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.
Alyx Dennison
Where? Northcote Social Club, 301 High Street, Northcote, Melbourne
When? 8:30pm, Saturday 6 June
Why? A Tone Deaf office favourite, the extremely talented Alyx Dennison will at long last perform her stellar new debut record this weekend. The stunning experimental pop record is shining with pearls, including personal favourite, ‘Jewels Are Just Lumps‘. We can guarantee this beautiful album will translate to the live setting seamlessly, don’t miss this experience. Dennison will be supported by Great Outdoors and Seja.
Tickets & Info: $15.00, Facebook & https://northcotesc.ticketscout.com.au
Muddy Chanter
Where? Black Bear Lodge, Level 1/322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? 8:00pm, Thursday 4 June
Why? Hands up anyone fans of head-bangin, foot-stompin’ rockin’ sing-alongs, we’ve got an absolute must for you this week. Meet Muddy Chanter, an indie meets grunge five-piece responsible for killer tunes like ‘Interview‘. The group are supported by a rowdy cast including Big Bad Echo and Electric Zebra.
Tickets & Info: www.blackbearlodge.com.au
Vatu Fest: Tully On Tully, Tiny Little Houses & More
Where? The Gasometer Hotel, 484 Smith St, Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 7:00pm, Sunday 7 June
Why? Cyclone Pam is one of the worst disasters to hit the island of Vanuatu, and a bunch of local Aussie bands are coming together to raise money for those affected.
Join Tully On Tully, Tiny Little Houses, Neighbourhood Youth, Private Life, Ariela Jacobs and Olivers Army as they serve up a musical smorgasbord of beautiful, soulful, powerful, magical and sinfully delicious delights. Door charges will all go directly to providing relief to those affected by Cyclone Pam.
Tickets & Info: $12.75, http://gasometer.oztix.com.au
The Cherry Dolls
Where? Moonshine Bar, 75 The Corso, Manly, Sydney
When? 9:00pm, Thursday 4 June
Why? Melbourne’s burning blues five-piece, The Cherry Dolls, are set to stir the hell out of Manly’s Moonshine Bar this Thursday night, and they want all Sydney rock fans to get behind them. The crew responsible for the red hot tune ‘Stars Above‘ have been killing it on their current tour, receiving rave reviews each stop along the way. Oh, by the way, did we mention this show is free? See you there.
Tickets & Info: Free Event, www.hotelsteyne.com.au
The Peep Tempel
Where? Crown & Anchor, 196 Grenfell Street, Adelaide
When? 8:00pm, Friday 5 June
Why? Dropping easily one of the best Aussie releases of 2014, Tales, Melbourne raucous garage rockers, The Peep Temple are winding up their massive national tour, and they’re second last stop is in the City of Churches. Poised to strike with hits like the unforgettable ‘Carol‘, this is a live show every Adelaide rock fan cannot afford to miss.
Tickets & Info: $15.30, Facebook & http://tickets.oztix.com.au
Methyl Ethel
Where? The Bird, 181 William Street, Northbridge, Perth
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 6 June
Why? As always, Perth residents are in for a treat this week in live music, with local jangle-dreamers, Methyl Ethel, throwing a party for the release of their LP, Oh Inhuman Spectacle, which you can listen to in full on Brooklyn Vegan right now. Cosmo Gets and Benjamin Witt will be supports for the evening.
Tickets & Info: Free Event, Facebook & www.williamstreetbird.com
The Black Harrys
Where? The Toff In Town, 2/252 Swanston St, Melbourne CBD
When? 7:30pm, Thursday 4 June
Why? Australia is bursting with talent, both in live music venues and outdoors too, and one of the finest street performers to be plucked from the sidewalk are The Black Harrys, who are performing at The Toff this Thursday night. Check out the folky trio take on George Erza’s ‘Budapest‘. Warming the stage are Pockets, Sunborne and King Stag.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, Facebook & www.moshtix.com.au
JP Klipspringer
Where? Ding Dong Lounge, 18 Market Lane, Melbourne CBD
When? 9:00pm, Saturday 6 June
Why? Chill rocker, JP Klipspringer is stoked to launch his second EP, Din Deafening, at Ding Dong this Saturday night. The fresh release has been produced by Melbourne favourite Stephen Mowat (aka Matik), Klipspringer’s highly anticipated sophomore release boasts the singles ‘Watch the River‘ and ‘Let You Go‘, and builds on the success of stunning 2014 debut EP, Drip Dry. WILSN and Chase City are supports.
Tickets & Info: $12.25, https://dingdong.oztix.com.au
Fox & Fowl
Where? Brighton Up Bar, 77 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney
When? 8:00pm Friday 5 June
Why? Indie popsters, Fox & Fowl, have released a fresh single entitled ‘Eliza‘, and to celebrate they’re hitting the open road to play a slew of east coast shows. The band are opening the weekend perfect for Sydneysiders, and have enlisted strong supports including Polish Club and Swords.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, Facebook & www.musicglue.com
