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.
Golden Vessel
Where? Yah Yah’s, 99 Smith Street Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 8pm – 12am, Friday July 8
Why? Golden Vessel is an exciting producer out of Brisbane, who has recently supported a long list of great artists including Yeo, E^ST, LANKS, Vallis Alps, Art of Sleeping, Vera Blue, KLP and Art vs. Science. Having just played Brisbane and Sydney, he’s now bringing his brand of chilled-out electronic down to Melbourne this weekend to launch his debut EP Before Sleep.
Tickets & Info: $11.50, more info can be found here.
Rat & Co.
Where? The Gasometer Hotel, 484 Smith St Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 8pm – 1am, Friday July 8
Why? Rat & Co. are one of the stalwarts of the Melbourne scene, but they’re sadly about to say goodbye to one of their own as Kaia performs his final gig with the band. It’ll be a happy sendoff though, with live sets from Albrecht La’Brooy and WORNG, DJ supports, and visuals by the talented Brendan Harwood.
Tickets & Info: $10 + bf, Facebook event
Cool Sounds / The Ocean Party
Where? The Phoenix, 23 – 27 East Row Civic, Canberra
When? 8pm – 12:30am, Friday July 8
Why? One of our current faves Cool Sounds are launching their excellent new album Dance Moves at the moment, and are stopping by Canberra to play The Phoenix with the excellent Ocean Party, who are launching their new single. Throw in some Passive Smoke, and you’re in for a great night.
Tickets & Info: Free entry, Facebook event
Bon Scott’s 70th Birthday
Where? Cherry Bar, AC/DC Lane, Melbourne
When? 8pm – 1:30am, Saturday July 9
Why? Amyl and the Sniffers will be celebrating the legendary frontman’s 70th in the most appropriate location there is, AC/DC Lane. Jake and Adam from Drunk Mums will also be playing as ‘Roast Tattoo’, covering music by Angry’s mob, and there’ll be more music from Wollongong’s Velvet Elevator. Finally, Bon Scott jams will be playing until 1:30am.
Tickets & Info: $12 on the door, Facebook event
Grace Darling’s 7th Birthday
Where? Grace Darling Hotel, 114 Smith Street Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 7:30pm-1:00am, Friday July 8
Why? One of Melbourne’s most beloved pubs, the Grace Darling is celebrating its 7th birthday with a massive free gig featuring a really solid lineup of great emerging acts, and the likes of POCOCK and Jennifer Loveless spinning choons for you in the main bar. And… wait for it… FREE pots from 6 to 7pm. Winner.
Tickets & Info: Free entry, Facebook event
BV (Black Vanilla) w/ SHOUSE + Lossless
Where? The Curtin, 29 Lygon St Carlton, Melbourne
When? 8pm-11:30pm, Friday July 8
Why? Marcus Whale has been keeping busy with the release of his excellent solo debut, but he’s back with one of his many other acts, the excellent BV, as they launch their latest single ‘Huh’. Some excellent supports in the form of SHOUSE and Lossless just seal the deal.
Tickets & Info: $15, Facebook event
Gonzo Jones w/ Zone Out + Dannika
Where? Hugs&Kisses, 22 Sutherland Street, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Saturday July 9
Why? An emerging enigma in Melbourne’s music scene, Gonzo Jones will be bringing his cinematic flair to the live stage for the first time, launching his stylish new EP Misty Dreams with a great supporting cast featuring fellow local standouts Zone Out and Dannika.
Tickets & Info: $11.50, Facebook event
Phantastic Ferniture
Where? Newtown Social Club, 387 King Street Newtown, Sydney
When? 8:00pm, Wednesday July 6
Why? The Sydney band (featuring the excellent Julia Jacklin) are taking their single ‘Gap Year’ on the road, kicking off a tour at the Newtown Social Club with support from Betty & Oswald and SUUIX. This’ll be a fun one.
Tickets & Info: $10 + bf, Facebook event
Split Seconds
Where? The Bird, 181 William Street, Perth
When? 8pm, Saturday July 9
Why? Melbourne rockers Split Seconds have just dropped their new album Rest and Relocation, and to celebrate they’re on the road for a string of national gigs, with a stop by Perth this weekend. You’ll get a solid night of music for your buck too, with supports from Perth locals The Limbs, Shyguy and Gem Bones.
Tickets & Info: $10 on the door, Facebook event
