If Commodore Quake just isn’t your thing or you’re hungry for live music after the 21st, here are six concerts before the end of the month that will give you a break from the pre-Thanksgiving onslaught of exams.
Mac Miller – October 22, War Memorial Auditorium
Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller will be visiting Nashville this weekend, hot off the release of his fourth full-length album The Divine Feminine. The album displays some the smoothest, jazziest beats to come from a Mac Miller album, and includes guest features from Kendrick Lamar and Anderson Paak. This show serves as a much less expensive alternative to Quake, so for any hip-hop heads that miss it or if Big Sean and A$AP Ferg leave you wanting more, be sure to check it out.
Mewithoutyou – October 23, Mercy Lounge
On the other side of the musical spectrum, post-hardcore/alt-rock vets Mewithoutyou will also be coming this weekend. Known for their spoken word-esque vocals, lyrical narratives, and complex instrumentals and song structures, the band has been a staple in the punk scene for over a decade. In fact, this tour celebrates 15 years of existence for the band, and helping them celebrate will be indie singer/songwriter Evan Weiss a.k.a. Into It. Over It. Mewithoutyou has promised fans via Facebook that they will be playing songs from all their albums, so longtime fans and newcomers alike will be able to enjoy the show.
Tegan and Sara – October 24, Cannery Ballroom
Canadian synthpop duo Tegan and Sara released their eighth album this past summer, a feat reached by few in an era of ever-shortening shelf-lives for music. Since 1995 the identical twins have been releasing indie-rock/synthpop music, extensively touring internationally, advocating for LGBTQI rights, and making appearances in movies and TV shows. Despite this intense schedule, Tegan and Sara still make time to come to the States and visit smaller venues like Cannery Ballroom.
Danny Brown – October 26, Exit/In
Possibly the most eccentric rapper in the game, Danny Brown will be coming to Exit/In just weeks after his fourth LP Atrocity Exhibition dropped (see our review here). Known for his odd beat selection, manic, high-pitched vocals, and vivid portrayals of Detroit hoods, life as a drug dealer, and over-indulgence in various substances, Danny Brown has set himself apart as one of the more unique rappers out there. Danny’s lyrics are brutally honest and vulnerable, translating to undeniable energy on stage.
Cassadee Pope – October 26, Grand Ole Opry
If rap isn’t your thing, why not imbibe in the country music that Nashville is known for? Cassadee Pope is a pop-punk singer turned country star. Beginning as the front-woman for Hey Monday, then later appearing on NBC’s The Voice, Pope has made a name for herself in the country music scene multiple hit singles such as “Think of You.” What better place for her to play, then, than one of country’s most famous venue? Whether you’re a Cassadee Pope fan or just a country fan, a trip to the Opry is always worth it.
Catfish and the Bottlemen – October 27, Marathon Music Works
U.K. alt-rock icons Catfish and the Bottlemen have been making noise in the music scene with their post-punk revivalist sound, landing them spots on some of the world’s biggest festivals, such as Bonnaroo and Glastonbury. The band’s most recent album-2016’s The Ride– landed at the top of the U.K. charts and number 2 on the U.S. Alternative chart. For a group of guys who began by playing in parking lots, Catfish and the Bottlemen have truly earned their place in rock and roll.