Melbourne Music Week is fun, exciting, and way busy. So busy, in fact, that sometimes it’s hard to know just what’s happening, where it’s going down, and when you need to be there. To help ease the struggle, we’ve decided to guide you through of the event’s most celebrated programs, the Live Music Safari.
For those not in the know (you soon will be), on Thursday night of MMW, a selection of Melbourne’s most iconic small-to-medium-sized live music venues come together to open their doors for free, offering revellers a snapshot of the city’s thriving music scene.
Watch Kingswood Launch The Music Safari
Where? Queen Victoria Market, Victoria St and Elizabeth St
When? 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Why? Kicking off this year’s Live Music Safari is none other than local legends Kingswood. It’s been a massive year for the Melbourne alt-rock four-piece, with their debut album Microscopic Wars releasing to stellar reviews and all but verifying the band as one of the front-runners of Australian rock. And then, importantly, is their live show. Our reviewer pondered if Kingswood are set to be our next big rock n roll export following their electrifying show at Howler. Kingswood are at the top of their game, and they’re only getting started.
Fuel Up At The Music Safari Kitchens
Where? Throughout the city locations
When? 4pm-5am
Why? It’s called Melbourne Music Week, but there’s a lot on offer for your tastebuds as there is for your eardrums. The city’s iconic and beloved venues are opening their kitchens to serve plenty of munchies for music lovers. From Boney’s jalapeno donuts to The Toff’s thai curries, Ferdydurke’s star-studded frankfurters and Huxtaburger’s pop-up store at The John Curtin Hotel, there’s plenty on offer. Who else is getting kind of hungry?
Pop By The HiFi Basement To Catch Some Local Garage
Where? The Hi-Fi, 125 Swanston St, Melbourne
When? 7pm-2am
Why? The Hi-Fi are putting on a showcase of some of Australia’s most promising up-and-comers. The lineup features psych-garage rockers Magic America make hook-filled dream-psych that comes to life on stage (they recently dropped a killer new single ‘Monday Song’), Melbourne power-pop troupe The Good Morrows, the reverbed-drenched jangle pop of Bad Family, and Where’s Joss, who have been cutting their teeth playing energetic live shows all around town.
Bliss Out With St. Jerome Festival’s Curated Gig
Where? The Kelvin Club, 14-30 Melbourne Pl, Melbourne
When? 8pm-11pm
Why? When you’ve got the organisers behind St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival curating a live show, you know you’re going to be in for a treat. The tastemakers have hand-picked a seriously cool trio of acts, featuring dream-pop producer and recent Triple J Unearthed High winner Japanese Wallpaper, atmospheric beats wizard and one of Anthony Fantano’s favourite local acts, Lucianblomkamp, and the sublime left-field pop of Australia’s new favourite related duo, Klo.
Enjoy One Of Melbourne’s Favourite Dive Bars
Where? Public Bar, 238 Victoria St, North Melbourne
When? 8.30pm – 3am
Why? North Melbourne’s favourite beer-soaked dive bar, Public Bar, have tapped in 80’s hard-hitting synth-surf band Gold Nights, fuzzy guitar and sweet melodies specialists Pearls, and Little Desert, who make ‘80s-era post-punk with dual female vocals.
Experience Australia’s Most Exciting RnB & Soul Acts
Where? Ding Dong, 18 Market Ln, Melbourne
When? 9pm – 4am
Why? Ding Dong Lounge, one of Melbourne’s most beloved alternative music venues, have managed to corral a huge lineup for their Live Music Safari event, with Sydney soul vanguard Ngaiire and Melbourne’s very own Jakubi, plus a special guest opener from Brisbane. Ngaiire, one of the most talked-about artists to come out of Australia’s formidable neo-soul scene, is hot off an epic 12 months, having secured an Australian Music Prize nomination, a spot at Soulfest, and plenty of accolades. Meanwhile, Jakubi have been busy selling out venues and accruing one million plays via YouTube and SoundCloud in a little over four months.
Wrap Up The Night Dancing Until The Weekend
Where? The Mercat, 456 Queen St, Melbourne
When? 9pm – 5am
Why? The Mercat’s basement is our favourite go-to dance haven, and for MMW they’re bringing in some of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets. Headlining are Rat & Co, who released one of our favourite local LPs of the year with their sophomore album Binary, a swirling opus of textured electronica and glitched hip hop production. The night will stretch out into the early morning with massive sets from the city’s most renowned DJs, with Otologic, Tornado Wallace and Andee Frost all taking turns on the decks. Prepare for a rager.
