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.
WAMFest Saturday Spectacular
Where: Across Northbridge, Perth WA
When: 4pm – late, Saturday Nov 5
Why: WAMFest is throwing so many Western Australian artists into the spotlight it’s not funny, and on Saturday it’s one hell of a huge – and free – celebration of WA talent. With 80+ artists across 11 venues in Northbridge, there’s so much going on that you’ll just need to click the link below to give it a geez.
Tickets & Info: Free, more info here.
friendships & More
Where: Oxford Art Factory, Sydney NSW
When: 9pm – 3am, Friday Nov 4
Why: They killed it when they played Melbourne this past week, and now one of the most engaging live electronic duos in the country will be making their way to Sydney to launch their new LP Nullarbor: 1988 – 1989 with an absolutely stacked lineup featuring Marcus Whale, HABITS and Null, just to name a few. Do not miss this one.
The Ocean Party & Heart Beach
Where: The Gunners Arms Tavern, Launceston TAS
When: 8pm – 12:30am, Friday Nov 4
Why: Tassie take note, as this is a great lineup at a great price. The Friday in Launceston sees the pair joined by Teens and Pale Feet, while the following night at Hobart’s Grand Poobah gets you The Native Cats, Plovers and Quivers.
Tickets & Info: $10, more info here.
Sail On! Sail On!, Spilt Cities & Odlaw
Where: Jimmy’s Den, Perth WA
When: 8pm, Friday Nov 4
Why: A triple single launch presented by WAMFest, this’ll be a good’un: “Three of the city’s best kept indie rock secrets join forces to launch their new singles directly into the heart of WAMFest upstairs at Jimmy’s Den. Expect to feel all the feels with sophisticated emo, post-hardcore and shoegaze flavoured sounds in one of Northbridge’s best live rooms.”
Tickets & Info: $10, more info here.
Bad Pony
When: 7pm – 10pm, Sunday Nov 6
Why: Sydney indie pop rockers Bad Pony should be enough for anyone, but if you’re still peckish they’ll be joined by a damn solid lineup of Mar Haze and Capital Coast as they tear into Sydney – or you can catch them at Wollongong’s RAD bar the night before with Fine China and Barry and the Kids along for the ride.
Tickets & Info: $12 + b/f, more info here.
Edd Fisher/The Clara Piano Quartet
Where: Collingwood Underground Carpark, Melbourne VIC
When: 7:30pm – 11pm, Friday Nov 4
Why: Worlds combine with a four-week residency that sees some of the city’s best classical and electronic artists paired up for an eclectic time. This week will see The Clara Piano Quartet followed by Edd Fisher, with Jennifer Loveless in action the following week.
Tickets & Info: $12 presale, more info here.
The Pinheads
Where: Botany View Hotel, Sydney NSW
When: 7pm – 12am, Saturday Nov 5
Why: They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but thanks to The Pinheads, a free gig is all too real and all too awesome. These legends will be playing the beloved Botany View for the first time with Crocdylus and Jody and they want to see you there supporting.
Tickets & Info: Free, more info here.
Odd Souls
Where: Cherry Bar, Melbourne VIC
When: 8pm – 11:30pm, Friday Nov 4
Why: Cherry bar gets a lash of Melbourne indie rock this Friday as Odd Souls head down AC/DC lane to launch their debut EP, with support from psych rockers Water Bear and indie shoegazers Amber Isles – guaranteed to be a damn good night for guitar lovers of all persuasions.
Tickets & Info: $13, more info here.
Shrapnel, Chook Race & More
Where: Union Hotel, Sydney NSW
When: 8pm – 3am, Friday Nov 4
Why: Shrapnel have a new LP entitled Tranceplanetsugarmouth and they want to celebrate its release with you. Originally a synth-based solo project from Sam Wilkinson of Day Ravies, Shrapnel are now known for their sharp guitar work as much as their fierce songwriting.
Tickets & Info: $, more info here.
Batts
Where: The Workers Club, Melbourne VIC
When: 7pm, Thursday Nov 3
Why: BATTS has been quite the buzz-magnet over recent months. Her singles like ‘Morals, ‘For That, I’m Sorry,’ and ‘Kiki’ piqued ears over at BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing, KCRW, and our very own triple j here at home and now she’s set to launch her latest number with The Peeks and Angie McMahon.
Tickets & Info: $10 presale, more info here.
Stonefox
Where: Producers Bar, Adelaide SA
When: Friday Nov 4
Why: The Stonefox gang had themselves a blast supporting triple j Unearthed High winners Mosquito Coast and they’re now set to keep the good times a-rolling with a new tour in support of their new single ‘Hands of Gold’ this month. These guys are a force to be reckoned with on a live stage, so check it out.
Tickets & Info: $13.30, more info here.
Breve
When: 8pm – 5am, Saturday Nov 5
Why: It’s likely you’ve already heard about the serious noise being made by Melbourne psychedelic trio BREVE. Their reputation certainly precedes them and with good reason. They’ve played all around the country, as well as the UK and Europe, and now they’re back to release their long-awaited debut album and play a homecoming/launch party at the Ding Dong Lounge.
Entry & Info: more info here.
The Lovely Days, The Dead Heir & More
Where: Bar Open, Melbourne VIC
When: 8:30pm, Friday Nov 4
Why: Celebrating the release of debut EP The Lovely Days in the USA on October 7th, TLD are feeling fresh for their first show back, with support from local lords Wesley Fuller and The Dead Heir.
Tickets & Info: , more info here.
Départe
When: 8pm – 3am, Friday Nov 4
Why: Tasmanian extreme metal quartet Départe are back in action and touring the country in support of their debut record Failure, Subside, starting with a pair of gigs in their home state with Hadal Maw, Zeolite and No Haven – all for a tenner.
Tickets & Info: $10, info here.
CC:DISCO!, Otologic & More
When: 2pm – 1am, Saturday Nov 5
Why: A huge free party, first come, first served. You’ll get jams from CC:DISCO!, Otologic, Total Giovanni DJs, Kovac and more, and all you’ll need to worry about is finding a spare spot to dance. Get down early.
Tickets & Info: Free, info here.
Robbie Miller
When: 7pm – 12am, Friday Nov 4
Why: You may remember this triple j favourite for his goosebump-inducing Like A Version cover some months back. Propelled by the success of his two hit singles ‘The Pain’ and ‘Road’, and his second EP, Closer To Home, he’ll be hitting the road this month to bring those fine guitar chops and smooth voice to a venue near you.
Tickets & Info: $15, info here.
Osaka
When: 8pm – 1am, Thursday Nov 3
Why: Melbourne outfit Osaka have their debut EP Manoeuvres out now, and it’s a good’un. They’re taking it on the road as we speak, dropping by Newcastle this week with Red City and Yev Kassem.
Tickets & Info: info here.
