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.

Tkay Maidza

Where? Pirie & Co. Social Club, 121 Pirie Street, Adelaide
When? 8:00pm, Friday 5th December
Why? It’s been an unbelievable year for this emcee. Tipped to be Australia’s next big export, Tkay has smashed 2014 with addictive tracks ‘Switch Lane‘, and she’s taking her insane live show to her home town as her final gig of her national tour. You’d be insane to miss this set, as we’re certain young Tkay will be headlining massive venues very soon.
Entry & Info: www.facebook.com

World’s End Press

Where? Goodgod Small Club, 53-55 Liverpool St, Sydney CBD
When? 8:00pm, Thursday 18th December
Why? What’s up Sydneysiders, are you looking to tear apart your Thursday night in anticpation for the weekend? Well, do we have the perfect gig for you. Melbourne’s adored four-piece World’s End Press will be bringing their synth-laden dance jams like ‘To Send Our Love‘ to the harbour city’s underground for a night that’ll definitely convince you to call in sick for work Friday morning. This talented lot will be supported by Tees and Francis Xaviet (DJ set).
Entry & Info: $10.00 + BF www.goodgodgoodgod.com

King Of The North

Where? Ding Dong Lounge, 18 Market Lane, Melbourne
When? 9:00pm, Saturday, 20th December
Why? One our favourite local outfits have nailed 2014, with a massive year of tunes (see ‘Just Wanna Rock And Roll’) and touring, and to end the year they’re throwing one hell of a party. Joining the guys are Child and Fuck The Fitzroy Doom Scene. And the best bit of this gig? We’re actually offering two free tickets, so jump over to our comp and try nab yourself a night of free ripping entertainment.
Tickets & Info: $12.25, www.facebook.com & www.dingdonglounge.com.au

Fait

Where? Mojos Bar, 237 Queen Victoria St , North Fremantle, Perth
When? 8:30pm, Saturday 6th December
Why? We hate to ever show any bias, but when it comes to Fait, well…what can we say, we’re huge fans. The Perth artist was recently named as one of our local talents that is set to explode in 2015, and such a promising accolade is well-warranted, take a listen to the consuming, dreamy soundscape of ‘Slow Glow’. Joining Fait is another TD favourite, Moana, as well as Runner. For a scant $10.00, you simply can’t afford to not hit this show up.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, www.mojosbar.com.au

Emma Donovan And The PutBacks

Where? The Motor Room, Cnr Boundary Street & Mollison Street, Brisbane
When? 5:30pm, Saturday, 20th December
Why? What could be better than shaking your ass to some groovy psychedelic jams and soulful vocals on a Saturday afternoon? Nothin’, that’s what, and thanks to Emma Donovan and the legendary PutBacks, that’s what the super lucky folks in Brizzy will get this weekend. Celebrating the release of their latest record Dawn, Donovan will charm hearts with her earthy, sensual pipes, best found on the likes of ’70s throwback, ‘Daddy‘. Supports include Captain Dream and DJ Quinzalez.
Tickets & Info: Free Event, www.facebook.com

Bedroom Suck Records Party: Lower Plenty, Terrible Truths & And More

Where? Sacred Heart Courtyard, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
When? 6:00pm, Friday 19th December
Why? It’s been a killer year for our fair nation’s treasured indie label, Bedroom Suck Records, and to celebrate such a 2014, the guys are throwing an end of year bash featuring many of their brilliant artists. Things are getting started while the sun is still shining, with the likes of Lower Plenty, Terrible Truths, Totally Mild, Superstar, Jarrod Quarrell (Lost Animal / St. Helen’s), Grand Salvo all taking to the Shadow Electric Courtyard.
Entry & Info: $10.00 www.facebook.com

Bad News Toilet & Apes

Where? Ding Dong Lounge, 18 Market Lane, Melbourne
When? 9:00pm, Tuesday 23rd December
Why? Got a tiny bit of time off around the Christmas period and want to get loose but feel a little too guilty heading out on Xmas eve? Well, why not go out on Xmas eve-eve? The guys at Ding Dong Lounge are a hosting a party with the twosome legends Bad News Toilet as well as garage rockers Apes, surf rocker’s Tsugnarly and The Mary Goldsmiths in what will be one helluva night.
Tickets & Info: $10.00 www.facebook.com & www.dingdonglounge.com.au

DJ Paypal

Where? Lounge, 243 Swanston St, Melbourne
When? 9:00pm, Thursday 18th December
Why? The guys over at Pineapple Institute have held some pretty rad nights this year, and to celebrate their final of 2014, they’re bringing in the incredible hiphop producer, DJ Paypal, a man responsible for the beat ‘FM Blast (Next Life)‘. Joining the talented artist is local outfit friendships, Bee Ampersand, B.O.O.M.A, JARZ & RA and FLOW. We know this one isn’t local, but with the opportunity to see this dude for free, we had to include this gig.
Entry & Info: Free Before 10:00pm, $10 After, www.facebook.com

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