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. 

Noises In My Head Book Launch w/Forces, UV Race, HTRK, New War

Where? Boney, 68 Little Collins St, Melbourne,
When? Thursday 1st May, 8pm
Why? Kick-start your May and head into Melbourne’s CBD for a book launch like no other. The event is in support of Jimi Kritzler and his stunning publication release entitled Noise in My Head: Voices From The Ugly Australian Underground. The book itself is a collection of interviews conducted by the author with Aussie bands ranging from The Drones to Twerps. In celebration, Boney is hosting a soirée with performances from Melbourne-based synth group Forces, local fan-favourites The UV Race as well as DJ sets from HTRK and New War. The only entry fee is a gold coin donation, pretty damn sweet, right?
Tickets & Info: http://tickets.boney.net.au & https://www.facebook.com/events/1392124341061896/

Spod

Where? The Old Bar, 74-76 Johnston St, Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? Saturday 3rd May, 8:30pm
Why? In the words of Sydney-based dance floor outfit Spod, “I’m coming for you Melbourne!” Labelled as the ‘Taste The Radness 10 Year Anniversary Show’ Spod will be tearing Fitzroy a new one with mystical synth-laden beats. Keeping your feet moving and your brow nice and sweaty are Melbourne locals Bad Vision belting tunes from their self-titled debut record as well as Richie 1250 & The Brides Of Christ, and Tom Lyngcoln. So how much lighter will your wallet be to witness such a plethora of talent? Only $12 on the door, mate!
Tickets & Info: $12, www.oldbar.com.au & https://www.facebook.com

Dallas Frasca

Where? Ding Dong Lounge, Level 1/18 Market Lane, Melbourne
When? Saturday 3rd May, 8pm
Why? Attention any and all fans of serious rock’n’roll – we’ve got your Saturday night sorted! Australia’s heavy hittin’ Dallas Frasca are back on the national touring circuit in support of their cracking and ever so aptly entitled single, ‘Rock F@#king Roll’. Belting their way into Ding Dong Lounge in Chinatown, this live performance is not to be missed. Led by the awe-inspiring, enigmatic frontwoman that is Dallas Frasca, the three-piece are natural born performers, having played sets to crowds over 50,000+ in Europe of 2013. Joining the Frasca pandemonium are Battle Axe Howlers. Strap yourself in, this is going to be one hell of a party.
Tickets & Info: $14.30, http://dingdong.oztix.com.au/ & https://www.facebook.com/

Peter Bibby and Friends

Where? The Flying Scotsman, 639 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley, Perth
When? Friday 2nd May, 8pm
Why? If you’re after some true growlin’ Aussie folk-rock, Bibby is your man. Emitting a unique sound, the Perth local’s rusted folkish twang is entirely endearing. Fresh from his revered set at Boogie Festival, Bibby is making his way home to perform a solo set The Flying Scotsman. There’s got to be something in the water over on the West Coast, because Perth continually produce damn fine musicians.
Tickets & Info:  https://www.facebook.com/peterbibbymusic

Old Fashion

Where? The Zoo, 711 Ann Street, The Valley, Brisbane
When? Saturday 2nd May, 8pm
Why? It’s Saturday night and you want to support some of your city’s finest local talent, right? Of course you do, and Brisbane’s Old Fashion are the band you’ll be seeing. Throwing a party to promote their latest single release ‘Stuck In A Groove’, the quartet will be punching out their brand of dancey rock n roll. Heating things up for the band include Outliers, The Levons, and War On Sara. For a $10 note, you’ll feel like you’re ripping the bands off.
Tickets & Info: $10, http://www.thezoo.com.au/

Chance Waters

Where? Beach Road Hotel, 71 Beach Road Bondi Beach, Sydney
When? Wednesday 3oth April
Why? Surprise! Aussie hip hop champ Chance Waters has just announced he is playing a gig for free this Wednesday night in Sydney. Fresh from the infectious single ‘Bonnie’ that witnessed the Sydney local collaborate with indie outfit The Griswolds, Waters is ready and raring to go. Supports include Miracle and Sable. Be sure to get down to this one, don’t forget – it’s free!
Tickets & Info: Free, http://beachroadbondi.com.au/music_events/chance-waters/

Sietta

Where? Goodgod Small Club, 55 Liverpool St Chinatown, Sydney CBD
When? Thursday 1st May, 8pm
Why? The Darwin duo that is Sietta are hitting Sydney with their diverse, melodic pop, to celebrate the release of their second album The Invisible River. If you need any further convincing, check out the slow-burning ethereal single ‘Let It Go’. Sietta are phenomenon that you cannot afford to miss. Special guests are Left and ADKOB.
Tickets & Info: $10, http://www.goodgodgoodgod.com/events/sietta/