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.
Purple Sneakers’ Tenth Birthday
Where? The Lord Gladstone – 115 Regent St Chippendale, Sydney
When? 6pm – 3am, Friday June 18
Why? A free gig celebrating ten years of one of Australia’s music institutions, with a stacked lineup of producers and DJs including Motorik Vibe Council, World Champion and Nico Ghost and tonnes more. And did we mention it’s free? Happy birthday indeed.
Tickets & Info: Free w/ RSVP, Facebook event
Heads of Charm
Where? Fitzroy Victoria Bowling & Sports Club – 578 Brunswick St Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 1pm – 6pm, Saturday June 18
Why? Melbourne rockers Heads of Charm are bringing Sydney stalwarts Zeahorse down for a day of bands, barbecue, beers and bowls – all for a tenner.
Tickets & Info: $10 on the door, Facebook event
Oscar Key Sung
Where? 24 Moons Bar – 2 Arthurton Road Northcote, Melbourne
When? 10pm, Saturday June 18
Why? One of Melbourne’s top solo performers will be launching his new single ‘Hands’ flanked by the likes of Corin and Couture, and more of the best electronic producers on the decks – plus lighting installations from the excellent John Fish boys.
Tickets & Info: $15 + bf, Facebook event
Rolling Blackouts C.F.
Where? The Tote – 71 Johnson St Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Friday June 17
Why? Along with hearing one of the best bands doing the rounds at the moment, you’ll also be able to grab one of the limited 7″ copies of ‘Write Back/Career’, and catch an excellent host of supports in Loose Tooth, Cable Ties and Indented Head.
Tickets & Info: $13.30, Facebook event
Hideous Sun Demon
Where? Rosemount Hotel – 459 Fitzgerald St, Perth
When? 8pm, Friday June 17
Why? The heavy Perth lads are launching their single ‘Oscillate’ ahead of an August album launch. It’ll be a strung-out night, supported by Foam, The Spunloves and Moistoyster.
Tickets & Info: $10 on the door, Facebook event
From Olso
Where? Cherry Bar, AC/DC Ln, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Saturday June 18
Why? Swiftly rising Melbourne punk rock duo From Oslo are really excited about their brand new self-titled EP and they want to share their excitement with you by melting your face off. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, we suggest you head on down to Melbourne’s iconic Cherry Bar this weekend. The boys are hot on the heels of a four-star review from triple j’s Richard Kingsmill, who gushed about their latest single, ‘No Sound’, and they’re fresh from tearing up the rest of the East Coast.
Tickets & Info: $13 on the door, Facebook event
Neighbour
Where? Black Bear Lodge, 322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
When? 8pm, Thursday June 16
Why? Talented Brisbane songsmiths Neighbour, who sound like Chet Faker and Birds of Tokyo trapped in an elevator, are getting ready to launch their brand new single ‘Space Camp’ and they want to invite you down to participate in the revelry. They’ll be taking over Brisbane’s beloved Black Bear Lodgethis Thursday to “celebrate the fact we got off our couch and made a song”. They’ll have support from LEØ and Ella Metherell, so make sure you don’t miss this one.
Tickets & Info: $15 +b/f, Facebook event
