Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks

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Spotlight Show » Joanna Bolme has been the bassist for Pavement frontman Stephen Malkmus for more than a fruitful decade. "The songs are great," she said in an interview about why she remains with Malkmus’ solo project. "I feel I have a cool relationship with Stephen. It took a few years to get into his groove, which can be odd." The quartet is touring behind its most recent album, "Mirror Traffic," produced by Beck. The band had been talking about enlisting a producer when Beck called Malkmus, out of the blue, and asked to work with the band, Bolme said. His presence added a casual vibe to recording sessions, as well as advice that included keeping the songs focused, which is why many of the songs on the album are under three minutes. But don’t expect the same at the concert. "Some of the songs definitely do get stretched out," Bolme said.

When » Monday, Feb. 13, at 9 p.m.

Where » Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City

Tickets » $21 in advance, $25 day of, at SmithsTix.com and 24Tix.com

Mat Kearney

spotlight Show » There are two reasons Mat Kearney has distinguished himself from the majority of the singer-songwriter pack. For one, he infuses his love for hip-hop into his music, even going so far as to rap. Second, Kearney’s most recent album, "Young Love," debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard chart last year, something singer-songwriters just don’t do these days. "I was pretty blown away," he said, although musicians rarely know why. The Oregon native is now a fixture in the Nashville music community, demonstrating that Music City isn’t just the home of country music. He’s still considered a newlywed, after getting married in 2010. By listening to "Young Love," "you’re observing that [courtship] journey with me," he said. Part of Kearney’s journey this year will include a two-week video shoot for his new single, "Ships in the Night," part of which will be done in Salt Lake City. What he was looking for, Kearney said, "was a place that was "symmetrical." Whatever that means, we’ll take it.

When » Monday, Feb. 13, at 8 p.m.

Where » In The Venue, 579 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets » $18.50 in advance, $21 day of, at SmithsTix.com

Testament

spotlight show » The veteran metal band’s next album, "The Dark Roots of Earth," is scheduled to be released in late April, but don’t expect the band to premiere any new material at its Feb. 15 Utah show. "We’re not playing any new stuff until the record comes out," said guitarist Eric Peterson, 47. "The only control we have is putting out the record properly." In other words, Peterson doesn’t want first-time fans to listen to new songs on a poorly recorded YouTube video posted immediately after the band performs. He wants their first listen to be on a pristine recording the band has labored over. But the Bay Area band has plenty of material to draw on, considering it launched in 1983. Missing in action will be drummer Paul Bostaph, who injured his hand last year and bowed out in December. Replacing him is Gene Hoglan, who played drums on the band’s 1997 album, "Demonic," as well as on "The Dark Roots of Earth." Hoglan, one of the most acclaimed technical drummers in metal, is known for his signature blast beats, which Peterson couldn’t wait for fans to hear at The Depot.