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Creator and host of NPR's “All Songs Considered.” Also creator of the Tiny Desk Concert series for NPR Music.
“Leon Bridges is a 25-year-old Fort Worth native with a golden voice, and his Columbia debut deftly recalls all the well-bronzed giants of soul—your Aretha, your Otis, and especially, in Bridges' case, Sam Cooke.” – Ernest Wilkins, Pitchfork
Born Todd Michael Bridges in Atlanta, Ga., Leon decided upon his stage moniker after people in college (where he studied dance) noticed his resemblance to the actor, Leon, best known for his roles in “Cool Runnings” and “The Temptations.”
In the beginning, Leon played at open-mic nights around Fort Worth, Texas, while working as a dishwasher. His uniquely soulful ‘60s era sound drew comparisons to Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, eventually catching the attention of Columbia Records in 2014.
Transport yourself back to another time with hits like “Coming Home,” “Better Man,” and “Twistin’ & Groovin’,” performed here on “Live at 9:30.”
/Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness“After three albums as Jack’s Mannequin, Andrew McMahon needed a change of scenery. Enter Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. For the one-time Something Corporate frontman’s latest collection of earnest, sun-kissed piano-pop, he’s found a new label, new management, and a new moniker.” – Chris Payne, Billboard
Born in Concord, Mass., Andrew McMahon first broke onto the scene with his high school-formed punk rock band “Something Corporate” in 1998. After “Something Corporate” Andrew founded “Jack’s Mannequin,” releasing the critically acclaimed “Everything in Transit” in August 2005.
At the time of the album’s release, McMahon was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After a difficult and frightening battle, he went into remission and established The Dear Jack Foundation. Seven years and two additional albums later, Andrew retired the “Jack’s Mannequin” moniker, in favor of a solo career under his own name.
Catch Andrew discussing his foundation and history with the 9:30 Club on “Live at 9:30,” alongside a private performance of “Cecilia and the Satellite” and “All Our Lives.”
/Wolfmother/Lake Street Dive“Bravo to them, and double for Price's spectacularly husky alto, still the keystone of a young band steeped in Motown grooves, Muscle Shoals soul, Beatles melodies, Beach Boys harmonies, and pop divas from Dusty Springfield to Amy Winehouse to Adele.” – Will Hermes, Rolling Stone
Formed out of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Mass. in 2004, the band (consisting of Rachael Price, Mike “McDuck” Olson, Bridget Kearney, and Mike Calabrese) was named after a street with many dive bars in Olson’s hometown of Minneapolis, Minn.
Since releasing their self-titled debut in 2010, the band members decided to relieve themselves of their other projects in favor of this one, touring extensively in 2013 and 2014 alongside the release of their second album, “Bad Self Portraits.”
2016 saw the release of their latest record, “Side Pony,” from which you can catch the self-titled single and “Call Off Your Dogs” right here on “Live at 9:30.”
/Ryn Weaver“Ryn Weaver strikes a difficult, delicate balance between personal and universal. Her rebellious lyrics draw from both her real-life struggles as a woman and an artist and celestial themes that transcend them.” – Maud Deitch, Billboard
Hailing from San Diego, Calif., Ryn Weaver spent years learning different art forms from musical theatre to painting and acting. Born Erin Michelle Wüthrich, her stage name stems from her alternative spelling of her first name (Aryn) and her mother’s maiden name (Weaver).
On June 21, 2014, Weaver posted her single “OctaHate” on SoundCloud, receiving attention almost immediately from artists including Charli XCX, Charlie Puth, Harry Styles, Jessie Ware and more. Four days later, it reached #1 on Billboard’s “Emerging Artist’s Chart.”
Don’t miss Ryn’s interview with comedy juggernaut Hannibal Buress and her performances of “OctaHate” and “Promises” here on “Live at 9:30.”
/Hannibal BuressComedian, actor and writer from Chicago. Co-host of “The Eric Andre Show” on Adult Swim and cast member on “Broad City” on Comedy Central.
/Christian FinneganOriginally from Albany, N.Y. and Acton, Mass., comedian, writer, and actor Christian Finnegan has been making people laugh for more than 20 years.
A graduate of NYU, Finnegan was one of the original panelists on VH1’s “Best Week Ever,” and is also remembered for his role in “Mad Real World,” a sketch on Comedy Central’s “Chappelle’s Show.”
Finnegan has been a fixture on Comedy Central, having starred in his own half-hour special “Premium Blend,” one hour stand up special “Au Contraire,” as well as “Comedy Central Presents: Christian Finnegan” and countless other network interstitials.
