Kings Elliot, courtesy. Singer-songwriter Kings Elliot dyed her hair blue and took on the royal moniker to give herself the courage to be honest in her music. The 22-year-old half-Swiss, half-English artist, who’s about to undertake a run of shows with Stephen Sanchez, writes frankly about her mental health struggles,…

Homeboy Sandman, courtesy Misshattan. Considering how busy New York rapper Homeboy Sandman has been these last couple of years—two EPs, a mixtape, a deluxe edition of 2021 Aesop Rock collab Anjelitu, critically praised new LP Still Champion and partnership with Oakland’s Oakstop Alliance to help create its debut album—you’d…

Chevelle, courtesy. As 2022 drew to the end, Chevelle drummer Sam Loeffler realized the rock band had only played 30 shows; a minuscule amount for a band often on the road. Shop for Chevelle’s music. “I wish it had been more, but you really want to take the good…

Manal Issa (R) as Sara Mardini, and Nathalie Issa as Yusra Mardini in “The Swimmers.” Courtesy Netflix. Even when a story is happening halfway around the world, it can be instantly relatable. Take “The Swimmers” (now streaming on Netflix), about two Syrian sisters who try to save their family…

Tommy Howell, courtesy. If the name Tommy Howell doesn’t ring a bell, maybe his other name, C. Thomas Howell, does. Tommy Howell 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23 Whisky a Go Go, Los Angeles Tickets: $25 and up. Buy Tommy Howell music on Amazon Music. As an actor, Howell has…

Maggie Lindemann, courtesy. SACRAMENTO — Ask rising star Maggie Lindemann who she’d most like to hit the road with, and the 24-year old Texas singer doesn’t miss a beat. “I really want to go on tour with myself,” Lindemann said. “I really want to headline, really bad.” It certainly…

Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, courtesy. “Living for Love,” the latest single by Justin Hayward, came about in a familiar way as many of the songs he’s written for the Moody Blues and subsequent solo projects. “I always think things jump out of my guitars, and then I…

Lloyiso, courtesy Aviwe Xaluva. Last summer, South African singer Loyiso Gijana performed at the Miss South Africa competition and at the wedding of soccer great David Beckham’s eldest son. While both were amazing opportunities to the artist, best known simply as Lloyiso, and he was starstruck getting to meet…

Ruthie Foster, courtesy Jody Domingue. Ruthie Foster knows it’s Healing Time. When Foster decided during the pandemic that it was time to work a on a new album, she wanted to make sure to include her band in the writing process. Ruthie Foster 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16 Freight…

The best hip-hop albums of 2022 include Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Nas, Vince Staples, Earl Sweatshirt, Locksmith, Pusha T, Lupe Fiasco, Mount Westmore, Denzel Curry, Ho99o9, Freddie Gibbs, Homeboy Sandman, Bob Dylan, Czarface, Black Star, Black Thought and Danger Mouse, Your Old Droog, Open Mike Eagle and Token.…