Welcome to Music on Television: a roundup of the best live performances each week on TV. Not only are we saving you time by wading through everything for you, but we also hope to help you discover some great up and coming bands, many of which will be passing through Nashville in the near future!
Don’t forget, we’re also adding tour dates and ticket links for the artists performing in town and in surrounding areas. Get those DVRs set for:
MONDAY | 9.16
DON’T MISS: PIXIES
on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
[NBC; 12:35AM/11:35c]
Legendary alt-rockers Pixies have a new EP out (EP-1, their first full release in 22 years), they’re in the midst of a world tour (which, unfortunately, isn’t coming anywhere near Nashville), and, despite the recent departure of original bassist/backing vocalist Kim Deal, they seem to be as inspired as they’ve been in years. Check out a video for their latest single, “Indie Cindy,” below.
Bonus: Jason Isbell
Conan | TBS; 11PM/10c
[Live | 10.28.13 | Minglewood Music Hall, Memphis | Info]
TUESDAY | 9.17
DON’T MISS: KENDRICK LAMAR
on Aresenio
[check local listings]
We’ve praised Kendrick Lamar time and time again. Whether it was his buzzed about War Memorial Auditorium performance, his killer set at Bonnaroo, previous TV appearances, or his upcoming show at Vanderbilt, we can’t get enough of the rapper, who is hands down one of the best in the game right now. This will be his inaugural performance on Arsenio (whoa, Arsenio is back?!?).
[Live | 10.3.13 | Vanderbilt Memorial Gymnasium, Nashville | Info]
Bonus: Bastille
Jimmy Kimmel Live! | ABC; 11:35PM/10:35c
Bonus: Elvis Costello with The Roots
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon | NBC; 12:35AM/11:35c
Bonus: Atlas Genius
Conan | TBS; 11PM/10c
[Live | 12.10.13 | War Memorial Auditorium, Nashville | Info]
WEDNESDAY | 9.18
DON’T MISS: JIM JAMES
on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
[ABC; 11:35PM/10:35c]
Much like Kendrick, Jim James is a favorite over here at No Country. We’ve brought you the scoop on secret shows, solo shows, Bonnaroo collabs, and so much more. James is one of the most dynamic, engaging performers around and he’s sure to be an absolute delight on Kimmel!
THURSDAY | 9.19
DON’T MISS: BIG SEAN
on Aresenio
[check local listings]
There’s a lot of great music on TV Thursday night (check out the bonus picks below) but Big Sean made the cut as our top recommendation, simply because he’s coasting on the traction of a great new album, Hall of Fame, and has an astoundingly solid track record for live appearances (check out the video below). Sean will be in Nashville with Kid Cudi next month, and we highly recommend him!
[Live | 10.13.13 | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville | Info]
Bonus: Fitz and The Tantrums
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | NBC; 11:35PM/10:35c
[Live | 11.7.13 | Marathon Music Works, Nashville | Info]
Bonus: Grouplove
Jimmy Kimmel Live! | ABC; 11:35PM/10:35c
FRIDAY | 9.20
DON’T MISS: DRAKE
on Ellen
[check local listings]
Friday night is looking pretty dead this week (and who are we kidding, you’ll be out on the town anyway), but if you’re still wanting to catch some live music on the ol’ telly, rapper Drake will be stopping by Ellen to promote his upcoming (and pretty downright killer) new album, Nothing Was the Same.
[Live | 11.7.13 | Philips Arena, Atlanta | Info]
