TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | April 13-15

It’s finally feeling like spring once more, and this weekend’s show calendar is absolutely bursting with ways to keep busy and entertained, with so many stellar show options. We already told you about two-night residencies from both The Decemberists and Yo La Tengo, at The Ryman and The Basement East respectively, as well as the highly-anticipated Music City return of Lorde. If you’re willing to dig deeper though, you’ll find pop punk favorites, ’80s new wave staples, an immersive workshop from a top-notch DJ, an EDM day fest, a long-running Friday the 13th tradition, and plenty more, ranging from emo to garage rock to alt-country to metal and everything in between. Enjoy your weekend and take in some live music with our latest installment of TWiN!

FRIDAY

THE DECEMBERISTS w/ TENNIS
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | $32.50-42.50 | All Ages

Out in support of their brand new eight album I’ll Be Your Girl, a weird and bold and synth-soaked departure from their more typically folk-informed indie rock sound, Portland staples The Decemberists, are, like clockwork, set to return to Nashville this weekend (they’ve played here three of the last four Aprils), this time across two nights, Friday and Saturday, at The Ryman Auditorium, both with support from buzzy indie pop duo Tennis. A Decemberists show at The Ryman is always a stellar and essential affair, but with heir inspired new LP in tow, these dates promise to be extra special. Given the band’s hectic schedule the past couple of years, these also might be the last Nashville shows for a bit, so if you’re on the fence, don’t pass them up! [PO]

PUNCHLINE, THE STOLEN, JACK O’SHEA (of Bayside), BRIAN MILLIGRAM
@ The End | 8pm (7pm doors) | $12-14 | 18+

Celebrating 20 years since first forming in their native Pennsylvania, pop punks Punchline arrived on the scene just as the genre began to claim mainstream dominance, inking a deal with Fueled By Ramen (the label that also propelled Fall Out Boy and Paramore to prominence) ahead of their breakout 2004 LP Action. Though unabashedly poppy, the group always remained more earnest, song-focused, and less gimmicky than some of their peers in the scene, and as a result, their music has managed to age particularly well (even if it didn’t propel them to the commercial heights of some of their labelmates at the time). The band play Nashville this weekend for the first time in years, out in support of new LP LION, along with like-minded group The Stolen, Bayside guitarist Jack O’Shea‘s new experimental solo project, and folk punk Brian Milligram. Find out more right here. [PO]

YO LA TENGO
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8pm doors) | $20 | 18+

On tour in support of their 15th full-length record, There’s A Riot Going On, seminal indie rock outfit and critical darlings Yo La Tengo are set to return to Nashville this weekend for an intimate two-night run starting Friday at The Basement East. While any YLT show is a not-to-miss affair, we’re even more excited as they return to their New Jersey beginnings by scaling down their Nashville appearance for two full shows in a club at least half the size of most of their other stops on this tour. Amazingly, tickets are still available, but waiting to buy them at the door is not recommended. [MH]

KID KOALA
@ OZ Arts | 8pm | $50 | All Ages

Renowned Canadian turntablist Kid Koala returns to Nashville’s Oz Arts this weekend for an interactive experience called “Satellite,” which allows the audience to take over the turntables to create an electronic symphony of music. There will be 50 turntables set up in the room, with color coded records and cues to help participants of all ages and skill levels be a part of the experience. Check out the trailer below to get a taste of what to expect, and see the Saturday listing for his recent appearance on Nashville morning show Talk of the Town to see the hosts try their hand. [MH]

BERLIN w/ THE FOXIES
@ The Cowan (Top Golf) | 7pm | $32.50-42.50 | All Ages

Save for a decade-long hiatus from the late ’80s to the late ’90s, beloved LA new wave outfit Berlin have been going strong now for 40 years, best known for early ’80s hits like “The Metro,” “Sex (I’m A…),” and, of course, their smash single “Take My Breath Away.” With a lineup that still includes original members Terri Nunn, John Crawford, and David Diamond , Berlin are actively working on a new album due out this summer, but fear not- their live show is still heavy on the classics. Locals The Foxies open their stop this weekend at Top Golf’s The Cowan. [PO]

PET ENVY w/ LUCAS, ESTEF
@ The 5 Spot | 9pm | $5 | 21+

Since first springing onto the scene in 2015, Pet Envy have become an exciting addition to the Nashville landscape, crafting a sound that mixes elements of indie, r&b, and pop to stunning effect. Their recent sophomore EP, Flowers for Your Brain, was among last year’s best local releases, and their live show is one you don’t want to miss. Joined by buzzy newcomers Lucas and must-know indie/r&b up and comer Estef, this wallet-friendly show is an especially cool weekend showcase of some of the best Nashville has to offer. [PO]

