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.

Sampa The Great

Where? Newtown Social Club, 387 King St, Newtown NSW, Sydney
When? 8pm, Wednesday, 11th November
Why? It’s an understatement to say the Sampa The Great is one of this country’s most exciting new talents. Given her complete obscurity just over a month ago, the rise of Sampa the Great has been spectacular to watch. The Sydney-based, Zambia-raised talent appeared out of nowhere, quickly winning fans to her cause with a stunning debut, the Great Mixtape, which is only just a beginning for an artist of unmeasurable talent. To celebrate the release, she’ll be hitting the road for a could of national shows including a visit to Sydney for a cheeky Wednesday night set. head along, we cannot recommend this gig highly enough.
Tickets & Info: $12+b/f, Facebook event

Crayon Fields

Where? Howler, 7-11 Dawson St, Brunswick, Melbroune
When? 8:30pm, Saturday 14th November
Why? Melbourne pop icons Crayon Fields will be celebrating the launch of their stellar record  No One Deserves You, their first since 2009’s All the Pleasures Of the World. After an extend hiatus the crew is back together and better than ever, but don’t take our word for it – head along and find out yourself. With support from Totally Mild and The Goon Sax it’s set to be a winner.
Tickets & Info: $15, www.moshtix.com.au

GRRL PAL

Where? Laundry Bar 48-50 Johnston street, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065
When? 9pm, Friday 13th November
Why? There’s no shortage of music talent pouring out of WA right now, and duo GRRL PAL are another name to add to that ‘west is best’ list. The synth pop two piece are popping by Melbourne for a  cheeky lil’ showcase, presented by the good people of Cool Accidents and Laundry Bar. Local crew Otious are supporting and the whole thing is FREE, so get on it.
Tickets & Info: FREE, Facebook event

Terrible Truths

Where? The Brightside 27 Warner St, Brisbane
When? 8pm, Thursday 12th November
Why? Melbourne based trio Terrible Truth recently released an absolute corker of a record, and a highly anticipated one for local music lovers. To celebrate the record release the crew are heading out on the road and their first stop will be at The Brightside for a Thursday night show alongside Thigh Master, 100% and Tempura Nights. Start that weekend a day early!
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook event

Mesa Cosa

Where? 103, Flinders Lane, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Friday 13th November
Why? Melbourne’s wildest rock n roll bars will this Friday the 13th (ooooh spooky) be hosting a party with one of of Melbourne’s wildes rock n roll bands –  Mexican punks, one and only Mesa Cosa. With support from  Cosmic Kahuna and Fuzzsucker, it’s time to get freaky this Friday.
Tickets & Info: $13, www.cherrybar.com.au

Mei Saraswati

Where? Babushka Leederville, 742 Newcastle Street, Leederville, Western Australia
When? 8pm, Thursday 12th November
Why? This coming Thursday the Babushka Leederville will be hosting a very special show featuring west side talents including Mei Saraswati, Leafy Suburbs, Sam Atkin and Mining Tax. Set to be an evening of sonic journey, the whole gig is only seven little dollars, absolute bargain, don’t miss it.
Tickets & Info: $7, Facebook event

Going Swimming

Where? Workers Club, 51 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 7:30pm, Friday 13th November
Why? Melbourne’s scuzzy DIY punks, Going Swimming have finally unleashed their debut LP Deadtime Stories on the world and to celebrate, the surf rockers will be taking their riotous live show back on the road. Stopping off at Workers club in their hometown they’re recited the talents of garage rockers Ross de Chene Hurricanes, no-frills psych punks Kit Convict and Thee Terrible Two, and psychobilly party-starters Traumaboys, for a show that’s set to blow the roof off Workers.
Tickets & Info: $10+b/f, www.theworkersclub.com.au

Orelia

Where? Crown and Anchor, 196 Grenfell St, Adelaide
When? 8pm, Saturday 14th November
Why? Adelaide rockers Orelia recently hosted an EP release Carnival party, so the only logical thing to do after a carnival party is to host a carnival party after party, right? We’re into it and you should be too ’cause with Bret & Bronte and Attonbitus, as well as Razi Magician on the line up this after party is going to need its own after party!
Tickets & Info: $5- 10, Facebook event