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.
Smoke Stack Rhino
Where? Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne VIC
When? 8 – 12pm, Saturday August 6
Why? Energetic blues-rockers Smoke Stack Rhino are launching ‘1851’ – the second single taken from their upcoming debut record – at Ding Dong this weekend, and will be joined by a nice lineup including some other favourites of ours, Tame The Sun and Mayfield.
Tickets & Info: $12.75, more info here.
Hellions
Where? Enigma Bar, Adelaide SA
When? 7:30 – 11:30pm, Friday August 5
Why? This crew of theatrical hard rockers have just dropped their killer new album Opera Oblivia, and have sold out their Melbourne and Sydney shows ahead of their album tour. Thankfully Adelaide can still get in on the act, as it’s guaranteed to be a great night with Hindsight, A Ghost Orchestra and Valhalla Aus in tow.
Tickets & Info: $15, more info here.
Flyying Colours
Where? Newtown Social Club, Sydney NSW
When? 8:30pm, Saturday August 6
Why? Simply one of the best psych/gaze acts in Australia right now, Flyying Colours are launching their new single ‘It’s Tomorrow Now’ at Sydney’s Newtown Social Club, which should whet our appetites for the September release of their debut album even further.
Tickets & Info: $15, more info here.
Beni
Where? Proud Mary’s, Erina NSW
When? 8pm – 3am, Saturday August 6
Why? Getting out of the suburbs for a bit, there’s a big night of choons on in Erina this weekend, as Sydney DJ Beni heads to Proud Mary’s to play a set, supported by a host of top local spinners.
Tickets & Info: Free entry before 10pm, more info here.
Cleopold
Where? Oxford Art Factory, Sydney NSW
When? 11:30 – 3am, Saturday August 6
Why? Cleopold is the LA-based Aussie songwriter catching ears at the moment with his debut EP Altitude & Oxygen, released through Chet Faker’s label Detail Co. He’s been flitting back and forth from the U.S. recently, but you’ll be able to catch him in Sydney this weekend at OAF’s LTR On for a night of smooth jams.
Tickets & Info: $10 + bf, more info here.
Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk
Where? Cherry Bar, AC/DC Lane, Melbourne VIC
When? 8pm, Friday August 5
Why? Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk are one of the absolute best at what they do – “North Mississippi Hill Country Juke Joint Party Ass Blues”. They’ll be joined on Friday by Ezra Lee & The Havoc Band, Skronkadoodledoo, and the man himself DJ Max Crawdaddy for the inaugural Max Crawdaddy’s Roots N Blues.
Tickets & Info: $13, more info here.
Dexter (Formerly of The Avalanches)
Where? Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne VIC
When? 12am, Friday August 5
Why? One of Melbourne’s most beloved DJs, Dexter was an integral part of The Avalanches back in the good old days – not to mention a four-time Aus DJ champ and world championship runner-up. You know this guy can spin, and he’s kicking off a month-long residency this Friday at Ding Dong.
Tickets & Info: $12.75, more info here.
The Peeks
Where? The Milk Factory, South Brisbane QLD
When? 8pm, Friday August 5
Why? Melbourne indie folk rockers The Peeks have just dropped their debut record Grow Up/Grow Down, and will be dropping by Brisbane this weekend to play their choons, accompanied by Sunhaus and Juniour Arcade.
Tickets & Info: You can find more info here.
Flamingo Jones
Where? Hugs&Kisses, Melbourne VIC
When? 8:30 – 11:30pm, Thursday August 4
Why? Melbourne lad Flamingo Jones makes an infectious brand of tropical jams, such as the new single he’ll be launching at Hugs&Kisses. He won’t be alone either, joined by a great lineup including the thoroughly entertaining hip hop crew Urban Problems, killer producer duo SHOUSE, and Max DNO of The Neighbourhood Watch.
Tickets & Info: $10, more info here.
Totally Mild
Where? The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne VIC
When? 7:30pm, Tuesday August 2
Why? There’s a good month of music coming up at The Gaso, in the form of a residency presented by Strine WHINE. Week one features a solo Totally Mild set, supported by TALI and Jarrow, but if you can’t make it this week, there’s still the likes of Lowtide, Alice Ivy, Chelsea Bleach, Dannika, ZOne Out, No Local and heaps more to look forward to.
Tickets & Info: $10/$12 on the door, more info here.
