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When Ethio-soul songstress Mélat released her most ethereal offering to date, last year’s Canon Metis: Wiser Than Gods and Mortal Men, there was no question that she was about to be an artist in demand. With lead single “The Now (Sweet Love No.9),” she channeled classic soprano icons such as Minnie Riperton and Amel Larrieux (for the lovers of lesser-known neo-soul out there). As with the soaring soprano whistle of the crowd favorite, Mélat has risen in notoriety, moving ever closer to the pantheon of Austin’s musical legends. With her solo show at Pershing Hall, she proudly represents her Eritrean heritage, her bold vulnerability, and proclaims that she belongs here. – Cy White

Prepare to sing your lungs out, you aging emo kids: Say Anything is a real band again. Max Bemis packed away his sardonic-romantic, Queen-loving, indie-pop-punk experimenters in 2018 after Oliver Appropriate, a quasi-sequel to 2004’s breakout …Is a Real Boy. Out of nowhere, Bemis has got back together with founding drummer Coby Linder, filled out the roster with a lineup that includes ex-Taking Back Sunday guitarist Fred Mascherino, unleashed a whole new album (the wittily aggressive …Is Committed) and is bringing the gang to town to wrap up a tour that celebrates 20 years of …Is a Real Boy. – Richard Whittaker