Has it really only been seven years since Justin Bieber released his debut album?
Did this pop bad boy really only plant himself in the spotlight after Obama took office?
It’s almost hard to fathom that the pop sensation got his start as recently as 2009, given everything that has happened since.
The Beebs has become a staple of the tabloids and late-night jokes alike, getting in trouble for antics exactly in line with his age: egging houses, drag-racing down streets and getting drunk in public.
Those hijinx haven’t deterred his fans, the so-called Beliebers, who continue to catapult his songs to No. 1 on a regular basis. He’s touring now after the November release of his latest studio album, “Purpose.” He will play KeyArena at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
That disc draws features collaborations with superstar DJ Skrillex. Already it has produced hit singles like “Sorry” and “Love Yourself,” songs that show the youthful star beginning to show some signs of maturity — musically speaking, at least.
Tickets are $46.50 to $122 at ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
A man with a much shorter criminal record also will hit KeyArena next week, as Tobymac plays the Seattle venue at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Tobymac started his career in the late 1980s as a founding member of the influential Christian rock group dc Talk. After that group disbanded in 1999, the singer started a fruitful solo career that drew on alt-rock, electronica and hip-hop influences.
His upbeat spirituals have won the singer a large following. His albums now routinely top the Christian charts and land high on the pop charts as well. His latest, August’s “This Is Not a Test,” reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200.
Tickets are $13 to $32 at ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
Esteemed folk star John Prine, meanwhile, will hit the Paramount Theatre at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Prine, who turns 70 this October, began his recording career in the early 1970s, after winning an influential fan in Kris Kristofferson.
His albums, though never chart-toppers, have earned him a devout fanbase and regular critical accolades, thanks in part to his literate and humane take on subjects like love and war.
While a battle with lung cancer seemingly slowed his output in recent years, Prine is now back on the road.
Tickets are $45.75 to $90.75 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
The Moore will bring Jose Gonzalez to its stage at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, as the acclaimed indie singer appears with the six-piece instrumental act yMusic.
Gonzalez has one of those eclectic resumes that make his take on hushed and emotional indie pop all the more interesting. Born in Sweden to Argentinian parents, the singer draws on the work of literate American pop stars, ranging from Eliot Smith to Paul Simon, to craft his sepia-toned songs.
Although a star in his homeland, he only recently has begun making a dent in the U.S. His latest album, “Vestiges and Claws,” was his first to land on the Billboard 200, reaching No. 72 on the chart.
Tickets are $37.50 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
Pusha T leads a smattering of smaller shows running through Seattle in the coming week as well.
The rapper, who has gotten a career boost from Kanye West, will headline the Showbox at 8 tonight as he tours behind his latest album, “King Push — Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude.”
Tickets are $35 at showboxonline.com or 888-929-7849.
Also at 8 tonight, acclaimed art-rock act Animal Collective will play the Neptune Theatre.
The psychedelic act with a penchant for studio experimentation is touring now behind “Painting With,” another trippy outing from the critically acclaimed band.
Tickets are $33.50 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
Finally, the Neptune Theatre will welcome legendary folk-punk singer Ani DiFranco at 8 p.m. Sunday.
DiFranco’s esteemed career began in 1990, when she founded the Righteous Babe record label. Since then, her DIY aesthetic has helped her win a fervent following.
Tickets are $33.50 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
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