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• Alan Sparhawk

Alan Sparhawk @ Urban Lounge 1/24
It's always risky to leave one's day job and try something new. It's no different for a musician who opts to detour from a longstanding ensemble and make a solo stand. Yet, as an exceedingly adventurous and prolific artist, Alan Sparhawk has never feared venturing into other sonic and psychic realms. The frontman for proto-progressive band Low, he's frequently dabbled in various side projects that have found him expanding his musical reach in terms of both craft and creativity. Upon the passing of his wife and collaborator Mimi, Sparhawk undertook his first solo album, White Roses, My God. Both daring and dramatic, it ties together the tattered threads of grief, isolation and experimentation into a bold, varied and provocative pastiche, flush with hushed narratives, propulsive beats, mesmerizing melodies and unexpected soundscapes. It's little surprise that the critical reaction has been so enthusiastic, courtesy of raves from The New York Times, Stereogum, Uncut and more. "I found that the sounds and the rigidity demanded a certain structure, a framework, and I was trying to improvise songs within that framework," Sparhawk states on his website. "Which meant that the things that were organic had this freedom to be even more non-regimented. I really respect the moment when the music instigates transcendence." As an audience, we can respect that as well. Alan Sparhawk's The White Roses Tour with guest Circuit des Yeux comes to Urban Lounge for a 21+ show on Friday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $25 (+ $9.46 service fee and $2.06 tax) at 24tix.com. (Lee Zimmerman)

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• Cloonee

Cloonee @ The Marquis 1/23
With his 2018 release "Gospel" being described as "no-nonsense tech house," that's all you need to know about Cloonee (David Bissett). The tech house DJ and producer from Sheffield, U.K. brings simple, straightforward rhymes with catchy, vocal-driven hooks. It's no small feat to go from a local club scene to international festivals like Tomorrowland, but Bissett has quickly climbed to the top of the electronic music industry. His skill lies in his ability to be a tastemaker, trendsetter, energize a crowd and showcase versatility through his music. He can fit into a lineup at Coachella just as easily as one at EDC Las Vegas. From his first hit "Estes" to his first Beatport no. 1 with "Be Good To Me," it is no surprise that the legendary house producer Chris Lake signed him to his label Black Book Records. Bissett has pushed boundaries with house music by incorporating reggaeton sounds into his tech-house productions, shown in songs like "Sippin' Yak," "Mi Amor" (featuring fellow producer Wade) and "Fine Night." It's Sundance Film Festival season, so Park City will be much more packed than usual! Don't miss out on all the late-night parties, including Cloonee at The Marquis on Thursday, Jan. 23. Doors open at 9 p.m. for this 21+ show. Tier 1 tickets cost $49.95 and are quickly selling out due to the Sundance rush. There are tickets at higher tier prices, so check out highaltitude.frontgatetickets.com for tickets and full event information. (Arica Roberts)

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• Drusky

Drusky, Wilbere, Jonas Swanson @ Kilby Court 1/25
There are so many shows to choose from this Saturday evening, but this local lineup should definitely be under consideration when looking for a night out. Headlining this show is Drusky, who always brings the noise and the angst to every performance. Their grunge-pop sound will resonate easily with those who love their music to be infused with heartbreaking religious trauma. Their 2024 debut album, Cake and Absinthe, features plenty of that, but it's not so heavy that it's a drag. Their melodic rock sound is easy to fall into, and you'll have plenty of the tracks on repeat after your first listen of the album. Also on the bill is Wilbere, another alt/indie-rock band that you need to listen to ASAP. Their 2024 track "Tether" is a beautiful adventure chronicling the difficult task of trying to let go, but not being able to do so in the end. You'll find plenty of joy in their 2023 EP Quiet Eyes as well, which will leave you wanting more. You'll also be able to catch the musical stylings of Jonas Swanson at this local lineup. Come have some fun on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $10 and can be found at 24tix.com. (Emilee Atkinson)

Futurebirds @ Commonwealth Room, 1/25
There's a distinct Southern character to the music of Futurebirds. That shouldn't be surprising, as the group originates from Georgia. In fact, Futurebirds began in Athens, the University of Georgia college town that gave the world R.E.M., Pylon and the B-52s. But Futurebirds doesn't quite sound like Southern rock, nor does it make edgy "college rock" (as it was once known). Instead, the group serves up an amiable, psychedelically-tinged brand of country rock. Yet even that label doesn't quite get to the heart of the band's musical style, one informed by pop and jam band culture. Futurebirds came on the scene with 2010's Hampton's Lullaby, but the group truly found its footing with its second full-length, 2013's Baba Yaga. The large group—currently featuring seven members—has been quite prolific; since its start, Futurebirds has released two live albums, five studio full-lengths (2024's Easy Company is the latest) and no fewer than eight EPs. They're fond of collaboration as well: My Morning Jacket's Carl Broemel has worked with the group on select recordings. With support from opening act Abby Hamilton, Futurebirds come to the Commonwealth Room for this 21+ show at 8 p.m on Saturday, Jan. 25. Tickets are $30 and are available at axs.com. (Bill Kopp)

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• The Midnight Jaguarz

Doom Night @ The International 1/28
Sometimes you hear true greats in music talk about ideas seemingly coming from another plane, with them being the vessels to communicate it. David Payne, Jeremy Divine and Katy Ducos appear to exemplify that. They create special performances that exist in the moment like the great jazz improvisers have, although they may or may not make jazz. After a decade of running their art-and-music night at another local venue, The Midnight Jaguarz have moved their Doom Night showcase to Tuesdays at the International Bar in SLC. Their improvisations span the full range from near deathly silence to full on white noise. The instruments used in no way limit the sonic range; sure, there is a jazz improvisational base, but Payne and company's music long ago left easy categorization behind. I mean, it's the same with all art: "Nice" stuff that you "like" eventually becomes monotonous. The Midnight Jaguarz takes you out of that comfort and makes you listen or see afresh, and start taking notice of the details and differences again. All that work on improvisation doesn't go to the detriment of shared feelings for melody and rhythm; at the end of the day, the music itself is really accessible. Everyone who's willing to give the whole thing a try can really just turn up, relax, soak it all in and walk away having taken something out of the experience. Blue Clay and the Salt Lake City Demons open. Catch these artists on Tuesday, Jan. 28, doors at 9 p.m. Tickets for the 21+ show are FREE and can be found at internationalbarslc.com. (Mark Dago)