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.
Babaganoüj
Where? Waywards Level 2, 324 King Street, Newtown, Sydney
When? 8pm, Friday 22nd April
Why? Brissy indie pop crew Babaganoüj are kicking around the country celebrateing the release of their new EP for their Pillar of Light Tour and they’ll be stopping by Waywards this Friday. Playing with them will be mates Greenwave Beth and Palms (DJs) and it’s all for only ZERO DOLLARS. Yay.
Tickets & Info: FREE, Facebook
Hip Priest
Where? The Bird 181 William Street, Northbridge, Perth
When? 8pm, Saturday 23rd April
Why? Local rockers and restless souls Hip Priest have their new album Christmas Day at McDonald’s all prepped and ready on USB thumb drives for your listening pleasure (very moder) – in recognition of this, they’ve decided to have a launch party at where else but The Bird?! They’re bringing a stack of mates too – so major party times ahead.
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook
Grace Barbé
Where? The Brooklyn Standard, Eagle Ln, Brisbane QLD
When? 8pm, Wednesday 20th April
Why? World music, coconut shaking, internationally acclaimed songstress Grace Barbé and band will be heading across the country April 2016 on their national ‘Sega Magic’ Tour. Playing tracks off their first album Kreol Daughter and the recent Welele!, this WA 3-piece multi award-winning power group will be popping by The Brooklyn for a special FREE hump-day show. Brissy mate you’re in for a mid-week treat.
Tickets & Info: FREE, brooklynstandard.com.au
Maids
Where? The Milk Factory, 48 Montague Rd, South Brisbane, South Brisbane
When? 8pm, Friday 22nd April
Why? Newcastle punks Maids released their guitar driven pop infused punk gem ‘Girl Power’ not too long ago and now they’re getting on the road to celebrate. This Friday they’ll be stopping off at The Milk Factory, Brissy to tear you guys a fresh one. Head over and kick off the weekend right.
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook
Jurassic Nark
Where? Yah Yah’s 99 Smith Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 7pm, Thursday 21st April
Why? Cheeky mates (with potentially the best pun name we’ve heard in a while) Jurassic Nark are hitting Yah Yah’s on Thursday April 21st to launch their sophormore EP Banned From the Pub and it’s a bloody corker. They’re bringing along mates Gonzo, Brad Pot and Gee Seas for the party. Also if you’re a bit hungry there will be a free sausage sizzle from 7PM till 8PM and $3 pots! No excuses.
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook
Grindhouse
Where? Cherry Bar AC/DC Lane, Melbourne
When? 2pm, Saturday 23rd April
Why? In 2015 rock dogs Grindhouse recoded their latest full length effort Crazy Pussy, to celebrate they’re throwing a mini-festival at the one and only Cherry Bar this Saturday arvo. According to the band “to launch an album so fucking important, we need a big party. That party is the GRINDHOUSE 1000. Cherry Bar 23rd of April. 2pm. Fucking huge lineup! Heaps of other shit to be announced… Stay tuned!” Yep that’ll do it.
Tickets & Info: $15, Facebook
Brian El Dorado
Where? The Workers Club 51 – 55 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 2pm, Saturday 23rd April
Why? The one and only Brian El Dorado is launching his new album Eclectric this weekend. To celebrate he’s bringing the fantastic Tuesday People Band including “guitar maestro Kumar Shome, Bass maniac Craig Strain and lizard skin drum vandal Sean Newell” along for the ride. It all kicks off at 2pm… How else are ya gonna spend your Saturday arvo?
Tickets & Info: $10, Facebook
FLAMINGO
Where? Cats Rocket Bar & Rooftop, 142 Hindley St, Adelaide
When? 9pm, Friday 22nd April
Why? It’s a band name hard to forget, and their sound is just as infectious. Adelaide three piece, FLAMINGO have recently shared their newest single ‘Hypnotised’ and just as the name suggests, it’s mesmerising from it’s first listen. Oozing laidback swagger and attitude, ‘Hypnotised’ is the perfect way to welcome the band back to the scene after their national ‘Drip Away’ tour late last year. Pop in ans say G’day.
Tickets & Info: $13.50, Facebook
