The Record Company @ Egyptian Theatre 1/8-10
Choosing “The Record Company” for a band name is a recipe for confusion: It implies a kind of generic-ness. But drawing equal amounts of inspiration from classic blues and protopunk artists like the Stooges, The Record Company makes music that’s much more creative than its band name might suggest. Founded in 2011, the Los Angeles-based trio (singer-guitarist Chris Vos, Alex Stiff on bass and drummer Marc Cazorla) burst on the scene with their 2016 debut album, the DIY Give it Back to You. That release climbed to the number five spot on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album. After a non-album single (“Baby, I’m Broken”) charted, The Record Company returned with 2018’s All of this Life, which was commercially successful as well. A 2021 EP playfully titled Side Project explored the band’s wide-ranging influences, with covers of songs by Cypress Hill, Big Mama Thornton and others. That same year saw the release of an original album, Play Loud, and The 4th Album followed in 2023. The Record Company comes to the Egyptian Theatre for three nights, Jan. 8-10, at 8 p.m. Tickets for these all-ages shows are $33 and up (depending on the night) and are available at parkcityshows.com. (Bill Kopp)
David BowieRalph Gatti
David Bowie Tribute Night @ Urban Lounge 1/8
The facts first: David Bowie was a remarkably iconic artist, but at the same time, he defied identification in terms of an individual image. From Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke, from glam rocker Aladdin Sane to a switch in style that appealed to denizens of the dance floor, Bowie’s persona constantly evolved, but never at the expense of his own invention and intrigue. Consequently, any tribute has a lot of ground to cover in a career that first found Bowie dressed in drag, and culminated in his final years when he embraced spirituality and approached the inevitability of his death due to cancer. If that’s a challenge for those that have made this event an annual celebration for the past 10 years, it’s one that local artists and fans gladly embrace to honor Bowie’s birthday. Homeboys Major Tom & The Moonboys are known for faithfully reproducing Bowie’s early “Space Oddity” era as well as his broader catalog, with Major Tom himself emulating the make-believe astronaut who’s lonely and lost in space. DJ NixBeat applies his passion for writing and spinning sides to his turntable techniques, while DJ Robbo Soul maintains the soulful grooves that culminated in Bowie’s 1980s classic Let’s Dance. Indeed, it’s going to be hard to resist the dance floor’s beckoning call. David Bowie Tribute Night comes to Urban Lounge at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8. Tickets for this 21+ show cost $13.90 in advance and $16.15 day of show at 24tix.com. (Lee Zimmerman)
LaRussellJessica Chou
LaRussell @ Soundwell 1/8
Music at its best is an exquisite art form—and if you respect it, you should pay for it. Bay Area entrepreneur and hip-hop artist LaRussell Thomas knows this better than most. His genuine approach to his community and craft is a breath of fresh air. The 31-year-old is not only self-made, but is steadily giving pointers on how to build your own movement from scratch. “The older generation, you had to go rap. Like you had to go rap for people, you had to go rap on a corner. You had to do the awards shows, there was no social media. So the only way people would see you is if you out there rapping,” LaRussell told The Hip Hop Museum. “I think that sense of work ethic used to exist, but now it has just kind of changed because people can make it from home. You can never really be present in the game, and you could go viral and succeed. It’s just a different game.” With over 30 albums (40 projects?) in the last six years, his creative output is inspiring. LaRussell’s recent “I’m From The Bay” live performances/visualizers via his Good Company YouTube channel should give one a foretaste for when he brings his act to Salt Lake City. He truly is a legend in the making. Catch this artist at Soundwell on Thursday, Jan. 8, doors at 5 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are offer-based and can be found at soundwellslc.com. (Mark Dago)
Boyfriend Sushi TownBridger Leaveit
Boyfriend Sushi Town: An Acoustic Evening @ Urban Lounge 1/9
Locals Boyfriend Sushi Town have made a name for themselves with their high energy and overall amusing and enjoyable style. They have an addictive alt/indie sound that incorporates the usual instruments, but also adds violin for some extra spice. They kicked 2025 off in a lively way with their most recent album Dogwood, an album full of earnest indie rock tracks that offer their patented high-energy vibes and curious sensibility. As you flip through each song, you’ll wonder how they’ll incorporate the violin into the next track, or what other wacky effects they might use. One standout track to highlight is “Danica Patrick,” heavily featuring the violin, giving the intro of the song an orchestral feel before the electronic guitar and other instruments come in. The group doesn’t have a ton of stripped-down songs, so it’ll be interesting to see how they convert their tracks to this acoustic set. Acoustic guitars and violins are best friends, so it won’t be difficult, but this acoustic set is something you won’t want to miss. Boyfriend Sushi Town aren’t hanging out alone; Camp Ghost and Get Born are also playing, although it’s unclear whether these other bands will focus on acoustic sets as well. Camp Ghost does have a primarily acoustic library, but Get Born does have tracks with electric instruments. Either way, it’s going to be a good time. Stop by this 21+ show on Friday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $13.38 in advance via 24tix.com or $16.15 at the door. (Emilee Atkinson)
ATLiensKainalu Luramos
ATLiens @ The Marquis 1/10
The Atlanta-based electronic bass duo ATLiens is committed to anonymity, allowing more focus on their music. Atlanta (ATL) is the birthplace of trap music, and that’s what you get mixed with a bit of influence from Pink Floyd and Depeche Mode—but electronic, of course. Then, combine all that with extraterrestrial-themed music and you get ATLiens. Not only do we not know their real names or what their faces look like, they also remain silent in interviews, so the music really speaks for itself. The chrome masks and red-glowing eyes they wear while onstage are not only part of the alien persona, but also complement the aesthetic of their dark, trappy music. Their song that came out earlier this year, “Black Sheep” (featuring GG Magree), includes hard-hitting bass, while their viral remix of Creed’s song “One Last Breath” is nothing short of a nostalgic rock-to-bass hit. The single from their Ghost Planet EP, “Fading Out” (featuring singer Sara Skinner), is more melodic with heavy drops and the lyrics, “Promise me, we wonder deep into electric skies, / Recklessly, I want to be alone / just you and I / We’re fading out, we’re fading out.” ATLiens has an aura that makes you want to follow them on their spaceship to wherever their next live show is playing. Check them out on Saturday, Jan. 10 at The Marquis in Park City, doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets $45. Go to eventliveus.com for tickets and event information. (Arica Roberts)