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.

Nicholas Allbrook & Amber Fresh

Where? Mojo’s Bar, 237 Queen Victoria Street, North Fremantle, Perth
When? 6:00pm, Sunday 12th April
Why? It’s fair to say Perth well and truly wins for the best local gigs under $15.00 this week, the crowning event going to the ever-interesting Nicholas Allbrook and Amber Fresh (of Pond, Mink Mussel Creek and Rabbit Island fame) who are throwing a gig to launch their children’s book The Vine – labelled as “It’s a small book, a kids book for grown ups or a grown up book for kids.” In honour of the book,Nicholas Allbrook, Rabbit Island, and Benjamin Witt will all be perforing in what promises to be the greatest of week-enders.  
Entry & Info: $10.00, Facebook Event

Chook Race & Hierophants

Where? The Catfish, 30-32 Gertrude St, Fitzroy, Melbourne
When?  8pm, Saturday 11th April
Why? Sure, last weekend was massive for live music in Australia, but that doesn’t mean we’ve used up the best we’ve got for the month. Saturday night at Fitzroy favourite there’s a killer evening out headlined by local trio Chook Race who recently dropped their record About Time, not to mention Hierophants with their choppy-chunes ‘Pneumatic Drill‘ as The Shifters get it all started.
Tickets & Info: $5.00, Facebook Event

Felicity Groom

Where? Mojo’s Bar, 237 Queen Victoria Street, North Fremantle
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 11th April
Why? Earlier this year one of our favourite ladies of the West Coast, Felicity Groom, dropped her sublime LP Hungry Sky and since we’ve been aching to hear the electro-pop goodness in the flesh – at last time, the time has come. Groom is getting her national tour started in her hometown, fans prepare yourself to catch the stunning tracks like ‘Oh Jesus‘ live. True to Perth form, the list of supports are just as impressive, with Methyl Ethel and Silver Hills setting their tasers to stun.
Tickets & Info: $14.30, www.oztix.com.au

Love Of Diagrams

Where? The Red Rattler, 6 Faversham St, Marrickville, Sydney
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 11th April
Why? Without question one of the best Aussie releases of 2015, Melbourne trio Love of Diagrams have made their triumphant return with fourth LP Blast, a razor-sharp post-punk record laden with bursting tunes like ‘Double Negative’ and produced by the legendary Steve Albini are prepped to tear-up Sydney this Saturday night. Angie and Ela Stiles will be kick-starting this night of incredible music. A top pick for the week.
Entry & Info: $10:00, Facebook Event

Harrison Storm

Where? The Evelyn, 351 Brunswick Street Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 6:00pm, Sunday 12th April
Why? Sunday’s don’t have to suck, especially when there’s a reason to leave the couch like a local gig. Whispering singer-songwriter Harrison Storm is amped to perform his very first solo and to celebrate the release of his 4-track EP that features ‘The Words That You Say’. There’s a whole crew of excellent supports including Amistat, Ruby Whiting Music and Ariela Jacobs – this is the perfect, breezy end to your weekend.
Tickets & Info: $12.25, Facebook Event

Doctopus & SpaceManAntics

Where? The Bird, 181 William St, Perth 
When? 8:00pm, Wednesday 8th April
Why? They say that the best things come in threes and that couldn’t be truer this humpday at Perth venue The Bird. Smashing the beloved venue apart are ratbag ‘Wobbegone‘ garagers Doctopus, lo-fi psychers SpaceManAntics whos tune ‘Katzenjammer‘ is on heavy rotation in our office right now and last but very much not least, reverb-pop three-piece The Spunloves droppin’ their dreamy tunes like ‘Tall Tale Blues‘.
Entry & Info: $5.00, Facebook Event

Spirit Faces

Where? M2 Gallery, 4/450 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, Sydney
When? 6:00pm, Saturday 11th April
Why? Stop whatever it is you’re doing right now and listen to the beautiful song ‘Adeline’ by Spirit Features that features the gorgeously sweet vocals of Lisa Mitchell. Okay, now that you’ve got the track on repeat, we’ve got some exciting news if you’re in Sydney this weekend, you can hear brilliance like this live. Spirit Faces have returned with their debut EP Bedroom Music that’s set to launch this Saturday. Supports are Young Henrys.
Tickets & Info: $12.25, Facebook Event

Moonfaker

Where? Pirie & Co, 121 Pirie Street, Adelaide
When?  8:00pm, Friday 10th April
Why? Grunge and alt-rock fans of Adelaide, boy have we got a special treat for y’all this weekend. Local four-piece Moonfaker are turning up the distortion this Friday night for a rockin’ night live music, check out the dudes tunes here. Supports include Destrends and Ghyti.

Tickets & Info: $13.30, Facebook Event

Avaberée

Where? Black Bear Lodge, Level 1/322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When?  8:00pm, Thursday 9th April
Why? Boy, we’re such suckers for gorgeous harmonies, and none come finer than the three ladies that hail from Brizzy, Avaberée, who produce stunningly warm vocal tracks like ‘Can’t Get You Off My Mind‘. The three-piece are celebrating the release of the sugar-sweet new tune as such are inviting you to celebrate at the forever-great Black Bear Lodge this Thursday night. The very special guests opening the night include Azura and Machine Age.
Tickets & Info: $13.70, Facebook Event