City Guide 2022 

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They Riff Among Us
City Weekly's music MAVEN divines her year's 'must-see' local artists.
By Erin Moore

Every town has its own legendary performers. Sure, the musicians on this list could easily head for the coasts and make it to the big time. They're that good! But for whatever reason, they've chosen to put down roots in the 801 and connect with their local fan base. That gives us all ample opportunities to partake of their musical gifts. Here are 10 local performers you should make a point to see in the coming days. Be in the know and catch them live, so you can say you knew them when.

1. Pixie & The Partygrass Boys
If you love folk at its ripping and roaring-est, you have to make sure you see Pixie & The Partygrass Boys. One of the most beloved bands in Utah, they're popular for a reason. Their strong musical chops have carried them through two albums and an EP that are toasty warm as often as they run fiery hot. The five-piece make use of wild string instruments and the charisma of their lead singer, "Pixie," to blow their shows up to proportions that easily fill venues both large and intimate alike. For links to stream, plus videos of their live performances, visit: pixieandthepartygrassboys.com, IG @partygrassmusic

2. Worlds Worst
Contrary to their name, Worlds Worst are not the world's worst band, but indeed a pretty good rep for what the SLC garage rock scene is churning out these days. The young four-piece have started out strong with two EPs, the latest of which, EP2, features super catchy songs like "Balloons," a melodic builder that crashes into catharsis that can be felt in the crowd if you see it live—you might get blown up like a balloon, in fact. Reminiscent of heavy, emo-adjacent rock from over a decade ago, Worlds Worst is bringing the best of it back—with their own style, of course. For music links and show dates, follow at: IG @worlds_worst

3. Cop Kid
What happens when a folk artist with a penchant for melancholy and an uninhibited, hyper pop producer team up? An unexpectedly perfect union. Marny Proudfit and Boone Hogg are the two such figures who make up Cop Kid, a distinct and danceable electronic project that balances Proudfit's low, husky and honest voice with Hogg's imaginative, bright synth pop. Proudfit comes alive in this world of swirling color, and Boone (who has a solo project in superyoungadult) comes down to earth a bit in songs that paint vivid vignettes of anxiety, nervous commitments and, of course, love. For ways to stream and shows to see, follow at: IG @copkidlives

4. Courtney Kelly
If you're riding the wave of women rappers dominating the genre lately, Salt Lake City has our very own rep for the powerful new moment in hip hop. Courtney Kelly is a local rapper who puts the "fire" in spitfire, and on her latest release A Vendetta of Love, she plays the role of tough and fine leading lady, becoming the embodiment of a supreme player in love on songs like "Playa Like Me." You can see her performing all around town. For dates and ways to stream, follow her at: IG @courtneykellyxi

5. Jacob T. Skeen
Ever seen a one-man band? Let alone one with incredible style? Jacob T. Skeen is our own local one-man bandman, and he does his thing remarkably with slicked back hair and a suit on, looking right out of a 1960s boy-band showcase, with all the instruments mashed together into his solo lap instead. Skeen specializes in rockin' rockabilly tunes, where the guitar snarls ominously and the drums pound with vigor, all while he sings. The dark, rumbling songs on his debut album Death, Thou Shalt Die are almost unbelievably dynamic for someone playing guitar, drums and tambourine at the same time, but that's just Skeen. Don't miss out on the live spectacle, and more importantly, the jams. Follow him at: IG @jacob_t_skeen

6. Jazzy Olivo
Once you've heard the voice of Jazzy Olivo, you can't forget it—no matter what genre she's singing. Despite her name, Jazzy is not only into jazz (though she excels at getting into the swing). The Dominican singer has been singing since she was 3 years old, and since then, has made a name for herself everywhere from SLC to Mexico. Her repertoire ranges between blistering soul to easygoing island-minded tunes—switching between English and Spanish, too. While she has only a few singles on Spotify, you can hear her performing around Salt Lake City, especially in venues like the Gallivan Center and the Excellence Concert Series that presents there. Keep up with new music and show dates from Olivo at: IG @jazzyolivo

