Perth Gig Guide 

Melbourne Ska Orchestra are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the stage.  Audiences will be blown away by up to 25 musicians performing at a time, and the joyous, energetic vibe of a Melbourne Ska Orchestra gig is one that must be seen to be believed.  Multi-instrumentalist and band leader Nicky Bomba enthuses, “With so many band members, we’re a bit like a soccer team!  Our live shows are a community experience.  It's imperative for us to make a solid unifying connection with our audience.  We hold the live performance in high esteem, as it’s an ancient ritual where humans come together celebrating life through the wonder of music.  It’s a bit of a spectacle to behold.” 

The album One Year Of Ska was an innovative undertaking for the seasoned group.  They set themselves the mammoth task of recording one new song per week for an entire year – that’s a lot of ska!  The band took on the challenge firstly as a way of embracing the idea of creating content for their fans, and also to mimick the old-school Jamaican practice of releasing new songs on a weekly basis to encourage punters to come to their weekly dancehall gigs.  It was an epic task for the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, to say the least, as Nicky Bomba reflects, “We had to move our studio from country Victoria to a studio in Collingwood to facilitate the whole process.  It felt like a NASA mission, working around the clock to create, arrange, record, mix and master in time for each weekly launch, which would happen every Friday morning at 9am.” 

The new single Good Days Bad Days is just one of the tracks borne of this intense year of work.  Bright, spunky and full of life, it’s everything audiences have come to love about the band.  The track reflects on exactly that – the good days and bad days that are all part and parcel of life – with geniuine happiness and wisdom, as Nicky says, “The Good Days Bad Days sentiment is universal and it covers all walks of life.  The second verse is particularly close to home, as it relates to putting our own gigs on - it’s always a risk, and things can turn on a dime.  Life is full of the extremes of the pendulum swing.  Finding the balance is the key, eh!”

Showcasing the wild intensity and fun that is Melbourne Ska Orchestra in a live setting, Nicky speaks on the video for the song, “Good Days Bad Days really kicks in with the crowd when we play it live. It’s a universal theme that has almost become colloquial.  I love how the film clip captures the raw energy of the live spectacle of the orchestra.”

It’s always nice to be recognised for hard work, and what better acknowledgement is there for a band in Australia than the coveted ARIA Award?  Melbourne Ska Orchestra scooped up the well-deserved nod at this year’s ARIAs for Best World Album, a well-respected and competitive category.  It’s a meaningful win, as Nicky explains, “What an honour to have again been presented with the World Music ARIA award.  We love the fact that we are flagbearers for the international ska sound here in Australia, and hailing from Melbourne, the multicultural diversity is inspiring.  This award is a perfect fit and we are looking forward to sharing our new One Year Of Ska songs with all of our fans.”

Support young Western Australian artists and immerse yourself in live performances within the bustling atmosphere of the KickstART Market. The KickstART Music lineup includes: Noah Dillon, Siobhan Cotchin, Muscle Club, Claudie Joy & The Joy Boys.

Dance laugh and cry all at the same time to Fremantle local Noah Dillon’s cathartic concoction of indie rock and alternative folk whilst Siobhan Cotchin will bring her alt-country/rock tunes that gets you right in your feels. Boogie down with young local band Muscle Club who combines melodic guitar, delectable bass and sweet yet acerbic lyrics, and enjoy Claudie Joy & The Joy Boys who brings together the crunchiest parts of indie rock and folk.

Mt. Mountain celebrate the release of their 4th full-length album 'Centre' at The Rechabite Hall Saturday April 10 with special guests TBA.

Frontier Touring is thrilled to announce that Short Stack are back!  The band will headline five national shows across Australia in the wake of their reunion. This news comes five years since the band reunited in 2015 with the release of their Homecoming album.

The band, comprising of Shaun Diviney, Andy Clemmensen and Bradie Webb, has come a long way from humble beginnings in a garage in Budgewoi on the NSW Central Coast. They will bring their iconic arsenal of rock anthems to audiences at theatres across Australia.

“I don’t think we’ve ever been more excited for a tour. The early response has blown us away and we can’t wait to see everyone!” – Shaun Diviney, Short Stack lead vocalist and guitaris

SI MULLUMBY: Widely regarded as one of the world's best didgeridoo/yidaki players, Si Mullumby's path has spanned many continents, created new styles of playing and has cut plenty of new ground with Australia's iconic instrument. Well-renowned as a member of the band Wild Marmalade, Si now brings a wildly energetic solo show to the stage. Packed with percussion, didge, guitar and flute, his huge live show effortlessly gets everyone on their feet and smiling from ear to ear. "An astonishing solo player!" Cirque Du Soleil BEN CATLEY: Ben Catley's mesmerising guitar playing, huge vocals and uplifting stage presence have seen his live shows become renowned for their energy and craft. Performing at festivals amongst huge names all around Australia, New Zealand, UK and further across the world, he captivates crowds like few other solo acts. You'll be hard-pressed to find someone who looks more in their element on stage. With plenty of releases recently (including a track featuring blues legend Ash Grunwald), Ben has established himself a brand of positive and motivating songwriting. "Vibrant and big energy roots. It’s pure and feeling-centric.” Xpress Mag

Coopers and Live Nation have joined forces once again crank up the Live, Loud and Local gig series by taking the show on the road nationally to pubs in 2021

“What’s My Scene”, “I Want You Back”, “Miss Freelove ‘69”, “Like Wow – Wipeout!”, “1,000 Miles Away”, “Bittersweet”, “My Girl”, “Come Anytime”, “I’m Crackin’ Up” – tracks that represent the unmistakable sound of the irrepressible Hoodoo Gurus. Those are are just a sample from their canon of instantly identifiable songs that have helped provide a soundtrack to the lives of Australian and international fans right through the 80s to today. The Hoodoo Gurus formed in Sydney on January 1, 1981 to play their first “show” in an inner city lounge room. Founding members Dave Faulkner and Brad Shepherd have been joined along the way by Rick Grossman (’89) and Nik Rieth (’19). The band’s debut "Stoneage Romeos", full of garage punk songs and pop references, was named Australian Debut Album of the Year and was released in America where it stayed at number 1 in the Alternative/College charts for 7 weeks, becoming one of the most played albums for the year on the college network.

