Cloudmakers | Thu 11 Jan | Birmingham Conservatoire | £15
Cloudmakers are a five-strong group of prolific jazz musicians, led by vibraphone player Jim Hart: nimble, confounding and engrossing. Their music twists and turns enough to make your stomach churn in confusion, but when the driving, angular momentum really kicks in, it’s nothing short of astounding. Not your mama’s conservatoire jazz – this is the weird stuff. bcu.au.uk

Zawe | Fri 12 Jan | Actress & Bishop | £6
Birmingham newbies Zawe write folk music with an infusion of soul, pinned together by the frankly stunning voice of singer-songwriter Philippa Zawe. Think of them like new-folk luminaries Michael Kiwanuka or Lianne La Havas: artists retrofitting their old Joni Mitchell and Otis Redding records for a new era still in need of soul. Zawe have a new, full-band EP on the way, so keep your eyes on them. seetickets.com

The Surfing Magazines | Sun 14 Jan | Hare & Hounds | £10
Forget the so-so comedy film, and imagine that ‘Hot Tub Time Machine’ is a musical genre: The Surfing Magazines would fit the scene like a glove, with their unabashed love of 60s surf, their all-analogue guitar sound and their earnest Americana racket. Slinky, sexy and weird, and not above a good harmonica solo, the best part is that the Surfing Magazines rock out retro without being pastiche. seetickets.com

Paramore | Sun 14 Jan | Genting Arena | £28
The one-time pop-punkers Paramore have now transitioned into full pop, ditching the grunge riffs of yesteryear for neon-bright, new wave hooks. Looking thoroughly comfortable in their new 80s-tinted digs, the band are arguably at a new peak. See our full preview here.