It’s a new semester in Philadelphia, which means there are plenty of upcoming concerts to jot into your calendar. Luckily, many artists, big and small, are hitting Philly this spring, so you’ll have plenty of options to pick from. We know how grueling it is for you to choose who you want to invest your time and money in, so we’ve made a handy list of musicians coming this semester for you to see. After all, nothing will push you to venture out into the 10 degree weather like your favorite/soon–to–be–favorite artist.
Pond @Union Transfer on Friday, January 12: Pond is that other psychedelic rock band from Australia that you’ve probably heard and assumed was Tame Impala. Both bands have a pretty similar sound, so if you like Tame, you should probably check out Pond.
Song to look out for: “Paint Me Silver”
The Killers @Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, January 13: Fresh off their first new album in five years, The Killers are on a world tour. Whether or not you’re up to date and have listened to their new album, Wonderful Wonderful, you’re bound to recognize and know the words to a bunch of their early 2000s stuff. Even if somehow you’ve never heard of The Killers, you definitely know “Mr. Brightside.” It’s played at like, lots of parties.
Song to look out for: “Human”
Passion Pit @The Fillmore on Sunday, January 14: They released an album over the summer, but you’ll probably recognize them more for their older songs. They’ve got a fun electric–pop vibe that’s difficult to not enjoy. In case you don’t know, they sing “Take a Walk,” which is that song that you listen to and feel all political because the lyrics include the word "socialist."
Song to look out for: “Sleepyhead”
Brockhampton @Theater of the Living Arts on Tuesday, January 30 and Wednesday, January 31: Brockhampton is what i-D calls the “internet’s first boyband” and is rap collective made up of 14 members. They released a trilogy of albums this year under the names Saturation I, II, and III. Their fan base is growing, and it will be really fun to see a group of their size performing together.
Song to look out for: “Bleach”
SZA @The Fillmore on Wednesday, January 31: Signed to the same record label as artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, and Jay Rock, SZA released her debut album Ctrl to rave reviews. Her R&B music has a nice blend of emotion and sass, and this will also be one of the hotter concerts this semester. For more info on her new album, check out Street’s review.
Song to look out for: “Love Galore”
George Clinton @Keswick Theatre on Thursday, February 8th: The father of p–funk, George Clinton and his band, Parliament–Funkadelic have shaped much of contemporary music. He collaborates with a bunch of artists now but doesn’t perform much on his own, so you have to take advantage of this opportunity to see him. Even if you don’t like his music, just looking at him for a couple hours will keep you entertained.
Song to look out for: All of them are equally fun and wacky.
Milo @Kung Fu Necktie on Wednesday, February 14th: Part of a contingency of artists that would fall under the genre of “intellectual rap,” Milo doles out raps that are both poignant and smart. He raps calmly over peaceful beats that are refreshing for those that don’t like more intense hip–hop. He’s kind of like the male Noname.
Song to look out for: “Souvenir”
Tyler, the Creator @Liacouras Center on Thursday, February 15th: Touring to promote his new, revealing album, Flower Boy, Tyler’s hitting cities all across the country. Usually known to have rowdy concerts filled with Odd Future antics, this one may be a bit different due to the more relaxed nature of his new album. But if his show is even close to as good as his recent NPR Tiny Desk Concert, you’re bound to have something resembling a religious experience.
Song to look out for: “911/Mr. Lonely”
Borns @The Electric Factory on Saturday, February 17: This Michigan native has a great electro–pop sound and has released a bunch of singles in the past year. You definitely know “Electric Love,” but he’s got a ton of other great music as well, so give him a chance and see him live.
Song to look out for: “10,000 Emerald Pools”
Gus Dapperton @Trocadero Balcony on Friday, March 2nd: Gus Dapperton is my personal favorite up–and–coming 20–year–old artist who I kind of consider my good friend even though we’ve never met. This is all you need to know. It doesn’t matter that this concert is on the first night of spring break. You have to see him. You have to. Please.
Song to look out for: They’re all 3.5 minutes of dream–pop glory.
Miguel @The Fillmore on Tuesday, March 20: A pop–R&B singer, songwriter and producer, Miguel dropped a new album, War and Leisure, in the last month of 2017. It features top–notch productions such as “Skywalker,” “Pineapple Skies,” and “Banana Clip.” That’s two whole songs with fruits in their names. How can you resist that?
Song to look out for: “Skywalker”
Lorde @Wells Fargo Center on Monday, April 2nd: Releasing Melodrama, one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year, Lorde proved her staying power in the musical scene at only 21. Her show will be filled with good variety since her new album has songs of both slow and upbeat tempo. Buy tickets now because in a few weeks she may win the Grammy for “Album of the Year.”
Song to look out for: “Green Light”