/Henry RollinsD.C. native, frontman of seminal punk band Black Flag. Journalist, actor, motivational speaker, spoken word artist, activist. Lives in LA when not incessantly on tour.
“Gogol Bordello crossbreeds musical traditions from all over the globe, while growing a maniacally devoted fanbase through live shows that marry sweat-and-blood punk with cabaret-style costumes and atavistic dance breakdowns.” – Annie Galvin, Slant Magazine
Formed in the Lower East Side of Manhattan in 1999, this prolific gypsy punk band has released six full-length records to date, and been featured in nine films.
The name “Gogol Bordello” is a reference to the band’s core ideological influence: classical Russian-Ukrainian writer Nikolai Gogol, combined with the Italian term “bordello,” meaning brothel or “gentleman’s club.”
Led by Eugene Hütz and inspired by both traditional gypsy music and European punk rock, the band’s current roster of eight features members from six different countries, a topic which frequently appears in their music.
Watch their explosive stage presence for yourself through hits like “Illumination,” “Immigrant Punk” and “Not A Crime,” performed right here on “Live at 9:30.”
/Shakey Graves“As Shakey Graves, Rose-Garcia plays a gnarly composite of blues and folk as a one-man-band of epic sonic proportions.” – Hilary Saunders, Paste Magazine
Hailing from Austin, Texas, Shakey Graves (born Alejandro Rose-Garcia) received his moniker at Old Settler’s Music Festival in 2007, after he and his friends jokingly gave each other Indian guide names over a campfire.
Shakey originally became known for his folksy one-man band set up, as his first album, 2011’s “Roll The Bones” was recorded and performed largely by himself. For 2014’s “And the War Came,” he expanded to include ex-Paper Bird member Esme Patterson for three duets with additional support on percussion and bass.
Catch him live on “Live at 9:30” performing “Built to Roam” and “Dearly Departed,” sitting in with Those Darlins on “Guitar World,” and chatting with NPR Music’s Bob Boilen backstage.
/Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors“Inspired by everyone from Jack Keruoac to Tom Petty, Medicine feels like Drew Holcomb's ultimate road-trip companion. It's a mix of ‘70s folk, stadium-sized Americana and California country-rock, with everything designed to churn up memories of the American landscape that Holcomb and his group of do-it-yourself road warriors have spent the past decade traveling.” – Rolling Stone
Formed in Tennessee in 2006 by Drew Holcomb, his wife Ellie, and their friends Rich Brinsfield and Nathan Dugger (who all lived in the same zip code), the band’s music has been featured in TV shows including How I Met Your Mother, Criminal Minds, Parenthood, Nashville, HOUSE and Justified.
Follow their incredible harmonies and roaring instrumentals in “Live at 9:30” as they perform some of their biggest hits, “Ain’t Nobody Got It Easy,” “Tennessee,” and “American Beauty.”
/Those Darlins“Those Darlins have created an infectious blend of country, rock and punkabilly on their witty, fuzzed-out self-titled debut. The band has a knack for writing memorable hooks about booze, boys and everything in between.” – Alex Tirpack, Rolling Stone
An alt-country rock and roll band straight out of Nashville, Those Darlins were active between 2006 and 2016. As of 2016, the band had three albums under its belt and toured with Dan Auerbach, Dr. Dog, and JEFF the Brotherhood.
Reminisce with us, as the performance you see here of “Guitar World” on “Live at 9:30” is one of their last before their announced hiatus in December of 2015.
/Yonder Mountain String BandRedefining bluegrass for more than 17 years, this band's all-American sound crosses genres and often includes improvisational jams and fun cover songs.
Creator and host of NPR's “All Songs Considered.” Also creator of the Tiny Desk Concert series for NPR Music.
“His is soul music for the X Factor generation – kinks ironed out, immaculately teased, and with lashings of instantaneous, three-minute emotion.” – Everett True, The Guardian
Born in South Africa and raised in Australia, Troye Sivan Mellet made his public debut at the age of 11 on the Channel Seven Perth Telethon. In 2007 he began acting, appearing in 2009’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” as a young James Howlett.
Having had an active YouTube page for his music since 2007, he began regularly vlogging in 2012, amassing more than 4 million subscribers and upward of 243 million total views across his videos.
In 2013, Sivan was signed to EMI Australia leading to the release of a five-song EP “TRYXE” in August of 2014. The EP’s first single, “Happy Little Pill,” peaked at number 10 on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association. This was followed by 2015’s “Wild” EP, which served as an introduction for his debut studio album, 2016’s “Blue Neighbourhood.”
