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.
The Ocean Party
Where? Vic On The Park Hotel, 2 Addison Rd, Marrickville, Sydney
When? 8pm, Saturday 25th July
Why? Melbourne guitar pop favourites The Ocean Party recently released their ‘surprise’ single ‘Guess Work’ and it was the first we’ve heard form the band in 2015. It’s a killer single and to celebrate the guys will be popping by Sydney for a gig with Syd mates Beef Jerk at Vic in the Park and it’s all FREE!
Tickets & Info: FREE, Facebook event
Lost And Lonesome
Where? Shadow Electric, 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford, Melbourne
When? 6pm, Saturday 25th July
Why? As part of Leaps & Bounds festival’s ‘Label of Love’ series, local label Lost and Lonesome are hosting a night of killer talent. Featuring The Zebras, Milk Teddy, Footy, Ciggie Witch, Tim Richmond, and Monnone Alone all for $12-15! Get along to one of Melbourne’s most exciting venues and celebrate your healthy local music scene.
Tickets & Info: $12+b/f or $15, Facebook event
Running Young
Where? Ding Dong Lounge, 18 Market lane, Melbourne
When? 9pm, Friday 24th July
Why? Combining contemporary, emotionally charged Indie/Alternative rock with four part harmonies straight out of the 60s, like stadium geared music like U2 and The Temper Trap with the vocals of E.L.O. or The Beach Boys, Melbourne band Running Young are definitely an ambitions crew. The talented five piece will be celebrating the launch of the new EP this friday night at Ding Dong Lounge with support from fountaineer and Peter Rabbit Music.
Tickets & Info: $10.20, Facebook event
Jesswar
Where? The Zoo, 711 Ann St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? 8pm, Friday 31st July
Why? 19yr old hip-hop artist Jesswar has been slaying live shows and internet tracks and videos for the past 2 years. Hailing from the Gold Coast, Jesswar has just recently released her debut EP ‘Peachy’ to critical acclaim across Australia and she is bringing the show and new EP to Brisbane at The Zoo on July 31st. With support from Lane-Harry x Ike Campbell – this is an evening full of exciting upcoming hip hop talent.
Tickets & Info: $10+ b/f, www.thezoo.com.au
Tired Lion
Where? Crown and Anchor, 196 Grenfell St, Adelaide
When? 7pm, Sunday 26th July
Why? Perth rockers Tired Lion are gearing up to celebrate the release their second EP Figurine this July and are on the road playing a national headline tour. On the road they’ll be stopping by Adelaide to blow the roof off the Crown and Anchor with Tomorrow Rising and Glass Skies in tow. Rad-elaide you’re bringing it this weekend.
Tickets & Info: $10+b/f, Facebook event
Alyx Dennison
Where? Mojos Bar, 237 Queen St, North Fremantle
When? 8pm, Wednesday 26th July
Why? This Sunday evening Cool Perth Nights are excited to present Alyx Dennison who will be playing a special show at Mojos Bar Fremantle on Sunday July 26 with support from SEAMS with their tropical experimental pop sounds along with the constantly evolving heart of song Felicity Groom. Earlier this year Alyx released her stunning self-titled debut album, filled to the brim with beautifully crafted weird pop gems. West side crew head along and catch the incredible telnet that is Alyx Dennison in action.
Tickets & Info: $10-15, Facebook event
We, Tigers
Where? The Workers Club, 51-55 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 7:30pm, Wednesday 22nd July
Why? After releasing their killer first single, Game Over//Don’t Forget in mid April, We, Tigers is ready to showcase their debut EP, ‘Fern’ for listeners this at this mid-week set. Expect killer indie pop, dreamy psych rock and impressive songwriting prowess. With help from Lalić and James Moloney & the Mad Dog Harrisons, this gig is sure to cure your mid-week blues.
Tickets & Info: $7.15, Facebook event
Sarah Belkner’s Newsagency Sessions
Where? The Newsagency, 375 Enmore Rd, Marrickville, Sydney
When? 7:30pm, Wednesday 22nd July
Why? The Newsagency Sessions are back for its third year running. For those untainted this event is a Wednesday night musical residency and recording collaboration project with a twist. The project sees Sydney based Sarah Belkner team up with another exciting local artist each week in Sydney for 4 weeks. Kicking off her fist week Sarah has enlisted the help of talented songwriter Martha Marlow, the night will see both artists perform a stripped back set each and then reveal a secret duet at the end of the show.
Tickets & Info: $15 + b/f, Facebook event
