Tonight in Seattle: Gotye, Explosions in the Sky, Miike Snow, and more

STG Presents Gotye with Kimbra @ Showbox SoDo | 4/10 | 7 pm | $29 (SOLD OUT) | All Ages

Photo via vincegolangco.com

by Melissa Daniels

Sounds, not songs. That’s what, Australian born artist, Gotye will mention when discussing his new album Making Mirrors. One of the more unique artists to infiltrate the electro-pop scene in the US, his music bleeds emotion while featuring styles ranging from dub and synth-folk to Motown soul. It’s purely a lyrical sea of emotion. But he’s no sophomore. This is Gotye’s third album, and for the first time while on tour, he’ll be playing completely live.

In an interview with STG Presents, Gotye explains, “I have a ten-piece band, in which everyone sings and plays multiple instruments. These are by far my most ambitious shows to date. There will be no backing tracks used. All visuals will be triggered live too. We’ve been rehearsing twice a week for the past 3 months, and it’s exciting because it’s dangerous. It could go wrong on every song. I’ve never been one to make my life easy.”

So what makes up these sounds, not songs? Gotye (pronounced Gauthier), incorporates a variety of different instruments and things to comprise his music: a Lowrey Cotillion vintage organ, a bassline sampled from the Winton Musical Fence, an instrument comprised of five large metal strings attached to a wooden fence post and a resonant chamber, a traditional Taiwanese horn, and even some Turkish drums. The variety he pulls from is not only unique, but it’s so scattered you wonder “how on Earth does he make it all work so fluidly?” Making Mirrors is a confluence between extraordinary and bizarre, and it’s damn well done!

Joining Gotye is New Zealand singer/songwriter Kimbra who is featured on Gotye’s latest single “Somebody That I Used to Know.” Kimbra’s humble beginnings featured a Juice TV award for “Best Breakthrough Music Video” for her second single “Simply on My Lips” in 2007 in her homeland. Her debut album Vows has reached Platinum status in Australian and Gold in New Zealand.

This show, originally scheduled for The Neptune, has since moved to the Showbox SoDo. All tickets purchased for the original show at the Neptune will be honored.

Explosions in the Sky, Zammuto @ The Moore Theater | 4/10 | $22.50 (Get Tickets) | All Ages

Photo Credit: Daniel Ahrendt

by Nikki Benson

Iconic fathers of American post-rock Explosions in the Sky will be visiting Seattle again on April 10, 2012 in support of Take Care, Take Care, Take Care. The last time they were in Seattle, they played an epic secret show at to a full house. Explosions’ double-picked ethereal guitar swells are going to sound amazing at The Moore Theatre.

Watch Explosions in the Sky play “The Only Moment We Were Alone” at the Crocodile:

That song only gets better with time, and the same can be said for many songs in Explosions in the Sky’s extensive catalog. Who knows what treasures are waiting on 4/10? They’ve been touring for so long on this album, they could very well play new, unreleased material. You never know, just be there to find out.

For your chance to win tickets, e-mail contests@ssgmusic.com with the phrase “I’m not going to miss this one! (EitS 4/10 at the Moore)” in the subject line. Be sure to include your first and last name for the guest list. We’ll holler back if you win. Follow @SSGPromo to keep your eye on all of our giveaways.

Miike Snow @ The Paramount Theatre | 4/10 | 8pm | $29.50 (Get Tickets) | All Ages

Press Image via Miike Snow

The ever-sensational Miike Snow is returning to Seattle with their addictive electro-dance-pop as part of their “Happy to You” tour to promote their 2012 LP. After putting on the dance party of Sasquatch! 2010 and then returning the next fall for a sold out night of bliss at The Showbox SODO, the Swedes are going even bigger.

Check out their latest single, “Devil’s Work.”

My favorite Miike Snow jam is ”A Horse is not a Home.”

For your chance to win tickets before you can buy them, visit our Facebook wall and share your favorite Miike Snow jam on our wall. Share a youtube link if there is one available so we can enjoy the dance party! You may enter up to three times a day. We’ll send you an e-mail closer to the show if you’re the big winner.