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.
POWER
Where? Red Rattler Theatre, 6 Faversham Street, Marrickville, Sydney
When? 8pm, Friday 8th Jan
Why? Having just slayed Meredith Festival mid-December following the release of their debut album Electric Glitter Boogie (out via Cool Death Records), Aussie rock n roll innovators Power will be popping by Sydney for a coupla’ shows. On Friday they’ll be playing Red Rattler Theatre alongside Low Life and Orion, for only 10 bucks! C’mon there’s no reason not to start your 2016 right.
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook event
Society Of Beggars
Where? Cherry Bar, AC/DC Ln, Melbourne CBD
When? 8pm, Saturday 9th Jan
Why? One of Melbourne’s most well-loved (and fun to drink to) Alternative Rock n Roll bands Society Of Beggars return to everyone’s favourite second home Cherry Bar for their first show of 2016. Following on from recording a new batch of songs with renowned Melbourne producer Lindsay Gravina, the band will be debuting new material along with their recent singles ‘Hyena’ and ‘Terrible Rain’. With support from Soul Psych rockers Neon Queen and rumbling rock duo Vulgar Born it’s a must not miss kinda’ night!
Tickets & Info: $13, Facebook
Make Them Suffer
Where? Rosemount Hotel, 459 Fitzgerald St, North Perth
When? 8pm, Friday 8th Jan
Why? It was a huge 2015 for Perth metal band Make Them Suffer, having released their critically acclaimed second album, Old Souls as well as hitting the road both at home and in Europe with In Hearts Wake, Thy Art Is Murder, Oceano and making appearances at festivals like Summerblast and Ghostfest. They’re showing no signs of slowing down though, having recently announced a massive gig at the Rosemount Hotel – catch them this week before they’re off again.
Tickets & Info: $15+b/f, rosemounthotel.com.au
Terrible Truths + Sui Zhen + Harpoons
Where? The Gasometer Hotel484 Smith St, Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 7:30pm, Friday 8th Jan
Why? Some of Melbourne’s most exciting creatives, the crew behind Banalarama are back with the latest edition of their filmed gig series ABABCd, featuring some of Australia’s most interesting bands. Kicking off the 2016 will be The Harpoons, Mangelwurzel, Sui Zhen and Terrible Truths while Melbourne’s first lady of disco CC:DISCO! will be spinning tracks between live sets. An insane local line up for just over $12!
Tickets & Info: $12.75, Facebook event
iiah + Apollo Sons +Flying Doormat
Where? Crown & Anchor, 196 Grenfell StreetAdelaide, South Australia
When? 8pm, Friday 8th Jan
Why? Blistering post rock crew iiah are hosting a killer show this weekend alongside jazzy and soulful hip-hop collective Flying Doormat and contemporary rock five piece Apollo Sons this Friday for only $5! So what are you waiting for Adelaide folk? Probably haven’t even pardoned this incredibly venue since last year (urgh sorry for the Dad joke)
Tickets & Info: $5, Facebook event
Dorsal Fins
Where? Northcote Social Club, 301 High Street, Northcote, Melbourne.
When? 8pm, Friday 8th Jan
Why? Having slayed last year – playing Bigsound, Melbourne Music Week, Paradise Music Festival and having just been announced for industry scouting event The Great Escape in the UK next year, Melbouurne collective Dorsal Fins are playing a very special show this weekend to celebrate the release of their clip for ‘Heart On The Floor’. If yu haven’t seen these guys yet you’re nuts! Go go go!
Tickets & Info: $14.50, iheardawhisper.com
Fire Night
Where? Black Bear Lodge, 322 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? 8pm, Wednesday 6th Jan
Why? It’s time to get to know new music event ‘Fire Night’ an initiative from music industry crew DBL Team, Strictly For The Heads and Kick Push PR wanting to bring you an evening of fresh exciting new talent to ride you out though the week. The hip hop heavy line up features talents Erik Sanders, Travy P, Velcro Raptor and Gallu$ to round out the
Tickets & Info: $10-15, Facebook event
