The best concerts in September 2019
We’ve narrowed down the best NYC concerts for you to grab tickets to this September
Contrary to what most people may think, the majority of September is still technically considered summer—meaning there are still plenty of days to take advantage of the warm weather and summer concerts in NYC! From indie-rock bands to rising hip-hop artists, we guarantee you won’t want to miss these NYC concerts in September 2019.
RECOMMENDED: See our guide to concerts in NYC
NYC concerts in September
Lizzo
The Minneapolis singer-MC hit stardom this year with her debut major label LP, Cuz I Love You. On it, she refines an already-robust diva persona that comes through with equal intensity whether she’s belting out uplifting soul anthems or wry, clubworthy rap bangers.
Janelle Monáe
After appearing in films like Moonlight and Hidden Figures, sci-fi neo-soul diva Monáe returned to outer space on last year's Dirty Computer. The sprawling record features backing vocals from Brian Wilson, grooves blessed by the late, great Prince and songs that reckon with Monáe's pansexual awakening. Expect her wrap the funky, soul-searching songs into a visually-arresting, futuristic live performance.
Massive Attack
The pioneering trip-hop outfit hits Radio City for a show postponed from March due to illness, celebrating the 20th birthday of one of its defining achievements: 1998's Mezzanine. Highlights include accompaniment from Cocteau Twins’ member and "Teardrop" singer Liz Fraser, who is touring with the band for the first time since 2012, and a spanking new audiovisual production. This is no staid recital: Show up for a new rendition of an old favorite.
Xiu Xiu
You don’t have to listen to much more than a minute of a Xiu Xiu song to understand that Jamie Stewart is upset. Indeed, nearly everything in the Durham, NC, singer’s catalog represents a shot across the bow of calmness: his vocal histrionics, the ping-ponging of intense imagery and emo straightforwardness and the wailing electronics that cut through otherwise pleasant melodies.
Looking for more great music?
The 50 best uses of songs in movies
Colloquially, it used to be called the "needle drop"—when a Martin Scorsese or Quentin Tarantino picked a piece of preexisting music and laid it down under a dramatic scene, with seismic results. We've thumbed through our stacks of wax (i.e., Blu-ray collections) to collect cinema's most potent examples, allowing for iconic uses of classical music and jazz along with the expected pop hits. One parameter, though: no songs composed for the movie itself. (Sorry, Simple Minds.) The result is our most toe-tapping list to date. But do let us know if we've left out your favorite jam.