MUSIC PICKS JAN 9 - JAN 15 

• Courtesy photo
• Bad Charm

Bad Charm, Body of Leaves, Nehezda @ Kilby Court 1/9
If you're looking for a way to start the year off with a great show, look no further than this fantastic local lineup. At the top of the bill is Bad Charm, an alt-rock group who expertly infuse their music with shoegaze sounds that make you want to listen again and again. Their self-titled 2023 EP debut is an incredible introduction that's also an easy and delightful listening experience. The four tracks are energetic, loud and dreamy. Once you get to that last track, you'll be sad it's over, but then will be able to start it over and have just as much fun as the first time. Bad Charm also released "Shorty" in November, leading up to a new EP that will be released at this show, so you don't want to miss out. Joining Bad Charm is Body of Leaves, who have an addicting post-punk/new wave sound that's dark, brooding and extra crunchy. Last and certainly not least on the lineup is Nehezda, who offers a similar rock/punk/grunge sound. Their 2024 EP Battery is moody, contemplative and will rock your socks off. This is a lineup of acts that complement each other in the best way. Come check them out on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $10 and can be found at 24tix.com. (Emilee Atkinson)

• Courtesy photo
• Gudfella

GUDFELLA @ Sky SLC 1/9
Fresh from the iconic New Year's Eve festival Decadence, GUDFELLA (Kyle Domingo) is coming to Salt Lake City for a night full of electro-pop/bass house. For fans of electronic artists Madeon and Mura Masa, Domingo is one not to miss out on. The Filipino DJ and producer (now based in San Diego) makes music that is heartfelt, such as "Feel This Way" (featuring multi-Grammy-nominated singer Bipolar Sunshine) and the collaboration "back2u" with Disco Lines. However, his best-known collaboration is "Rule The World (Everybody)" with Tiësto, Tears For Fears and NIIKO X SWAE. The song's title is a reference to the first line of "Charlie Don't Surf" by The Clash, alluding to the human desire for power and control. The lyrics "Acting on your best behavior / turn your back on Mother Nature / Everybody wants to rule the world" suggest that people often prioritize their own interests over environmental concerns or ethical values. The mesmerizing vocal hooks and dynamic instrumental backdrops accompany the deeper messages of the lyrics, such as the impact of personal choices and the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits. Also check out the singles "Highroller" and "She Knows" for more of his magnetic vocal hooks. GUDFELLA plays at Sky SLC on Thursday, Jan. 9. Doors open at 9:15 p.m. for this 21+ show. General Admission costs $15 or free entry before 10:30 p.m. with RSVP. Go to tixr.com to RSVP. (Arica Roberts)

• Karen Obrist Drag Battles
• Sequoia

Drag Battles: Girl Groups Vs Boys Bands @ The Depot 1/10
When Ray Davies sang the immortal lyric that accompanied the Kinks' "Lola," a song that detailed a certain curious encounter with a possibly trans individual—"Girls will be boys and boys will be girls / It's a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world"—he certainly didn't know that the song would foretell the experiences and enticements of today's LGBTQ+ community. In a sense, it also sets the stage for the ultimate drag showdown, one that finds entertainers from across the region battling it out in what's being touted as a lip-sync extravaganza. This uniquely entertaining encounter will find girl groups taking on boy bands in a display of sass, style and persuasive performances. As a result, we expect an evening of rowdy, rambunctious competition, which not only puts talent to the test, but also fosters an inclusive environment reflecting how equity and empowerment are essential elements for diversity and community. It also reminds us that every individual has the right to express themselves in a way that brings joy and fulfillment. Consequently, when we all take the opportunity to share in that celebration of self, it's bound to bring us together in a most welcome way. The only question is, who do we root for? That's left to each of us individually. Drag Battles: Girl Groups Vs Boys Bands takes place at 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10 at The Depot. General admission tickets for the 18+ event cost $31.68, reserved table for four costs $214.15 at depotslc.com. (Lee Zimmerman)

• Gustavo Olivares
• Thee Sacred Souls

Thee Sacred Souls @ Union Event Center 1/11
Chicano soul—sometimes called "brown-eyed soul"—is a subgenre that gained traction in 1960s Los Angeles. Based in part on rhythm & blues and Latin rock, the genre was a rich mix of styles that resonated with Latino communities and beyond. Chicano soul's heyday persisted into the 1970s, but the sweet soul sounds of the form never really went away. At the forefront of the current Chicano soul revival is San Diego's own Thee Sacred Souls. Launched in 2019, the trio—vocalist Josh Lane, bassist Salvador Samano and drummer/guitarist Alejandro Garcia—made its recording debut with "Can I Call You Rose?" a standout track that would feature on the group's self-titled debut album in 2022. Widely acclaimed by critics, Thee Sacred Souls ended up on many best-of album lists for the year. After the band's performance on NPR's influential Tiny Desk Concert exposed Thee Sacred Souls to an even wider audience, including joining the roster of tastemaking Daptone Records, the group released a follow-up, Got a Story to Tell in October. Joined by a powerhouse backing ensemble, the group is currently bringing its 21st-century sweet soul to audiences across America and even to Europe. Thee Sacred Souls come to the Union Event Center at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11. Tickets are $45 at ticketmaster.com. (Bill Kopp)

Monét X Change @ The Rose 1/15
If a person has talent, then let them entertain. And drag queens, well ... they either live on their stilettos or fall over on them. The singer-songwriter, comedian, podcast host, drag entertainer Monét X Change can really do it all. When it comes to music and Rupaul's Drag Race contestants dropping contemporary type club bops, Monét sidesteps all conventions. Essentially, "pop songs" are about "Boy meets Girl" / "Girl meets Boy," then someone gets a broken heart and they grow up and mature. The intersectional relationship complications of drag queen lyrics and emotion elevate the game. "When I started writing this show two months before its premiere—yikes!—never did I imagine the emotional journey it would take me on and the absolute catharsis it has on my audience members," Monét told Blavity.com. "Through my style of humor, storytelling and sangin', I'm beyond proud of how my coming-of-age story in Life Be Lifin' leaves audiences gagging." Monét's first EP, Unapologetically, played with dance and disco elements, while showing off her classically-trained bass-baritone operatic range. With her latest, Grey Rainbow, Volume 1, she switches gears with an R&B orientated banger. Look, you can only be surprised by something that's inevitable if you're not paying attention. Monét's discernible level of musical ability, stagecraft and artistry is not to be ignored. Catch this act at the Life Be Lifin' event at The Rose on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Doors at 8 p.m. Tickets for the 18+ show are $39.50 - $49.50 at saltlakecountyarts.org. (Mark Dago)