If catching the Ariana Grande show at Philips Arena isn't your speed this month, you might be in the market for shows of a more underrated variety.
In April, there is a pretty lengthy list of little-known and independent artists playing some of Atlanta's small dive bars and music venues. From the return of PLS PLS to music from rapper who calls the Grammy-nominated golden child of rap Chance the Rapper his brother, this month promises to deliver on the good times ahead.
Here are six shows you won't want to miss:
Credit: Courtesy of Wikipedia
Credit: Courtesy of Wikipedia
8 p.m. Apr. 9 @ Vinyl. Tickets: $15 in advance; $17 day of show and can be bought here.
1374 West Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta
The younger brother of Chance The Rapper is a mere 21 and already changing the rap game. Bennett's lyrics read like poetry, and his eclectic use of instrumentals -- such as pianos and jazz horns -- add dimension to help create his independent sound. The level of quality that's being produced in his albums show maturity not always associated with someone his age; and when you add Bennett's fiery stage persona, you're reminded that he is much more than just Chance's brother.
Yacht Rock Revue perform Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense
10 p.m. Apr. 14 @ Venkman's. Tickets are $15 and can be bought here.
740 Ralph McGill Blvd, Atlanta
A blur between a tribute band and an original act, Yacht Rock Revue has created their own niche as a comedic troupe. They've earned their "Greatest Show on Surf" title, and are the finest tribute to '70s light rock performing anywhere from the cruise ships of Aruba to the bars of Atlanta. Steely Dan and Hall & Oates are part of their extensive catalog; attacking songs on stage as if they were their own. At Venkman's, they'll perform the Talking Heads' 1984 album Stop Making Sense in its entirety.
9 p.m. Apr. 14 @ Terminal West. Tickets are $20 and can be bought here.
887 W Marietta St. NW, Studio C, Atlanta
Texas singer-songwriter Hayes Carll is no stranger to the limelight − nominated for a 2016 Grammy award for Best Country Song and awarded Song of the Year for Another Like You in 2011 by American Songwriter. His fifth and newest album Lovers and Leavers (out April 8th) mines the depths of a recent heartbreak and resulting personal growth. His lyrical, plain-spoken poetry and sarcastic humor highlight his well-worn voice. Hayes Carll is a performer you won't want to miss; but you might, if you don't snag your passes now. Tickets for this event are already 75 percent sold out.
9 p.m. Apr. 15 @ The Earl. Tickets are $10 and can be bought here.
488 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta
Pronounced "please please," this Atlanta band was originally a moniker for Dan Dixon's solo dance rock project, which he began releasing as his band Dropsonic faded. Progressively 80s, PLS PLS is an intricate fuse of electronic-laced anthems and thoughtful songwriting. "Jet Black" is the latest album from PLS PLS, which was out April 7. It is self-produced by Dixon himself −a project he tackled when not working on the production of records for CRX (the Stroke's Nick Valensi) and the Zac Brown Band.
8 p.m. Apr. 20 @ The Earl. Tickets are $35 and can be bought here.
488 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta
Black Lips bassist Jared Swilley and his latest all-star ensemble pay homage to the sweet soul of Atlanta not just by sound, but also by name. The Gartrells name comes from the first family of Atlanta soul: the late Mighty Hannibal and his widow, Delia Gartrell. The end result is a rockabilly sound full of blues, soul and garage rock blends. This show also features legendary surf rock guitarist Dick Dale, known as The King of the Surf Guitar. Pioneers of sound smack dab in the middle of Atlanta − nothing better than the sound of that.
9 p.m. Apr. 22 @ The Drunken Unicorn. Tickets are $10 and can be bought here.
736 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta
In 2011, Froth was a concept at best. Half the band didn't even know how to play an instrument. But by 2012, the California group had become a real band after filling in at Ourbq − a mini-festival −scrambling together an act for the show and producing unexpectedly good music. The dreamy psychedelic rock band is far from the light-hearted lark it started as. Now, the band pulls in stellar album reviews and fans as they tour throughout the U.S. and the U.K. The cherries on top to Froth's show are two Atlanta bands that will co-line on April 22 bands − Twin Studies and A Drug Called Tradition. If you want a stellar night of new wave, pop psychedelia; all three bands will give you even more than you paid for.
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