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.

Please note: due to the incredible list of bands playing at Bigsound there’s no brassy addition to this week’s list – pop by www.bigsound.org.au for a guide to all the awesome Brissy shows happening this week!

Orsome Welles

Where?  The Workers Club, 51 – 55 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 8:00pm, Friday 11th September
Why? Following gracing The Forum with South African alt-rockers Seether, trailblazing Australia with brothers-in-arms Caligula’s Horse, and supporting German prog juggernaughts The Ocean, Melbourne’s own Orsome Welles will be returning to The Workers Club to launch their killer new single ‘Swim’ on Friday September 11. If you’re a fan of alt- rock – don’t miss the band’s ferociously powerful live performance this weekend.
Tickets & Info: $12.25, Facebook event

I’lls

Where? Brighton Up Bar, 1/77 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, Sydney
When? 8:00pm, Friday 11th September
Why? In celebration of the stunning new EP titled Can I Go With You to Go Back to My Country – Melbourne trio I’lls will be playing a very special show this Friday at Sydney’s Bright Up Bar. For the first time, fans will be treated to the EP in its entirety, with their expansive soundscapes bringing the accomplished piece of work to life. The boys have been busy honing their live set during 2015, with a curated event at Shadow Electric and a seated A/V show at Howler drawing large crowds earlier this year. This new tour comes off the back of a recent slot at Splendour in the Grass, where the band were undoubtedly at their best.
Tickets & Info: $11, Facebook event

Sol’ MANIC

Where? Ding Dong Lounge 18 Market Lane, Melbourne CBD
When? 9:00pm, Friday 11th September
Why? One of Melbourne’s most exciting young up and coming MCs – Sol’MANIC is launching his debut project ‘LOS/SOL’ this Friday night at Ding Dong. One of the founders of ’90sRAWDivercity’, a new age Melbourne based collective, Sol’MANIC will be supported by The High Commission (Joe Motley, RYDAH & Empress MC) and 90’s RD ( Baro Marcus Charlie Threads , KushDaddiSlavs, Nasty Mars , Yobi ). If you wanna catch some of this country’s most progressive new hip hop don’t miss Sol’MANIC and his crew this weekend. 
Tickets & Info: $12, Facebook event

Glass Skies

Where? The Crown & Anchor, 196 Grenfell Street, Adelaide
When? 8:00pm, Thursday 10th September
Why? Adelaide’s indie rockers Glass Skies are playing an exciting hometown show this weekend at the ol’ Cranker! They recently wrapped up a quick tour at the end of the July and and are in fighting fit form. Having recently shared the stage with Regurgitator on their Adelaide visit, the guys are looking forward to getting back on the road and belting out a few freshies.
Tickets & Info: $5-$10, Facebook page 

Methyl Ethel

Where? The Bird, 181 William St, Northbridge, Perth
When? 5:00pm, Sunday 13th September
Why? One of this country’s most hyped indie bands – Perth Methyl Ethel recently released their stunning debut titled Oh Inhumane Spectacle (via Dot Dash/ Remote Control) on the back of which they’re embed on national (sold out) tours, supported Holy Holy and are performing as party of Bigsound’s live showcase. Now the only thing left is to tour overseas, which is where this gig comes in. The band are about to visit the US but October to play a few shows, but before they do they’re hosting a lil’ Sunday sesh/ fundraiser at The Bird this week. Featuring support from Mei Saraswati, The Spunloves, Doctopus and HAMJAM DJs spinning tunes in the courtyard. All for $15 measly bux – get on it.
Tickets & Info: $15, Facebook event

She’s the Driver

Where? Prince of Wales Hotel 29 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, Melbourne
When? 9:00pm, Saturday 12th September
Why? Guitar rocking three piece She’s The Driver will be launching their brand new album this weekend at a very special gig at the Prince of Wales Hotel. Supported by Claire Birchall and The Phantom Hitchhikers – this will be a night of good fun, no fills rock and roll. Don’t miss it.
Tickets & Info: $5-$15, Facebook event