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 are 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.
Totally Mild
Where? The Bird, 181 William Street, Perth,
When? 8pm – 12pm, Saturday July 2
Why? Totally Mild just playing a ripper co-headline show in Melbourne with Terrible Truths, and now Perth mag Semi-Decent have worked with their Melbourne label Bedroom Suck to bring the band to WA for their first ever west coast show, supported by Perth locals Childsaint and Akioka.
Tickets & Info: $10 on the door, Facebook event
Emily Wurramara
Where? Wesley Anne, 250 High Street Northcote, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Thursday June 30
Why? Emily Wurramara is a singer songwriter who sings in both English and Anindilyakwa, the language of her home, Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory. She fires up the launch tour for her debut EP Black Smoke in Melbourne this Thursday, supported by Charles Maimarosia, before continuing her tour around the country.
Tickets & Info: $15 on the door, Facebook event
Alaska Orchestra / Rainbow Chan
Where? FBi Radio, 44-54 Botany Rd Alexandria, Sydney
When? 9pm, Thursday June 30
Why? The Alaska Orchestra is a wonderful concept: a constantly-evolving ensemble of some of Sydney’s best experimental musicians, inspired by New York’s avant garde ’60s-’70s period. On Thursday they’ll be joined by regular collaborator Rainbow Chan as they perform “an original soundtrack called ‘The Oloid’, inspired by the shape discovered by Paul Schatz in 1929”, followed by a discussion of the work. Now that’s cool. If you can’t make it, the show (the last in the series) will also be broadcast by organisers Ears Have Ears on FBi Radio.
Tickets & Info: Free w/ RSVP by Wednesday, Facebook event
The Sugarcanes
Where? Cherry Bar, AC/DC Lane, Melbourne
When? 8pm – 5am, Thursday June 30
Why? It’s a five-piece feed of soul food as rock ‘n soul quintet The Sugarcanes play Cherry Bar’s Soul Night. Their modern take on heartbroken Southern soul will be complemented by the best cuts from soul curators Vince Peach and Pierre Baroni.
Tickets & Info: $10 on the door, Facebook event
Jaala & More
Where? Coburg RSL Club, 323 Sydney Rd Coburg, Victoria
When? 7pm – 12am, Saturday July 2
Why? Definitely the single coolest RSL in the country, the Coburg RSL will be hosting a perfectly eclectic lineup this Saturday. Jaala (led by Mangelwurzel’s talented singer/guitarist Cosima) front the pack, which also includes exciting Chapter signing Gregor and four-piece floor-gazers Lowtide, as well as the dual duos of BobbyBrave and Shrimpwitch. A Spam raffle and free nibbles just cap off what is sure to be a great night. Bring your Nan!
Tickets & Info: $10 on the door, Facebook event
Brisbane’s Big Kick On
Where? Fortitude Valley, Brisbane (multiple venues)
When? 8pm, Thursday June 30
Why? With oppressive lockout laws about to kick in, Brisbane will band together for a final late night of live music, stretching across the many venues of Fortitude Valley. You’ll be able to catch a bunch of great acts like Dumb Punts and Golden Vessel, and hopefully it’ll be a night to remember for a music scene that’s about to go through some serious and crippling changes.
Tickets & Info: Free entry w/ RSVP, Facebook event
The Wildbloods
Where? Beach of Brunswick 303 Sydney Rd Brunswick, Melbourne
When? 8pm-12pm, Saturday July 2
Why? Sydney rockers The Wildbloods will be bringing their “baby-making music” to Melbourne for the first stop on their ‘Don’t Be Shy’ single launch tour. If you’re feeling a bit down on the world and need to thrash around for a bit with a beer in hand to cheer up, the Beach of Brunswick will be just the place.
Tickets & Info: Free entry, Facebook event
Georgia Fields / Phia
Where? The Gasometer Hotel, 484 Smith St Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 7:30-10:30pm, Sunday July 3
Why? Leaps and Bounds Music Festival is running events across Melbourne this July, including a double single launch between the art-pop duo of Georgia Fields and Phia. The pair met at an open mic in Paris a few years back, and will perform solo sets with their respective bands this Sunday before joining forces on their collaborative material. They’ll be supported by indie-folk choir Melbourne Indie Voices.
Tickets & Info: $15 + bf, Facebook event
Sienna Wild
Where? Yah Yah’s, 99 Smith Street Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 8pm-11:30pm, Saturday July 2
Why? Melbourne trio Sienna Wild bring their own brand of classic, straight-up rock ‘n roll to Yah Yahs this weekend as they launch their new single ‘My Parade’ with local mainstays Blac Belladonna and Trouser Force. There will be solos aplenty, guaranteed.
Tickets & Info: Facebook event
