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.
Rolling Blackouts
Where? Grace Darling Hotel, 114 Smith Street, Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 9:00pm, Friday 20th March
Why? The weekend is finally here and you’re looking to have a boogie to some fine tunes? Look no further than tough surf garagers, Rolling Blackouts. The five-piece have not been all together for a year, and to celebrate their reunification of sorts, they are throwing one helluva a night, performing hits like the killer ‘Clean State‘, a tune we admittedly can’t stop spinnin’ right now. Rounding out this night of live music Dr. Doctor and You Yangs will be supporting. Definitely a top pick from us this week!
Entry & Info: $10.00, www.facebook.com & http://thegracedarlinghotel.com.au
Pearls
Where? John Curtin Hotel, 129 Lygon Street, Carlton, Melbourne
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 21st March
Why? Saturday night is absolutey bursting with ripping live music, and leading the charge is Melbourne trio Pearls who are celerbating the release of their LP, Pretend Your Mind, an album that has spawned the booming glam tune ‘Big Shot‘. As if catching Pearls live wasn’t enough, they’ll be joined by Geoffrey O’Connor, White Hex and Mining Room, three artists that could comfortably headline their own massive shows, too. It’s almost rude this badboy cost just over a tena.
Entry & Info: $12.00 http://www.johncurtinhotel.com
Tully On Tully
Where? Brighton Up Bar, 1/77 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
When? 8:00pm, Thursday 19th March
Why? Hell yeah, Tully On Tully are taking their ethereal sonic magic on the road in support of their glistening single ‘All These Words‘, and this week they’re stopping-off in Sydney to perform their hypnotic live show at Brighton Up Bar. Touted as one of the most exciting synth-meets-rock outfits in Aussie music, these guys are an experience not ot be missed.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, www.facebook.com
The Axiom Presents: Eight Tones
Where? Mojos Bar, 237 Queen Victoria Street, North Fremantle
When? 9:00pm, Saturday 21st March
Why? What’s all this about, you ask? The guys at The Axiom are throwing a live music shindig at Perth’s old faithful, Mojos Bar, with a stunning eight, count it eight different local acts performing. The lineup for the evening looks a lil’ something like this: Kashikoi
SpaceManAntics, Mugwump, Silver Hills, Apollo’s Son, Dougals Casino, Golden Slums and Slick Monks. We honestly do get tired of saying this, but far out – Perth seriously has the greatest local scene, if you’re in town, don’t miss this night of talent.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, www.facebook.com
The April Maze
Where? Macleay Island Progress Hall, Russell Terrace Moreton Bay, Brisbane
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 21st March
Why? With haunting harmonies, a masterful cello/vocal hybrid and vintage ’60s and ’70s vibe, Todd Mayhew and Sivan Agam of The April Maze produce some of the most beautiful music to emanate from Aussie shores right now. The duo are hitting the road to promote their latest record Sleeping Storm which will see them charm the hearts of folk in Brisbane this Saturday night.
Entry & Info: $15.00, www.macleayisland.net
The Furrs
Where? Black Bear Lodge, 1/322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? 7:00pm, Sunday 22nd March
Why? Local blues-rock two-piece The Furrs have been traipsing across the East Coast, performing tracks from their freshly releasing and oh so aptly entitled EP More Furrs that’s spawned tracks like ‘No Control‘, and this weekend the pair will be giving you the ultimate reason to leave the house on a Sunday, performing at Brizzy fav venue, Black Bear Lodge. The Furrs will be supported by The Jensens and In Caves.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, www.facebook.com & www.blackbearlodge.com.au
The Seven Ups
Where? Ding Dong Lounge, 18 Market Lane, Melbourne CBD
When? 9:00pm, Saturday 21st March
Why? After kicking around the Melbourne scene for the last three years, 7-piece Afro-Funk combo, The Seven Ups, will be releasing their debut, self-titled album. To celebrate the release, Ding Dong will be hosting the launch party of a life time on Saturday 21st March with special guests Alariiya and Mya Wallace as well as the fabulous DJ Miss Goldie (PBS FM) spinning only the very best in funk, soul and afro-beats in between sets.
Entry & Info: $10.20, www.facebook.com & http://dingdong.oztix.com.au
Jackson Firebird
Where? Pirie & Co., 121 Pirie Street, Adelaide
When? 9:00pm, Friday 20th March
Why? Okay, before anyone pulls us up on the price of this gig just tipping over the $15.00 mark, let us inform you that it’s so damn worth it. Mildura’s rockin’ blues two-piece Jackson Firebird are taking their rowdy live show on the road which will see plenty of South Australians banging their heads to the burning ‘Cock Rockin”. Don’t miss these incredibly talented dudes give it their all.
Entry & Info: $15.70, www.facebook.com & www.moshtix.com.au
Alex Cameron & Huon Kind
Where? The Standard Bowl, 3/383 Bourke St Surry Hills, Sydney
When? 9:00pm, Thursday 19th March
Why? With the working week almost over, why not treat yourself to a night of free live music in one of Sydney’s coolest venues? This double-act of killer tunes is headlined by Alex Cameron, an act responsible for ‘The Comeback‘ a tune we found rather reminiscent of Future Islands. That’s not all, getting things started in the best way possible is Huon Kind who produce blissful R&B disco and funk.
Tickets & Info: Free Event, www.facebook.com
