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.
Ivan Ooze
Where? Rocket Bar & Rooftop 142 Hindley Street, Adelaide
When? 8pm, Saturday 14th May
Why? As part of the enigmatic, eccentric and down right nostalgic ’93 KFC Rotisserie GOLD tour Ivan Ooze is bringing his powerhouse live performance to Adelaide’s hungry audiences. Well into his latest tour this master chef has worked to refine his secret herbs and spices for a menu that really kicks. Firey flow, crispy breaks and saucy beats are up for grabs, served in the study cardboard bucket of the Rocket Bar. Forget filthiness overloads with support from the freshest moist towelettes in the business; Midas.Gold and DEX.
Tickets & Info: $15+bf, Facebook
Summer Flake
Where? Union Hotel Newtown 576 King St, Newtown, Sydney
When? 9pm, Friday 13th May
Why? After the success of her first release and a slew of golden EP’s and life performances Summer Flake commemorates their sophomore release with another lush live show, supported by Mope City and Spoke Vincent. The enigmatic songwriting of Summer Flake’s second LP is uncanny, permeated with rich earthy tones and melancholic brilliance. An intensely free opportunity to check out one of Australia’s most underrated bands? You literally can’t afford not to go.
Tickets & Info: FREE, Facebook
Avi and the Uprising
Where? The Milk Factory 48 Montague Rd, South Brisbane
When? 5:15pm, Sunday 15th May
Why? Damningly defiant in the face of modern music stereotyping this Brisbane/Delhi singer songwriter is paving his own way. Avi and The Uprising seamlessly merges stylistic and structural elements of classic blues and folk rock with a rich use of world instruments, and the unique sound of classical Hindustani music. Bringing the work of his critically acclaimed album ‘Eyes on the Radio’ to Brisbane presents folk fans a distinct live show firmly rooted in India.
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook
Au Dré and dxHEAVEN
Where? The Gasometer Hotel 484 Smith St, Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Friday 13th May
Why? Celebrating past success and a duo of new Ep’s these likely companions take on Friday night at the Gaso. Nicholas Lam A.K.A dxHEAVEN flaunts a polished production style and aggressively catchy hooks on his new EP. Slap that side by side with the powerhouse of early disco and silky pop perfection that is Au Dré and you’ve got a match made in heaven. Did we mention super special support from Cocoa Noire and CC:DISCO? Synth-pop perfection!
Tickets & Info: $12-15, Facebook
Neon Alley
Where? Howler 11 Dawson St, Brunswick, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Friday 13th May
Why? The first of many Neon Alley nights, presented by 123 Agency and Happy, is shaping up to be a far cry from a forbidding Friday the 13th. Showcasing some of the best emerging female pop artists in Melbourne including the ’90s nostalgia of MYAMI, Evangeline’s ethereal vocalisms, the energy and strength of FLUIR and the hottest prospect in Australian electronica Nussy. Escaping the troubles of the work week has never been easier.
Tickets & Info: $12+bf, Facebook
Major Leagues and Flowertruck
Where? The Foundry 228 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? 8pm, Saturday 14th May
Why? Double down on guitar-pop this weekend in Brisbane with a musical pairing any music aficionado would be happy to sample. Stop two on a cheeky east coast tour sees the duo duking it out off the back off stelar EP releases, putting both bands in a great place to smash 2016 out of the park. What better way to celebrate than a few quality shows with musical mates, showcasing the upbeat songwriting that has placed Major Leagues and Flowertruck at the forefront of Aussie garage.
Tickets & Info: $12.75, Facebook
Groove Platoon
Where? Cherry Bar AC/DC Lane, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Thursday 12th May
Why? Melbourne’s charismatic cats return to Cherry Bar for another evening of funk, feels and fat sounds. After the release of their hard dancing EP earlier this year this triumphant 12 piece has drummed up a strong following of link minded music lovers. Tipping their hats to the earliest funk sounds, as well as the modern party perfection of The Cat Empire and Cactus Channel it’s easy to see why Groove Platoon always get the crowd at Cherry moving.
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook
Reef and the Riff Raff
Where? Mojo’s Bar 237 Queen Victoria St, North Fremantle, Perth
When? 8pm, Thursday 12th May
Why? Sludgy psychedelia is the name of the game when it comes to Perth locals Reef and the Riff Raff. As another single drips off the cover of their imminent debut LP it seems only fitting that Mojo’s gather all the local legends they can to pay tribute to the gods of early rock and roll. Country/space rockers The Durongs, indie grunge goliaths Goodnight Moon, and singer-songwriter Meg Wheeler have thrown their hats in the ring with our favourite Riff Raff, hopefully they leave the venue standing come Friday morning.
Tickets & Info: $5, Event