Don’t miss sultry hits “Wild” and “Youth,” performed for you on “Live at 9:30.”
/The Knocks“The Knocks start with vintage disco sensibilities (glittery, drawn-out synths and smoky beats) and improve on them with a modern crispness and a surprising bit of maturity.” – James Grebey, Spin
This New York electronic nu-disco duo of Ben “B-Roc” Ruttner and James “JPatt” Patterson has been churning out hits since 2008, a full eight years before the release of their debut album, “55.”
Featuring collaborations with Fetty Wap, Cam’ron, Wyclef Jean, Carly Rae Jepsen, Matthew Koma, Magic Man, Alex Newell, POWERS, Phoebe Ryan, Justin Tranter, Walk the Moon, and X Ambassadors, this star-studded release shot up the charts and across the airwaves.
Catch them live joined by Matthew Koma and Sofi Tukker on “Live at 9:30,” and check out their latest EP “Testify”, released February 3rd 2017.
/The Suffers“What you get from this Houston band is soul, straight from horn to heart. What happens on the band's first album is something that rarely happens on debuts: This band is on fire when it's in front of an audience, sure, but the intensity of its shows is also captured in the studio.” – Bob Boilen, NPR Music
Formed in Houston in 2011 by Adam Castaneda and Pat Kelly, the band continues to grow, with each new musician changing the ultimate course and style of the band.
Fronted by Kam Franklin’s soulful mezzo-soprano vocals, the group broke through with their self-titled debut album in 2015, making their way onto top artist/album lists from Billboard, Buzzfeed, Esquire, NPR Music, SPIN, The New York Times, Paste, and more.
“Make Some Room” and see their unique form of fiery soul for yourself on “Live at 9:30,” featuring a behind-the-scenes look into the band by NPR Music’s Bob Boilen.
/Clutch“Clutch have amassed a global reputation as the platonic ideal of stoner rock, with front man Neil Fallon regarded as one of rock’s most talented auteurs.” – Zoe Camp, Pitchfork
Hailing from Germantown, Md., and based out of Frederick, Md., Clutch has been cranking out music for more than 25 years, amassing a catalogue of 11 studio albums as well as various EPs, compilation albums and live albums.
Since founding their own record label, Weathermaker Music, the band has been featured in the video game “Left 4 Dead 2” as well as the AMC television show “The Walking Dead.”
Their latest album, 2015’s “Psychic Warfare,” was described by Fallon as being heavily influenced by science fiction author Philip K. Dick.
Not ones to stray from their roots, you can catch them talking about their history with the 9:30 Club and watch them perform “D.C. Sound Attack” and “Son of Virginia” right here on “Live at 9:30.”
/The Claypool Lennon Delirium“Lennon and Claypool truly bring out the best in each other’s playing styles, and oftentimes, they let instrumentation and atmosphere take rightful precedent over the narrative. When Les dominates, it’s a jazzy, funked out party. When Sean takes the driver seat, the psychedelic vibes get dialed up to the max. But when they go full throttle in tandem, that’s where you get the best material on the record.” – Gerrit Feenstra, KEXP
This collaborative super-group sees musical juggernauts Sean Lennon and Les Claypool creatively genre-bending and highlighting their instrumental mastery.
The pair met in 2015, when one of Lennon’s myriad projects, Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, opened for Les’s Primus. After an impromptu backstage jam while on tour, the creative connection was established, thus paving the way for “Monolith of Phobos,” released as The Claypool Lennon Delirium.
This rare psychedelic super-group can be seen performing their hit “Bubbles Burst” and Beatles classic “Tomorrow Never Knows” right here on “Live at 9:30” Episode 9, including an exclusive interview with Sean Lennon discussing the collaboration.
/Bob BoilenCreator and host of NPR's “All Songs Considered.” Also creator of the Tiny Desk Concert series for NPR Music.
“Since debuting with ‘Welcome to the Cruel World’ in 1994, Ben Harper has shown himself to be a master of many musical styles: he can flex like Hendrix on a six-string, play slide guitar like Ben Keith, shred his vocals like Otis Redding, and skank a groove like Marley and the Wailers.” – Madison Vain, Entertainment Weekly
Born and raised in Pomona, Calif., Ben Harper grew up around music. His maternal grandparents ran The Folk Music Center and Museum, which was regularly visited by artists like Leonard Cohen, Taj Mahal, and John Darnielle.
It was with Taj that Harper first broke into the industry, touring and recording with him on 1990’s “Follow the Drinking Gourd.” In the 26 years since, Harper has released 13 albums, and won three Grammy Awards.
