January in the capital can feel like a slog. The festive glow has faded, bank balances are looking thin, and the weather offers little cheer. Yet, London's vibrant live music scene provides the perfect antidote to the post-Christmas slump. From soulful R&B to raucous post-punk, there's a wealth of incredible gigs happening this month, and tickets are still up for grabs. Wrap up warm and dive into the sweaty, communal joy of a live performance.
Headline Acts and Major Venue Shows
Dijon brings his critically acclaimed second album, 'Baby', to the O2 Academy Brixton for two nights. The record, inspired by his journey into fatherhood, blends indie, folk, and soul into a captivating, experimental sound. His live performances are renowned for their transcendent quality, featuring peaceful crowd sing-alongs and surprising instrumental arrangements that leave audiences spellbound. Catch him on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 January at 7pm.
American R&B star Mariah the Scientist is set for a hugely in-demand show at Brixton Academy. Her emotionally raw and intimate songwriting has cemented her status as one of contemporary soul's most compelling voices. While her heartfelt lyrics often spark speculation about her relationship with rapper Young Thug, their universal warmth and relatable detail ensure every listener hangs on her every whisper. Don't miss her on Saturday 17 January at 7pm.
Belgian electronic rock pioneers Soulwax are less a DJ duo and more architects of sonic chaos. Their live shows are explosive affairs, combining pounding live drums, snarling synths, and relentless basslines to create an intense, pressure-cooker rave atmosphere. Expect non-stop, sweaty movement at the O2 Academy Brixton on Thursday 15 January at 7pm.
Intimate Gigs and Independent Venue Highlights
For a more up-close experience, iconic indie band The Cribs play an intimate set at Rough Trade East. Despite the millennial-tinged title of their new album 'Selling A Vibe', the band retains its discordant edge. This is a rare chance to shout along to their anthemic hooks in a small room, with pogoing guaranteed. They perform on Friday 9 January at 4pm.
Celebrating Independent Venue Week, TTSSFU will showcase exactly why spaces like the Windmill Brixton are vital. Fronted by Tasmin Stephens, the band melds eerie shoegaze textures with punchy post-punk energy, promising to overwhelm the tiny 150-capacity venue. This gig is on Wednesday 28 January at 7.45pm.
Norwegian electronic artist Sassy 009 brings her dreamy, off-kilter pop to Next Door Records Two for a friends-led night. Her effortlessly cool aesthetic fits right in with the Stoke Newington crowd, and her set promises a floating, euphoric feeling that lasts long after the show ends. See her on Thursday 15 January at 7pm.
Club Nights and New Talent
For a night focused purely on the dancefloor, DJ and producer Nikki Nair kicks off a residency at Phonox. His sets are a high-energy workout blending bass, breaks, and electroclash. On Friday 9 January from 10pm, he joins forces with electronic pop artist Yuné Pinku, ensuring a unique clash of wistful alt-pop and frantic energy to start 2026 right.
Keep an eye on the future at Bad Vibrations' new-talent showcase at Moth Club, featuring Saint Jude. The Forest Hill musician crafts sun-faded, airy breakbeat tracks, offering a brief, warm escape from the January chill. This free event is on Friday 9 January at 6pm.
Other notable gigs this month include the return of grunge-shoegaze act Superheaven to the O2 Forum Kentish Town on 16 January, and a stripped-back performance and signing session from post-punk beats trio PVA at Rough Trade East on 28 January.
For those seeking major artist tickets, check resale sites for Hilary Duff at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, Biffy Clyro at The O2 Arena, and All Time Low. London's live music scene is buzzing this January, offering the perfect prescription for the winter blues.
