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.
3CR Community Radio Fundraiser Feat. Primitive Calculators
Where? Dane’s Magic Theatre, 859a Sydney Road, Brunswick
When? Wednesday 11 June, 7:00pm – 11:30pm
Why? No matter how you’re involved in music; a fan, journalist or the hunter of the best new tunes there is no denying that community radio plays a large part for artists and fans in providing a medium for sharing and unearthing new music. The team at 3CR are throwing a fundraiser tomorrow June 11, featuring local talent Primitive Calculators, Ausmuteants, Premium Fantasy and Worm Crown as well as a panel discussion featuring the above to openly discuss the importance of community radio. For a nominal fee you can support a local station devoted to unearthing the best things from bedrooms and garages whilst catching some sweet new talent.
Tickets & Info: $13.22 + BF www.facebook.com/events
Straight Arrows
Where? Newtown Social Club, 387 King Street, Sydney
When? Saturday 14 June, 8:00pm
Why? Sydney! The self-proclaimed ‘cool rulers’ will be kicking off their national tour this weekend in NSW for the launch of their new album Rising out Friday June 13. Oozing an Aussie twist on Thee Oh Sees and Jay Reatard (rest his soul!) with a energy demanding fuzzed out melodic rock, the show is sure to produce enough noise to make your ears bleed. Get down, yell and scream about breaking up and getting drunk as the four reverb loving musicians kick-start their travels, leaving only headaches and destruction behind them.
Tickets & Info: $10 + BF www.newtownsc.ticketscout.com.au
Loose Change
Where? Rocket Bar, 142 Hindley Street, Adelaide
When? Saturday 14 June, 9:00pm
Why? Known for smooth Tribe Called Quest vibes, the soulful hip-hop trio hailing from Sydney will drop by Adelaide on their national tour in support of their recent super cool single ‘Yes Or No’. After winning Unearthed rights from Triple J in March this year the boom bap inspired, MC’s Ellesquire and Rapaport will breath fresh lyricism into the mic whilst master beatmaker P Major drops the freshest, heartiest tunes in a laidback setting. Think Tribe Called Quest, Pharcyde and Slum Village – super chill.
Tickets & Info: $10.00 + BF www.dashtickets.com.au/event
Jay Daniel
Where? Boney, 68 Little Collins Street Melbourne
When? Friday 13 June, 9:00pm
Why? If you’re looking to spread your wings this weekend best get along and see one of Detroit’s most celebrated breakout DJs / Producers Jay Daniel. Presented by Red Bull Music Academy, Daniel arrives on our shores for the first time since breaking out in 2012 with his signature production of robotic rhythm, washed out synth and droning baselines kicking your weekend off in fine style. Reserve a spot on the RBMA dance-floor as Daniel takes over the booth, grooving ‘til the wee hours of Saturday morning.
Tickets & Info: FREE www.facebook.com/events
The Love Junkies
Where? Black Bear Lodge, 322 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? Thursday 12 June, 7:00pm
Why? Hitting the road again on the back of a smash tour with Calling All Cars and their first overseas tour dates the West Australians will settle in for a cozy night in celebration of their freshly released Flight Test EP. The grunge meets blues trio, who founded as high school friends, will hit the Black Bear Lodge with frantic, indie rock sounds, that’ll warm the soul and captivate with an energetic, fiery live show. With their live CV including Grinspoon, Kingswood and Bird Of Tokyo, the only question is why haven’t you got a ticket yet?
Tickets & Info: $15.30 http://www.blackbearlodge.com.au/
Major Leagues & Bloods
Where? Black Bear Lodge, 322 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? Friday 13 June, 5:00pm
Why? That’s right – two amazing gigs to catch for less than a lobster at the same venue. Head down after spending a night with The Love Junkies and thrash the hangover away with the party punk tunes from Bloods and the reverb drenched delicacies of Major Leagues. With both groups riding the success of their recently released EP’s that have seen them tour with the likes of Cloud Control and Unknown Mortal Orchestra (Bloods) and Sebadoh, The Preatures and Ball Park Music (Major Leagues) and with enough change from the ticket for a beer, put simply there are no excuses.
Tickets & Info: $15.30 http://www.blackbearlodge.com.au/
Dune Rats
Where? Mojo’s Bar, 237 Queen Victoria Street, North Fremantle
When? Thursday 12 June, 8:00pm
Why? If the anticipation leading up to Dune 1st when their self-titled LP dropped wasn’t enough, then the kick off of their national tour will put the icing on the cake. No matter if you’re a dweeb, nerd, punk, hipster or not one for large crowds, Dune Rats care only for one thing –that you rock up, drink plenty of beers with a bunch of legends and have a good time. Miss this and you’ll be kicking yourself for the rest of the year so glide on down and be involved in the energetic, fun loving, surfed out punk tunes and feel free to be just who you are – no lie!
Tickets & Info: $15.00 + BF www.mojosbar.com.au/gigguide
Spookyland
Where? FBi Social, 248 William Street, Sydney
When? Friday 13 June, 8:00pm
Why? Well, the Sydney sider has already been likened to the story telling prowess of Bob Dylan with the volatility of Nick Cave. The night will also be used to launch his new single ‘Silly Fucking Thing’ and just to add to the hype he will be joined by folk singer Atlas B Salvesen and The Tambourine Girls. What will be a night of melancholic harmonica and guitar reverb, providing the perfect backdrop for the 22-year olds lyrics to cut through and sooth the atmosphere.
Tickets & Info: $10.00 www.fatsoma.com/events
The Cairos
Where? The Odd Fellow, Cnr Norfolk Street and South Terrace, Fremantle
When? Thursday 12 June, 8:00pm
Why? Firstly… it’s free! And, having now shared the stage with Julian Casablancas, Powderfinger and The Temper Trap amongst others the pop-infused party rock ’n’ roll of the four piece will land in Fremantle for the opening show of the Dream Of Reason national tour in support of their new album of the same name dropped back on May 9. Get down and support the quartet and party with friends Indigo. If you want to catch China’s Nova Heart who are supporting the rest of the tour, check the info below.
Tickets & Info: FREE www.facebook.com/events
Hailmary
Where? Frankie’s Pizza By The Slice, 50 Hunter Street, Sydney
When? Thursday 12 June, 10:00pm
Why? Because it’s at a pizza joint, meaning you can munch on a fine slice of pizza from Frankie for just $5.00 and witness Perth band Hailmary bring their distinctive hard-rock sound. Successfully travelling around the country on the back of smash hit Pozible crowd funding campaign, the group will bring the salvation to the stage and all for free, so you can buy at least three slices! #Winning!
Tickets & Info: Free www.frankiespizzabytheslice.com/live-music