2016 saw the release of “Call It What It Is,” rocketing up in the US charts with hits like “When Sex Was Dirty,” which you can see right here on “Live at 9:30.”
/Ani DiFranco“Ani DiFranco is certainly unique. A singer-songwriter whose lyrics are more startling than her melodies, she is also an impressive acoustic guitarist, influenced by American folk, jazz and punk.” – Robin Denselow, The Guardian
Hailing from Buffalo, N.Y. this folk-punk icon has released more than 20 albums throughout her prolific career.
As a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, poet, and businesswoman, DiFranco was one of the first independent musicians to create her own record label (Righteous Babe), and has become widely known for her political activism.
Keep your eyes peeled for 2017’s highly anticipated record, “Binary,” and don’t miss her right here on “Live at 9:30.”
/Drive-By Truckers“In the band's ambition to be current, to speak hard truths without metaphorical tangles, “American Band” is still remarkably nuanced in its quiet and not-so-quiet anger. This is and has always been Drive-By Truckers' creed.” – Stuart Berman, Pitchfork
Founded in Athens, Ga., in 1996 by Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley, Drive-By Truckers has reached critical acclaim across their 11 studio records. Known for their mastery of Americana and southern rock, 2010’s “The Big To-Do” reached #1 on Billboard’s U.S. Indie list, with 2014’s “English Oceans” reaching #16 on the broader top 200 list.
Don’t miss the band rocking the “Live at 9:30” and be sure to check out their latest LP, “American Band,” released this past September.
/Daughter“Daughter’s music is expansive and spangly, like staring down a deep well to glimpse a ripple of light on the water.” – Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork
Formed in London in 2010, this indie folk rock band is fronted by Elena Tonra with Igor Haefeli and Remi Aguilella.
The release of 2013’s “If You Leave” was critically acclaimed,and lead to a slew of U.S. gigs opening for The National. “Not to Disappear” followed in January of 2016, and they gave a gloriously beautiful performance captured by “Live at 9:30” four months later.
/Ty Segall
“Like Bowie, Segall is so self-aware, so in touch with his own levitating aura, that he’s able to casually hitch genres and styles to one another without ever threatening to not sound like himself. Which makes ‘Emotional Mugger’, Segall’s eighth solo effort, all the more impressive.” – Kevin Warwick, A.V. Club
Born and raised in Laguna Beach, Calif., Ty Segall has become well known for his uniquely ever-changing garage rock sound.
As a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer, he is an inexhaustible source of music, releasing eight studio albums and various EPs and singles over the course of the last eight years.
Segall stormed the stage, giving an explosive performance for “Live at 9:30” this past year under the name Ty Segall and the Muggers, featuring his fictional mask-wearing persona of Sloppo. Don’t miss “Californian Hills,” taken from 2016’s “Emotional Mugger.”
/Hannibal BuressComedian, actor and writer from Chicago. Co-host of “The Eric Andre Show” on Adult Swim and cast member on “Broad City” on Comedy Central.
/Bob BoilenCreator and host of NPR's “All Songs Considered.” Also creator of the Tiny Desk Concert series for NPR Music.
“St. Lucia's splendid synth-pop allure has instant pop catchiness, but Grobler's willingness to wear his lyrics' romantic motivations like a badge of honor gives Matter a thrilling extra jolt.” – Maura Johnston, Billboard
Jean-Philip Grobler, also known as St. Lucia, is a Brooklyn-ite by way of South Africa. Born in Johannesburg, he began making music at the tender age of 12, inspired by artists like Michael Jackson, Sting, and Phil Collins.
His indie electronic/synthpop project draws inspiration from a wide array of musicians and albums, ranging from Fleetwood Mac’s “Tango in the Night” to Radiohead’s “Ok Computer.”
You can catch St. Lucia playing tunes from their latest record, “Matter,” right here on “Live at 9:30.” Tune in, and start “Dancing On Glass!”
/Grace Potter“’Midnight’ is a successful artistic gambit, on Potter's terms and for those adventurous enough to find or follow her.” – Brian Mansfield, USA Today
Born and raised in Waitsfield, Vt., this blues-infused singer-songwriter is perhaps best known for her time with her full band, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals (which she formed in 2002) and for having shared the stage with Mick Jagger and the rest of The Rolling Stones.
In 2015, she graced us with her first solo album, “Midnight,” made with her Nocturnals band mates as well as Rayland Baxter, Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips, and members of Fitz & the Tantrums and Queens of the Stone Age.
Drawing inspiration from the likes of Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, David Bowie, Blondie, and Beck, “Midnight” produces a distinctly unique form of rock and roll, and you can catch some of it right here.
