The term “bandleader,” with its sheen of the olden days, is used way too seldom, even with the jazz age wildly back in vogue (thanks a lot, Baz Luhrmann). But then again, you can’t name many who actually deserve that label. Ape School might be our city’s most deserving of that title. Michael Johnson, the man behind this colorfully-named outfit, has worked with everyone from Kurt Vile to the Lilys, and his career as a solo artist has been supported by a host of local luminaries. He’s joined at Johnny Brenda’s tonight by The Interest Group, an art-minded ensemble who give major credence to Philly’s utter disdain for convention. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 Frankford Ave., 8pm, $12, 21+ – Alyssa Greenberg 

Yeah, the weather is pretty darn crappy out. While it could be worse, last year’s taste of global warming has spoiled me when it comes to Philly winters. I don’t know about you, but I could sure use a vacation to some place warm right about now. Unfortunately, I’m just a struggling writer that could probably only afford taking the mass transit line to the airport, and maybe a few drinks at the terminal bar. So I guess I’ll have to leave it all behind at Nude Beach Presents’ first installment of their monthly parties at Underground Arts this Saturday night with Vacationer, Robert Delong and Cruiser. I know. That is far from the feeling of dipping your toes in the sand on a tropical beach. However, with the copious amount of herb that I’ll be smoking mixed with all the free Sailor Jerry spiced rum that the bartenders will allow me to consume before politely cutting me off, I won’t know the difference until I wake up the next morning on my couch (either fully clothed or naked). Come forget what it’s like outside with me! Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St., 10pm, $8, 21+ – Alexis V.

Lace up those dancin’ shoes extra tight because tonight at Underground Arts you’ve got a double dose of electro outfits ready to fill your head with some space-age sounds. Philly’s own keyboard army Instamatic will be reproducing all of its synthetic sonic delights on stage – not selling the audience short by simply just pushing a play button, but delivering the group’s electronic assault via their masterful orchestration of synthesizers and sequencers. As a special treat, headlining the eveing is Bristol, England’s Beak> with its experimental whirrs. Beak> houses Portishead’s Geoff Barrow and his shape-shifting acid-rock experimentations. Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St., 9pm, $15, 21+ – Brandi Lukas 

Quinn Arlington Waters has a sense for the dramatic in both his professional career having studied and worked as an audio engineer, producer and videographer – notably under the tutelage of Grammy winner David Ivory (The Roots), and his personal life has also seen its share of drama, particularly when he was shot last year while smoking a cigarette in his car around Northern Liberties. With that history, it should come as no surprise that Waters, who performs under the moniker Caffeine Machine, brings that cinematic sense into his music. Marked by the use of instrumentation: viola, violin, cello, trumpet, and guitar, his work stirs the pot showing off his ability to build anticipatory tension in sound. However, while he certainly grasps a sense of cinematic timing, the music doesn’t fall hostage to an artist attempting to go big at all costs. It simply heightens narrative style lyrics and vocals that are spoken/sung from a man whose life has left him with stories to tell. The sci-fi-natured synth-pop of Time Ghost a.k.a. Matt Cannon, who has previously been produced/recorded by Waters, is set as the opener. Connie’s Ric Rac, 1132 S. 9th St., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita

Check out this rad, powerful new single from Curly Castro called "Coal," which you can download for free, featuring fellow Wrecking Crew mate Has-Lo and production work by Georgia Anne Muldrow! The track will appear on Castro’s forthcoming free mixtape Fidel that is scheduled for release on February 19 via Man Bites Dog Records.

Matador Records posted a documentary this morning about the making of the mural that will be used as the cover art for Kurt Vile‘s upcoming album Wakin On A Pretty Daze. The video below features Steve Powers, the mural’s creator and renowned Philly street artist a.k.a. ESPO. Vile makes an appearance in the footage as well. The documentary was directed by Don Argott, and you can view the mural in person on the side of an abandoned building in NoLibs at Front and Masters Sts. (Photo by Jesse Trbovich)

Below is a new music video from Toy Cannons for a demo called "Wooden Nickel" that frontman Ben Goldberg put together in his basement, which is typically how he presents new material to the rest of the band. You can also download the track for free HERE.

West Philly "oddball folk collective" and Deli faves On the Water just posted a few new tracks from their highly-anticipated forthcoming album False Starts, which is scheduled for release March 1. Check out the explosive and charmingly intimate tune "Sealegs" below! The band, who is led by Fletcher VanVliet (ex-Da Comrade!), will be performing next in Philly on February 15 at the Field House before heading off on an extensive national tour. They’ll be back in town for their album release party on April 13 at Beaumont Warehouse with Charmaine’s Names, Porches, and FORT.