7. Vincent Draper & The Culls
If there was an album by any locals made specifically for brooding over a crush, it's Vincent Draper & The Culls' latest release, 2021's Night Light. The band has always specialized in a smoldering, Americana sound, but on Night Light, that sound found new focus in romance. The album is a slow burner, and minimalism takes them to emotionally crushing heights—the kind that you feel when you're falling hard in love and every moment feels significant. All members of the band have been making music in many different projects in SLC for years, and vocalist Carson Wolfe ("Vincent Draper") really shines on the album, baring a raw honesty and yearning that folds you right into each song's flickering vignette. The basslines growl with a low anticipation while the guitar lines keep things bright as a night light in a darkened room. The whole album feels like staying up too late, drinking a few with somebody new and special, and if not, sitting and fantasizing about it instead. You can stream it online, and keep up with the band's many frequent local dates at: IG @vdandthecs

8. Lord Vox
Psychedelic music is alive and well in Salt Lake City, and it's partly due to the existence of bands like Lord Vox. The three-piece band specializes in grand and sweeping psych rock compositions that can be as stormy as they can be sunny and sweet—that's thanks to bright guitar tones mixed up with the drama of vocalist Nahum Reyes' declarations. He makes statements as simple as "If you want me / come around and let me know" sound like the peak of romance. Reyes is usually wearing some big, black, sweeping cape while performing, and his extravagance on stage is balanced by the stoicism of expertise displayed by his bandmates on bass and drums. While their music alone is enough to sweep you away, their shows often feature impressive graphics that enhance the psychedelic vibes. Stream them wherever you stream and follow them at: IG @lordvoxmusic

9. Little Moon
In the style of artists like Joanna Newsom, local artist Little Moon (Emma Hardyman) lives in a world of magic and whimsy all of her own creation. Her complex and rich compositions are transportive, and if you listen to her music, you're leaving our very ordinary world for her much more interesting one. Robust with plucking strings, thin and sparkling brass, spirited guitars and the soaring, dizzyingly high and bold voice of Hardyman herself, her music will carry you off. You can get a taste of it by listening to her 2020 debut, the album Unphased, a clever title for an even cleverer album—the moving and emotional songs will make you wonder why the early 2010s obsession with big-band, folk-infused indie went out of style. But more than anything, any listener will marvel at Little Moon's ability to bring tinkling, twee instrumentals to such high grandeur. Whether you love folk music or not, Little Moon is a deft songwriter, one well worth seeing perform live, too. Stream her music wherever you stream, and don't forget to look up her enthralling NPR Tiny Desk submission on YouTube. Keep up with Little Moon at: IG @little.moon.music

10. Sophie Blair
If the new generation of pop is what you're after, look no farther than Sophie Blair, an up-and-coming pop artist who flirts with hyper pop just as often as she employs her viola in her unique and compelling songs. On her first two EPs, released over the last three years, she brings lush and innovative layers of texture to songs about living with intense emotions and attachments. She's also got some understreamed pop bangers that belong on your party playlist, like "Don't Be Like That!" and "Are You Thinking About Me?" that are supremely danceable and oh-so fun. To keep up with this budding young artist, and to know when to see her live, follow her at: IG @sophiexblair

11. The Backseat Lovers
Utah is home to many acts that "make it," and the latest one that seems to be getting there is The Backseat Lovers. After winning the fortune-making Battle of the Bands in Provo at Velour, the band has found rapid success, going on world tours even, and selling out big local venues like The Depot. The boy band specializes in the kind of jangly guitar pop that has had such a hold on indie music since Mac Demarco and the like took over, and they even have a signature song dedicated to their old stomping grounds. "Kilby Girl" references the kind of cool girls with fake IDs that hang out at SLC's oldest and most well-loved all-ages venue, Kilby Court. The homage to one of their early practice grounds has brought them viral status, and that's also lent even more of a legendary sheen to the local venue. To keep up with their busy tour schedule, follow them at: IG @the.backseat.lovers

• Derek Carlisle
• Raunch Records' Brad Collins

Record Stores
Get Your Groove on
Salt Lake's record shops are a music lover's Lounge.
By Erin Moore

Yes, music streamers, record stores still exist! You may not have purchased a CD since the '90s or a vinyl LP since the '70, but record stores still make the rocking world go round. Not only is vinyl highly collectible but thanks to nostalgia and a growing number of vinyl-only labels and events like Record Store Day that spark re-releases of major labels, vinyl is a hot commodity. There's nothing like the soulful sound of a needle dropping on your favorite LP. Plus, album covers with their art and descriptions are something you can't find online or on a jewel case.

