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.
Lucy Cliche and Rebel Yell
Where? The Foundry, Brisbane QLD
When? 11:30pm, Thursday July 21
Why? Brisbane is awash with music this week, and the ‘Late Night Rave Party’ at The Foundry this Thursday is going to get loose, with the techno wizard Lucy Cliche being joined by the heavy industrial sounds of Rebel Yell. It won’t even cost you a cent!
Tickets & Info: Free, more info.
friendships, Leisure Suite & More
Where? The Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood VIC
When? 8:30pm – 3am, Friday July 22
Why? ‘Festy At The Gas’ is a lo-fi electronic party at the Gasometer Hotel featuring an absolutely killer lineup of friendships, Leisure Suite, SHOUSE, Chelsea Bleach, Pillow Pro and Harpoons DJs. For ten bucks, it really doesn’t get better than this, and will go a long way to soothing the burn of those of us who will be left in Melbourne as everyone floods to Splendour.
Tickets & Info: $10 on the door, more info.
Amateur Dance
Where? The Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane QLD
When? 9pm – 1am, Thursday July 22
Why? Amateur Dance has been on his grind for a while now, playing shows across Melbourne, but he’s beginning to cast his electronic feelers out across the country. He’ll be at The Wooly Mammoth for the third instalment of ‘O.K.’ with X in O and Emma Stevenson. It’s another brilliant free gig in Brissy this week, winner winner.
Tickets & Info: Free entry, more info.
Set Mo
Where? Mr Wolf, Canberra ACT
When? Friday July 22
Why? Sydney producer duo Set Mo smashed it out of the park last year with their track ‘White Dress’ feat. Deutsch Duke, and are bringing their smooth house choons to Canberra as they wind down a long string of dates on their ‘Comfort You’ national tour. They’ll be kicking on at Mr Wolf with Me Again, Skinny, and Jay Frank in tow.
Tickets & Info: More info.
Trust Punks
Where? The Foundry, Brisbane QLD
When? 8pm, Thursday July 21
Why? Auckland’s Trust Punks are over for a short stay, taking the opportunity to launch their album Double Blind and single ‘Thigh Master’ in the one go. It’s their first trip to Brisbane, so pile into The Foundry for a fun Thursday evening.
Tickets & Info: $10, further info here. Photo by Harry Lilley
OCDANTAR
Where? The Toff, Melbourne VIC
When? 7pm – 2am, Tuesday July 19
Why? Keen for a mid-week boogie? For the low, low price of either seven bucks or completely free, you can catch Melbourne production maestro OCDANTAR (Josh Delaney of Rat & Co./SMILE) as he’s joined by WVR BVBY and Collette at The Toff. A pretty solid start to the week!
Tickets & Info: $7 until 11pm/free afterwards, more info.
Marcus Whale, friendships x Null & More
Where? The Catfish, Fitzroy VIC
When? 8pm – 1am, Saturday July 23
Why? The Gertrude St Projection Festival is throwing an official closing party in collaboration with local promoters Paradise, and boy have they nailed it. Sydney’s Marcus Whale will be supported by a collaborative A/V set by friendships x Null, a debut A/V set from Deer, and a dance performance by Dreamteam Projects. Beauty.
Tickets & Info: $15, more info.
ScotDrakula, Scott & Charlene’s Wedding & More
Where? Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo VIC
When? Tuesday July 26
Why? Described as “the greatest Aussie road trip since Priscilla set out for the red centre”, Up The Guts is a great idea from some of our favourite acts. ScotDrakula and Scott & Charlene’s Wedding will be joined by Ali E, Ben Wright Smith and Jack and Jo’s Juke Box Explosion (featuring members of Big Scary and The Pretty Littles) on an epic trek from Hobart to Darwin, right through the heart of Australia.
Tickets & Info: $12, more info.
Cookin’ On 3 Burners
Where? Cherry Bar, Melbourne VIC
When? 8pm – 5am. Thursday July 21
Why? Having just cracked Europe wide open with Kungs’ remix of ‘This Girl’ hitting the #1 spot in multiple countries, the R&B trio are heading to Cherry Bar for an intimate gig as part of Soul in the Basement. They’ll be accompanied by a selection of Stax/Memphis soul tracks until five in the morn.
Tickets & Info: $10, more info.
Motioner
Where? Oxford Art Factory, Sydney NSW
When? 8pm, Saturday July 23
Why? Sydney producer Rowan Cane produces an intriguing mix of slow-burning alt-rock and ambient electro, and he’s kicking off an East Coast tour this week to celebrate the release of his debut album Black Wave. For a preview, check out our recent premiere of his new track ‘Funeral’.
Tickets & Info: $10, more info.
