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.

Clowns

Where? Mojo’s Bar, 237 Queen Victoria St, North Fremantle WA
When? 8pm, Sunday 5th July
Why? After absolutely slaying the Sunnyboys during triple j’s Like A Version last week, Melbourne punks Clowns are taking their hardcore brand of rock west side during their 20 date national tour. Along for the ride will be close friends and local Melbournian rippers Summer Blood, who are sure to add to the intensity of this killer tour. For Perth lovers of heavy rock and jet general fun you can’t miss this.
Tickets & Info: $14.30 www.mojosbar.com.au

Howqua + Mike Waters

Where? The Gasometer, 484 Smith St, Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Friday 3rd July
Why? The talented and somewhat mysterious Aussie talent Howqua’s abilities as a songwriter and an artist have been impressing those in the know for a little while now. With raw emotive lyrics and stunning musicianship, the Melbourne local is now gearing up to launch his new single ‘Her’ this weekend at The Gaso. With support from fellow local legends I, A Man and Mike Waters this promises to be a night of Melbourne’s most talented and exciting indie rockers and songwriters.
Tickets & Info: $12 + bf, www.gasometer.com.au

NOIRE

Where? The Cliff Dive, Basement, 16 Oxford Square, Darlinghurst, Sydney
When? 8pm, Thursday 2nd July
Why? With a penchant for seemingly airy but darkly hypnotic tracks, Sydney’s NOIRE recently released their stunning new single ‘Just Like Honey’ and to celebrate they’ll be bringing they unique brand of park pop to to The Cliff Dive to celebrate. Gigging regularly all over their hometown of Sydney, the trio are in match form ready to impress local audiences. If that’s not exciting enough for you, YEEVS, Cody Munro Moore are along for the ride and  Lola Ziggy Zine is hosting a Pop Up Stall. 
Tickets & Info: FREE, Facebook event

Velocirpator +The Belligerents

Where? The Brightside27 Warner St, Brisbane
When? 8pm, Friday 3rd July
Why? One of our fave local labels I Oh You is heading to  Brisbane this weekend to “celebrate the illustrious career of a true legend: Wayne Bennett. Following the end to his 21 year run at the Brisbane Broncos, Bennett has returned, like a phoenix from the ashes.” If this isn’t cause for a blow out, then what is? How about the fact that Velocirpator and The Belligerents are performing live? That’s gotta tip a over the edge.
Tickets & Info: $15.00, Facebook event

The Harlots

Where? Ding Dong Lounge 18 Market Ln, Melbourne
When? 9pm, Saturday 4th July
Why? As the story goes, Melbourne six piece The Harlots formed group of high school friends playing Arctic Monkeys covers in a garage, the band has since spent the past five years cultivating their unique sound of spacey guitars, dreamy keyboards with a clear rock n roll edge. The band are celebrating the launch of their latest single, so if you’re hanging for some no nonsense rock to sink a few beers to (at a pretty damn fine price), then look no further – this is your gig.
Tickets & Info: $9.75, dingdonglounge.com.au

ALTA

Where? Boney 68 Little Collins St, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Saturday 4th July
Why? Melbourne duo ALTA dropped their brand new EP Awake For Days late last week, and it’s one of the most fascinating and impressive local EPs we’ve heard in all of 2015. To celebrate the release of Awake For Days the  weirdo pop two piece have enlisted the talents of Milwaukee Banks and Palnete to help them launch the event at Boney this Saturday. To traverse the worlds of laid-back dance, weirdo pop and hip hop all in one night get along to one of the city’s best dance caves.
Tickets & Info: $100 +bf, Facebook event

The Lulu Raes

Where? Good God, 55 Liverpool Street, Sydney
When? 8pm, Saturday 4th July
Why? The Lulu Raes are a four piece band from Sydney who combine their love of commercial cheese and fist-pumping floor fillers to produce their own sun-soaked dance pop. They’ll be bringing this addictive and entertaining hybrid of sounds to the friendly walls of Good God this Saturday night when they celebrate their new single ‘Swing Me On A Vine Of Sunshine’. It’s the last date of their very short three date tour so if you is it you’re a straight up sucker. 
Tickets & Info: $10+ bf,  Facebook event

Cats Uni Holiday Party

Where? Cats Rocket Bar & Rooftop, 142 Hindley St, Adelaide
When? 9pm, Friday 3rd July
Why? Yes Adelaide kids it’s school holidays and to celebrate Cats at Rocket Bar & Rooftop want you to get real trashed. To get you in the mood there will be a guest DJ set by the band members from I Know Leopard who are playing with Last Dinosaurs at Jive earlier on in the night. So what’s your excuse for not being there? We know you don’t have class in the morning…
Tickets & Info: $10/$15, Facebook event

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