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.
Rice Is Nice Summer Party
Where? Vic On The Park Hotel, 2 Addison Road Marrickville
When? 1pm, Sunday the 18th January
Why? Just because you’ve got work the next day, there’s simply no reason to write Monday off as a nothing day, especially when there’s a free day of incredible live music. This weekend in Sydney Rice Is Nice is throwing a party littered with a healthy pedigree of talented musicians, including The Frowning Clouds, Summer Flake, Terrible Truths, Weak Boys and Darts, who recently revealed a teaser for their forthcoming record. Whether you’re hungover from the night before or fresh as a daisy, this day of music appreciation kicks off at 1pm.
Entry & Info: Free Event, www.facebook.com
Zanzibar Chanel
Where? Shadow Electric, 1 Heliers St, Abbotsford, Melbourne
When? 7pm, Saturday 17th January
Why? Looking to shake your ass a little this Saturday night? We got you covered. Making their triumphant return, everyone’s favourite Zanzibar-Chanel will be charming Melbournian hearts with infectious beats such as ‘Drunk At The Jazz Club‘ at the beautiful Shadow Electric. In addition to this, Passion Pop, Elevator Alligators, James Tom and Instant Peterson will all be coaxing people up on their feet. Outside of the killer electronic producers, this party is special as it’s the first ever label showcase for Ruff Records.
Entry & Info: $15.00+ b/f, www.facebook.com, shadowelectric.com.au
NAG NAG NAG Festival
Where? Marrickville Bowling Club, 91 Sydenham Rd, Marrickville Sydney
When? 3pm, Saturday 17th January
Why? In the mood for a music festival that won’t break your bank but keeps you thoroughly entertained? Welcome Nag Nag Nag into your life. Making it’s debut into the festival world, this Sydney musical extravaganza wields a strong lineup of Aussie musicians Uv Race, Constant Mongrel, Peak Twins who are making their Debut Sydney Performance, as well as M.O.B, Cured Pink, Orion, Housewives, Destiny 3000, Ill Winds, Enderie Nuatal and Video Ezy.
Entry & Info: $15 + b/f, www.facebook.com, www.moshtix.com.au
Dirt Playground
Where? Jive Bar, 181 Hindley Street, Adelaide
When? 8:30pm, Friday 16th January
Why? Known for their personal blend of Greek and Middle Eastern sounds with psychedelia and rock, Dirt Playground a sonic experience like no other within Australia. The unique band are taking to their local Adelaide stage this Saturday night, and if you’re little curious as to what these fusion of musical interests tastes like, try ‘Cosmic Expansion‘ as a tester. Warming the stage for Dirt Playground and The Realm Of and Lost Cosmonaut.
Entry & Info: $10, www.facebook.com
Mangelwurzel
Where? The Gasometer Hotel, 484 Smith St, Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Friday 16th January
Why? One of the most captivating bands kicking ’round Australia’s local scene at the moment, Melbourne’s very own Mangelwurzel will be celebrating the release of their single ‘Our House’, as well as the accompanying music vid. This is promising to be the gig of the week, with an exceptional list of supportning bands including Spermaids and Hideous Sun Demon.
Tickets & Info: $12.75, www.facebook.com & http://gasometer.oztix.com.au
Mighty Duke And The Lords
Where? The Rosemount Hotel, 459 Fitzgerald St, Perth
When? 8pm, Friday 16th January
Why? Providing quite possibly the most appropriate soundtrack to a summer’s setting sun over the sea, Might Duke And The Lords are unquestionably one Australia’s coolest calypso bands kickin’ around, just dig ‘Werewolf Calypso‘ as emphatic proof. This is the quintet’s maiden voyage to the performing stage of the west, and will be joined by energetic Ensemble Formidable. If you love a bit of fun with your tunes, this is easily the show for you.
Tickets & Info: $10 + b/f, www.facebook.com, rosemounthotel.com.au
Tropical Zombie
Where? 321 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? 8pm, Saturday 17th January
Why? Tropical Zombie are taking their gorgeously sun-soaked tunes (best exemplified by ‘Reckless Youth‘) to Brisbane for a night of what they describe as “holiday rock”. Their debut EP is an assault of melodies with a consistent lyrical theme centred on the excitement and buzz of travel and adventure, and it translates live into an energetic performance like no other.
Entry & Info: $15, www.ricsbar.com.au
The Mean Times
Where? The Penny Black, 420 Sydney Rd, Brunswick, Melbourne
When? 9pm, Friday 16th January
Why? The end of the working is always a call for celebration, and for those kickin’ around the streets of Melbourne, we’ve got a killer show for you. The Mean Times are stoked on the release of their “mini-album” You’ve Got The Wrong Guys, that features classic indie rock vibes a la The Clean on tunes such as ‘Ok Diner‘. Joining the quartet are great supports, with popsters Empra and The Solicitors. As this gig as at Brunswick’s favourite watering hole The Penny Black, it’s for free.
Entry & Info: Free Event, www.facebook.com
