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.

At The Dakota

Where? The Hotel Metro 46 Grote St, Adelaide
When? 8pm, Saturday 7th May
Why? When they’re not partying in their hometown of Darwin this indie-pop 5-piece are tearing up the capital cities with their next level live shows. After a massive 2015 touring with The Rubens and The Bennies, At The Dakota are stoked to support their new single ‘Rat King City’, a song of about unity and desire. Showcasing the band’s evolution since their last release this cheeky tour stop is set to go off with the help of Ezra Hope and Apollo Sons.
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook

Batpiss

Where? Cherry Bar AC/DC Lane, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Friday 6th May
Why? The legendary Batpiss are hanging up their instruments for the rest of the year but that wont stop them from going out with a bang. As one of the sludgeyest punk outfits in Melbourne’s history Batpiss have a certain reputation to maintain, guaranteeing a no holes bared night of powerful punk. Their last hurrah begins this friday at Cherry, with TTTDC and Grim Rythm before a filthy pile of east coast shows. Get in while their still standing.
Tickets & Info: $12.70, Facebook

The Keepaways

Where? The Bearded Lady 138 Boundary St, West End, Brisbane
When? 7pm, Friday 6th May
Why? Tripped out punks The Keepaways are launching choice new single this Friday at the Bearded Lady. Amping up for the release of their latest self produced record, The Keepaways are keen for a laugh and a beer with a few local mates including Barge with an antenna on it, Whalehouse, TEVA and Wren Klauf.
Tickets & Info: $5-15, Facebook

Darling James and Machine Age

Where? Brighton Up Bar 1/77 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, Sydney
When? 8pm, Friday 6th May
Why? Sydney residents need not fear the lockouts with this atmospheric electronica double header. Kicking off the first date on an east coast tour, the pair are both excited to parade their new music in front of eager fans. While the bubbling pop of Darling James and the brooding industrial soundscapes of Machine Age might not go hand in hand, their uniquely disparate styles and palpable energy are a cocktail fit for any live music lover.
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook

The Dead Heir

Where? The Tote 71 Johnston St, Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 5pm, Sunday 8th May
Why? As part of their on going Sunday residency at The Tote, The Dead Heir are bringing their Garage/Psych swagger to the table to ease away that Saturday night hangover. Grab a bev and a little morsel from The Tote’s new kitchen before lounging it in the front bar with The New Pollution and a *Special Guest. If you can think of a better way to spend a autumn Sunday in Melbourne I’d like to hear it.
Tickets & Info: FREE, Facebook

Breve

Where? Yah Yah’s 99 Smith St, Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Thursday 5th May
Why? Double down on free shows in Melbourne this month with Breve’s Thursday residency at Yah Yah’s. Before dropping a debut album and bailing to Europe for an international tour this experiment in local garage rock needs a proper send off. Touting a pay-as-you-feel collection for their first international shows, the boys will accept anything from loose change to blank cheques and tins of tuna. Dig deep!
Tickets & Info: FREE, Facebook

Recycled Rainbow #5

Where? Mojos Bar 237 Queen Victoria St, North Fremantle, Perth
When? 8pm, Thursday 5th May
Why? Local vintage clothing outlet/party factory Recycled Rainbow are at it again, turing the glitter meter up to 11 for a Thursday night psychfest of unprecedented awesomeness. The latest in a series of monthly celebrations of music and friendship, the Rainbow team have assembled a killer lineup featuring Red Engine Caves, Spaceman, The Durongs, The Kramers and Leon Osborn, as well as their own house DJs. Not for those unwilling to dance the the night away.
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook

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