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.
Sugar Fed Leopards
Where? Howler, 7-11 Dawson Street, Brunswick, Melbourne
When? 8:30pm, Friday 30th January
Why? There aren’t many bands kicking ’round Australia’s music scene like this local sextet, melding together a harmonious sugar-sweet blend of disco, soul, doo-wop, rock’n’roll, 60’s and at times garage, best exemplified on ‘Mi Querida‘, the band are super excited to release their debut album Sweet Spots and will be supported by DJ Richie Twelfiftee, Mighty Duke And The Lords, The Real Hot Bitches 80s Dance Troupe – Melbourne Branch and DJ CC:DISCO!
Tickets & Info: $15.00 www.facebook.com & www.moshtix.com.au
Blackwood Jack
Where? Workers Club, 51 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 7:30pm, Friday 30th January
Why? With the weekend upon you, sometimes all a live music lover wants is some trustworthy guitar driven rock, and the trio that make Blackwood Jack deliver exactly that. Prepping for the launch of their EP The Pessamist this weekend, tracks like ‘Fall Apart’, a rumbling, brooding alt-rock track that coaxes any listener to clench their fist and throw it into the air. Supports include King Evil, Red Eagle and Cove. This is definitely a live show not to be missed.
Entry & Info: $10.00, www.facebook.com & http://theworkersclub.com.au
The Ripe’s 3rd Birthday: World’s End Press, I’lls, Oscar Key Sung, Rat & Co, And So Much More!
Where? The Shadow Electric, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford, Melbourne
When? 11.30pm, Saturday 31st January
Why? There’s nothing better than throwing a bday party, and since the guys at The Ripe are blowing out three candles this year, they’re throwing unquestionably the best gig of the week. Boasting of an insane lineup including: World’s End Press, I’lls, Kirkis, Ara Koufax, Broadway Sounds, whilst the following will hit the decks to DJ: Oscar Key Sung, Rat & Co, Banoffee, Planete and The Ripe Djs. With such a healthy breadth of musical talent, this badboy will probaby sellout, so jump on those presales to avoid disappointment.
Entry & Info: $15.00, www.facebook.com & http://shadowelectric.com.au
Fishing
Where? Oxford Arts Factory, 38-46 Oxford Street, Darlinghurts, Sydney
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 31st January
Why? Alright Sydneysiders, you’ve got a real treat to look forward to this Saturday night. Local dudes Fishing will be bringing their dance beats to the ever-cool Oxford Arts Factory, the guys will be dropping tunes like ‘Your Mouth‘ and ‘Nineteen/Boy Wunder‘, which we still can’t get enough of. On top of this, Black Vanilla and Kanyon. will be getting the party started in the finest of fashions. For a price that’s cheaper than a pint of beer, we can’t imagine why you wouldn’t want to be shakin’ your ass anywhere else.
Tickets & Info: $8.40, www.facebook.com & www.moshtix.com.au
Madre Monte & Grace Babré
Where? Mojo’s Bar, 237 Queen Victoria Street, North Fremantle
When? 8:00pm, Friday 30th January
Why? Citizens of Perth, if y’all are searching for a night of Afro-Colombian and Afro-Kreol grooves, there’s only one place you can be this Friday night – Mojo’s Bar. The double-headliner event will see the likes of local heroes Grace Barbé and Melbournians Madre Monte each take to the stage with their infectiously warm beats, giving it their all in what promises to be a night of crazy dancing.
Tickets & Info: $14.30, www.facebook.com & http://mojosbar.oztix.com.au
The Villenettes
Where? The Jade Monkey, 142-160 Flinders Street, Adelaide
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 31st January
Why? “V” stands for “Villenettes”, right? It most certainly will be for the folk of Adelaide after they catch these ladies live this weekend. Bringing their psychobilly and surf punk sounds to their hometown, the local stars will be banging new tunes from their brand-spanking new debut LP Lady Luck such as the furious ‘Devil’s Inside‘. That ain’t all though, with fellow girl gang The Reprobettes, newcomers Stabbitha & The Knifey Wifeys and Miss Madeleine DeVille doing a special burlesque performance (yep, you read that correctly!) This is going to be a killer gig.
Entry & Info: $12.40, www.facebook.com & www.moshtix.com.au
Just Monday
Where? New Globe Theatre, 220 Brunswick St, Brisbane
When? 8:00pm, Friday 30th January
Why? If you consider yourself a fan of pop-punk and funk, there’s a killer live show to kickstart your weekend. Introducing three-piece Just Monday, responsible for the tune ‘Disguise‘, are amped to release their shining new EP in their first show of 2015. There’s a strong list of supports too including Bree Bullock, Monkiblood and RAWR VANITY.
Entry & Info: $12.00 Pre-sale, $15.00 Door, www.facebook.com
Steve Lucas
Where? Cherrybar, 103 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 31st January
Why? Ever been of two minds or besides yourself with the duality of nature? You’ll feel right at home with Steve Lucas and friends as they gather together for the double single launch this Saturday night. You can hear the legendary Lucas’ two fresh tunes ‘Living & Loving In The USA‘ and ‘All That I Want (Is You)‘ right here.
Entry & Info: $13.00, www.facebook.com
