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.

Good Manners Monthly #2

Where? Boney, 68 Little Collins St, Melbourne CBD
When? 8pm, Thursday 20th August
Why? After a successful first edition and a new label announcement (in conjunction with Caroline Records) the Good Manners crew are back with edition #2 of their ‘Good Manners Monthly’ party. This month’s party features the talents of Cleopold, Martin King and Asdasfr Bawd with DJ sets from Edd Fisher, Banoffee, Klo and the Good Manners crew themselves. These guys alway put on a killer party so there’s no reason not to be here on Thursday.
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook event

Mudlark + Tourist Kid + Sam Atkin

Where? Dada Records, 36 Pier St, Perth
When? 3pm, Saturday 22nd August
Why? Perth’s much loved Dada records is hosting an afternoon of the best experimental, ambient and electronic sounds the west has to offer. Featuring sets from Mudlark, Tourist Kid and Sam Atkin this is completely free and on aSaturday afternoon, so kick you Saturday night off right with a visit to Dada.
Tickets & Info: FREE, Facebook event

Wireheads + Day Ravies

Where? The Union Hotel, 576 Kings St, Newtown
When? 7:30pm, Friday 14th August
Why? Adelaide punks Wireheads will be popping by Sydney this week to launch their killer sophomore LP Big Issues which out now through Tenth Court. They’ve also enlisted the support of psych rockers and hometown heroes Day Ravies  as well as Brissie buds Thigh Master – a truly trans-territory affair.
Tickets & Info: $5-$10, Facebook event

Stella Angelico

Where? The Toff, 2/252 Swanston St, Melbourne CBD
When? 7:30pm, Friday 22nd August
Why? If you haven’t seen Stella live, you’re definitely miss out. The Neo-soul queen of Melbourne has been building a healthy and loyal fan base since the release of her first single ‘Mister’ in 2012. From playing the swampy depths of iconic city haunts, such as Cherry Bar and the Old Bar, to the big stages of Boogie Festival, and MONA FOMA Stella is has been doing the hard yards and it’s paying off. Kick off your weekend with what promises to be an absolute corker of a show.
Tickets & Info: $15 (+b/f), www.moshtix.com.au

Electric Exiles

Where? The Crown & Anchor, 196 Grenfell St, Adelaide
When? 9pm, Friday 21st August
Why? Adelaide garage rockers Electric Exiles are this weekend launching their brand new single ‘A Dizzy Fashion’ and in typical Electric Exiles fashion it’s going to be an absolute captivating rock n roll party. With support from Jungle City they’ll be celebrating the single release, so go and see why these guys have built such a strong presence throughout Adelaide’s live music scene after supporting acts such as Triple J favourites Harts and Citizen Kay.
Tickets & Info: $5, Facebook event

Jimmy Chang + C.L Pleasure

Where? The Curtin, 29 Lygon St, Carlton, Melborune
When? 8:30pm, Saturday 22nd August
Why? Set to be a night of some of Melbourne’s most exciting new dream pop talents, this Saturday night at The Curtin features headline spots by Jimmy Chang and C.L. Pleasure alongside Hot Action and Figurehead. Grab a pint from the bar nab a spot near the stage and prepare to let your Saturday evening draft away.
Tickets & Info: $6, www.johncurtinhotel.com

Love Signs

Where? The foundry , 228 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley Brisbane
When? 8pm, Friday 21st August
Why? Brisbane locals Love Signs are launching their killer new single ‘Not Used to Losing’ with support from: Emerson Snowe, Full Flower Moon Band and Cheers G’day. Kicking around Brissy, this four piece have been unleashing some pretty impressive jangly guitar pop lately – so we reckon you’ve gotta check these guys out.
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook event