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.
Magic Bones
Where? Shebeen, 36 Manchester Lane, Melbourne
When? 7:30pm, Friday 29th Jan
Why? Coming off a huge 2015 which saw Magic Bones play two headline tours and two national supports for British India and Stonefield, local rockers Magic Bones will kick off their 2016 with a killer show alongside Ali E and Mild Manic. It’s only $12 and features one of the best Melbourne line ups we’ve can hunt down this week. Get on it
Tickets & Info: $12, Facebook event
Food Court
Where? Brighton Up Bar, 1/77 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, Sydney
When? 8pm, Saturday 30th Jan
Why? Sydney’s much loved garage rockers Food Court are back with new single ‘For The Morning’ which was recorded and produced by Owen Penglis (Straight Arrows) and to celebrate they’ll be playing a cheeky gig this Saturday night. Having supported Courtney Barnett, Peace, The Delta Riggs and shared national support tours with Northeast Party House and The Snowdroppers, these guys really know how to party – go see it for yourselves.
Tickets & Info: $15, brightonupbar.com.au
MARTYR PRIVATES
Where? Black Bear Lodge, 322 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? 8pm, Friday 29th Jan
Why? Local heroes Martyr Privates are road testing a new LP and booking some shows of their own for the first time in a long time. Having released an EP, followed by a self titled full length released on Fire in the US and UK, and Bedroom Suck in Australia both of which received critical acclaim and a warm reception, it’s time to see what they’ve been working on now, it’s bound to be pretty tasty.
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook event
Horace Bones
Where? Cherry Bar, 103 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Friday 29th Jan
Why? In the Summer of 2016 Horace Bones spread their booze-filled web of debauchery throughout Australia with debut single ‘Tarantula’ and accompanying national tour. On Friday 29th Jan Horace Bones return home for their Official Single Release Party at Melbourne’s Cherry Bar, if you love loose rock n roll there’s no reason to miss it.
Tickets & Info: $15, Facebook event
It Records Birthday Bash
Where? The Tote Hotel, 71 Johnston St, Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 5pm, Saturday 30th Jan
Why? One of our favourite local labels, It Records are turning two years old and to celebrate they’re throwing a big party with an even bigger line up. Featuring Miles Brown, Taipan Tiger Girls, Little Desert, Vacuum, Mollusc, COMPLETE, Armour Group and other special guests it’s definitely worth popping in and supporting one of this country’s most exciting indie labels.
Tickets & Info: $11.25, Facebook event
Dead Heir
Where? The Gasometer Hotel484 Smith St, Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 7pm, Thursday 28th Jan
Why? This Thursday Psychic Ric Records and JEM Presents will be throwing an audio BBQ serving nothing but the hottest bangers all night to celebrate the release of The Dead Heir’s new video, which physically hurt to make. Featuring The Shabbab, Masco Sound System and Gabriella Cohen alongside The Dead Heir it’s gonna be a corker.
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook event
