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.
Sunbeam Sound Machine
Where? Shebeen, 36 Manchester Lane, Melbourne CBD
When? 8pm, friday 26th September
Why? Sunbeam Sound Machine, aka the incredibly talented Melbourne dream pop multi-instrumentalist Nick Sowersby recently released his new single ‘Real Life’ taken from his upcoming debut LP. To celebrate Sowersby will be playing Shebeen bandroom alongside other local legends I, A Man and Chips Calypso. If the upcoming LP is anything like his 2013 EPs we’re in for a treat!
Tickets & Info: $10 (+ b/f), Shebeen.com.au
Holy Balm
Where? The Red Rattler, 6 Faversham St, Marrickville, Sydney
When? 8pm Friday 25th September
Why? Ears Have Ears is FBi Radio’s (Sydney) experimental music program. Always on the cutting edge of new, strange discovered (and undiscovered) gems. Ears Have Ears expanded, now also not just bringing Australia’s most exciting, forward-thinking musicians to your airwaves but also to venues across the city. The next show they’re putting on features three piece electro minimalist dance outfit Holy Balm whose 2012 LP It’s You (RIP Society/ Not Not Fun) was one of the most exciting releases of the year. The band are set to release a new LP later this year, hopefully they’ll be laying down a few fresh tracks as a taster of what’s to come.
Entry & Info: $10, Facebook event.
The Belligerents
Where? Black Bear Lodge, 322 Brunswick Street, Brisbane
When? 8pm, Friday 25th September
Why? You might remember these Brisbane guys from their cheeky video to the single ‘I Don’t Want To Be In Your Arms’. The band are set to tear Black Bear Lodge a new one during this their hometown launch of the single. Supported by Brissy beds Baskervillian and The Jensens, there’s no doubt this will be a party of epic proportions. The appearance of dancing dogs and randy goats and lap dancing Nannas hasn’t been confirmed of denied.
Tickets & Info: $15 , Facebook event
Kim (The Presets)
Where? The Liberty Social, 279 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
When? 9pm, Friday 26th September
Why? If there’s one thing Melbourne dive bar Liberty Social can do that’s stick you into their underground lair and keep you there dancing ’til the morning, and that’s exactly their plan for this Friday night. Sydney techno/ eletro/ dance label Motorik have spent the last three years enlightening ravers, and partying all night all over their home town, and it’s about time they brought the light and love to Melbourne. Their Melbourne debut is a ripper too -featuring KIM from The Presets as headliner alongside six other killer acts, you’ll be here all night. That’s ok, you can sleep when you’re dead, right?
Tickets & Info: FREE before 10pm $10 after, Facebook event
The Pretty Littles
Where? Ding Dong, 18 Market Lane, Melbourne CBD
When? 9pm, Friday 26th September
Why? Melbourne cheeky boys The Pretty Littles have been pumping out killer singles of late. First there was the “fine bloody slice of outsider rock” ‘Tegan Victoria’ and now they’ve followed up with ‘Dangerman’ which they’ll be celebrating the release of this Friday at Ding Dong Lounge. Unabashedly rough around the edges and never ones to take themselves too seriously, if you down for some good old fashioned fun – may your way to Manchester Lane.
Tickets & Info: $10 (+b/f), dingdong.com.au
The Peep Tempel
Where? Frankie’s Pizza By The Slice, 50 Hunter St, Sydney
When? 10pm, Thursday 25th September
Why? Melbourne pub rock legends The Peep Tempel are set to release their brand new second LP titled Tales on October 3rd. It promises to be a reflection of modern Oz and a collection of its inhabitants, brought to life with lowbrow sarcasm, loud guitars and a generous sprinkle of cheese. In celebration of this, the trio are playing a couple of shows locally and interstate. This Thursday they’ll be popping by Sydney to play Frankie’s Pizza By The Slice, what’s even more exciting is the gig is free so you can spend more $$ on pizza.
Entry & Info: FREE, Facebook event here.
Flower Drums + Rabbit Island
Where? The Bird, 181 William St, Northbridge, Perth
When? 8pm, Thursday 25th September
Why? This Thursday Perth’s The Bird will be playing host to a very local line up of four of Perth’s most unique local bands. Featuring Flower Drums, Rabbit Island, The Long Lost Brothers and Kitchen People, the event is a fundraiser for Camp Doogs, an independent festival set up in the South West bush sanctuary in WA. The Festival is happening in October but in the meantime WA locals can help support Camp Doogs by popping over to The Bird this Thursday.
Entry & Info: $10, Facebook event here.
SPOD
Where? The Old Bar, 74-76 Jonston St Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Friday 26th September
Why? In celebration of his latest release Taste The Sadness, a retrospective re-imagining of his (self-described) classic LP Taste The Radness, the one and only SPOD will be popping down from Melbourne to perform a very intimate and no doubt emotional show this Friday at Fitzroy institution The Old Bar. With Justin Heazlewood (The Bedroom Philosopher) and Alex Cameron in tow, this night promises to an exploration of hitting the second half of your existence in full-stride, dislocated your hip in the process and then spending the rest of your days in an extremely comfortable armchair explaining to everyone about how much significantly more enjoyable everything was when you were able to enjoy things more. Time for the oldies to shine at Oldie!
Entry & Info: $10, Facebook event here.
