No one could have guessed Lorde would hit it so big.
The New Zealand singer is in the midst of a ground-breaking run. Her song “Royals” made her the first female artist to top the alt-rock charts in 17 years. Then the song went to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, a true cross-over success. And then it won the Grammy for Song of the Year.
Now she’s in the middle of a sold-out U.S. tour, supporting her debut album, “Pure Heroine,” which has also produced the hit single “Team.” She will play a sold-out show at the WaMu Theater at 8 p.m. Monday.
She’s done all this and — prepare to question your own life choices — she’s only 17.
Most reviews of her music draw comparisons to thoroughly indie artists like Sky Ferreira and Grimes. But really, in hindsight, it’s no surprise she’s become a pop success. Her music is tuneful, her lyrics full of insight and her sound much more approachable than her gothic outfits suggest.
Tickets to her Seattle show can be found at a mark-up at stubhub.com.
A trio of shows, meanwhile, will come to the Moore Theatre in the coming week.
First up is ZZ Top, playing the venue at 7 p.m. Sunday.
The Texas trio has established itself as one of hard rock’s most enduring acts. Still featuring its original three members, the band has been churning out blues-inspired songs since the 1970s.
Arguably the group’s biggest run came in the 1980s with the advent of MTV. Then, the group’s songs — including “Legs,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Gimme All Your Lovin” — helped solidify ZZ Tops place in rock history.
The group remains active today, most recently releasing the comeback album “La Futura” in 2012. Produced by Rick Rubin, the disc hit No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and topped the rock charts upon its release.
Tickets are $55 to $85 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
Then, the Moore welcomes Widespread Panic, the long-running jam band, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Since forming in 1985, Widespread Panic has courted the kind of cult following that made the Grateful Dead famous.
The group’s energetic shows helped them win a following in the 1990s, and now the group balances its studio output with live collections. Its most recent album, “Wood,” was recorded on the road.
Tickets are $32.50 to $42.50 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
Art-rocker St. Vincent headlines the Moore at 7:30 Wednesday.
The singer has made a name for herself with a musical pastiche of rock, jazz, world music and more, winning a wide following among fellow musicians. She made her biggest headlines in 2012, when she released “Love This Giant,” an album recorded with former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne.
Her solo work has continued to garner critical acclaim as well. She’s touring now behind her fourth album, a self-titled record released in February.
Tickets are $25 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
Finally, amidst headline-making news, Against Me! will return to the Northwest for an 8 p.m. show at the Neptune Theatre on Tuesday.
The punk group, known for its smart and confessional songs, was led by Tom Gabel until 2012, when the singer came out as transgendered to Rolling Stone. He announced he would become a woman and would now be called Laura Jane Grace.
Fans weren’t sure what to expect until this January. Then, with the singer’s gravel snarl still intact, Against Me! returned with “Transgender Dysphoria Blues.” The loosely conceptual album brought the band some of the best reviews of its career, along with a new high on the charts: the record hit No. 26.
Tickets are $18 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
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