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January in London can be grim: wallets are empty, the weather’s miserable, and everyone’s pretending they care about collagen smoothies, creatine and wellness fads. But if there’s one thing that can drag you through this dreary month, it’s live music.
Goth legends wailing in black, messy DIY post-punk ragers and R&B shows that’ll make you float like you’ve had one too many espresso martinis: there’s more than enough variety to make up for the post-sales blues. Wrap up, head out and lose yourself in the sweaty, joyous blur of London’s live scene this month.
Georgia is a freelance contributor to Time Out’s music section. To survive the post-Christmas comedown, she’s rewatching The Dark Knight trilogy and practicing her mediocre DJing so she can one day join Nikki Nair at his Phonox residency.
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The best gigs, concerts and live music in London in January 2026
1. Dijon
Dijon’s sophomore album Baby was consistently among the top performers in 2025 end-of-year lists. Inspired by the singer’s fatherhood journey, the record is a half-confessional, half-experimental blur of indie, folk, soul and pop. Dijon’s most impressive moments are also his softest; critics have frequently praised his live shows for being transcendent with peaceful sing-alongs and unexpected instrumental arrangements that’ll have you floored.
Good for: Moustachioed men with little beanies and Mubu tote bags.
Date: Thu January 22 and Fri January 23, 7pm
Venue: O2 Academy Brixton, SW9 9SL
Tickets: Buy now
2. Mariah the Scientist
The US singer will hit another peak this month with a hugely in-demand Brixton show. Her emotionally open, whisper-close R&B has made Mariah one of the most talked-about voices in contemporary soul. While it’s tricky not to imagine her heartfelt lyrics being directed at her longtime boyfriend, Young Thug, her to-the-point documenting of relationships has an undeniable warmth that keeps you hanging onto every line.
Good for: Empaths looking for any excuse to cry in public.
Date: Sat January 17, 7pm
Venue: O2 Academy Brixton, SW9 9SL
Tickets: Buy now
3. Soulwax
Belgian electronic rockers Soulwax aren’t so much DJs as instigators of controlled explosions. Their shows are raucous affairs that combine live drums, snarling synthesisers and relentless basslines that blast your senses like a rave in a pressure chamber. Sweaty movement and zero let-up are on the agenda for this night at Brixton.
Good for: Dancefloor loyalists who remember peak Cobrasnake.
Date: Thu January 15, 7pm
Venue: O2 Academy Brixton, SW9 9SL
Tickets: Buy now
3. The Cribs
While the title of the Cribs’ new album Selling A Vibe feels eye-rollingly millennial, the band have still got their discordant indie edge. Watching this band in a small room is a real gift, a rare up-close encounter with one of the UK’s most enduring indie acts – and that’s exactly what’s on offer at their Rough Trade show this month. offers. Shout-along hooks and sweaty dancefloor pogoing will be in abundance.
Good for: Leyton-dwelling indie lifers.
Date: Fri January 9, 4pm
Venue: Rough Trade East, E1 6QL
Tickets: Buy now
4. Superheaven
Last year Superheaven returned from a nine-year hiatus, picking up right where they left off with their signature blend of grunge and shoegaze. The Pennsylvania band is perfectly suited for alt-rock TikTok fandom with big riffs, heavy choruses and emotionally sincere songwriting. The spiritual despair of tracks like ‘Long Gone’ from the new self-titled album will provide a cathartic outlet for all your January woes.
Good for: Loud-guitar loyalists in battered band T-shirts.
Date: Fri January 16, 7pm
Venue: O2 Forum Kentish Town, NW5 1JY
Tickets: Buy now
5. PVA
PVA are dialling down the band’s usual thumping post-punk beats for a stripped-back performance and signing session that will put their sharp songwriting front and centre. Their Rough Trade show is a chance to hear every nuance behind the noise and snag a signed record while you’re at it. Listen out for hits like ‘Untethered’ and ‘Talks’ reimagined in a barer setting.
Good for: South London music nerds with a Quietus subscription.
Date: Wed January 28, 7pm
Venue: Rough Trade East, E1 6QL
Tickets: Buy now
6. TTSSFU
Tied into Independent Venue Week, this Brixton show will proudly show off why places like the Windmill matter so much. Tasmin Stephens’ TTSSFU blends eerie, shoegaze-tinged textures with punchy post-punk energy, all of which is sure to melt the walls of the intimate 150-capacity room.
Good for: Messy rock chicks and DIY indie devotees.
Date: Wed January 28, 7.45pm
Venue: Windmill Brixton, SW2 5BZ
Tickets: Buy now
7. Sassy 009
Dreamy, slightly off-kilter electronic pop will take centre stage as Norwegian electronic artist Sassy 009 hosts a friends-led night at Next Door Records Two. Her effortlessly cool art-pop image makes her look just like one of the many Stoke Newington residents you’ll no doubt join at the venue. Whether you’re new to Sassy or a fan since her Soundcloud days, this show will leave you with a floating feeling that’ll last well into the next morning.
Good for: Underground music heads searching for the next Scandi pop moment.
Date: Thu January 15, 7pm
Venue: Next Door Records Two, N16 7UY
Tickets: Buy now
9. Saint Jude
Bad Vibrations’ annual new-talent showcase is a reliable glance at who’s on the rise in the year ahead, and Saint Jude’s night is one of those early tip-offs. The Forest Hill musician leans into airy production and sun-faded breaks (as you’ll hear on his debut album Signal), the kind of music that might briefly trick you into forgetting it’s January.
Good for: Anyone who fancies a free night of new music discovery.
Date: Fri January 9, 6pm.
Venue: Moth Club, E9 6NU
Tickets: Book now
10. Nikki Nair + special guests
Less gig, more dancefloor workout, DJ and producer Nikki Nair opens the year at Phonox with a club residency pulling out bass, breaks, electroclash and anything else that gets people moving. On Jan 9 he’ll combine with electronic pop starlet Yuné Pinku. Her wistful sophisti-house alt-pop is sure to collide with his frantic electrocalsh energy in a truly unique way. Talk about starting 2026 on a high.
Good for: Club kids with endless stamina.
Date: Fri January 9, 10pm
Venue: Phonox, SW9 7AY
Tickets: Buy now
Big artist gig tickets available on resale
- Sing along to ‘Say Yesterday’ with Hilary Duff at a super rare O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire show: Stubhub and Viagogo.
- Scream it all out on the dancefloor with Biffy Clyro at The O2 Arena: Stubhub and Viagogo.
- Relive your alt/emo/angsty teenage years with All Time Low: Stubhub and Viagogo.
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