Small Houses // Dreamland Theater / Oct. 9

by Ian Cruz

This month will see light for the sophomore release from Flint natives Small Houses with “North,” a collaborative effort fronted by singer-songwriter Jeremy Quentin. Quentin, whose first album “Our Dusking Sound” caught attention all around the Midwest in 2010, arranges new songs with the help of musicians from bands such as The Go Rounds, Frontier Ruckus, Samantha Crain and more. The 10 song record will include songs from the “Just Before the North” EP, which came out earlier this year, as well as new tracks such as “In the Lawn” and “I and My Maker,” the latter being written by Jeremy Cassar. Quentin and Co. have made a reputable name for themselves as their live shows are described as fantastic and flawless. Mostly Midwest commented, “Launching with a few solo pieces by Jeremy Quentin, his hypnotic style and furious fingerpicking. …This is the best kind of entertainment.” The forthcoming record “North” was recorded at Backseat Productions in Ann Arbor by Keith Kinnear as well as The Lake House by Mohnish Das. The album was mixed at Backseat by Jim Roll, and mastered at Double Phelix by Benjamin Lau with production oversight by Quentin. “North” will be released on October 6 through the band’s Bandcamp profile for only $5, which will be followed up by the official album release show at Ypsilanti’s Dreamland Theater on October 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5, and all ages are welcome. For more information, visit smallhousessing.com.

Hanson // the Crofoot / Sept. 26

by Aimee Mandle

It’s been 14 years since “MMMBop” ripped through the Billboard charts and the Oklahoma trio known as Hanson became a household name. Since then, the band has grown up and put out five studio albums, garnered a few Grammy nominations and been leaders in countless humanitarian acts to fight HIV/AIDS and poverty in Africa. The group also launched their own independent record company in 2003 after struggling with Island/Def Jam records to release their third album. In summer 2010, Hanson released their latest album, “Shout It Out,” on their label 3CG Records. The album’s upbeat songs also featured special guests like Funk Brothers bassist Bob, while showcasing the band’s appreciation for old school soul, pop and R&B. The band has been touring ever since. Hanson will be performing at the Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac on September 26. The show kicks off at 7 p.m., with tickets starting at $30. Attendees can even request a meet and greet session on the trio’s website: hanson.net.

Chromeo w/ Mayer Hawthorne // Majestic Theater / Sept. 26

by David Nassar

Combining the hard-driving dance grooves of P-Thugg and the smooth, soulful voice of Dave 1, the electrofunk duo, Chromeo, will be heating up the Majestic Theater on September 26 with Ann Arbor-native, Mayer Hawthorne.  Chromeo started blowing up after their 2007 release, “Fancy Footwork,” but really entered the mainstream after having their 2010 hit single, “Don’t Turn the Lights On,” was featured on the FIFA 11 video game.  After playing to international audiences at festivals like Coachella, Bonnaroo, Rothbury and Lollapalooza, they’re hitting The D by teaming up with the sometimes-rapper known as Haircut / sometimes-retro-soul-crooner known as Mayer Hawthorne.  As usual, Hawthorne will be joined by his ever-revolving collection of backing musicians known as “The County.”  And you can expect that both acts will bring their catchy, infectious tunes along with a healthy dose of Biz Markie-esque playfulness.  Tickets are $31.50, and the show starts at 8 p.m.

Fleet Foxes // Hill Auditorium / Sept. 29

by Mary Simkins

Seattle folk sensation Fleet Foxes will be at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor on September 29 with indie rock band The Walkmen. The night will likely feature many songs from Fleet Foxes’ sophomore album, “Helplessness Blues,” hailed by critics as “darker, though just as assured” as previous work (Pitchfork).  If you’ve never seen the band live, it’s a wonderful experience as the band’s personality and rapport makes them seem like your old friends – your extremely talented, though modest, old friends.  Every once in a while they’ve even been known to treat the audience to an impromptu a cappella harmony.  Be sure to come early to see the Walkmen as well. If you haven’t heard them before, the band employs vintage instruments such as the upright piano, lending a timeless feel to indie rock. Doors are at 8 p.m. Tickets are $34 and can be purchased online at vendini.com.

Odd Future // Royal Oak Music Theatre / Oct. 16

by Ian Cruz

Earning his self-proclaimed swag after being awarded MTV’s “Best New Artist,” Tyler, the Creator began turning heads with his offensive lyrics and near cynical video “Yonkers,” released this past February. After the release of his debut record, “Bastard” (2009), labels from every avenue were looking into signing Tyler and his band of misfit toys, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA)—who some are calling this generation’s NWA. According to the New York Post, just to get a meeting with Tyler and Co. for a record deal offer, Diddy had to introduce him to Justin Beiber and provide swivel chairs and a megaphone. That’s just of dozens of reports on how maniacal these guys can get. For his first national television appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Tyler and co-member of OFWGKTA, Hodgy Beats, made a wave of noise with their performance of “Sandwiches” from the album “Goblin” (2011). In May, OFWGKTA played their first show in Michigan at Detroit’s Majestic Theater. With a couple punches thrown by Hodgy towards an audience member for throwing bottles on stage, Tyler threw his shirt off in rage telling the audience the set was over. But luckily for their fanbase in Michigan, this incident isn’t stopping them from coming back this month on their GOLFWANG tour at Royal Oak Music Theatre on October 16.  Though Diddy didn’t get his hands on OFWGKTA, they have signed with Sony’s RED Distribution in order to create their own label, Odd Future Records, says MTV.com. You can expect the next Tyler, the Creator album to drop sometime in early 2012.