Sound Check is the Globe's essential weekly guide that dives deep into the world of concerts, tunes, and trends. It covers a wide range of musical genres and events, bringing you the best of Boston and beyond. This column specifically focuses on the week from Dec. 6-12.

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When Noah Kahan Tightened His Grip

Last year, Vermont-born singer Noah Kahan was firmly establishing his hold on folk-pop. He released an extended edition of his 2022 album "Stick Season" titled "Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever)." In July, he took the momentum to Fenway Park with sold-out performances. And this Wednesday at Big Night Live, he might just claim his second "Artist of the Year" win at the Boston Music Awards. Kahan's fanbase has been growing, with the title track of "Stick Season" surpassing one billion streams over the summer.But winning the coveted "Artist of the Year" title again isn't guaranteed. The competition is fierce, with artists from various genres vying for the top spot. The categories for the best song and album/EP are based on one million streams, separating releases from different sources. However, the artist category is wide open.In addition to his music, Kahan has also made an impact. He joined the ranks of previous "Artist of the Year" winners like Aerosmith, Bobby Brown, and Dropkick Murphys. He nabbed the evening's top honor and awards in multiple categories.

The Beauty of the Awards

Depending on who you ask, that's the beauty of the awards. An artist who got a song stuck in everyone's heads is up against those repping Boston through national and global platforms. Cousin Stizz, for example, helped curate the Commonwealth Festival and provided a stage for Boston's hip-hop artists. Frances Forever nudged Boston bedroom pop into the national conversation with their debut LP. New work from BIA and Millyz brought collaborations, and The Elovators and Horse Jumper of Love spread their new records on tours.As the public and nomination committee vote, the choice for "Artist of the Year" largely depends on how each individual defines impact. Nominee Alisa Amador sees the ceremony as a form of impact, regardless of the outcome. She gained national recognition in 2022 and released her debut LP in June.

GIG GUIDE

This weekend, the House of Blues echoes with hip-hop history. Wu-Tang Clan members Ghostface Killah, RZA, and Raekwon will be there on Saturday to honor the almost 30th anniversaries of GZA's "Liquid Swords" and Raekwon's "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…". On Sunday, New Orleans emcee Juvenile continues the trend with a show celebrating the 25th anniversary of his 1998 release "400 Degreez".On Saturday, Aimee Mann and Ted Leo bring their Christmas tour to the Cabot in Beverly. Mann has hosted holiday variety shows since 2006.Passim greets the holiday season with a bilingual celebration from Cambridge's Latin roots group Sol y Canto on Saturday and banjo-based renditions of holiday classics from bluegrass artist Tony Trischka on Wednesday.This week offers chances to catch legendary names. Motown pioneer Smokey Robinson heads to the Boch Center Wang Theatre on Saturday. The Monkees vocalist and drummer Micky Dolenz hosts back-to-back appearances at City Winery on Sunday. A joint tour from The Temptations and The Four Tops also heads to the Chevalier on Wednesday.New Jersey ska punks Streetlight Manifesto wrap their "Myth of Monsters" tour at Roadrunner on Sunday with Boston rock stalwarts Rebuilder. Austin's The Jesus Lizard, who released their first studio album in roughly 25 years in September, will perform at the venue on Thursday with Boston act Pile.On Monday, Joyce Manor toast 10 years since their jaunty album "Never Hungover Again" at Royale. Producer and DJ LP Giobbi remixes various artists on Tuesday.

CHVRCHES Singer Lauren Mayberry

CHVRCHES singer Lauren Mayberry reprises her role as a synth-pop tastemaker with her debut solo LP "Vicious Creature". Her crystalline vocals helped define the early 2010s. In this LP, she rejects the media-assigned "girl in a band" purgatory with punchy synths and sharp wit.

Now Spinning

Lauren Mayberry's "Vicious Creature" showcases her unique style. Her debut solo LP is a masterpiece that combines elements of synth-pop.Austin's White Denim roll into their 12th studio album "12" like a breeze, merging sprightly funk and soft rock. The album has infectious grooves that hide deeper themes of death, uncertainty, and the internet's cynicism.Dua Lipa's "Dua Lipa Live from the Royal Albert Hall" is a pop star's first live record. Captured at the historic London venue in October, it masterfully reworks her catalog with the help of a large orchestra and choir.

Bonus Track

Giving Thursday is the new giving Tuesday. Crystal Ballroom hosts "Let’s Rock Cancer!" on Thursday to raise money for Dana-Farber's Cancer Care Equity Program. Area bands like The Chelsea Curve, Vapors of Morphine, and the Ray Liriano Experience will perform. Tickets and merch packages start at $25.Victoria Wasylak can be reached at vmwasylak@gmail.com. Follow her on X @VickiWasylak.