Growing up in Seattle wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for rapper Gabriel Teodros, who chronicles some of his struggles on his latest album, the SoulChef-produced Evidence of Things Not Seen. On “Bus Stops,” for instance, Teodros talks about thinking he would be “outlined in chalk” before he graduated from high school and being embarrassed that his clothes came from thrift shops. But the rapper also acts as an older brother on Evidence, offering bits of wisdom like “Don’t do business unless it’s a win-win” and “Don’t let anybody else’s idea of success define yours” on “Light Attracts Light & Everything Else Too.” It’s advice we’ve all heard before, but something about Teodros’ delivery, plus features from Jonathan Emile, Sarah MK, and Shakiah, who is opening this show, makes it really sink in. With Dex Amora, Shakiah, EarDr.Umz, The MetroGnome. The Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave., 441-4618, thecrocodile.com. 8 p.m. $10 DOS. All ages.

If the “ooh-ooh-oohs” from Mates of State’s “Palomino” are still stuck in your head more than three years after the indie-pop duo’s last release, Mountaintops, fear not; the band is working on new music. The pair hasn’t released any new tunes just yet, but the volley of vocals from the husband-and-wife team of Jason Hammel (drums) and Kori Gardner (keys) fits a variety of sounds, from the peppy (“Palomino,” “Sway,”) to songs like “Unless I’m Led” and “At Least I Have You,” which, while still stirring, are just a tad mellower than the band’s typical fare. With Fictionists. Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W., 789-3599, tractortavern.com. 9 p.m. $16. 21 and over.

Adult-contemporary singer Jill Cohn doesn’t believe in slowing down. In recent years she released two projects: the Yellow Rose EP and Cinema, a collection of remixes of songs from across her discography. These projects, of course, led Cohn, who has opened for the likes of Dave Matthews and Jewel, to tour for a majority of the year. While on and off the road, Cohn found time to write her 11th album, Heartstrings Touching Ground, with producer Malcolm Burn (Daniel Lanois, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris). At this record release show, Cohn will celebrate Heartstrings and kick off what is sure to be another jam-packed year. With Hereward. Triple Door, 216 Union St., 838-4333, thetripledoor.net. 7:30 p.m. $10 adv./$17 DOS. All ages.