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.
Gooch Palms
Where? Oxford Art Factory, 38-46 Oxford Street, Sydney
When? 8pm, Thursday 25th Feb
Why? After packing-up their matching outfits, jock straps and sports bras, Newcastle’s beloved Gooch Palms relocated to sunny Los Angeles in early 2015 and hit the ground running, bringing the shit-pop party to over 100 live shows across the USA. They haven’t forgotten about their family at home, they’ll be in town for a few shows including a cheeky appearance at OAF this Friday. Pop by ’cause it might be the last opportunity to see them in 2016!
Tickets & Info: $12 +b/f, Facebook event
Nath Roche & Community Centre
Where? The Bald Faced Stag, 345 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt, Sydney
When? 8pm, Thursday 25th Feb
Why? This Thursday local legend Nathan Roche will be hitting the stage for a No Refunds presents party. Sharing the stage will be Jay Cruikshank of The Rangoons’ making a debut with his brand new project Community Centre. If you’ve ever heard Nathan’s Magnetic Memories LP you’ll know why we highly recommend you checking out this show.
Tickets & Info: FREE, Facebook event
Frozen Ocean
Where? Mojos Bar Fremantle, 237 Queen Victoria Street, North Fremantle
When? 8pm, Tuesday 23rd Feb
Why? Local heroes Frozen Ocean don’t tour so much these days on account of the fact that they’re now living in different corner of the country, but they’re getting together for a very special one-off show tonight! Pop by and say g’day to a few old mates.
Tickets & Info: $5 -$15, Facebook event
Brixton Broadcast
Where? The Tote Hotel 71 Johnston Street, Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 6pm, Saturday 27th Feb
Why? Brixton apparel is putting on a massive show this weekend as part of an ongoing series of events spotlighting the distinct culture of world renowned music cities. Local heavyweights BEACHES, The Uv Race and Ausmuteants headline this intensely free show at The Tote. Only paying for beers = not bad!
Tickets & Info: FREE, Facebook event
The Citradels
Where? The Curtin, 29 Lygon St, Carlton, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Friday 26th Feb
Why? Underground psych-rockers The Citradels are throwing a nation-wide party for the release of their sixth LP Are They Still Here? The Facebook event says it all: “It’s going to be one big psych fuck. Psych fucks for everyone. Come on down because it’s happening”
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook event
Black Aces
Where? Cherry Bar, AC/DC Ln, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Friday 26th Feb
Why? Rural rock titans Black Aces continue their Shot In The Dark tour in Melbourne this weekend with support from The Charge, Darcee Fox and Perth’s Legs Electric. If the rest of the tour is anything to go by this is going to be a messy one, not for the feint of heart.
Tickets & Info: $13, Facebook event
Paper Arms
Where? The Jade Monkey, 142-160 Flinders St, Adelaide
When? 8pm, Friday 26th Feb
Why? Local rock champions Paper Arms will be celebrating a killer journey as a band with their last ever show this Friday. Founded in 2008 the Poison City band toured tirelessly and headlined a heap of killer shows. Now it’s time to say thank you Paper Arms and good bye.
Tickets & Info: $5 – $15, Facebook event
