Sometimes I feel like students forget how awesome the music scene is here. I have to say there are some great upcoming shows in the Triangle area, and a lot them are at Chapel Hill venues like Cat’s Cradle, Local 506 and Nightlight. Check out these five shows you seriously can’t miss out on. Ranging from electronic to bluegrass to indie, these talented artists won’t disappoint!
1. Tycho at Cat’s Cradle
Wednesday, February 1
If electronic music is your thing, you definitely need to check out this San Francisco-based artist and producer. Performing under the name “Tycho,” Scott Hansen creates ambient music by creating trippy, synthesized sounds. This artist is perfect for fans of Washed Out or other “chillwave” acts. Also a well-known graphic designer, Hansen provides great artwork and images with his album art and shows. Check out Pitchfork’s great review here!
2. Cults at Cat’s Cradle
Sunday, March 4
This indie pop band from Manhattan became quite the sensation over the summer. Band members Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion play catchy indie rock songs that make you want to dance. After releasing their self-titled debut album, Cults, this summer, the duo began to gain a lot of hype from the likes of SPIN Magazine, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork. “Go Outside” is one of their hits that is a personal favorite of mine. Check out the video here!
3. The War on Drugs and White Rabbits at Cat’s Cradle
Friday, March 9
For alternative rock lovers, these two bands are equally amazing! The War on Drugs is a Philadelphia-based band that has been together since 2003. A perfect representation of their sound can be heard in their song “Baby Missiles”. Compared to “The Boss” Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, the band has an Americana tinge to their music and image. Lead vocals Adam Granduciel provides great showmanship during performances, not to mention he plays a mean harmonica.
From the Brooklyn scene, White Rabbits is one of my favorite bands. Their 2009 album It’s Frightening was played on repeat in my room for about two months. Their main hit “Percussion Drum” got them buzzworthy attention for good reason. The intense drumline and lead singer Stephen Patterson’s raspy, powerful voice makes your toes curl. Check them out performing live a SPIN’s offices here! Their new album Milk Famous comes out this March! So be sure to check it out before their show. You can get a free download of their first single “Heavy Metal” on their website.
4. The Devil Makes Three at Cat’s Cradle
Friday, March 16
Ever heard of folk punk? If you haven’t you should check it out if you like bluegrass, blues, rockabilly and punk rock. While it might sound like a weird mixture, these genres blend quite nicely in an acoustic form. The band consists of Pete Bernhard playing guitar, Lucia Turino playing upright bass and Cooper McBean playing tenor banjo. Check out this live video of their song “Old Number 7”, an ode to the Tennessee whiskey, to get an idea of their sound and to see how much fun their shows are. Crowds get rowdy and jam out along with the band.
5. Delta Spirit with Waters at Cat’s Cradle
Tuesday, April 3
 Delta Spirit is another great indie rock band with Americana influences. From San Diego, Calif., the band is known for incorporating everyday objects, such as trash cans, into their music. Fusing their sound with northern soul, Delta Spirit creates an emotionally raw sound. Check out their songs 911 and Devil Knows You’re Dead to hear their impressive instrumental skills. After touring with acts like Cold War Kids, Delta Spirit is headlining this tour with great prospective.
To buy tickets for any of these shows click here!
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Spirit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_on_Drugs
http://www.thedevilmakesthree.com/biography.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tycho_(musician)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cults_(band)