Let Grace make you feel “Alive Tonight” on “Live at 9:30.”
/The Soul Rebels ft. Talib KweliThe Soul Rebels
“The missing link between Public Enemy and Louis Armstrong” - Village Voice
Founded in 1991, this eight-piece New Orleans based brass ensemble incorporates elements of soul, jazz, funk, hip-hop, rock, and pop into every performance, leading them to collaborate with artists from Metallica and Green Day to Arcade Fire and Jack White.
With seven records under their belt and their last, 2012’s “Unlock Your Mind,” reaching No. 5 on the iTunes Jazz charts and No. 1 on CMJ’s Hip-Hop playlists, The Soul Rebels are not to be missed.
Catch their spectacular collaboration with Talib Kweli right here on “Live at 9:30.”
Talib Kweli
“Kweli packs so much information into his dense, urgent rhymes—metaphors, literary and pop-culture references, intricate wordplay—that it takes repeat listens just to take everything in.” – Nathan Rabin, A.V. Club
Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. to a family of professional educators, Talib was drawn to rappers like De La Soul and other members of the Native Tongues Posse. Talib began rapping himself in 1996, and connected with friend Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) to form Black Star.
Talib has since worked with Kanye West, Just Blaze, and Pharrell Williams, and has supported rising artists from J. Cole to Kendrick Lamar.
His unique form of hip-hop blended with activism has earned him much respect, and in 2011 he founded his own independent label, Javotti Media.
/Chris Robinson Brotherhood
“Ex-Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson has reinvented himself with a band more musical, soulful and downright fun than his previous brotherhood.“ – Will Hermes, Rolling Stone
Formed in 2011 by Chris Robinson while The Black Crowes were on hiatus, this psychedelic southern blues band knows how to rock.
In the short span of five years, the band has released five studio albums, with two being released within months of each other in 2012, and two being released within months of each other in 2016.
Don’t miss some “Good Rockin’ Tonight,” on “Live at 9:30.”
/Twin Peaks“The Chicago rock band turns in a casual, charmingly low-key set of kitchen-table blues, slow-dance serenades, and unplugged power pop.” – Stuart Berman, Pitchfork
Formed in Chicago in 2009, this indie garage rock band began when high school buds Cadien Lake James, Clay Frankel, Jack Dolan, Colin Croom, Connor Brodner, and Hannah Berryman decided to start a band.
Their debut album, “Sunken,” was recorded in James’ basement using two condenser microphones and GarageBand, and was released in 2013 to critical acclaim.
Now on their third record, “Down In Heaven” was released in May 2016, and you can watch them while you’re “Making Breakfast” right here on “Live at 9:30.”
/Tony RockStandup comedian who has hosted “Apollo Live” (BET), appeared on The Howard Stern show. Looks a lot like Chris Rock, since he’s Chris’s younger brother.
/Steve Gleason“I have no intention to 'hang in there' or 'survive.' I intend to keep living a purposeful, productive life, and do what I love.” – Steve Gleason
Born and raised in Spokane, Wash., Steve had always loved football. He began his professional career in November 2000, upon signing to the New Orleans Saints.
Six years later, in the first game to be played in the Superdome since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Steve blocked a punt which led directly to their first touchdown of what would become a winning game. This was, at the time, the most successful season in the Saints' history.
In 2011 however, Steve was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Music has had a profound impact on Steve’s life, even more so since his diagnosis. This can be seen in “Live at 9:30,” as well as in the new documentary chronicling his fight with the disease, “Gleason.”
“The project has been driven by its members' desire to be known as a collective, a singular entity that transcends the sounds they hock behind the boards as individual producers.” – Daniel Kohn, Noisey
This indie pop band formed in 2007 as a collaboration between Swedish producing team Bloodshy & Avant and American singer Andrew Wyatt.
Bloodshy & Avant are childhood buds Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg, who have worked with pop artists from Madonna to Britney Spears.
In 2015 the band released their third and latest album, “iii,” featuring the jealousy-twinged single “Genghis Khan.” The album peaked at #5 on the US Billboard Top Alternative Albums list, “Genghis Khan” went certified Gold in Canada, and you can catch them conquering the stage right here, in "Live at 9:30."
/Melanie Martinez“(Melanie Martinez) thoroughly explores one scenario: What happens when childhood illusions give way to bitter adult realities” – Jon Pareles, NY Times
With the 2015 release of her conceptual debut album, “Cry Baby,” Martinez unleashes her highly emotive titular character through what she calls “hip hop/trap inspired beats with creepy nostalgic childlike sounds such as baby pianos, music boxes, and toys.”
