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.
Roogaze 2015: Day Ravies, Contrast, Bloodhounds On My Trail & Many More
Where? The Tote Hotel, 71 Johnston Street Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 5:00pm, Saturday 9 May
Why? Are you a fan of deep, immersive music that you can totally lose yourself in? Man, do we have the perfect Saturday lined up for you. Introducing Roogaze 2015: an afternoon and evening entirely dedicated to celebrating the wonderful world of shoegaze. The epic lineup is bursting with Australia’s finest purveyors of the dark, brooding wall of sound, including: Day Ravies, Contrast, Bloodhounds On My Trail, Miners, Miniatures, Blush Response, Lowtide, kigo, Luna Ghost and Hideous Towns. All this for a ridiculous $15.00. Hot damn.
Tickets & Info: $15.00, Facebook & http://thetotehotel.com
Born Joy Dead
Where? Black Bear Lodge, Level 1/322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? 7:00pm, Friday 8 May
Why? Okay, we’ve done something a little sneaky this week and included a gig that’s 30 cents over our limit – but we promise, it’s bloody worth it. Local indie rock outfit, Born Joy Dead, are stoked to perform their brand new EP Stones In My Shoe, which we suggest you check out here. The band have mega supports including Pool Shop, Youth Allowance and John Steel Singers DJs. Definitely not a show to be missed this week.
Tickets & Info: $15.30, Facebook & www.blackbearlodge.com.au
Zeahorse
Where? The Chippendale Hotel, 87-91 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale, Sydney
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 9 May
Why? One of our nation’s finest up-and-coming noise rockers, Zeahorse, are playing what they describe as their “last Sydney show for a good while” inviting y’all to “come down and get skitz” to their killer tunes like the sprawling ‘Pool‘. The guys will be joined by some tight supports, including Meat Cake, White Dog and The Loveless.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, Facebook
Montgomery
Where? Goodgod Small Club, 53-55 Liverpool Street, Sydney
When? 8:00pm, Thursday 7 May
Why? Crowned as one of the very special ladies who are making Aussie pop cool again, singer-songwriter Montgomery is embarking on her very first headlined show at Sydney’s Goodgod Small Club. Mixing a dreamy blend of electronica with her enchanting vocals like on the wondrous ‘War Cry‘, Sydneysiders are in for a massive treat this Thursday night. Jordan F along with soon to be announced artists will support.
Tickets & Info: $15.00, Facebook & www.goodgodgoodgod.com
The Red Lights
Where? Ding Dong Lounge, 18 Market Lane, Melbourne
When? 9:00pm, Friday 8 May
Why? It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the last ever gig of adored Melbourne three-piece, The Red Lights. Taking to their Facebook, the band wrote the following, “Thank you to everyone who ever supported us and made this all possible. It’s unbelievable to even be able to make music but to have people actually listen to it and come watch it live? Well fuck me, that’s beyond amazing…” and with that, we suggest you get down and support these lot one last time. Supports include Neighbourhood Youth, I Know The Chief.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, Facebook & http://dingdong.oztix.com.au
Foam
Where? The Bird, 181 William Street, Northbridge, Perth
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 9 May
Why? One of our favourite acts of the West, Foam, are hosting what they call Foam’s “Fucking Off” Party, which basically means the band won’t be playing some shows for a fair chunk of time as the three are, well, fucking off to do other things. Anyway, the garage trio behind the brutal single ‘You Look Nothing Like Your Picture, But I Like You Still’ are having one last hoorah before they split. As with any Perth show, there’s a killer lineup of supports including Kashikoi, Dream Rimmy and Doctopus.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, Facebook & www.williamstreetbird.com
KLP & Young Franco
Where? Rocket Bar, 142 Hindley Street, Adelaide
When? 9:00pm, Friday 8 May
Why? Alrighty Adelaide, we’ve got the perfect way to kick into your weekend – but you’ll need a pair of dancin’ shoes. Introducing the KLParty, an evening dedicated to two of Australia’s up-and-coming electronic-inspired artists, KLP, the host of Triple J’s House Party, and Young Franco. The pair recently released a collab track entitled ‘Talkin’ Bout It‘ and are inviting you to hear the beat, among a bagful more of bangers. There’s a special deal with this party, too, if you join the Facebook event before 7pm, you’ll get cheaper entry of $10.00 and fast entry – as opposed to the standard $15.00. Y’all know what to do.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, Facebook & http://crippenplace.com
The Ruminaters
Where? Oxford Art Factory, 46 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney
When? 8:30pm Thursday 7 May
Why? It’s almost the weekend, and what better way to celebrate your almost two days of freedom then seeing some brilliant live music? Sydney locals, The Ruminaters, are stoked to release their psych-pop tune, ‘Gremlin In The Black‘ – a beat we’re really vibing – and to celebrate, they’re headlining a gig at the ever-cool Oxford Art Factory. The band have enlisted some killer supports, Mylee Grace & The Milkshakes, King Colour and The Dolphin Show. And this badboy is only five smackers – it’s a no brainer.
Tickets & Info: $5.00, Facebook & www.moshtix.com.au
The Art
Where? Northcote Social Club, 301 High Street, Northcote, Melbourne
When? 8:00pm, Friday 8 May
Why? One of the most exciting bands on the rise right now, The Art, are hitting Melbourne hard this weekend, charged with the dark, alt-rock cathartic tune ‘Dead Inside‘. If you’re looking for a live experience like no other this weekend, The Art are the talented artists to give it to you. Not only that, the four-piece will be joined by Tequila Mockingbyrd, Prymal, and Greenthief. Nice.
Tickets & Info: $15.00, Facebook & https://northcotesc.ticketscout.com.au
Remedy No. 5 – Nepal Earthquake Aid
Where? Section 8, 27-29 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne CBD
When? 2:00pm, Sunday 10 May
Why? We’re bending the rules just this week to include an additional local gig you should check out as it’s a little different to any of the above. Remedy No. 5 is an event held by The Operatives, dedicated to raising funds for The Big Umbrella who will donate the proceeds to those suffering in Nepal after the devastating earthquakes. Suggested donations for entry are $10.00, and a $15.00 donation will include a raffle ticket. $5.00 for every additional raffle ticket and the draw will be on the night. There’s a massive lists of artists playing throughout the day including: JPS (THE OPERATIVES), M I D F L i T E, Winters, Sean Deans, ABLE8, Ayna, Lotus Moonchild. MzRizk (DJ), Billy Hoyle, No Name Nath, Nam, FLOAT, Prequel, N’fa Jones, A13 (AONETHREE), Amin payne, Bee Ampersand and Rintrah.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, Facebook
