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 Sinking Teeth
Where? Ding Dong Lounge, 18 Market Lane, Melbourne
When? 8:00pm, Friday 3rd April
Why? Melbourne puke punks The Sinking Teeth bring their ferocious live show to Ding Dong Lounge this Good Friday, April 3rd. Rounding out a busy 2014 with an Australia/New Zealand tour supporting Jimmy Eat World, the three-piece have spent the summer working on material for their debut album. This is The Sinking Teeth’s first home-town show for 2015 and also the very first time playing their new tunes to Melbournian ears. They’ll be joined by punk trio The Union Pacific and Mercians.
Tickets & Info: $12.25, http://dingdong.oztix.com.au
Julia Why?
Where? Brighton Up Bar, 1/77 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney
When? 8:00pm, Sunday 5th April
Why? One of our favourite homes of live music, Brighton Up Bar, are hosting an album launch this Sunday night that cannot be beat. Local ’90s meets ’60s trio, Julia Why? are super stoked to launch their record Wheel and to celebrate the rockin’ tracks like ‘Turntable’, they want you to come hangout. Supports include Melon Melon Melon and The Cathys, for a scant $5.00 this gig extends well beyond the value for money notion.
Tickets & Info: $5.00, www.facebook.com
Laura Palmer
Where? The Old Bar, 74-76 Johnston Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 8:30pm, Saturday 4th April
Why? Looking to mark the middle of your long weekend with a some straight-up rock? Look no further than local four-piece Laura Palmer, who are set to smash apart The Old Bar in Melbourne. Responsible for tunes like ‘Summer’s Over‘, the band will also be joined by, Nowhere (Germany), The Shadow League, Coffin Wolf for one hell of a show.
Entry & Info: $10.00, www.theoldbar.com.au
Kagu
Where? Northcote Social Club, 301 High Street, Northcote, Melbourne
When? 8:00pm, Thursday 2nd March
Why? Unequivocally one of our favourite local releases this year, ex-Snakadaktal member Sean Heathcliff has created a simple, floating futuristic-folk EP laden with dreamy tunes like ‘Human‘. Get down to this one nice and early to catch killer supports Gordi, Luboku and Dog Whistle Politics.
Entry & Info: $13.00, https://northcotesc.ticketscout.com.au
Beaten Bodies
Where? Freda’s, 109 Regent Street, Chippendale, Sydney
When? 6:00pm, Saturday 4th April
Why? Calling all fans of nu-soul in the Harbour city, there’s a gig that you simply cannot afford to miss. Wollongong natives Beaten Bodies are bringing their incredibly lush sonic-scape and gorgeously warm vocals to Freda’s this Saturday, performing tunes from their record The Royal Road. Getting the party started is the talented Danielle Lamb, oh and this gig is F-R-E-E. Yep, a no brainer.
Tickets & Info: Free Event, www.facebook.com
Cobwebbs
Where? The Bearded Lady, 138 Boundary Street, West End, Brisbane
When? 8:00pm, Thursday 2nd April
Why? Oh boy, this is the ultimate long weekend opener. Say hello to Cobwebbs, a Brizzy outfit that are all about distorted vocals, swirling sonics and building an ultimate wall of sound (see ‘Information‘). The band are heading an epic lineup of noisy talent, with Cannon, Keep On Dancins and Pleasure Symbols all prepping for a night of exploratorive, mind-altering guitar-driven mania. All this for ten bucks!
Entry & Info: $10.00, www.facebook.com
SMRTS
Where? The Rosemount Hotel, 459 Fitzgerald Street, North Perth
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 4th March
Why? Time and time again we note just how damn good a night out of local live music is in Perth, and this long weekend is absolutely no exception, with a massive lineup of experimental and alt-rock. Five-piece SMRTS are the main event, the band gearing up to perform tracks like the sprawling ‘Born With Torments’. Not only that, Nerve Quakes, The Pissedcolas and The Shakeys will all be charming revellers with their unique musical creations.
Entry & Info: $10.00, http://rosemounthotel.com.au
Hey Geronimo
Where? Black Bear Lodge, 1/322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? 7:00pm, Saturday 4th April
Why? Okay, we can’t really believe we’re typing these words, but Hey Geronimo are playing a free show this Saturday night – as if that hasn’t made your long weekend so, so much better. The indie rock quartet will be performing their infectious Weezer meets The Beach Boys sounds, like ‘Carbon Affair‘. This show only gets better, with Sans Parents getting things started. If you’re in Brisbane this weekend – this is the show you need to check out.
Tickets & Info: Free Event, www.facebook.com & www.blackbearlodge.com.au
Athletic Teenage Joggers, Confident Asian Businesswoman & Amy Briefs
Where? The Grace Emily Hotel, 232 Waymouth Street, Adelaide
When? 8:00pm, Wednesday 1st April
Why? Humpday, it’s never easy – but when you’ve got a rad gig like the following lined-up, boy it’s so much more bearable. Introducing South Aus outfit Athletic Teenage Joggers, an alt-rockin’ four-piece who’ve uploaded their cracking EP Hello Demons for y’all to enjoy. The dudes will be performing tracks from the EP, and will also see Confident Asian Businesswoman and Amy Briefs warm the stage. Don’t be a chump on April fools – get out there and support your local musos, especially when they sound this good.
Tickets & Info: Free Event, www.facebook.com
