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.
Day Ravies
Where? John Curtin Hotel, 29 Lygon Street, Carlton
When? 8:00pm, Thursday 12th March
Why? It’s been a fair few months since one of Sydney’s finest purveyors of dream-pop and shoegaze dropped their explorative more kraut-rock inspired tune ‘This Side Of The Fence‘, and they’ve now released their new EP Under The Lamp, and as such, they hitting the road to perform the fresh beats. This Thursday the four-piece will be treating Melbournians with their brand-spanking new tunes, and we’re bloody thrilled. To make things even better, they’re supported by the talented folk of The Ancients and White Walls.
Entry & Info: $11.50, www.facebook.com & www.johncurtinhotel.com
House Of Laurence
Where? Black Bear Lodge, 1/322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, Melbourne
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 14th March
Why? Hell yes. We’ve been waiting for this release for some time now, and as of last week Melbourne freak-out psychers House Of Laurence dropped their stunning debut record, Awake (which you can hear in its entirety right here.) To celebrate the arrival of the glistening 7-track output, they will be putting the folk of Brisbane in a trance, and incredibly, it won’t cost you a thing. In addition to this, Kyle Lionheart will be supporting the the band. You’d be crazy to miss this.
Tickets & Info: $10.75, www.facebook.com & www.blackbearlodge.com.au
Scalphunter
Where? Jimmy’s Den, 69 James Street, Northbridge, Perth
When? 8:00pm, Friday 13th March
Why? Ready to have your mind blown by some of the West Coast’s cantankerous rockers? Local Perth four-piece have just dropped their double single ‘Bleeding Out/Keepers Of The Night’ which is premiering on Tone Deaf right now, and this weekend they’ll be performing their unforgettable live show at Jimmy’s Den. As always with a Perth local show, there’s an epic list of supports including PUCK, Rag n’ Bone, Shit Narnia and Ray Finkle. All this for under $15.00, far more bang for you buck if you ask us.
Entry & Info: $12.00, www.facebook.com
DJ MK, Bad//Dreems & Big White
Where? Beach Road Hotel, Beach Road Bondi Beach, Sydney
When? 7:00pm, Wednesday 11th March
Why? Okay, this is just ridiculous. The Beach Road Hotel under the Sosueme party banner have been known for throwing some aboslutely crazy free parties, and this Wednesday they’ve got a huge reason to be happy its a humpday. Headlining the event is DJ MK, a hiphop producer who has worked with the likes of The Roots. On top of that, they’ve got Bad//Dreems, the Adelaide alt-rock meets grungers that are touted to be the next big Aussie export, and finally local quintet Big White, responsible for some killer jangle-pop jams will be heating the stage.
Tickets & Info: Free Event, http://beachroadbondi.com.au
My Echo
Where? Ding Dong Lounge, 18 Market Lane, Melbourne
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 14th March
Why? Melbourne’s punkers My Echo are stoked to announce their new latest single ‘Overworked and Underpaid’ and to celebrate they’re embarking on a tour ’round the country. Having gained quite the following on the local scene, these guys have been tipped as an act to keep your eye on, and what better way than watching the lads tear apart Ding Dong Lounge this Saturday night. The guys will be supported by Brittle Bones and Have/Hold.
Entry & Info: $14.30, www.facebook.com & www.dingdonglounge.com.au
The Villenettes
Where? LuWOW, 62-70 Johnston Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 8:30pm, Friday 13th March
Why? The legendary ladies of Adelaide’s The Villenettes are riding high after the recent the release of their debut record Lady Luck (which we suggest you spin immediately) and keeping the ball of positivity rolling, the four-piece are taking on the super cool rum bar, the LuWOW, delivering their infectious blend of psychobilly and ’60s surf pop. The troupe will be supported by pals The Reprobettes and GoGo Goddesses. Start your weekend the right way.
Tickets & Info: $5.00, www.facebook.com
Shot In Chicago
Where? The Standard Bowl, 3/383 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney
When? 6:00pm, Friday 13th March
Why? Leave your superstitions at home, because this Friday the 13th is set to be an absolute ripper at one of Sydney’s coolest venues, The Standard Bowl. This weekend will see the Iggy & The Stooges inspired outfit Shot In Chicago perform their explosive set of old-school punk like the rumblin’ and clangin ‘Friday Night‘ (oh, how fitting!?). On top of this, the guys will be supported by some killer acts including With M8s, Vanadium, Them Dreamers and The Bag Heads.
Entry & Info: www.facebook.com
Emma Beau
Where? The Bearded Lady, 138 Boundary St, West End, Brisbane
When? 8:00pm, Thursday 12th March
Why? Looking for something to soothe your ears before the weekend? Well, the search is over, introducing Emma Beau the stunning artist who produces a unique blend of upbeat and at times experimental folk, charming hearts with her gorgeous tune ‘Leave Your Light On’. Beau will be supported by Amy Vee and Bree De Rome, making this Thursday night an evening celebrating incredible female talent.
Entry & Info: www.facebook.com
