015, and it’s easy to see why. Her songs glisten with the danceability of raw disco, urging listeners to get down to the synth-laiden productions. Couple that with some of the best hooks in the genre that feel like throwbacks in their own right, and the party can really get started. Catch Gavin with Doug Locke and Iconique when they storm The Roxy on Nov. 16.

Gin Blossoms at The Rose | Nov. 16
Gin Blossoms’ upbeat pop songs worked as a sort of counterbalance to the surly Spector of Grunge in the 1990s, giving listeners something consistent to sing along to. Get those lungs ready, because they’re back to wake up the nostalgia when they rock The Rose on Nov. 16. Flash back to a simpler time with a band that gave radio countless big hits.

Metronomy at Regent Theater | Nov. 16
Spearheaded by a budding musician named Joseph Mount in 1999, Metronomy has gone on to create some of the most liberating and captivating electronic music, layering in all kinds of instruments including saxophone, which gives the group’s songs a much warmer feeling. Their performances are a happening all their own, with light shows and other multimedia attractions often accompanying their music. They bring that exciting live atmosphere to the Regent.

Tennis at Fonda Theatre | Nov. 16
The husband and wife duo who started off penning bubbly tunes about boat trips abroad have scratched out a sound that feels evolved, polished and altogether indicative of an act with a lot to bring to the sonic table. The group’s latest voyage brings them to L.A.’s Fonda for a date in support of their latest and most accessible album yet, “Yours Conditionally.” Wild Ones join Tennis on what is their most extensive North American tour to date.

Gary Numan at Teragram Ballroom | Nov. 16 + 18
Calling all “Numanoids.” The industrial music pioneer whose groundbreaking sounds influenced countless breakthrough acts has his sights set on the Teragram Ballroom for two dates. The pioneer unveils his constantly evolving array of synth-based sounds accompanied by his unmistakable vocals, a pairing that works even better in a live setting. Catch him along with openers Me Not You.

Ariel Pink at Regent Theater | Nov. 17
One of the luminaries credited with inspiring chillwave, Ariel Pink’s sounds can’t help but beckon one back to the 1980s with the perfect blend of warm pop and detached psychedelia. He’s hitting the Regent in support of his latest album, 2017’s “Dedicated to Bobby Jameson.” Gary Wilson and the Blind Dates will be kicking things off.

Blues Traveler at Belasco Theatre | Nov. 17
Key to the re-emerging jam-band fascination of the 1990s, Blues Traveler has an aura of improvisation about them. Whether they’re tearing things up on-stage with white hot spontaneity or they’re setting ears ablaze with delight with songs like “Run-Around” or “Hook,” Blues Traveler have more than etched their rightful place in listener rotations everywhere. Let them etch a place in your concert going memories, too. They’re bringing their phenomenal live show to the Belasco in celebration of the band’s 30th anniversary.

Fall Out Boy w/ blackbear, Jaden Smith at The Forum | Nov. 17
Throughout a drastically evolved sound compared to their 2001 beginnings, these Chicago rockers haven’t forgotten how to treat fans to a rousing live show. With anthem upon anthem in their bag of tricks, fans always leave with smiles on their faces, and with new music on the horizon from the group, this stop at the Forum should be especially memorable. Jaden Smith and Blackbear will be joining them on the bill.

GRYFFIN at The Wiltern | Nov. 17
The New York-based EDM purveyor has garnered a ton of success thanks to his masterful remixing abilities, putting his own patented twist on songs like Maroon 5’s “Animals” and Tove Lo’s “Talking Body.” He recently started diving into original compositions, blending electronic elements with those more organic to fashion melodic house. He’ll be mixing the originals and some tried and true takes on old favorites when he plays the Wiltern with opener ayokay.

The Underachievers at The Novo | Nov. 17
Residents of Flying Lotus’s own label Brainfeeder, The Underachievers have proven to be anything but. The duo of AKTHESAVIOR and Issa Gold tackle topics with razor sharp focus and equally honed lyrics. Expect the Novo to be absolutely jumping when the duo take it over with openers Injury Reserve.

