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Emancipator
Spotlight show • He has no ties to the movie "Lincoln" or the 16th president, yet Emancipator is still coming to Utah with a lot of buzz. The electronic musician just released a new album, "Dusk to Dawn," that features his signature down-tempo trip-hop and nontraditional instrumentation. In a phone interview, Emancipator (born Douglas Appling) said he grew up in rural Virginia, influenced by violins, banjos and other instruments that usually show up in other genres, not in electronica. "I can't explain it," he said of his unconventional style. "It just sounds good to me." He moved to Portland about five years ago, forsaking New York City and Los Angeles because he was attracted to the growing electronic scene in Oregon — and also because Portland is a lot more affordable. "Right now it's a good home base," he said. Emancipator shouldn't get too comfortable, though. In a few weeks, he will embark on his first extended European tour. Little People and Odezsa open.
When • Friday, March 22, at 9 p.m.
Where • Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $15 at 24Tix
Phillip Phillips
Spotlight show • This 22-year-old singer won the 2012 season of "American Idol," basically becoming the fifth guitar-playing white guy to take the title. While Scotty McCreery has had a successful country career — he performed at Provo's Stadium of Fire in 2012 — David Cook, Kris Allen and Lee DeWyze haven't been able to match the popularity they enjoyed while on the show. But Phllips has bucked the trend. His bona-fide hit "Home" is the top-selling coronation song in "Idol" history, beating out Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. In a phone interview, the Georgia native and former pawn-shop cashier said when it came time to record his first album, it was important for him to write his own songs, despite some telling him he should just record songs written by others. "I told them I'm not that kind of artist," Phillips said. He found an advocate in "Idol" mentor Jimmy Iovine and ended up writing or co-writing nine of the 12 tracks on "The World from the Side of the Moon." "I didn't care to fit in," Phillips said. "No one knows you unless they know who you are." Churchill opens.
When • Wednesday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m.
Where • UCCU Center, 800 W. University Parkway, Orem
Tickets • $20 at SmithsTix
Andrew McMahon
Spotlight show • Andrew McMahon is best known as the frontman for pop-rock bands Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin, but he has never ventured out as Andrew McMahon until now. Before touring this summer with fun., McMahon, 30, will headline his own show, playing new songs and some he wrote for Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin. Going in this direction was a natural next step after the bands folded. "I really wanted to own my career. It never felt right to play Jack's Mannequin songs at Something Corporate shows, or vice versa," he said in a phone interview. While Something Corporate was harder-edged than the piano-driven Jack's Mannequin, McMahon said, "I've always had the same approach to songwriting. It's never been project-driven." Besides striking out on his own, McMahon also is celebrating eight years in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He turned 30 in September and said it was a milestone. "It did mean something to me," McMahon said of his birthday. "If you look at my 20s, it was turbulent." But with a six-piece band, he is ready for the next stage of his career. "In some senses, I'm starting over," McMahon said. "Hopefully it's not all uphill."
When • Thursday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m.
Where • In The Venue, 579 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $25 in advance, $28 day of, at SmithsTix and 24Tix
K. Flay
K. Flay, a rapper, producer and Stanford University alum, will bring her bass-heavy hip-hop to Salt Lake City. Atheist and Dumb Luck will open.
When • Friday, March 22, at 7 p.m.
Where • Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $10 at 24Tix.com
The Story So Far
The Story So Far and Man Overboard co-headline the pop-punk Suppy Nation Tour. Opening acts include The American Scene, Tonight Alive and Citizen.
When • Friday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m.
Where • Club Sound, 579 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $12 at SmithsTix.com
The Brothers Comatose
This bluegrass quintet was started by brothers Alex and Ben Morrison. Based in California, the band is touring to promote its latest album, "Respect the Van."
When • Friday, March 22, at 8 p.m.
Where • The Garage, 1199 N. Beck St., Salt Lake City
Tickets • $5 at 24Tix.com
Guitar Masters' Summit
Jazz SLC brings together four jazz guitarists: Bucky Pizzarelli, Howard Alden, Gene Bertonicini and Frank Vignola.
When • Saturday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m.
Where • Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $30 at ArtTix.org
The Moth & The Flame
Back from SXSW, this local indie band is headlining a hometown show. Polytype opens.
When • Saturday, March 23, at 8 p.m.
Where • Velour Live Music Gallery, 135 N. University Ave., Provo
Tickets • $8 at 24Tix.com
1964, the Tribute
This Beatles cover band re-creates pre-"Sgt. Pepper"-era feel with period instruments, clothing and hairstyles.
When • Saturday, March 23, at 8 p.m.
Where • Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $30-$40 at ArtTix.Org
Darude
Park City Live hosts Darude, a Finnish EDM DJ and producer.
When • Saturday, March 23, at 9 p.m.
Where • Park City Live, 427 Main St., Park City
Tickets • $10 at SmithsTix.com
Peelander Z
Although all of the band members live in New York, they describe their sound as Japanese punk.
When • Sunday, March 24, at 7 p.m.
Where • Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $10 at 24Tix.com
Short Circuit Tour
This tour brings together underground hip-hoppers Toki Wright, Kristoff Krane and Carnage.
When • Wednesday, March 27, at 8 p.m.
Where • Bar Deluxe, 666 S. State St., Salt Lake City
Tickets • $13 advance, $15 day of; at 24Tix.com
KMFDM
The German band is touring in promote its latest album, "Kunst."
When • Thursday, March 28, at 8 p.m.
Where • The Depot, 400 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $25 advance, $30 day of; at SmithsTix.com
Craig Larsen Trio
This three-piece jazz band will perform as part of the Excellence in the Community monthly concert series.
When • Thursday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m.
Where • Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main St., Salt Lake City
Tickets • Free