Salt Lake's record shops are not just purveyors of vinyl—each one caters to its own crowd, offering multiple genres and an array of products. With that in mind, here are a few of Salt Lake's vinyl mainstays. Stop in and find something special you didn't know you need.

Peasantries + Pleasantries
Come for: Rarities, ambient, experimental, electronic, jazz, noise, modern indie rock, all in vinyl and rare pressings, but also in cassettes and even CDs.
Stay for: Of late, it's P+P+P—Peasantries + Pleasantries + Pastries, thanks to local sweets slinger Mad Dough teaming up with the shop to supply record shoppers with more than just ear candy.
807 S. 800 East, SLC
801-706-9187
pleasantlyslc.com
IG @pleasantlyslc

Raunch Records
Come for: The noisiest damn shopping experience you've ever had while you hunt for even noisier punk and metal records.
Stay for: A glimpse at what pre-development Sugar House used to be. Plus, skate gear, scary tees and merch at the back of the shop that all the cool kids already know about.
1119 E. 2100 South, SLC
801-467-6077
facebook.com/punkrockskateshop
IG @raunchrecords

Graywhale Entertainment
Come for: Its famously knowledgeable staff and to experience shopping at a Utah music institution, all in the modest and approachable Graywhale digs.
Stay for: Graywhale's robust used CD collection, plus movies, books and games. Find some vintage games for your old PS4 and play while you listen to your new record.
1773 W. 4700 South, Taylorsville
801-964-5700
4062 Riverdale Road, Ogden
801-399-0609
Graywhaleslc.com
IG @graywhaleslc

Diabolical Records
Come for: A variety of psych, shoegaze, punk, indie and DIY records.
Stay for: The selection of local artists in the mix, plus frequent updates from trade deals (you can sell or trade your own records with them anytime), cassettes and zines, pins and other pieces of apparel and merch available all the time at the shop.
238 S. Edison St., SLC
801-792-9204
diabolical-records.square.site
IG @diabolicalslc

• Derek Carlisle
• Kevin Kirk, owner of the Heavy Metal Shop

The Heavy Metal Shop
Come for: Well, heavy metal, of course, and the experience of stepping into one of SLC's most legendary music spots.
Stay for: The iconic Heavy Metal Shop hoodies that are basically synonymous with SLC music culture. Also, Heavy Metal Shop hot sauce, among other niche gifts (sweatsuits anyone?).
63 Exchange Place, SLC
801-647-7071
heavymetalshop.com
IG @theheavymetalshopsaltlakecity

• Josh Scheuerman
• Owner Sam Cooke Randy's Records

Randy's Records
Come for: Their famously immense record collection—the largest in Utah. From oldies to new releases, you can find whatever you need.
Stay for: A piece of SLC history, in that Randy's is a family business that's been around since 1978. Head for the bins on the floor for a crate-diggers experience.
157 E. 900 South, SLC
801-532-4413
randysrecords.com
IG @randysrecordshop

Sound & Vision Vinyl
Come for: Collectibles! This suburban record shop has long been the place to go for fans of The Beatles and other classic rock icons.
Stay for: Unique merch, as in bar stools with the Grateful Dead skull on them or luggage emblazoned with the seals of Bowie and Queen.
3444 S. Main, SLC
385-229-4165
soundandvisionvinyl.com
IG @soundandvisionvinyl

Heading out of town? Check these places out on your next road trip.

3hive Record Lounge
Come for: A blogger boom-era blog turned record shop with regular trades and pre-orders as well as inventory available at their downtown Provo shop or on their website.
Stay for: The occasional show, Downtown Provo Art Stroll special pop-ups featuring local artists and collaborations with Provo's other small businesses.
50 E. 500 North, Ste. 105, Provo
801-900-3116
shope.3hive.com
IG @3hive

Lavender Vinyl
Come for: A solid small biz shopping experience in Ogden's charming and historic downtown, with bins stocked full of classics and a locals section alike.
Stay for: Turntables and accessories, really cool merch (in particular their tie-dye "Lavender Menace" tees) and some of the most enthusiastic Record Store Day participation in the state.
123 25th Street, Ogden
801-605-3425
lavendervinyl.com
IG @lavendervinyl