Discovering local bands

I have always loved live music, but I didn’t really get into local music until my housemate, who is a musician, moved in to our share house. I started going along to his gigs and began to notice other great local bands that were performing at the same venues. I soon learnt that there is a vibrant local music scene in Adelaide that I never really knew about. Seeing more local, live music has without a doubt made my life better. I love finishing a day at uni or work and being able to dance with abandon to the energetic sounds of a local rock band.

Engaging with the local music scene is great for a number of reasons. For one, there are some incredibly talented musicians around the place. Just because a band or artist is not famous does not mean they are any less good. Some local bands around Adelaide have become some of my favourite bands, full stop. Usually, they are volunteering their time and talents to perform simply because they love playing music for other people. The best thing about getting into local music is you don’t have to wait years for your favourite artist to come to Adelaide on tour. Instead, they probably perform every month or so around town. Local live music means small, cosy gigs at venues where you soon come to recognise many a familiar face. It means getting out more often, hanging out with friends, and connecting with your local community. It means better value for money, as you get to see fantastic live music for a fraction of the cost of popular concerts or festivals. There are plenty of gigs around Adelaide with no cover charge at all. Seeing local music also means supporting hardworking musicians in our own community and keeping the Adelaide nightlife going.

So how can you start seeing more local music? Go along to a live music night at one of the pubs or bars in Adelaide.

Here is my list of Adelaide venues that host local bands regularly:

• the Exeter Hotel
• the Crown & Anchor Hotel (‘the Cranker’)
• the Grace Emily Hotel
• Jive
• Rocket Bar & Rooftop
• The Gov
• Lion Arts Factory
• The Hotel Metropolitan

Get out there!