STAGOLEE w/ THE NEVERHAWKS, BROTHERLY, DAYLIGHT SINNERS
@ The Basement | 9pm (8:30pm doors) | $6-8 | 21+

A longtime mainstay of the local rock scene, folk and blues-dripped indie rockers Stagolee are band you should be keeping an eye on, and this weekend they head up another cool, inexpensive local option at The Basement. For just a few singles, you also get alt/indie trio The Neverhawks, actual band of brothers Brotherly, and rockers Daylight Sinners. [PO]

ROBIN-AUGUST FRITSCH w/ IMANI MILES, LINDSEY LOMIS
@ Fond Object (Riverside Village) | 7pm | $7 | All Ages

For her first live show with a full band and original tunes, local singer-songwriter Robin-August Fritsch is ready to show everyone she’s on the fast track to success. Incredibly, the fourteen year old has been able to not only get a gig at Fond Object, but also form a band made up of talented local players. With two more performers, her Nashville School of the Arts classmates Imani Miles and Lindsey Lomis, filling out the bill, it will a fun evening of tunes the whole family can enjoy. [JR]

D. STRIKER, EMILY NENNI, WADE SAPP, LEW CARD
@ Dee’s | 7:30pm | FREE | 21+

Local songwriter and general funnyman D. Striker is celebrating the 20th year of his RR zine, which releases every Friday the 13th, and is hosting an evening of music and fun to celebrate. Head to this weekend’s RR Party at Dee’s to catch performances from the host, Emily Nenni, Wade Sapp, and Lew Card, and, even though it’s a free event, make sure you bring some cash to tip the bands. Head to the event’s Facebook page for more info, and head below to check out his latest, highly informative, video for “Take Time with The Road.” [MH]

PATRICK SWEANY w/ JEREMY PINNELL
@ The Basement | 7pm (6:30pm doors) | $5-7 | 21+

MARINA CITY w/ THE WLDLFE, LOVE YOU LATER, ALLISTAIR, VEAUX
@ Rocketown | 6:30pm (6pm doors) | $10 | All Ages

SIMO w/ THE CERNY BROTHERS
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $12 | All Ages

THE HOOTEN HALLERS w/ JESSE DANIEL EDWARDS
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $10-12 | 18+

THE BOOMBACHS w/ BENTLEY CALDWELL, CASE WOOTON
@ The Crying Wolf | 7pm | $5 | 21+

A fusion of hip hop, jazz and rock, The BoomBachs are one of the more truly eclectic bands you’ll have the chance to see all weekend, and at just a five spot, this bill might be most bang for your buck as well. With help from locals, like soul/folk performer Bentley Caldwell, and alt-inde rocker Case Wooton, it’s going to be an amazing night of live tunage. Enjoy a cozy club show, at a favorite East Nashville haunt, and don’t spend an arm and a leg doing it! [JR]

PROJECT UNDERGROUND 2018 ft. SUBFER w/ 24-8 MGMT, JONNY GRANDE, 26CARAT, CHIEF MAVERICK, DON SOLDI, ALEX NADASI, APSIS, ARRIENT, PR.KR, JONATHAN GRAY, & MORE
@ The Fairgrounds Nashville | 9pm | $12-20 | 18+

SATURDAY

THE DECEMBERISTS w/ TENNIS
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | $32.50-42.50 | All Ages

We already gave you the rundown on The Decemberists‘ back to back weekend shows at The Ryman with Tennis above, but for even more about both bands, check out our full preview right here. [PO]

YO LA TENGO
@ The Basement East | 9pm | $20 | 18+

Yo La Tengo wrap their two night run at The Basement East on Saturday, and seeing the band in this intimate setting is a not to be missed event. While you’ll surely hear tracks from their excellent new record, There’s A Riot Going On, you’ll also bound to catch a few of the hit jams from their impressive 30 year catalog, like the one below. [MH]

KID KOALA
@ OZ Arts | 8pm | $50 | All Ages

LITTLE BANDIT, EMMA SWIFT, MAXWELL PUTNAM
@ Fond Object (Riverside Village) | 7:30pm (7pm doors) | $10 | All Ages

A collection of some of Nashville’s best players, Little Bandit are a project that came together despite a myriad of busy schedules. Lead vocalist Alex Carass also plays in Adia Victoria’s band, while bassist Kevin Black and Luke Schneider are often playing alongside Margo Price. But their talents finally merged for their 2017 debut LP Breakfast Alone, a captivating project that splices traditional country themes with experimental and theatrical elements. The group head up an enticing backyard show at Fond Object’s Riverside location on Saturday, along with indie folk/country favorite Emma Swift and fellow country folk singer-songwriter Maxwell Putnam. [PO]

