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.
FBi Social Closing-Down Party: World’s End Press, Mansionair + More
Where? FBi Social, Level 2, Kings Cross Hotel, 248 William Street, Sydney
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 1st November
Why? We hate the bullshit saying “all good things come to an end” but sadly, it rings very true for Sydney’s ultrasweet pop-up live music venue, FBi Social, which will close its curtains for the final time this Saturday night. There is one positive to come out of this, and that is that they are throwing one seriously crazy party to farewell the 3.5 years of madness. For the cost of $15.00 (when pre-booking a ticket, which we suggest as it will sell out) punters will get down to the synth beats of World’s End Press, fall in love with the electronica-based Mansionair (we still can’t go past ‘Hold Me Down’) and dance their ass away to the adored FBi DJs. Be apart of this mega party and celebrate the life that was the FBi Social.
Tickets & Info: $15.00, www.facebook.com & http://fbiradio.com
The Harlots
Where? Spotted Mallard, 314 Sydney Road, Brunswick, Melbourne
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 1st November
Why? The Spotted Mallard has fast become a favourite live music venue of the northern suburbs of Melbourne, and this Saturday night sees the Brunswick venue throw a birthday bash for its second year of operations. To celebrate this wondrous occasion, local favourites The Harlots responsible for the grooving tune ‘Somewhere To Go‘ will be performing their enveloping sounds of gospel, blues and rock’n’roll. Because the Spotted Mallard is rad, there is no cover chage, meaning you can spend a little more on some delicious beer and snacks. The fun doesn’t stop there, with The Infants getting the evening started.
Entry & Info: Free Entry, www.facebook.com & www.spottedmallard.com
Tully On Tully
Where? Shebeen, 36 Manchester Lane, Melbourne CBD
When? 8:00pm, Friday 31st October
Why? Have you heard the rippling synth-laden jam ‘Two Birds‘ by this jaw-dropping Melbourne quintet? Because if you had, there would be no question of ‘why’ one needs to attend this gig. Celebrating the recent release of the aforementioned single, this five-piece will haunt your Halloween in style. For the price of one note and a couple of gold coins, you not only bare witness to this incredible band, but Machine Age and Wire Bird too.
Entry & Info: $13.00, www.facebook.com & shebeenbandroom.ticketscout.com.au
GL
Where? Goodgod Small Club, 53-55 Liverpool Street, Sydney
When? 11:00pm, Saturday 1st November
Why? Sydney friends, are you looking for the best dance party to strut your stuff this Saturday night? Please let us introduce the only answer, GL. One of the most exciting acts in the scene at the moment, the duo comprising of Graeme and Ella produce funk-laden jams with flits of ’80s inspired synths and cruising vocals that scream Prince, coming together to create tracks like the addictive ‘Won’t You See.’ There’s a healthy lists of supports too, including Tees, Andy Webb and Mcinnes.
Entry & Info: $12.00, www.facebook.com & www.plastic-world.net
Gold Class
Where? Boney, 68 Little Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
When? 8.00pm, Saturday 1st November
Why? Are you searching for that sound that harkens back to the days of original post-punk and ’90s ‘alternative rock’? If so, we’ve got a brilliant show for you. Melbourne four-piece Gold Glass are stoked to announce the release of their debut 7″ record, Michael/Gone, which of course features the bleak, crooning tune ‘Michael’ the and the more post-punk sounding of ‘Gone.’ There’s a wealth of talented supports for the night, including Terrible Truths, Orlando Furious and Mollusc. There will also be a limited number of 7″ Michael/Gone vinyls avaialble for purchase. This is definitely a gig that is not to missed.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, www.facebook.com & tickets.boney.net.au
The Courtyard Club Opening Party: Abbe May & Hideous Sun Demon
Where? State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, 174-176 William Street, Perth
When? 5:00pm, Friday 31st October
Why? What could possibly be better than knocking off work on a Friday and making your way to a free party for some killer live music, delicious foods and of course, chilled bevs? Nothing, nothing is better. For the lucky folk in Perth this weekend, this little end of week dream becomes a reality. The crew behind RTRFM radio have teamed up with Perth Theatre Trust to present the Courtyard Club series at the State Theatre Centre courtyard for eight weeks. The inaugural event will see doom-pop Priestess Abbe May perform hits such as ‘Karmageddon‘ and Hideous Sun Demon, the legends behind the hazy stoner-rock tune ‘Glue’ kick this party off in true Perth style.
Entry & Info: Free Entry, www.facebook.com & www.statetheatrecentrewa.com.au
The Bon Scotts
Where? The Grace Emily Hotel, 232 Waymouth Street, Adelaide
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 1st November
Why? What better way than to start your November by kicking back in a cosy pub and watching a crew of folk extraordinaires strum some beautiful tunes? If you’re in Adelaide this weekend, this is exactly what you’re going to get. The septet that is The Bon Scotts will be charming the hearts of the South Australian capital this Saturday night with blissful songs like the heart-warming ‘Somewhere‘. The band return to Adelaide with a bagful of new tunes that they have aptly described as “pretty good…but not as good as dried meat from Hahndorf though.” This is definitely not one to be missed. Supports include The Aves and The British Robots.
Tickets & Info: www.facebook.com
