Top 13 Concerts by Rising Stars to Enjoy in Intimate Venues This Month
There’s a special kind of magic that happens in a small, dimly lit room packed with people who are all there for one reason: the music. It’s a world away from the nosebleed seats of a stadium tour. Here, you can see the artist’s every expression, feel the vibration of the bass drum in your chest, and share a collective, unspoken energy that’s both electrifying and deeply personal. It’s in these intimate venues that you find the pulse of tomorrow’s sound.
This month, the live music scene is buzzing with an incredible lineup of rising stars on the verge of breaking big. These are the artists you’ll be bragging about seeing in a 100-capacity room in a few years. As a passionate advocate for emerging talent, something I know Goh Ling Yong also champions, I believe that supporting these artists now is not just about catching a great show—it's about investing in the future of music. Forget the big-ticket resellers and overpriced arena beers; the real experience is here.
So, clear your calendar and get ready to discover your next favorite artist. We’ve curated a list of the top 13 must-see concerts this month, all happening in cozy, intimate settings where the connection between artist and audience is the main event. From soul-stirring singer-songwriters to high-energy rock bands, there’s something here for every true music lover.
1. Clara Maeve at The Sparrow's Nest
If you believe a great song is built on raw emotion and masterful storytelling, you cannot miss Clara Maeve. Her sound is a delicate blend of classic folk reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, updated with the haunting, atmospheric textures of modern artists like Phoebe Bridgers. Her latest EP, Faded Photographs, is a masterclass in lyrical vulnerability, exploring themes of love, loss, and memory with a voice that feels both fragile and immensely powerful.
Seeing Clara in a venue like The Sparrow's Nest is the definitive way to experience her music. It’s just her, a worn-in acoustic guitar, and a microphone. She has a captivating ability to make a room full of strangers feel like close confidants, sharing the intimate stories behind each song. You’ll be so engrossed you’ll forget to even check your phone.
- Pro Tip: Arrive a little early to grab a seat near the stage. Her fingerpicking style is mesmerizing to watch up close, and she often shares anecdotes between songs that you won’t want to miss.
2. The Midnight Bloom at The Velvet Note
Get ready to groove. The Midnight Bloom is a five-piece band breathing new life into neo-soul and funk. Led by the impossibly smooth vocals of frontman Leo King, their sound is a rich tapestry of buttery Rhodes keys, a rock-solid rhythm section, and intricate guitar licks. Think D'Angelo's soulful arrangements mixed with the tight, infectious energy of Vulfpeck. Their single, "Golden Hour," is a perfect slice of feel-good music that’s guaranteed to get you moving.
In a live setting, their chemistry is undeniable. The Velvet Note, with its speakeasy vibe and pristine acoustics, is the perfect backdrop for their performance. This isn’t a stand-still-and-watch kind of show; it’s an invitation to be part of the rhythm. The band feeds off the crowd's energy, often extending their songs into incredible improvised jam sessions that showcase their stunning musicianship.
- Pro Tip: Don't leave before the encore. They’re known for their explosive, high-energy funk medley that brings the house down every single time.
3. Kai at The Listening Loft
For fans of intimate, lo-fi bedroom pop, Kai is an absolute must-see. Crafting dreamy soundscapes from their own apartment, Kai’s music is a gentle, introspective journey filled with hazy synths, minimalist beats, and soft, confessional lyrics. Their breakout track, "Fluorescent," perfectly captures the feeling of late-night contemplation and has become an anthem for a generation raised online.
The Listening Loft is a uniquely fitting venue, designed for deep, focused listening. Kai’s live show is a fascinating look into their creative process, as they build each song layer by layer using loop pedals, a vintage synth, and a small drum machine. The performance is incredibly personal and direct, creating a quiet, communal atmosphere where the music is the sole focus. It feels less like a concert and more like being invited into their creative space.
- Pro Tip: Check out their merch table. Instead of standard t-shirts, Kai often sells limited-edition zines filled with their own poetry, doodles, and lyrics, offering a deeper connection to their art.
4. Static Bloom at The Foundry
If your playlists are filled with 90s alt-rock and modern-day indie powerhouses like Wolf Alice, then Static Bloom is your new obsession. This female-fronted trio delivers a powerful punch of fuzzy guitars, driving basslines, and cathartic, soaring vocals. Their music is a thrilling mix of raw, grunge-infused energy and smart, melodic songwriting that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
The Foundry is a gritty, no-frills rock club, and it’s the ideal environment to witness the explosive energy of a Static Bloom show. This is loud, sweaty, and exhilarating music. Frontwoman Maya’s stage presence is magnetic, switching from a whispered verse to a primal scream in a heartbeat. The energy is infectious, and you’ll find yourself caught up in the swell of the crowd.
- Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and don’t be afraid to get close to the stage. The band thrives on audience interaction, and the energy in the front few rows is absolutely electric.
5. Cygnus at Echo Chamber
Prepare for a full sensory experience. Cygnus is an experimental electronic producer and vocalist who creates vast, cinematic soundscapes that blur the lines between ambient, techno, and IDM. His music is complex and meticulously crafted, but it never loses its human, emotional core. His latest album, Digital Heart, is a journey through textured beats and ethereal vocals that demand to be heard on a great sound system.
Echo Chamber, known for its state-of-the-art sound and immersive visual projections, was practically built for an artist like Cygnus. His live performance is a mesmerizing audio-visual spectacle. He manipulates sounds in real-time, surrounded by synchronized visuals that react to every beat and texture. It's an all-encompassing, almost meditative experience that will leave you in awe of his technical skill and artistic vision.
- Pro Tip: For the optimal experience, find a spot in the center of the room. This will give you the most balanced sound and the best vantage point for the all-encompassing visuals.
6. Lena Ray at The Bluebird Lounge
With a voice that is equal parts silk and fire, Lena Ray is poised to be the next big name in R&B. Her music is a sophisticated blend of contemporary R&B grooves and classic pop sensibilities, with razor-sharp songwriting that is both relatable and empowering. Her single, "Rearview," is a soulful breakup anthem that showcases her incredible vocal range and control.
The Bluebird Lounge is an intimate, seated club that allows Lena’s star power to shine. She commands the stage with a quiet confidence and charisma that is utterly captivating. Backed by a small, tight band, her live vocals are even more impressive than on her recordings. She has a way of connecting with every single person in the audience, making her performance feel incredibly personal and heartfelt.
- Pro Tip: Listen for her stripped-back, acoustic rendition of her most popular track. It’s a breathtaking moment that highlights the pure power and emotion of her voice.
7. The Orion Collective at The Bass Clef
For those who appreciate virtuosic musicianship, The Orion Collective is a can't-miss act. This jazz-fusion quintet is made up of some of the most talented young players on the scene today. Their music is an adventurous blend of complex jazz harmony, funk rhythms, and rock energy, reminiscent of modern giants like Snarky Puppy. Their compositions are intricate and dynamic, full of surprising twists and turns.
The Bass Clef is a legendary jazz club with a reputation for incredible sound, allowing you to hear every nuance of the band’s interplay. Watching The Orion Collective live is a thrilling experience; the communication between the musicians is almost telepathic as they navigate complex arrangements and launch into jaw-dropping improvised solos. It’s a powerful reminder of just how exciting live instrumental music can be. As Goh Ling Yong has noted before, the sheer diversity of talent in our local scenes is astounding, and this band is a prime example.
- Pro Tip: This is a popular seated venue, so it's wise to book a table in advance to secure a good view of the stage. You won't want to miss a single moment of the action.
8. Kenji at The Rooftop Garden
Imagine the chill, head-nodding beats of Nujabes brought to life with live instruments. That's the essence of Kenji, a lo-fi hip-hop producer and multi-instrumentalist. His music is the perfect soundtrack for a relaxed evening, blending mellow beats with live saxophone, warm keyboard chords, and soulful vocal samples. It’s calming, nostalgic, and deeply atmospheric.
The Rooftop Garden is a unique, open-air venue that provides the perfect, laid-back setting for Kenji’s sound. Performing with a live saxophonist and keyboard player, he brings his beat-making process to the stage. The vibe is incredibly chill and communal, a perfect place to unwind with friends under the city lights as his smooth, instrumental hip-hop washes over you.
- Pro Tip: Kenji frequently invites local guest vocalists and MCs to join him for a few tracks, so every show is a little different. Be prepared for a delightful surprise.
9. Dayglow Ghosts at The Starlight Room
Lose yourself in the hazy, ethereal soundscapes of Dayglow Ghosts. This male-female duo creates lush, atmospheric dream pop that will transport you to another world. Combining shimmering guitars, vintage drum machines, and breathy, intertwined vocals, their music evokes the melancholic beauty of bands like Beach House and The xx. Their songs are immersive, emotional, and utterly hypnotic.