THE KATIES, THE HOLY KNIVES, HARD
@ The 5 Spot | 9pm | 21+

Predating the “new Nashville” music scene by quite a bit, Murfreesboro power pop trio The Katies leapt onto the scene in the mid-’90s, inking a major label deal and earning some modest success before calling it quits in ’06. Reformed as of a last year, the group are a cool piece of local musical history, and you can see them live and in person Saturday at The 5 Spot, along with psych-tinged rockers The Holy Knives, and anthemic garage rock newcomers Hard. [PO]

CANDLEBOX (acoustic duo) w/ LULLWATER
@ City Winery | 8pm (6pm doors) | Sold Out | All Ages

If you were hoping to catch the intimate acoustic duo performance from the founders of multi-platinum alt rock outfit Candlebox, and you don’t already have tickets, we’re afraid you are S.o.L. City Winery has become a go-to place for these unique types of shows, that you don’t always see at other similarly priced/sized venues in town. Be on the lookout for more stuff like this in the future, and act fast, because shows like this tend to fill up fast. [JR]

FRAN, TEENAGE HALLOWEEN, BABY BENGHAL, TERROR PIGION
@ Betty’s | 8pm (7pm doors) | $7

Cool, wallet-friendly, under the radar shows are in abundance this weekend, and this lineup at Betty’s is yet another that should be high up on your list for consideration. Eclectic Chicago breezy alt/indie rocker Fran heads things up, joined by New Jersey upbeat, raw party punk outfit Teenage Halloween, newcomers Baby Benghal, and local electropop/punk outfit Terror Pigeon. [PO]

SUPER DUPER w/ PINK SLIP, JON SANTANA
@ The High Watt | 8pm (7pm doors) | $10-12 | 18+

If you are looking for some top notch, highly danceable pop vibes to relish in on a Saturday night, then look no further than our pals at Pøpsquad and production outfit HOUSEQUAKE when they take over The High Watt for what’s stacking up to be a hell of a party. This show features super high energy producer Super Duper, along with other local standouts Pink Slip and Jon Santana. If you are looking to shake that thang, look no further. [MH]

ROCK EUPORA, KERCHIEF, THE DEACONS
@ The Local | 9pm (8pm doors) | $5-7 | 21+

A local artist we’ve gushed about several times in the past, Rock Eupora is the musical outlet of Mississippi transplant Clayton Waller, who navigates an eclectic indie rock sound that pulls from alternative, pop, and even college rock.  This weekend, he heads up a great, inexpensive bill at The Local, along with Chattanooga rockers Kerchief and local trio The Deacons. Yet another cool sampling of bands you can’t go wrong with. [PO]

THE WEATHER STATION w/ FRANCES CONE
@ The Basement | 9pm (8:30pm doors) | $10-12 | 21+

Fronted by the very talented Tamara Lindeman, folk outfit The Weather Station will be striking up the band at the OG Basement, with help from indie pop performer Frances Cone in the warmup spot. The Weather Station have been very busy as of late, winding down their North American tour, before heading to Europe to finish out the month, and then heading over to Australia and New Zealand (including a sold out date in Melbourne). With tour schedules this huge, there’s little doubt we’ll be hearing more and more from them in the future, so catch ’em at a club size venue now, while you still can. [JR]

COWBOY MOUTH
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $17-20 | 18+

Long time New Orleans based rockers Cowboy Mouth have been honing their jam-influenced, roots based, alt-rock for nearly 30 years, and, while they haven’t matched the early success of their hit single “Jenny Says,” the band continue to tour with their incredible live show today. If you are looking for a solid night of music on Saturday, Exit/In should definitely be in the running. [MH]

ALISSA LINDEMANN w/ ROBYN HARRIS, GRACE GUGGENHEIM
@ Little Harpeth Brewing | 7:30pm

THE SECRET SISTERS w/ LILLY HIATT
@ Cumberland Caverns | 1pm (12pm doors) | $30-45 | All Ages

BEN KESSLER w/ BRYCE DREW, CAMDEN MUSIC
@ The Back Corner | 8pm | FREE | 18+

HURU FEST 2018 ft. BLAKE RUBY, ZACH TAYLOR, KAYLA MICKELSEN & THE BIG MOOD, JACKSON WOOTEN, ODDNOTE, DRTY, MARSHALL MAGIC, THE THING WITH FEATHERS, PEPPERMINT BOYS, JOSH WARREN, WILD LOVE, DUST ON A LAMPSHADE, GUEST HOST, WOOZLE, KENT OSBORNE, N&C, JULIA GOMEZ
@ 305 Douglas Ave | 2pm (1pm doors) | $5 | All Ages