Since “Cry Baby” peaked at #1 on the US Billboard Top Alternative Albums chart, and has been certified Gold in the United States, this Mad Hatter can throw herself as many Pity Parties as she’d like.
/Kurt Vile“Kurt Vile's albums draw you in with the vibe, but you return to them for their human qualities, the way they offer a manner of seeing the world.” – Mark Richardson, Pitchfork
When Kurt Vile met Adam Granduciel in his hometown of Philadelphia in 2003, the wheels on his Freak Train began to turn. Together they formed The War on Drugs, with Granduciel also serving as a member of Kurt’s solo backing band, The Violators.
His sixth and latest album, 2015’s “b’lieve i’m goin down…,” was recorded in 10 different recording studios, and broke into US Billboard 200’s top 50.
Don’t miss Kurt’s unique brand of folk, jazz, and rock, showcased right here on “Live at 9:30.”
/Pusha T“(His) beats sound like money, and the raps are whip smart and cleanly tailored” – Craig Jenkins, Pitchfork
Hailing from New York City, Pusha T (born Terrence LeVarr Thornton) initially gained recognition as one-half of hip hop duo Clipse, with his brother Gene “No Malice” Thornton. He joined Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music in September 2010, later rising to become president of G.O.O.D. in November 2015.
Pusha’s first solo album, 2013’s “My Name Is My Name,” was released to such acclaim that it rocketed to #4 on the US Billboard 200 list.
“King Push” has been a much-anticipated album since its announcement in December 2014, and is currently slated for a 2016 debut following the surprise release of 2015’s “Darkest Before Dawn.”
To see just how Pusha’s earned his crown, check him out right here, in “Live at 9:30.”
/Deerhunter“If there isn't a Deerhunter 'sound', there's a Deerhunter 'perspective' that runs through their work,” – Ian Cohen, Pitchfork
Formed in Atlanta in 2001 by Bradford Cox and Moses Archuleta, Deerhunter is a self-described “ambient punk” band, with hints of noise and garage rock, as well as shoe gaze and pop.
Between the release of 2013’s “Monomania” and their seventh and latest record, “Fading Frontier,” Cox was seriously injured after being hit a car, an event which directly influenced the change in tone on the new record.
“Fading Frontier” reached #10 on US Billboard’s Independent Albums chart, and the track “Duplex Planet” can be seen right here, in “Live at 9:30.”
/Adam Ferrara/Henry RollinsD.C. native, frontman of seminal punk band Black Flag. Journalist, actor, motivational speaker, spoken word artist, activist. Lives in LA when not incessantly on tour.
Vance Joy lifted his name from that of a “storyteller and crazy old man” in the Peter Carey novel, “Bliss”.
The Australian singer-songwriter (whose real name is James Gabriel Keogh) shot to the top of the charts with his 2013 hit, “Riptide,” which has since been certified Triple Platinum.
After the release of his debut album “Dream Your Life Away” in 2014, he quickly began honing his live performances while on tour with Taylor Swift. He’s been doing a lot of writing since, and the world is eagerly awaiting his sophomore album.
Fun Fact: More than just a talented songsmith, Joy played for the Coburg Football Club in the Victorian Football League, earning himself the Best First Year Player Award in 2008.
/Lianne La HavasBorn Lianne Charlotte Barnes, this London-born artist began singing at the age of seven. Her father, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, taught her the basics of guitar and piano, leading her to write her first song by the time she was 11 years old.
Her stage name, “La Havas” is derived from her Greek father’s surname, Vlahavas. This close incorporation of family into her music making continues with her latest album, 2015’s “Blood,” as she discusses with NPR Music’s Bob Boilen in “Live at 9:30.”
/Unknown Mortal OrchestraUnknown Mortal Orchestra was formed in 2010 by Ruban Nielson, the bi-product of American-New Zealand musical relations. Releasing its first song, “Ffunny Ffriends” anonymously on Bandcamp stoked an aura of mystery that led independent music blogs like Pitchfork to launch an all-out investigation for more information.
With the release of UMO’s first album the following year, the band won New Zealand’s Taite Music Prize, further propelling them toward more widespread recognition.
Their latest record, “Multi-Love,” earned them Best New Album at the New Zealand Music Awards, as well as multiple performances on American late night television with “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone” appearing in the videogame “FIFA 16.”
/Steep Canyon RangersAn American bluegrass band from Brevard, N.C., Steep Canyon Rangers has become widely known for collaborating with actor/banjoist Steve Martin. Having been around for 16 years, the talented sextet has released nine solo albums on top of two collaborative albums with Martin.
