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.
Hey Frankie
Where? John Curtin Hotel, 29 Lygon Street, Carlton
When? 7:30pm, Thursday 5th March
Why? Have you heard the sensual, slow-grooving neo-soul beat ‘Werewolf’? Stop everything and hit this link now, we promise you’re going to love what you hear. The Melbourne five-piece responsible for such sweet tunes will be performing tracks from their new EP Guess Who and will be joined by a plethora of talent including Trick Dog Syndicate and Papa G and The Starcats. Without question, one our top picks for the week.
Entry & Info: $14.00, www.facebook.com & www.johncurtinhotel.com
Baro
Where? Rocket Bar, 142 Hindley Street, Adelaide
When? 8:00pm, Friday 6th March
Why? Unquestionably one of the most promising talents to spill from Australia’s bubbling hiphop scene, the brilliant youngster Baro is taking his 18th Birthday Tour west to Adelaide this weekend. Already garnering a following for his smooth beats like ‘Cigarettes‘. Definitely catch this rising star while you can, he won’t be charging $10.00 for long.
Entry & Info: $10.00 (Pre-sale), $15.00 (Door), www.facebook.com & http://baro.oztix.com.au
Ecca Vandal
Where? Goodgod Small Club, 53-55 Liverpool Street, Sydney
When? 8:00pm, Friday 6th March
Why? One of the most exciting up-and-coming local artists, Ecca Vandal has been turning heads with her explosive tracks ‘White Flag’ and the freshly released ‘Battle Royal‘ and this weekend she will be bringing her pop meets punk meets electronica to Sydney’s underground. In addition to that Smaal Cats will be supporting, giving the perfect kickstart to your weekend.
Tickets & Info: $10.00, www.goodgodgoodgod.com
Making & Carb On Carb
Where? Trainspotters, 270 Ann Street, Brisbane
When? 9:00pm, Saturday 7th March
Why? Like your guitars loud and your gigs free? If you’re in Brizzy this weekend, we’ve got the perfect gig for you. A huge lineup of acts have been announced for this epic night of music, including Sydney’s Making, local outfits Kiri and 100% as well as rising Kiwi emo two-piece Carb On Carb.
Tickets & Info: Free Event, www.facebook.com
Animaux
Where? The Evelyn Hotel, 351 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 8:30pm, Thursday 5th March
Why? Kicking-off what is gauranteed to be massive year for Melbourne’s favourite pop-funkers, Animaux will be taking over The Evelyn Hotel every Thursday for the month of March, which promises to be a sweaty mess of groovin’ to some wild new tunes. The outfit have locked-in killer supports for their debut show this week including The Fabric and Biddlewood. For the cost of only one blue note and pots stining at $2.50, you’d be crazy to miss this gig.
Entry & Info: $10.00, www.facebook.com & http://evelynhotel.com.au
The Karmens
Where? The Gasometer Hotel, 484 Smith St, Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 6th March
Why? Saturday night looks even better knowing that there’s a public holiday on Monday, right? So why not go extra hard, you’ve got days to recover, and let indie-pop trio The Karmens be your vessel. The band will be releasing their brand new track ‘Falling Sun’ later this week, but in the meantime we suggest you revisit their sparkling EP Out Now. Ripper supports include Swim Season and Parks Department.
Tickets & Info: $10.75, www.facebook.com & http://tickets.oztix.com.au
Rag n’ Bone
Where? The Bakery, 233 James Street, Northbridge, Perth
When? 8:00pm, Friday 6th March
Why? With the sad announcement that beloved Perth venue The Bakery will definitely be closing, not to mention the bad state of affairs that Perth’s live local music scene is going through at the moment, WA residents couldn’t have a better reason to go out and support their neighbourhood musicians – besides, it’s not hard when they’re some of the best in the country. This Friday night the burning four-piece Rag n’ Bone are announcing their EP A Woman Under The Influence and will be joined by an insane amount of supports: Doctopus, Childsaint, Shit Narnia, Aborted Tortoise and The Pissedcolas.
Entry & Info: $5.00, www.facebook.com & www.nowbaking.com.au
The Floors
Where? The Bird, 181 William Street, Northbridge, Perth
When? 8:00pm, Thursday 5th March
Why? Looking for a rock gig with plenty of gusto? Get right around local pals, The Floors. The three-piece have been hidden away working on fresh material, and they’re now ready to belt out new tunes, as well as some golden oldies. Ensuring that it’s a night of killer tunes, supports Ray Finkle and Skullcave will also be smashing it.
Entry & Info: $12.00, www.facebook.com & www.williamstreetbird.com
Five Mile Sniper
Where? Retreat Hotel, 280 Sydney Road, Brunswick, Melbourne
When? 9:30pm, Saturday 6th March
Why? Calling all alt-rock fans, this is your last opportunity to catch one the scene’s favourite local bands for some time. Five Mile Sniper, the five-piece responsible for the late ’90s/early ’00s-inspired soft rock tune ‘Amazing‘ will be performing for the last time for undisclosed long time. The gig is for free, and is a perfect reason to get out and about this long weekend.
Tickets & Info: Free Event, www.facebook.com
