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.
Peter Bibby
Where? Northcote Social Club, 301 High Street, Northcote, Melbourne
When? 8:00pm, Friday 8 May
Why? There’s no hiding it, this WA native is one of our favourite artists on the rise, and if you’ve witnessed his hilarious and brilliant live show – he’d surely be on your 2015 watch list too. The one and only rusty twangin’ folkster, Peter Bibby, is hitting up the Northcote Social Club this Friday night, performing songs from his stellar debut LP, Butcher/Hairstylist/Beautician, as well as a bagful of fan-favourites. Supports include Orlando Furious and Tanzer.
Tickets & Info: $15.00, Facebook & https://northcotesc.ticketscout.com.au
Calrissian
Where? Black Bear Lodge, Level 1/322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? 7:00pm, Thursday 14 May
Why? It’s always sad when a revered local band are laying rest to their instruments, and it’s with a heavy heart that Brizzy dance-punkers, Calrissian, reveal that they’re calling it quits. However, before they go – the five-piece want you to get down to their rumbling tunes like ‘Driving‘ one very special last time at one of our favourite venues, Black Bear Lodge. The gig will only sting you five smackers and is supported by the likes of Wolver and Glacier.
Tickets & Info: $5.00, Facebook & www.blackbearlodge.com.au
Flower Drums
Where? The Bird, 181 William Street, Northbridge, Perth
When? 8:00pm, Friday 15 May
Why? And this week’s edition of ‘Perth’s Amazing Live Music Scene’ is headed by the dreamy four-piece, Flower Drums, the guys behind the lush electronica tune, ‘End II End‘. Super stoked for their forthcoming 28 Mansions EP, the band are gearing-up for a big home show before taking off around the country to charm each capital city. The band have enlisted mega supports including Fait, Leafy Suburbs, RKDA and DJ LAZ13OY.
Tickets & Info: $5.00, Facebook & www.williamstreetbird.com
The Lockhearts
Where? Goodgod Small Club, 53-55 Liverpool Street, Sydney
When? 8:00pm, Friday 15 May
Why? Sydneysiders, do you dig the searing hot sounds of dessert rock and blues? Have we got the ultimate live show to kickstart your weekend. A band that needs zero introduction, The Lockhearts, are set for a massive home set, performing burning tunes like ‘Low‘ to what we expect to be a sell-out show. Like seeing these dudes wasn’t good enough, they’ll be joined by Jody and The Strange.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, Facebook & www.goodgodgoodgod.com
The Deloraines
Where? Ding Dong Lounge, 18 Market Lane, Melbourne
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 16 May
Why? Armed with a bunch of songs to release from a week spent recording on a farm, indie rockers The Deloraines are making a much anticipated return to the stage to launch the first single ‘Wasted’. These guys know how to throw one helluva rock ‘n roll show, and if their previous gigs are anything to go by, this isn’t one you want to miss. Joining them on the night are Singles and Bears.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, Facebook & http://dingdong.oztix.com.au
Status Factory Recommends 002
Where? Mojo’s Bar, 237 Queen Victoria, North Fremantle
When? 4:00pm, Sunday 17 May
Why? Whether you’re nursing a nasty hangover from Saturday night’s debauchery or you’re on the search for the perfect Sunday sesh – have we got the arvo for you. Status Factory Records are throwing a party with some of the freshest and unique talent to spill from the West Coast, including Laurel Fixation, Sam Atkin, Atripat, Chris Cobilis w/ Yenting Hsu, Alzabo, Rachael Dease and ASSAD.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, Facebook & www.mojosbar.com.au
Lurch & Chief
Where? Rocket Bar, 142 Hindley Street, Adelaide
When? 9:00pm, Friday 15 May
Why? Without question, Lurch & Chief are one of the most exciting and spoken about bands in roots Aussie music right now. And it’s no surprise, with epic tunes like ‘Breathe Out‘, the unique sextet deserve to have their praises sung at any given opportunity. To celebrate the release of their hotly anticipated EP Breathe, the band will be placing Adelaide under their psych/indie rock spell this Friday night, with a killer supporting cast of local legends Glass Skies and SuperCaine.
Tickets & Info: $12.00, Facebook & http://crippenplace.com
The Pinheads
Where? Oxford Art Factory, 46 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney
When? 8:00pm Thursday 14 May
Why? It’s almost the weekend and you’re looking to get a little loose to some killer live music? Enter surfer-garage extraordinaires, The Pinheads. The six-piece are itchin’ to get on stage and perform their brand new single, ‘I Wanna Be A Girl‘, and they want you to come get loose and celebrate with them. In addition to that, Claire & The Cops and Solid Effort are supporting. Hell yeah, this is a top pick from us this week!
Tickets & Info: $5.70, Facebook & www.moshtix.com.au
The Foreign Brothers
Where? The Evelyn Hotel, 351 Brunswick Street Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 8:00pm, Sunday 17 May
Why? Got nothing to do next Monday morning, or just love having a decent crack on a Sunday night? You should probably get down to The Ev this Sunday night, as they’ve got one killer gig for y’all. The Foreign Brothers are proud to present their adored Momentum Jam Session which will explore the sounds and tracks that shaped hiphop history. Check out some of the previous parties right here.
Tickets & Info: $7.00, Facebook & http://evelynhotel.com.au
