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.
The Ocean Party
Where: Petersham Bowls Club, Sydney NSW
When: 8pm – 11pm, Friday Sep 30
Why: Wagga legends The Ocean Party are launching their new EP Restless with a national tour, and are stopping by Sydney this Friday with some of our other guitar faves in Big White and Solid Effort – a great night of tunes for a tenner.
Tickets & Info: $10, more info here.
Silentjay and Friends
Where: Howler, Melbourne VIC
When: 8pm – 1am, Thursday Sep 29
Why: Acclaimed crooner Silentjay is taking to the stage with a live band for a one-off performance at Howler to launch his new record The Wrap Tape. With a flair for production, the man can also play the saxophone, piano and keyboard, drums, and flute, as well as having a pretty enough voice to sing backing vox for Hiatus Kaiyote. This’ll be a great show.
Tickets & Info: $15 on the door, more info here.
Destrends & West Thebarton
When: 8pm – 5am, Saturday Oct 1
Why: Head down to Yah Yah’s after the big game to catch two killer bands on the one bill. Local post-punk outfit Destrends are kicking things off, while West Thebarton Brothel Party will be playing a late gig in the 2am slot to give you more to look forward to.
Tickets & Info: $10, more info here.
Zombitches & From Oslo
Why: To celebrate the anniversary of the christening of Melbourne’s AC/DC Lane, rockers Zombitches will take to the Cherry stage, supported by From Oslo and James Moloney & the Mad Dog Harrisons. Perfect kick-ons after the Granny wraps up.
The Aston Shuffle
Where: The Fat Controller, Adelaide SA
When: 10pm – 5am, Sunday Oct 2
Why: A long Sunday of choons at The Fat Controller to round out this long weekend, as The Aston Shuffle drop in for a set accompanied by a host of other accomplished spinners.
Tickets & Info: $10, more info here.
Donny Benet & Broadway Sounds
Where: Plan B Small Club, Sydney NSW
When: 8pm – 11pm, Friday Sep 30
Why: Red Bull Sound Select is putting on a great lineup for this one (curated by Laneway festival),with the always entertaining Donny Benet joined by another fave in Broadway Sounds, as well as emerging local beatmaker Klue. A mere three bucks if you join the guest list, and only a tenner if you don’t – a no brainer.
Tickets & Info: $3/$10, more info here.
Lucy Cliche
When: 8pm – 3am, Friday Sep 30
Why: Production maestro Lucy Cliche is taking to the Peoples Club stage to put on one of her impressive live sets, with a host of DJs in support to keep the tunes pumping well into the morning.
Tickets & Info: Free entry before 9, more info here.
Amateur Dance, Jennifer Loveless & More
Tickets & Info: $10, more info here.
Sunbeam Sound Machine, Crepes & More
Where: The Curtin, Melbourne VIC
When: 7:30pm – 12am, Thursday Sep 29
Why: After a great fortnight already, the Deaf Ambitions label-curated residency comes to a close in style, with Sunbeam Sound Machine, Crepes, The Shabbab and Dianas all crowding into The Curtin. Not a dud in the bunch, get down to this one. You’ve got a day off on Friday!
Tickets & Info: more info here.
Australia
Where: Karova Lounge, Ballarat VIC
When: 8pm – 11-pm, Thursday Sep 29
Why: The band whose name is so ill-advised that they have to point out that they are in fact a band and not a country at every opportunity are nonetheless a damn good band. They’re playing Karova on Thursday with mates Electric Mud and Teal AV, so it’s a great way to write yourself off for the rest of the weekend.
Tickets & Info: $12, more info here.
