C Duncan + Dorcha + Rocky steps | Mon 8 May | Hare & Hounds | £12.50
Glasgow’s Mercury prize-nominated prodigious talent C Duncan comes to B’ham courtesy of the ever-reliable Birmingham Promoters. Blending spectral, ambient electronic elements and sweeping synth sounds with his signature layered vocals, he’s now joined by a four-piece band, providing the perfect backdrop for his hushed vocals and plentiful harmonies. He’s joined by local synth darlings Dorcha and cosmic remix king Rocky Steps.
www.birminghampromoters.com

The Parrots | Mon 8 May | Hare & Hounds | £8 or two for £10
Same venue, different sound. Take your pick as some of Birmingham’s best promoters lay out their wares at the H&H tonight. With less synth and more raw rock n’ roll edge than the above, This is Tmrw & Killer Wave bring the louche surf-garage sound and wild stage antics of Heavenly’s prodigal sons from Madrid, Parrot. Characterised by raucous, elemental garage noise feelgood ferocity and stage invasions – this one will undoubtedly win on the volume front.
www.hareandhoundskingsheath.com

Charlotte Church’s Late Night Pop Dungeon | Fri 12 May | O2 Institute | £14
With a tour that has already received its fair share of cult-status feedback, Charlotte Church is set to shock, surprise, charm and entertain in equal measure. Expect an unpredictable selection of modern pop anthems like you’ve never heard them before and with a large side-order of tongue-in-cheek kitsch. See our full preview here.

Victories at Sea | Sat 13 May | Hare & Hounds | £5
Indie-shoegaze kings Victories at Sea will be revealing the first glimpse of their new EP ‘A Place to Stay’ see our full preview here.

The Hackney Colliery Band | Sat 13 May | The Rep | £17.50
An unmissable return from quite possibly the hottest brass band on the planet. From Nirvana to Adele, Prodigy to No Digitty, via Toto’s Africa & their own stuff, it’s all good. See our full preview here.

Independent Festival | Sat 13 May | The Bond | £8
Not just a massive and fitting celebration of the city’s best independent purveyors of food, drink and creative talent, but music too. Curated by Moseley Folk Fest the line-up includes local legends Rhino & the Ranters along with Independent Country, Bostin Brass & High Horses. Tickets are now sold out, but look out for re-sales here.