Music Forecast December 12-18: Cowboy Indian Bear, Tech N9ne, the Record Machine’s Xmas Show, and more

Cowboy Indian Bear
This past spring, Lawrence music champions Cowboy Indian Bear released Live Old, Die Young, a heartbreaking and beautiful album. The 13 tracks unfurl with a sort of luxurious agony, shedding one orchestral layer after another. On Thursday, Cowboy Indian Bear plays its last show of the year. And the band has a few treats in mind for its audience, including welcoming a temporary fifth member to the usual four-piece. Bonus: This is a free show, so you have no excuse to skip. Local indie rockers Middle Twin and Forrester open.

Thursday, December 12, at the Granada (1020 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-842-1390)

Heffron Drive
Andover, Kansas, native Kendall Schmidt is probably best known for his role in the Nickelodeon TV series Big Time Rush and from the eponymous boy band born out of that show. Lately, though, Schmidt is shifting his focus to a project called Heffron Drive, a Fall Out Boy–like duo (along with BTR guitarist Dustin Belt) that he was part of before landing a spot on the hit series. In Heffron Drive, Schmidt shows an excellent set of pop vocals. Though he is unabashed about his emo influences, Schmidt seems unlikely to put on eyeliner for this Riot Room gig.

Thursday, December 12, at the Riot Room (4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179)

Tech N9ne with Gee Watts
Far be it for hometown hip-hop hero Tech N9ne to take a day off. Hot off the release of his Therapy EP, and somehow slotted into an endless touring schedule, the undisputed underground king is delivering an early Christmas present to the people of Lawrence with a live show at the Granada on Saturday. Supporting Tech is Kansas City MC Gee Watts. Expect swelling local love from the audience and, if the concert reviews are accurate, more than a few fan-thrown G-strings.

Saturday, December 14, at the Granada (1020 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-842-1390)

The Record Machine’s X-mas Show
Local label the Record Machine has again organized what sounds like a thoroughly festive holiday party. There will be music from a host of Kansas City talent to get you in the spirit, with sets by Max Justus, C.J. Calhoun, Dots Not Feathers, Palace and La Guerre, plus DJ sets from Motorboater and Nartan. Wear an ugly holiday sweater and get a discount at the door. (Oh, don’t be coy. You know you have plenty to choose from.)

Saturday, December 14, at MiniBar (3810 Broadway, 816-326-8281)

The Royal Concept
The first time I heard Stockholm’s the Royal Concept, I could have sworn that I was listening to Phoenix. (To be fair, I wasn’t the only one.) Upbeat, catchy pop hooks on the band’s self-titled debut EP press impatiently against lightweight drumbeats and runaway synths. It sounds like the Swedish foursome found the magic recipe for the perfect indie-pop album and added a gallon of Red Bull. Forget Phoenix — the Royal Concept is building a new indie throne. With American Authors and Misterwives.

Wednesday, December 18, at RecordBar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)