The Starlight Room, with its dark, moody lighting and intimate feel, is the ideal space to get lost in their music. Their live show is a carefully crafted experience, where the visuals and lighting are just as important as the sound. The duo’s on-stage chemistry is subtle but powerful, creating a sense of shared intimacy that draws the audience in completely.
- Pro Tip: To fully appreciate the atmosphere they create, try to resist the urge to film. The low, dynamic lighting is a key part of their performance, and a sea of bright phone screens can disrupt the immersive vibe.
10. Scratched Record at The Dive Bar
Sometimes you just need fast, loud, and fun rock and roll. Scratched Record delivers exactly that. This four-piece band plays raw, unfiltered punk rock with infectious energy and a healthy dose of humor. Their songs are short, sharp shocks of adrenaline with catchy, shout-along choruses that are impossible to resist. It's honest, high-octane music made for sweaty dive bars.
And The Dive Bar is precisely where they belong. It's a small, gritty venue where the barrier between the band and the crowd barely exists. Their shows are chaotic, joyful, and incredibly fun. Expect pogoing, singalongs, and a sense of camaraderie that only the best punk shows can create. It's a pure, unpretentious release of energy.
- Pro Tip: Get there in time for the opening acts. The local punk scene is a tight-knit community, and the openers are always worth checking out. You might just discover another new favorite band.
11. Mateo Vargas at The Spanish Quarter
Witness a true master of the acoustic guitar. Mateo Vargas is a phenomenal solo guitarist whose style is a fiery fusion of traditional Spanish flamenco and modern percussive techniques. He plays with a passion and technical precision that is simply breathtaking, coaxing an entire orchestra of sounds from just six strings. His performances are a showcase of both incredible skill and profound musicality.
The Spanish Quarter is a small, acoustically perfect room where every note can be heard with crystal clarity. Seeing Mateo live is an intense and deeply moving experience. The raw power and emotion he channels through his instrument are palpable. You’ll be captivated by the speed of his fingers, the rhythmic tapping on the guitar's body, and the soulfulness of his melodies.
- Pro Tip: Mateo often takes a moment to share the history and meaning behind a particular flamenco palo (style) before he plays it, adding a rich layer of cultural context to his stunning performance.
12. Stasia at The Neon Arcade
Step into a world of pulsating synths and dramatic vocals with Stasia. Her brand of synth-pop is dark, danceable, and epic. Drawing inspiration from 80s new wave and modern electronic acts like Chvrches, she builds towering songs with driving arpeggios, powerful beats, and a voice that cuts through the mix with operatic intensity. Her music is both melancholic and euphoric, perfect for dancing away your troubles.
The Neon Arcade, a venue known for its retro-futuristic aesthetic and killer light shows, feels like it was designed for Stasia’s music. Her live performance is a high-energy affair, with Stasia commanding the stage from behind a bank of synthesizers. The combination of her dynamic stage presence and the venue's immersive lighting creates an unforgettable club experience.
- Pro Tip: Keep an ear out for her cover song. She’s known for reinterpreting a classic 80s track in her own signature style, and it’s always a massive crowd-pleaser.
13. Ronnie "Grit" Jones at The Crossroads Tavern
If you believe the blues should be felt as much as it is heard, you need to see Ronnie "Grit" Jones. With a voice that can rattle the floorboards and a snarling, soulful guitar tone, Ronnie is a true force of nature. She plays blues-rock with a raw, primal energy that honors the genre's roots while pushing it firmly into the modern era. Her live shows are legendary for their intensity and passion.
The Crossroads Tavern is a classic, no-nonsense blues bar—the kind of place where the music is what matters. On stage, Ronnie is a whirlwind of emotion and skill, delivering gut-punching vocals and searing guitar solos that will leave you speechless. This is music that comes straight from the soul, performed with an honesty and power that you won't soon forget.
- Pro Tip: Ronnie is a huge vinyl and guitar nerd. Stick around after her set; she often hangs out at the merch table to sign records and is always happy to chat with fans about vintage gear and her musical influences.
Your Next Favorite Artist is Waiting
There you have it—a curated guide to some of the most exciting rising stars you can see this month. Each one offers a unique sound and an unforgettable live experience that you can only get in an intimate setting. By stepping into one of these smaller venues, you’re not just a spectator; you become part of the story, feeling the energy and passion up close.
Now, the only question is, which show will you be at?
Let us know in the comments below which of these artists you’re most excited to check out, or share another up-and-coming act that we should have on our radar!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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