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 are 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.

Silent Jay & Jace XL

Where: Mojos Bar, Fremantle WA
When: 8pm Friday August 12
Why: After a long week, there’s no better way to let off some steam then dancing out to soul rockers SilentJay and Jace XL. The two artists already well-known for their work in Hiatus Kaiyote are throwing a night of soul, rhythm and blues alongside supporting act Casual Sets.
Tickets & Info: $15 on the door, more info here.

ORB

Where: The Tote, Melbourne VIC
When: 8pm Friday August 12
Why: This three-piece Geelong outfit, will pierce your earholes with some heavy riffs and distorted psychedelica as they kick off your weekend at one of Melbourne’s most iconic music venues. The group will be launching their latest record ‘Birth’ so grab a ticket and don’t miss out!
Tickets & Info: $13.30, more info here.

Mallrat

Where: Wooly Mammoth, Brisbane QLD
When: 7:30 Thursday August 11
Why: Who doesn’t love a midweek boogie? Lauded newcomer Mallrat offers a range of fun electro-dance-hop that is sure to end your midweek blues, as she launches the Maroochy Music & Visual Arts Festival with some great bands in support. Better yet, it’s cheap or even free!
Tickets & Info: Free for members / $5, more info here.

Skegss

Where: Rocket Bar & Rooftop, Adelaide SA
When: 8pm-3am Thursday 11 August
Why: This Byron Bay rock outfit recently signed to Dune Rats label after winning and since have produced a hard hitting rock album that the Dunies would surely be proud of. Skegss are already making headway in the Aussie music scene, winning Triple J Unearthed Splendour in the Grass competition – don’t miss out on these up and comers, supported by Dumb Punts.
Tickets & Info: $15 + $1.50 b/f, more info here.

Palace of the King

Where: Cherry Bar, Melbourne VIC
When: 8pm Saturday August 13
Why: Palace of the King are unleashing their latest single ‘Beyond the Valley’ at iconic rock venue, Cherry Bar. The local Melbourne band’s latest album stays true it’s classic metal roots and owns it.
Tickets & Info: $13 on the door, more info here.

Drunk Mums

Where: The Foundry, Brisbane QLD
When: Saturday August 13
Why: Drunk Mums are known for their heavy hitting garage rock sound, and are a band you don’t want to miss live. The self-proclaimed “rock n roll yobos” are coming to Brisbane to play some of their latest hits.
Tickets & Info: $12.75, more info here.

Terrible Truths

Where: The Curtin, Melbourne VIC
When: 8pm Saturday August 13
Why: Terrible Truths now reside in Melbourne after moving from Adelaide and Brisbane. For the first time ever, these Aussie rockers will be playing their latest album back-to-back in full. With Primo and Wet Lips opening the night up it’s sure to be a cracker.
Tickets & Info: $12, more info here.

Nutrition, Rebell Yell & More

Where: The Foundry, Brisbane QLD
When: 2pm Sunday August 14
Why: The Foundry co-hosting with Control present to you ‘On Lock Club’ which is trying to find new and invigorating ways to showcase Brisbane’s live music scene following the new lockout laws. Make sure you head down to this afternoon-to-night party and support Brissy’s local acts.
Tickets & Info: $12.75, more info here.

Love Pierce Brothers?

Get the latest Pierce Brothers news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more

Witch Hats

Where: Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine VIC
When: 8pm Friday August 12
Why: These local alt. rockers will be launching their latest LP Deliverance this weekend. The LP is a solid piece Australian rock, and with supporting act Leon & the Freedom Cage opening the night, it’s surely not one to be missed.
Tickets & Info: $10/$12 on the door, more info here.

Lazy Colts

Where: Lowbrow Gallery & Bar, Canberra ACT
When: 7pm Saturday August 13
Why: Continuing their nation-wide tour, Lazy Colts are hitting Canberra this weekend to celebrate the release of their new album Trojan. Mixing up their sound, their latest music has been produced by Arcade Fire’s very own Mark Lawson.
Tickets & Info: more info here.

Running Young

Where: Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne VIC
When: 8pm Saturday August 13
Why: Melbourne rock quintet Running Young sold out last year’s EP launch at Ding Dong, and the launch of their new single ‘Not The Same’ will be another excellent night of vintage indie rock at Ding Dong.
Tickets & Info: $12.75, more info here.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine