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’s 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.
Sagamore
Where? The Workers Club – Corner Brunswick and Gertrude St, Fitzroy
When? Wednesday 9th April (April Residency) 8pm
Why? There couldn’t be a better way to spend the very centre point of your week than with a pint in hand and digging the beautifully cosmic rhythm and blues vibes of the mighty Sagamore troupe. The first in their Wednesday April residency, they’ll deliver their coasty, soulful pop melodies, the Flightless Records gang are renowned for energetic performances that will give you the exact kick you need to survive the remainder of your week. Opening the Fitzroy venue for the evening is the atmospheric ambience of Sleep Decade and folk virtuoso Tom Milek. For $6, you can’t go wrong.
Tickets & Info: http://theworkersclub.com.au/sagamore-wed-in-april-residency/
Elizabeth Rose
Where? Amplifier – 383 Murray St, Perth & Mojo’s – 237 Queen Victoria St, North Fremantle
When? Friday 11th April & Saturday 12th April
Why? What better way for Perth music fans to relax this weekend than with a double-shot with rising Sydney performer-producer Elizabeth Rose. Head down to either Amplifier (on Fri) or Mojo’s (on Sat) and see why Ms. Rose has been scooping awards (eg. 2013 SOYA, FBi SMAC’s ‘Next Big Thing). She’ll be plugging her awesome self-titled EP, so expect anthems-in-waiting like ‘Sensibility’ and ‘The Good Life’. Plus your $20 also gets you an audience with neo-RnB babes SAFIA and electro-duo Fishing.
Tickets & Info: http://www.elizabethrose.com.au/
Rat & Co.
Where? Shebeen – 36 Manchester Lane, Melbourne
When? Thursday 10th April, 8pm
Why? If you’ve yet to introduce yourself to Manchester Lane’s newest live music digs, then an evening of electronically hued post-rock is the perfect opportunity. Melbourne’s Rat & Co. are an extremely accomplished instrumental quartet, think Mogwai-meets-Chet Faker (or check out One (壱) Uno (壹) Ein if you lack imagination), and will be joined by Speed Painters’ “emotional house music” and sharp local electronic producer Planeté.
Tickets & Info: https://shebeenbandroom.ticketscout.com.au/gigs/2358-rat-co
Kitchen’s Floor/Summer Flake/Scott & Charlene’s Wedding
Where? The Hotel Metro – 46 Grote St, Adelaide
When? Friday 11th April, 9pm
Why? Because it’s a killer lineup. Let’s break it down, Summer Flake is the musical moniker of local singer-songwriter and Steph Crase, who’s a bit of a home recording hero (as demonstrated by her Rice Is Nice label debut You Can Have It All). Summer Flake will be supported by Adelaide natives Profondo Rosso, who are according to Steph “1/2 of the best band in Adelaide – Rule of Thirds”. Brisbane’s Kitchen’s Floor are playing their first Adelaide gig in over two years, rocking an ‘unplugged’ acoustic set of “your favourite downer hits”. Last but not least, Scott & Charlene’s Wedding craft the kind of charming lo-fi tunes that slacker rock enthusiasts go giddy for. All the better in the flesh and at $10, it’s a steal.
Tickets & Info: hotelmetro.com.au and Facebook event.
Glass Towers
Where? Beach Road Hotel – 71 Beach Road Bondi Beach, Sydney
When? Wednesday 9th April
Why? Okay, first and foremost: this is a free gig!! Justification done and dusted. Glass Towers are at the forefront of Australian new wave and indie pop and will be performing infectious hits from their debut record Halcyon Days. Catching Glass Towers for free has an expiry date, so be sure to have your healthy booster of local coastal talent while you can. Joining the Byron Bay/Sydney boys are Melbourne duo De̊ǰa who will be coaxing feet to the dance-floor with their shimmering progressive electronic beats.
Tickets & Info: http://beachroadbondi.com.au/music_events/glass-towers-2/
Donny Benet
Where? Goodgod – 53-55 Liverpool St, Chinatown, Sydney CBD
When? Friday 11th April, 8pm
Why? It’s the beginning of the weekend and you’re looking to have a bit of a casual boogie that’s not too heavy. Well, what better way than to head over to Goodgod for a mere $12 cover charge and shake your ass to the silky synths of Donny Benet? Let the electronic producer take you through his time portal as you and your pals get down to some of the freshest 80’s and post-disco beats around town. Want to know the best bit? The Don is dropping not one, but two sets. That’s two for the price of one!
Tickets & Info: http://www.goodgodgoodgod.com/events/donny-benet-show-band/
Maids
Where? Old Bar – 74-76 Johnston St, Fitzroy
When? Saturday 12th April, 8.30pm
Why? The heavy rock NSW four-piece are set to paint Melbourne red this weekend with three(!) consecutive gigs. We think this Saturday at Old Bar is the best chance to sweat it out with Maids, but you can also enjoy them at Bar 291 (on Fri) and Cherry (on Sun). If you’re really into their riffage (exhibit A: ‘I’m Afraid‘) you could always gun for the trifecta!
Tickets & Info: https://www.facebook.com/maidsmaids