2013’s “Nobody Knows You” earned them a Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass album, an award for which they’d been nominated a year prior with Steve Martin’s “Rare Bird Alert.”
Their latest album, 2015’s “Radio,” peaked at the top of Billboard’s US Bluegrass charts, and it’s on their tour for this album that you can find them Live, at 9:30.
/WavvesFormed in San Diego in 2008, Wavves’ unique blend of surf rock, pop punk, and lo-fi has earned them critical acclaim for independent music blogs since the release of their self-titled LP.
Across Wavves’ five albums, they’ve lent their music to a popular short cartoon “Scott Pilgrim vs. the Animation,”, an MTV animated series “Good Vibes,” and video game “Grand Theft Auto V,” for which band members Nathan and Stephen host Vinewood Boulevard Radio, the station which plays their tracks.
They later collaborated with Cloud Nothings in summer of 2015, releasing “No Life for Me” shortly before their own record, “V.”
/Bob BoilenCreator and host of NPR's “All Songs Considered.” Also creator of the Tiny Desk Concert series for NPR Music.
/Christian FinneganOriginally from Albany, N.Y. and Acton, Mass., comedian, writer, and actor Christian Finnegan has been making people laugh for more than 20 years.
A graduate of NYU, Finnegan was one of the original panelists on VH1’s “Best Week Ever,” and is also remembered for his role in “Mad Real World,” a sketch on Comedy Central’s “Chappelle’s Show.”
Finnegan has been a fixture on Comedy Central, having starred in his own half-hour special “Premium Blend,” one hour stand up special “Au Contraire,” as well as “Comedy Central Presents: Christian Finnegan” and countless other network interstitials.
After being discovered by Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds, X Ambassadors took over the airwaves with hits like "Renegades" and "Unsteady," turning their debut album "VHS" certified gold.
These guys truly know how to rock, and their explosive performance at the 9:30 Club shook the stage and lifted the audience.
/The English BeatFormed in 1978, this Birmingham band fused the sounds of reggae, punk rock and pop to create something truly unique to British music. But after three hit albums a breakup followed, dividing the group into two bands - General Public and Fine Young Cannibals, both gaining their own success. Now they're back, reunited and playing our favorite songs on the 9:30 stage.
/Jess GlynneJess Glynne burst onto the scene in a big way in 2014 when she was featured in Clean Bandit's "Rather Be," which sold more than 1 million copies and is the seventh single ever to go three times Platinum. Her debut album, "I Cry When I Laugh", was also critically acclaimed, leading to an incredible performance when she graced the 9:30 stage.
/Neon IndianInfluenced by his Mexican pop star father, Alan Palomo quickly turned concerts into dance parties under his stage name Neon Indian.
He brings crowds to life all around the world with synth-pop singles like "Polish Girl," and amplifies fans with an energetic performance. When Neon Indian hit the 9:30 stage, the crowd jumped and danced the night away.
/Chicano BatmanFormed in 2008, Chicano Batman mixes psychedelia, Tropicalia and slow-jam soul to create one of the most adventurous sounds in Latino music today. 2015's single "Black Lipstick" is a perfect example of their feel good vibes and jamming spirit. This Los Angeles band not only sounds great, but they look sharp too as they don classically-ruffled tuxedos on every stage.
/Jill KargmanWriter and Actress from New York City. She is the author of the new 2016 book "Sprinkle Glitter On My Grave", and 2007 book "Momzillas", and the creator and star of the Bravo TV show "Odd Mom Out".
Formed in 2004 in Fullerton, California while lead Nathan Willet was still a public school teacher, the indie blues rock band first reached cult appeal from fans and critics with 2006's Robbers & Cowards.
Between 2008's Loyalty to Loyalty, 2011's Mine Is Yours, 2013's Dear Miss Lonelyhearts, and their most recent album Hold My Home, there are a plethora of favorite singles like "First", which went on to chart at #1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.
We were lucky enough to hear them all when they stopped by the 9:30 Club this past fall, and now you can too.
/Tove LoThis Swedish songstress began as the leading lady in a math rock band, before moving behind the curtain to co-write such hits as Ellie Goulding's "Love Me Like You Do".
After gaining a following online with her initially self-released tracks "Love Ballad" and "Habits", she catapulted her way to stardom with her debut album, Queen of the Clouds.
Shortly after gracing our stage (and now your screens), she announced her second album, Lady Wood, due out October 28th, 2016.
/Youth LagoonTrevor Powers' lo-fi dream pop has been expressed here through three beautiful albums: 2011's The Year of Hibernation, 2013's Wondrous Bughouse, and 2015's Savage Hills Ballroom.
