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.
Bad//Dreems
Where? Shebeen, 36 Manchester Lane, Melbourne CBD
When? 8pm, Thursday 2nd October
Why? After already selling out their Melbourne show on the Friday night, Adelaide’s most exciting rockers Bad//Dreems have added a second show this Thursday. The band are touring in support of their most recent single ‘My Only Friend’ previously available as a double A-side 7” (with “Dumb Ideas”). The guys are about to head over to the US to play CMJ and tickets are close to selling out so what are you waiting for? You’re allowed to get loose on a Thursday, it’s pretty much the weekend.
Tickets & Info: $12 (+ b/f), Shebeen.com.au
Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk
Where? Mojo’s, 237 Queen Victoria St, North Fremantle
When? 6pm Sunday 5th October
Why? Ahead of the release of the band’s self titled debut (scheduled for mid October release on deluxe vinyl, CD and digital through Cobra Snake Necktie Records and Love & Theft Recordings), local blues legends Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk (aka Chris Russell and Dave Folley) will be heading west to play a few shows in WA. They’ll be stopping off at Mojo’s bar this Sunday – if you can think of a better way to wind down on a Sunday arvo than some genuine killer blues and a few cheeky brews- we’d like to hear it.
Entry & Info: $15, (+b/f) oztix.
Northeast Party House
Where? Alhambra Lounge, 312 McLachlan Street, Brisbane
When? 8pm, Saturday 4th October
Why? The self described ‘psychedelic dance rock band’ from Melbourne will be heading up north to celebrate the launch of the debut album Any Given Weekend. Having perfected their live show playing at a number of venues around Melbourne ahead of their visit up noth and with Wax Witches, and Calrissian in tow- this one is going to be a massive party, a Prty House party. Get on it.
Tickets & Info: $15 , Facebook event
Yes Please 3rd Birthday
Where? Goodgod Small Club, 53-55 Liverpool St. Chinatown, Sydney,
When? 8pm, Thursday 2nd October
Why? Killer Aussie record label Yes Please are celebrating their 3rd birthday and to celebrate they’ve called up their buddies Lucianblomkamp, Nicole Millar, GUERRE, Goldielocks and Hubert Clarke Jr to come along and help them throw a killer party. Alwasy on the cutting edge of some of the most exciting electronic music pumping out of Australia right now, there’s no question as to whether the Yes Please 3rd Birthday will be the best party in Sydney this week.
Tickets & Info: $15, www.goodgodgoodgod.com
Dead End Friends
Where? Crown And Anchor, 196 Grenfell Street, Adelaide
When? 9pm, Friday 3rd October
Why? Adelaide rockers Dead End Friends will be launching their brand new single ‘Graves’. It’s also their welcome home show from a mini QLD tour with Wendy Icon. Having spend the last two years perfecting their blend of fuzzed out punk, alternative rock and grunge the guys are ready to unleash a brutal show onto the lovely folk of Adelaide, so head along and watch the guys tear the Crown & Anchor a new one.
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook.
Woody Pitney
Where? The Evelyn, 351 Brunswick Street Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 8:30pm, Thursday 2nd October
Why? Ever since folk-pop singer songwriter Woody Pitney’s single ‘You Can Stay‘ was used in a major German TV commercial, Pitney’s career has been a bit of a whirlwind.Topping the iTunes charts in several European countries, signing a worldwide deal with a major record label and performing shows and festivals around the world have been just a few of the highlights of his 2014. Now based in Germany, Pitney will be playing a very special home show with a a full band at The Evelyn hotel this Thursday. Don’t miss him before he takes off to take the world by storm.
Entry & Info: $10, Facebook
Lepers And Crooks
Where? Revolver Upstairs, 229 Chapel Street, Prahran, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Saturday 4th October
Why? Sydney rock outfit Lepers And Crooks alongside and Barefoot Alley are currently on a six week 30 date tour across Australia. Melbourne to Mount Gambier, Nimbin to Newcastle, the ‘Raw Tour’ will be stopping off at cheeky old Revs this Saturday night to bring you some serious rock n roll. Yeah Revs on a Saturday night we know how it goes – but this is legit, so come along and find out why INXS’ manager Chris Murphy signed them.
Entry & Info: $12, Facebook.