SUNDAY

LORDE w/ RUN THE JEWELS, MITSKI
@ Bridgestone Arena | 7pm | $39.50-99.50 | All Ages

A certifiable modern pop icon at barely 21, New Zealand’s Lorde has managed to turn personal, poetic, sad, and artsty indie pop into an arena-worthy musical sensation, boosted by last year’s masterpiece of a sophomore effort, Melodrama. It’s been four years since her last Nashville outing, but that finally changes this Sunday, when Lorde plays Bridgestone Area with beloved alt hip hop duo Run the Jewels and buzzy indie rocker Mitski. Sure to be one of the year’s best shows, if you can only swing one event this weekend, this is our top pick. [PO]

SINAI VESSEL w/ BANDIT, SLOW AND STEADY, THE STILL SMALL VOICE, SMALLVILLE
@ That 70’s house | 7pm | $5 | All Ages

No strangers to Nashville, North Carolina based emo/indie outfit Sinai Vessel have been a buzzy scene fixture for several years, but crossed over into broader critical acclaim (earning praise from the more esteemed outlets who love the “emo revival” but largely ignored emo the first time around) with last year’s incredible Brokenlegged. After frequently supporting local bills, the band return to headline a house show at punk haunt That 70’s House, with a stacked out bill of likeminded local support- site favorites Bandit, Slow and Steady, The Still, Small Voice, and Smallville. You’ll have to ask a punk for that address, but if you dig earnest, smart emo and indie, this is a must-see show. [PO]

KID KOALA
@ OZ Arts | 2pm | $50 | All Ages

X AMBASSADORS w/ SON LITTLE, THE ACES
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 7:30pm | $30.50-50.50 | All Ages

Hailing from upstate New York, alt rock outfit X Ambassadors have had a huge last few years, going from buzzy up and comers to certifiable stars with their 2015 full-length VHS. Still, it’s impressive that three years on, the band have graduated to headlining a space as big and esteemed as The Ryman, albeit well-deserved. Joined by Son Little and The Aces, X Ambassadors bring their slick, poppy, anthemic indie sound to the Mother Church, ahead of a forthcoming (and currently undated) new LP, Joyful, so expect to hear some fresh jams. [PO]

YELAWOLF w/ RITTZ, HILLBILLY CASINO
@ Marathon Music Works | 8:30pm (7pm doors) | FREE | 18+

Combining a southern rap flow and polished technical expertise with elements of rock, blues, and even country, all enhanced by eclectic backing players he’s recruited in Nashville, Alabama bred, Nashville based rapper Yelawolf has steadily become a national fixture, brushing shoulders and collaborating with heavy hitters like Eminem and Travis Barker. Yela’s label and lifestyle brand, Slumerican is celebrating the grand opening of its first brick and mortar location, situated in Marathon Village, which includes a barber shop and tattoo parlor, with a free performance at Marathon Music Works along with frequent cohort Rittz and local rockabilly faves Hillbilly Casino. [PO]

ATLAS GENIUS w/ PAUL MCDONALD
@ The Cowan (Top Golf) | 6pm | $20-30 | All Ages

Australian alt/indie rockers Atlas Genius made a splash with their 2013 debut, When It Was Now, and infectious lead single “Trojans,” then furthered their journey to mainstream recognition with 2015’s Inanimate Objects, and radio hit “Molecules.” Due for a new record, the buzzy group return to Nashville to play in-demand Top Golf space The Cowan for the first time, along with local Paul McDonald. [PO]

DREAMING DEAD w/ SILENT MONOLITH
@ The Basement | 8pm | $5-$7 | 21+

Melodic death metal power trio Dreaming Dead will be exploding eardrums at The Basement this Sunday, and fans of the heavier rock genres should definitely have this one circled already. With the slightly more stoner flavored local metal heads Silent Monolith opening, this one has a little bit of everything for those who want to headbang the night away. Get even more rock and roll out of your weekend this Sunday at The Basement for just under ten beans. [JR]

MEIKO w/ BILL EBERLE
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $10 | All Ages

RED RIVER HYMN w/ LOW SOL, RUN LIKE HELL, SOUTHPOST, CONNOR SCHENK BAND, ERIN DENEEN
@ The End | 6:30pm (6pm doors) | $11 | 18+

TRAPPED ON EARTH w/ MATT LALLY, STOWAWAY TRAIN
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $5-7 | 18+

[JR] Jacob Ryan
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain