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.

Rat Vs Possum

Where? Howler, 7-11 Dawson St, Brunswick, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Sunday Nov 1st
Why? Remember Melbourne’s electronic percussive experimenters Rat vs Possum? They made the floor tom cool back in 2008, released two EPs through Sensory Projects, toured extensively in Australia and New Zealand, flirted with the festival circuit one summer playing Meredith Music Festival, Laneway Festival, Camp A Low Hum, once bubble-wrapped the entire of the Workers Club and left an obnoxious wake of glitter in their path until breaking up after an implosion in 2012.  They’re friends again and the original four are getting back together with the help of a bunch of guests to play a very special, one-off reunion / ‘farewell’ show to tie up loose ends at Howler as a belted ‘Back to The Future’ party (5 years in the making). We cannot wait!
Tickets & Info: $10+ b/f, Facebook event

Moana

Where? The Odd Fellow, 9 Norfolk St, Fremantle
When? 8pm, Saturday 31st Oct
Why? Hey west side mates, Moana made a new EP and they wanna celebrate with ya. The ‘art-rock-gothic-psychedelick-ethereal-grungey-sleezey-bluesy-spooky-heavy-stoner-soul’ rockers will be playing a very special, sp00ky Halloween show this Saturday the 31st October. Alongside Psychedelic *** Crumpets, Joni in the Moon,HYLA and Leure. What’s scarier than Halloween? Spending Saturday night at home by yourself – so go!
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook event

Cherryween

Where? The Brightside, 27 Warner Street, Brisbane
When? 8pm, Saturday 31st Oct
Why? Now that we’re on that ‘ween theme (Halloween that is) Melbourne Mummies and monsters should pop into Cherry Bar for Cherryween. Featuring The Drop Bears, Prymal and Pennystocks. Plus Spooky DJ’s spin creepy tracks, unearthed from the Cherry crypt til 5am (by which time you’ll be looking like the living dead).
Tickets & Info: Dress up & get FREE ENTRY! or $13 for noon-dressing up party poopers, Facebook event

You Beauty!

Where? Union Hotel Newtown576 King St, Newtown, Sydney
When? 8pm, Saturday 31st Oct
Why? Our fave concept rockers You Beauty! Have recently dropped ILLYWHACKA an album all about an online romance scammer who realises he’s fallen in love with the woman he’s ripping off and a follow on from their NRL themed debut Jersey Flegg.  To celebrate the release of ILLYWHACKA the guys have announced a special hometown-only record release party and it’s FREE. It’ll be a killer show trust us, this is no scam.
Tickets & Info: FREE, Facebook event

Punk Ass Kids

Where? Rocket Bar/Rooftop 142 Hindley St, Adelaide
When? 8pm, Saturday 31st Oct
Why? Adelaide mates, it’s your punk rock nightmare from hell, that’s right – Punk Ass Kids is hosting your 2015 Halloween Party! According to their Facebook, the band are “seriously so excited we might pass out”. Let’s hope they don’t ’cause they’ve got a show to host. The night will feature  “FREE “blood shots” to the first 100 spooky punters thanks to Sailor Jerry” and some of the best local talent hunting this country including Dead Joe, Dead End Friends, Release The Hounds and Relying On Luck.
Tickets & Info: $10-$15, Facebook event

4ZZZ Party

Where? The Milk Factory48 Montague Rd, South Brisbane, Brisbane
When? 8pm, Friday Oct 29th
Why? Brissy’s much loved community station 4ZZZ is throwing another world shattering event, just for you luck folk! On Thursday, the 29th of October The Milk Factory will play host to some of Brisbane’s best Electronic and Hip-Hop artists including; Inspired Insomniac, Jaycee and Yukon Snakes.
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook event