As the autumn leaves drop, amazing local music events are on the rise. Aarom Wilson of West Australian Music, aka WAM, advises five shows you’d best go and see.
SONG OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Song Of The Year competition is WA's biggest song comp, and has helped uncover acts like recent Grand Prize winners Timothy Nelson, Rainy Day Women, Mathas and Georgi Kay, plus older acts Beaverloop, Cartman, Ivan Zar, Halogen and The Panda Band. The Awards Night honours 2014's best songs, with WA acts playing the Awards Party. This year, it moves to a special new venue, with sunset drinks overlooking Freo harbour.
B-Shed, Fremantle, Mar 21.
Out of town
WHEATBELT TOURING CIRCUIT
WAM's Wheatbelt Touring Circuit is off to a flying start, with acts like Timothy Nelson & The Infidels, Ralway Bell, and Helen Shanahan impressing in a program
that combines WA's leading acts with the Wheatbelt region's most beautiful venues. The next free tour sees BOOM! BAP! POW! (whose tune Suit made a recent Diet Coke commercial extremely whistle-worthy!), Pete Byfield, Hayden McGlinn and more. Suddenly a trip to the Wheatbelt is looking like the perfect weekend.
Wheatbelt, Apr 17-19.
IN THE PINES
Celebrating its 22nd edition, this two-stage event will again fill the pine-covered grounds with aural delights. Felicity Groom, Methyl Ethel, Fait, Lanark, SpaceManAntics and Thee Gold Blooms are among the 20-strong smorgasbord of local goodness. Picnic rugs are encouraged for those getting stuck into the entree acts. Somerville Auditorium, UWA, Apr 19.
THE LAST TOAST
Local favourite The Bakery has sadly announced its closing date as May 9, marking a huge loss for Perth's vibrant music scene. But it'll be a send-off to remember. The Last Toast Bakery Farewell Series will celebrate the venue's diverse 13-year musical history with a specially curated program of international and local acts. At least new Northbridge venue Jimmy's Den will help relieve the pain!
The Bakery, Apr 29-May 9.
RUBY BOOTS
One of the fieriest talents on Australia's alt-country scene, Ruby Boots is a favourite touring recording artist, with her vintage sound and modern-day edge. Her latest single Middle Of Nowhere – featuring vocals from The Waifs' Vikki Thorn – is the first taste of her upcoming album Solitude, to be released on Lost Highway Records, home to Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash (RIP).
The Rosemount Hotel, May 15.