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. 

The Murlocs

Where? Black Bear Lodge – Level 1, 322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? Thursday 17th April, 7pm
Why? Because squeezing yourself in front of their wailing garage surf RnB in one of Fortitude Valley’s finer polished wood bandrooms for $15 is a steal? Because The Murlocs have a whole swag of new material from their debut album Loopholes to showcase? Because harmonica/vocalist/songwriter Ambrose Kenny-Smith (of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard fame) is a born star? Pick your poison.
Tickets & Info: http://www.blackbearlodge.com.au/events/the-murlocs/

Bare Grillz

Where? Red Rattler Theatre – 6 Faversham Street, Marrickville, Sydney
When? Friday April 18th, 4pm-10pm
Why? Looking to make your Good Friday, Great? Get yourself to the Red Rattler Theatre and witness six hours of music glory. At the cost of a mere $15, the Theatre are hosting the Black Wire Benefit that has a staggering eight different acts set to perform. The band to dig are Bare Grillz. Hailing from Newcastle, the trio combine a blend of seething punk and noise rock that packs a punch. Other performers for the evening include Deep Heat, White Walls, Spite House, Prag, Making, Oily Boys, and Grey Places.
Tickets & Info:  http://www.redrattler.org/event/731/BLACK++WIRE+BENEFIT

Money For Rope/ The Bowers

Where? Howler bar –  7 – 11 Dawson Street Brunswick, Melbourne
When? Thursday 17th April, 8pm
Why? The Bowers and Money For Rope have reignited an age old idea, an oldie but a goodie, of doing a split EP where a new song from each band and a cover of each other is recorded (last year) and released (for Record Store Day), and now it’s about to be launched at Howler on Thursday 17 April (Good Friday Eve).
If you’re a Melbournite and haven’t seen Money For Rope you’re nuts, get tickets to this show asap.
Tickets & Info:  https://howler.ticketscout.com.au/gigs/2263 

The Delta Riggs

Where? FBi Social- Level 2, 248 William St, Sydney
When? Wednesday 16th April, 1pm
Why? Imagine if Jack White was sent back through time with a copy of Outkast’s SpeakerboXXX/The Love Below to personally hand to the Rolling Stones on the eve of their US breakthrough, that’s kinda the vibes that The Delta Riggs’ new album and accompanying live show are jamming on. Throw in a dose of Mighty Boosh self-awareness (they sing of “marmalade shoes” and “peppermint rain” on ‘Supsersonic Casualties‘) and you’ve got a not-to-be-missed gig for Sydneysiders.
Tickets & Info:  http://fbisocial.fatsoma.com/events/107613/

Broadway Sounds/ Silent Jay/ Edd Fisher

Where? Boney – 68 Little Collins St, Melbourne
When?
Thursday 17th April, 9pm 
Why?
 Looking to kickstart your super long weekend with a dance of your feet? Scoot along to the ever-cool Boney in Melbourne’s CBD. For a scant $15 you’re guaranteed to shake your ass to Broadway Sounds’ disco/jungle beats, get a bit funky with the more subtle tones of Melbourne-based Silent Jay, or just dive straight into the deeper house nature of the celebrated Edd Fisher. If greeting the morning sun as you depart a club is your game, this is the night for you!
Tickets & Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/747632881935969/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming and http://tickets.boney.net.au

NUN

Where? John Curtin Hotel  – 29 Lygon St Carlton, Melbourne
When? Saturday 19th April, 8:30pm
Why? Seeking fresh sounds? Saturday night at the Curtin Hotel is where you need to be. Celebrating the release of their debut self-titled record, Melbourne’s Nun emit a raw electronica meets new wave beat unmatched around town. The synth-laden Repairs, hard hitting as hell punkers Soma Coma, tech wizards Flat Fi,x and the ominous subtle beats of Freejack will provide a unique mismatch of genre to the evening, ensuring each and every punter is truly catered for.
Tickets & Info:  http://www.johncurtinhotel.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/events/643932095678126/?fref=ts

Bam Bam

Where? Ed Castle, 233 Currie St, Adelaide
When? Thursday 17th April, 9:45pm
Why?  Radelaide, start rubbing your hands together in anticipation ’cause you’ve got yourselves an Easter treat. Melbourne hip-hopper Bam Bam is set to ignite The Ed Castle with infectious summery jams for just $15! Having garnered quite a reputation for killer live shows, Bam Bam’s sound comprises of soaring funk samples backed by beats that will coax any patron into moving their feet. This is one party you definitely don’t want to miss.
Tickets & Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/601341226623222/ and http://tickets.oztix.com.au/

Osloh

Where? Rocket Bar – 142, Hindley St, Adelaide
When? Saturday 20th April, 9pm
Why?  Climb aboard Adelaide’s Rocket Bar Saturday night and be sure to strap yourself in tight, locals Osloh are steering this spacecraft straight to the milky-way. Tracks such as their stunning ‘Tides’ exemplify an electronica band that are doing it right. Slow-burning, yet deeply enticing, Osloh will be dropping a lush DJ set that’ll take you far, far from this world. Fellow Adelaide group Flamingo, who are celebrating the release of their debut EP Heavy Steps, as support. At $15, a trip to space has never been more affordable.
Tickets & Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/229621257226457/?ref=22 and http://www.dashtickets.com.au/

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