Gorgon City at Exchange L.A. | Nov. 17 + 18
There’s a reason Gorgon City call the Black Butter Records label home: everything they do sounds so smooth. The producing one-two punch fashion gorgeous house beats that sound perfect when paired with features. They’ll be cranking those tunes when the party comes to Exchange L.A for a two-day takeover with fellow artists Will Clarke, Lauren Lane, CamelPhat and Max Chapman.

LCD Soundsystem at Hollywood Palladium | Nov. 17-19
It took them a while after gloriously reuniting, but LCD Soundsystem are back with a new album that picks up where its predecessor left off. It would be easy to say the group have found their rhythm, but it increasingly feels like they are the rhythm, setting the tempo with the raucous “American Dream.” They’ll kick off a five-night residency at the Hollywood Palladium, definitely the best venue for the band’s grooves to take over.

Circle V: A Music, Activism and Food Event ft. Moby, Waka Flocka Flame, Dreamcar and more at Regent Theater | Nov. 18
Live music and panels extolling the virtues of the vegan lifestyle will exist under the same umbrella when the second annual Circle V comes to the Regent in downtown Los Angeles. Founded by Moby and No Doubt’s Tony Kanal, this year’s festivities include performances from Moby, Waka Flocka Flame, Dreamcar, Reggie Watts and so many others, plus a special vegan beer garden and a ton of other exciting perks. All proceeds go to Mercy for Animals, an organization dedicated to ending animal exploitation. Great music, enlightening lectures, both for a healthy cause? What’s not to love about this hot happening?

Chris Lake at El Rey Theatre | Nov. 18
The Grammy-winning house producer constructs some of the bounciest and danceable gems you’ll find, throwing samples together in a way that speaks to the listener and yells “Move!” From the moment a song kicks off to the second that bass drops, fans at Lake’s live shows are in perpetual motion. Catch the famed DJ doing his thing with special guests Sacha Robotti, LondonBridge and Noise Frenzy at the El Rey Theatre.

Mayhem at Fonda Theatre | Nov. 18
From the band’s first lead singer committing suicide in 1991 to the bassist getting stabbed by a white supremacist to a litany of allegations related to burning down churches, this Norwegian black metal outfit’s backstory is both inescapable and gruesome beyond belief. But their live shows are even more intense, with wild thrashing and fists flying every which way. The group hit the Fonda to give L.A. fans a taste of the European frenzy we don’t often get to enjoy.

American Music Awards 2017 at Microsoft Theatre | Nov. 19
Music’s top artists and notable up-and-comers will mingle, perform and vie for top honors as part of the world’s largest fan-voted awards show. Performers include Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, BTS, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Pink and Diana Ross. While your friends are shut in at home, catch the action live at the Microsoft Theatre and cheer your favorites to victory.

Ibeyi at The Theatre at Ace Hotel | Nov. 19
Daughters of famed Cuban percussionist Anga Diaz, twin sisters Lisa-Kainde and Naomi push their father’s legacy forward through their Afro-cuban music. The group sing in French, Spanish, English, and most notably Yoruba, an old Nigerian language their ancestors spoke before the Spanish brought them to Cuba as slaves. Take this multilingual approach and ladle it on top of plentiful samples and traditional Cuban percussion elements, and the result is a flavorful sonic stew of cultures. Catch the twins and their resounding music when they perform at the Theatre at Ace Hotel with openers THEMIND.

Baio at Zebulon | Nov. 19
From Vampire Weekend to carving out his own songwriting niche, Baio’s solo work leans heavily on David Bowie influences, all the way down to the singer-songwriter’s vocal performance. He packs his songs chalk full of messages concerning climate change, politics and the death of his favorite musician. Catch Baio when he graces Zebulon for a date in support of his latest album, “Man of the World.”