Loving live music isn’t just about attending music festivals and seeing an international artist’s massive arena show. Even the biggest of big-name headliners started in the trenches, on the sticky carpets and bandrooms of your local bars and pubs – which is exactly where you should be if you want to discover your new favourite band or venue. Here’s our picks for this week’s best local gigs from Aussie talent – from Perth to the East Coast – and all for the price of a good meal.
The Love Junkies
Where? Crown & Anchor Hotel, 196 Grenfell St, Adelaide
When? 8pm, Saturday 13th September
Why? 2014 has seen The Love Junkies tour Australia four times, play their first international shows (in Singapore and Vietnam) and release their brand new LP Blowing On The Devils’ Strumpet (Tone Deaf feature album of the week) so it’s safe to say they’re killing it. They’ll be rolling into Adelaide this Saturday, and at less than $15 per ticket, we can’t think of any better way to get loose on a Saturday night.
Tickets & Info: $143 (+ b/f) via oztix
UV BOI, Tincture and Oisima (Cool Party II)
Where? Alhambra Lounge, 12 McLachlan St, Brisbane
When? 8pm Friday 12th September
Why? This is the second annual COOL PARTY, and having been at last year’s event, I can vouch- it’s pretty cool. Presented by Brissy/ NY legends Silo Arts and music aggregator Ditto Music, the COOL PARTY II line up reads like a who’s who of Australia’s best electronic music scene. Featuring UV BOI, Tincture and Oisima performing live, you’ll quickly forget that BIGSOUND is almost over as you rage until Saturday. What makes COOL PARTY II even cooler is it features a DJ set from Anthony Fantano (the internet’s biggest music nerd) I hope he plays some bangers.
Entry & Info: N/A, Facebook event.
Die! Die! Die!
Where? Goodgod Small Club, 55 Liverpool St, Sydney
When? 8pm, Friday 12th September
Why? Though it feels like New Zealand rockers Die! Die! Die! are in Australia every second week, there’s a reason- we love them! And they kill it live. This month the guys are visiting their Aussie neighbours in celebration of their new LP titled S W I M (out now via Black Night Crash Records). Dunedin’s punk sons of the modern age, a Die! Die! Die! show is not one for the faint of heart. For all you punks who think you can hack it, this is definitely one show not to miss.
Tickets & Info: $15 (+b/f), Oztix
Little Desert
Where? The Gasometer, 484 Smith St, Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 7:30pm, Thursday 11th September
Why? Formed in 2012 Little Desert are Melbourne’s very own heavy, hard rockin, guts grabbing, pulsing, swirling, howling psych rock’n’roll masters, the likes of which this this city hasn’t seen in a long time. The band recently released their debut 7″ single ‘Ashes’ earlier this year (thought it Records) and are now settling in to the newly renovated Gasometer Hotel for a September residency. With some seriously impressive support acts, including Grand Rapids and Howl At The Moon- it’s lucky the venue’s roof is retractable ’cause otherwise we’re pretty sure it wouldn’t have one after this.
Tickets & Info: $6, Facebook
Damen Samuel
Where? The Evelyn, 351 Brunswick St, Melbourne
When? 2:30pm, sunday the 14th September
Why? Melbourne based jazz/ soul singer Damen Samuel is launching his brand new EP Odyssey this Sunday afternoon at local institution The Evelyn Hotel. Recorded in NYC with producer Kieran Kelly (Angus and Julia Stone, Sufjian Stevens) the EP will be available exclusively at the show ahead of its store release. A matinee show, the gig kicks off at 2:30pm and will roll into the late afternoon. Potential sun, beer, killer soul and Sunday afternoon vibes and at only $7 a pop do you really need any more reasons to go along?
Tickets & Info: $7 www.evelynhotel.com.au
Krakatau
Where? The Catfish, 30-31 Gertrude St, Melbourne
When? 9pm Monday 15th September
Why? Local kraut-rock legends Krakatau will take over the Catfish’s weekly Formless Mondays. Having just been announced for Meredith Music Festival, they’re definitely worth getting to know. Free entry into an improv psych jam trip, and access to one of the best collections of tap beers in Melbourne, there’s no reason NOT to visit the Catfish this Monday. Drooling Mystics open up the night while Formless Dj’s keep the beats flowing.
Entry & Info: FREE, Facebook event here.
Client Liaison, Oscar Key Sung, I’lls
Where? The Woolly Mammoth, 633 Ann St, Brisbane
When? 6:30pm Tuesday 9th September
Why? Our buddies The Society Of Tastemakers And Elegant People (STEP), The Ripe, Good Manners, The Sound Doctrine, Cool Accidents and Collarts have teamed up to present a HUGE pre-party to help you kick off festivities in the best possible way. Hosted at the brand new Woolly Mammoth, the line up features some of Australia’s most exciting and most hyped new acts including Client Liaison, Oscar Key Sung, I’lls, and so many others. If that line up isn’t enough to get you primed, entry is free and drinks are free so no need to smuggle in any of those XXXX tinnies you stole from the apartment fridge. Get on it.
Entry & Info: FREE, Facebook event here.