If Live at 9:30 is your first exposure to Youth Lagoon, we have disappointing news: this stop at the 9:30 Club may have been their last, as on February 1, 2016, it was announced that this project would be concluding.
But fret not and dance your tears away, for you can bear witness to this show in its glory right here.
/Trouble FunkThe quintessential go-go band, straight outta DC.
Big Tony, "Tee-Bone" David, and co. have been bringing their funk stylings to the ears of thousands of swaying fans for the last 38 years, playing with other DC staples like Minor Threat and Big Boys while further expanding their fan-base by being featured in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and being sampled by Dimple D, Kurtis Blow, M.A.R.R.S., and Public Enemy.
/WaxahatcheeFormed in 2010 by the American singer-songwriter Katie Crutchfield, this American indie folk/rock project is named after Waxahatchee Creek, in Alabama.
Crutchfield recorded their 2012 debut album American Weekend in one week in her childhood bedroom, reaching success from NPR and Welcome to Night Vale. Their second album, Cerulean Salt was released the following year, reaching #1 on the Official Record Store Chart. Album three, Ivy Tripp, was released in 2015.
/Ralphie MayStraight outta Chattanooga. First break at 17 opening for Sam Kinison. Finalist in the first “Last Comic Standing.” Tours the world and your TV set.
/Bob BoilenCreator and host of NPR's “All Songs Considered.” Also creator of the Tiny Desk Concert series for NPR Music.
A “garage band" with a bundle of talent: Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, Richard Swift, and Homer Steinweiss make up The Arcs. Not enough? The band also collaborated with the Mariachi band Flor de Toloache, who provide backup vocals, violin, trumpet, and guitar. Their debut album, Your’s Dreamily, was roughly recorded over two weeks in spontaneous sessions. When The Arcs hit the 9:30 club, it was proved the rewarding collaboration and resulting sound would endure.
/The Jesus and Mary ChainFormed in 1983, the Scottish post-punk band performance became the stuff of legends in underground circles for their short and edgy performances. Over time, the songwriting partnership of brothers Jim and William Reid led way to some notorious brotherly tension and several band breakups. Reunited, the band hit the road to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of their debut album, Psychocandy; and judging by the packed club, their impact remains and extends to a current audience.
In the decade since he left post-hardcore band Million Dead, English folk singer/songwriter Frank Turner’s music is distinctly autobiographical. His 6th studio album, Positive Songs for Negative People, is an album of angst-laden optimism and what Turner himself said is his “definitive statement, a summation of the first five records.” With a very special personal connection to the 9:30 club, Turner and his band The Sleeping Souls proved his reputation for putting on a brilliant live show.
/MS MRThe New York chill-wave pop duo made a name for themselves with the single "Hurricane” on their debut EP. Successfully following that path, their song, “Bones”, was selected for the season three trailer of HBO’s Game of Thrones. In 2015, their second full length album, How Does It Feel, dropped and Lizzy Plapinge (Ms) and Max Hershenow (Mr) brought down the 9:30 audience with their crazy moves and infectious energy.
Latin Grammy nominated Flor de Toloache is the first and only established all female mariachi band. Originally working the platforms of Times Square this rotating cast of members features all of the traditional mariachi: violin, trumpet, guitarrón and vihuela. It’s no wonder it took them several years to create their first album: but it was no fluke. The best way to know them is to check them out live, here, on the 9:30 stage.
/Tony RockStandup comedian who has hosted “Apollo Live” (BET), appeared on The Howard Stern show. Looks a lot like Chris Rock, since he’s Chris’s younger brother.
The Scottish-American band exploded onto the scene in the mid '90s, bridging the gap between alternative rock and mainstream pop.
/IbeyiFrench-Cuban teenage twin sisters whose jazzy transfixing music is inspired by traditional Yoruba chants brought to Cuba on slave ships from Nigeria and Benin.
/MisterwivesThis NY band formed in 2012 mixes rock, pop, electronic and dance music with an energetic stage presence and colorful look.
/El VyThis musical love child from The National's Matt Beringer and Brent Knopf of Ramona Falls and Menomena has been incubating since 2003.
/Yonder Mountain String BandRedefining bluegrass for more than 17 years, this band's all-American sound crosses genres and often includes improvisational jams and fun cover songs.
Comedian, actor and writer from Chicago. Co-host of “The Eric Andre Show” on Adult Swim and cast member on “Broad City” on Comedy Central.
/Lavell CrawfordSt. Louis, Mo, born and bred standup comedian and actor, best know for his role in Breaking Bad.