Headlining is Jack Davies and The Bush Chooks who will bring their witty lyricism and folk tunes to the night, as well Adrian Dzvuke bringing the finest R&B grooves and Afrobeats. The closing line-up also features queerlectro pop band Alter Boy who are known for their shiny, dark pop performance art and alternative indie bands Smol Fish and Sofa will celebrate the finish of Youth Week WA 2021.

In celebration of Northeast Party House's most acclaimed album to date Shelf Life, the band is heading out around the country taking their famed live show on the road. Having built a fierce reputation in the live arena for the best part of a decade, these shows are set to once again elevate the band into the minds of the Australian music psyche. The album, spearheaded by the singles 'Magnify', 'Dominos' and 'Shelf Life', are just a taster of what you'll experience in the live show and the critics are already raving about the album. The band has always expertly transferred their recorded material into a sweat induced live experience, and judging by the reaction to the current new crop of songs on Shelf Life, these shows will once again deliver the required energy to transport you to a better place. Joining Northeast on the road will be Benson - so grab yourself a ticket and strap yourself in for one hell of a ride!

Local favourites Adam Hall and the Young Guns (Velvet Playboys, Afro Cuban All Stars) are live on stage with at least one special guest. They will be playing the music of Havana including classics from the Afro Cuban All Stars, Buena Vista Social Club and Songs from Cole Espanyol (Nat King Coles Cuban Album), fusing fiery Latin rhythms with classic Cuban repertoire. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes! "Hall was the ultimate jazz showman, donned in his blue floral suit, swinging effortlessly between trumpet and vocals"  West Australian

Line up featuring indie heavyweights The Jungle Giants and Northeast Party House to the Wine Machine bill. Closing the day will be Wine Machine royalty and master of ceremonies Hot Dub Time Machine whose world famous performances are regarded as a one-of-kind experience like no other. Wine enthusiasts get ready for an unforgettable day.

crtive mgmt. & Select Music presents SLY WITHERS and special guests The Lazy Susans and Semantics, on tour nationally this May & June.

To coincide with the release of ‘Explode Into View,’ the first single from their forthcoming new album, Sly Withers has announced they’ll be embarking on a national tour this May and June, starting in Hobart and working their way around capital cities and regional centres across the country. Tickets are on sale now from www.slywithers.com

On their breakout 2019 EP, Gravis, and particularly its killer single ‘Lately’ feat. Carla Geneve, Sly Withers showed that they had tremendous potential to perhaps break free of the confines of the Australian punk and indie rock scene they were raised on, and make a name for themselves as their own unique entity. ‘Explode Into View’ is the fulfilment of that and then some.

Nothing between then and now has changed in the band’s make-up. Same four members – Mata (guitar / vox), Sam Blitvich (guitar / vox), Joel Neubecker (drums) and Shea Moriarty (bass) – using the same producer as Gravis (Matthew Templeman at his studio in Mount Hawthorn), but now they possess not only another hard year on the road of shows under their belts (including major sets at Falls Festival and supporting the likes of Amy Shark and Slowly Slowly), and a self-belief that can only be built on the back of hard work and a camaraderie forged across sticky floors and tour vans. The result is a towering sound that is much, much greater than the sum of its parts, yet reflects the depth of the emotional core of the band and the love they share for the music they make together.

We acknowledge that these events are taking place on stolen land. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.

Blending their signature hooky choruses with a shadowy undertone, ‘Live In Life’ was co-produced by the band and Konstantin Kersting (Tones & I, Mallrat) & recorded in the same WW2 bunker that birthed their third and most recent album, 2018’s LO LA RU.

Premiered on triple j Breakfast, the world of ‘Live In Life’ follows a person over the course of one night as they come to terms with the gravity of a relationship breakdown. As the sun sets, they’re feeling positive about the next chapter – a feeling that’s quickly swallowed by the weight of regret as night falls, by which point the damage is done and they realise it’s time to move on. 

Tickets are on sale via Moshtix. 

Come and enjoy the famous Gypsy Tapas House experience! Pop in for a wine, a bite and some live music with The Dirty Stop Outs! They will be playing their original music, inspired by Funk, Soul, Jazz, Motown and Retro movies. The Dirty Stop Outs will be paired perfectly with your food, drinks and Summer vibes. Book a table now so you don`t miss out

Welcome to the Roaring 20s! Come to the speakeasy underground of Lyric Lane and be transported to a world of Snappy Dressing Fellas and Sassy Dames. Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys combine with the Hot 6 to present the Earliest of Jazz in the Hippest Fashion. All the Trumpets, Saxes and Trombones will be blaring while the dancers take centrestage and transport you back through time. "Hall's stage presence and musical prowess paired with The Velvet Playboys' undeniable talent ensure that The Rhythm Spectacular delivers a memorable romp that will have you leaping to your feet from the opening number right through to the inevitable encore" The West Australian "I can add to the list of Outstanding Showmanship of Australian Jazz Heroes, Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys" Australian Stage