As we head into the season of summer, it’s always good to let go of stress, meet up with friends, grab a drink or two and head into a music gig together.
With the months of December and January bringing along a heap of great performances, once in a lifetime appearances and high passion experiences (not to mention, festival season), now is the time to see that band or artist you’ve been wanting to see live.
Below are all the best gigs to look forward to this summer.
No Balance
Vic On The Park Hotel
If you consider yourself a Royal Headache fan, you'll want to check out Inner West duo No Balance (if only because Tim "Shogun" Wall of Royal Headache fame makes up one half of this pretty exciting duo). They're playing a free gig in the front bar of the Vic, and it'll absolutely be a great start to your weekend, your holidays and your summer. More details are here.
When: Friday 20 December, 9.30pm - late Where: Vic on the Park Cost: Free
Roland Tings
The Lansdowne
If you're keen to hit the dancefloor, let Melbourne producer Roland Tings, AKA Rohan Newman, lead the way. He's just dropped second studio album Salt Water, which is a sweet follow up to his much-loved 2017, EP Each Moment A Diamond. His live show features a tonne of fun layered drum sounds, live synths and a guitarist—so it's pretty much guaranteed to get your feet tapping. Tickets are here.
Where: The Lansdowne When: Saturday 21 December, 7.30pm Cost: $25
Otto's House Party X Third Eye Stimuli "XXXmas Xtravaganza"
The Lord Gladstone
If your work Christmas party was a bit ho-hum, Otto's House Party (a weekly party centred on epic live music and general house party-style mayhem) can definitely sort you out. XXXmas Xtravaganza at The Gladstone will feature live sets from The Buoys (who, side note, are actually girls), The Jim Mitchells, Tropical Strength, Luke Spook and more. Entry is totally free, and you can also get around cheesy Christmas karaoke, ping pong, foosball, musical chairs and cheap drinks. More details are here.
Where: The Lord Gladstone When: Saturday 21 December, 6pm til 3am Cost: Free
Falls Festival
Byron Bay
Bringing along some of the biggest international musicians currently, like Halsey and Yungblud, Falls Festival never disappoints and is always a great way to finish the year with high energy, and open the new year alongside friends, drinks and good music. Head here for more.
Where: Byron Bay, NSW When: Tuesday 31 December – Thursday 2 January Cost: $171.57 - $327.06 (excluding additional costs ie. camping pass)
Of Monsters And Men
Thirroul
Best known for their fusion of indie-pop and stadium folk music, Icelandic quintet Of Monsters and Men will be touring Australia in January. The quintet, having toured the east coast of Australia last in 2016, sold out all shows—with venues having to organise second appearances due to sheer volumes of fans wanting to see them live.
Where: Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul When: Wednesday 8 January Cost: $89.00
Here Comes Mac Demarco—With friends Pond And CHAI
Hordern Pavilion
Coming down to Sydney in January for his HERE COMES MAC DEMARCO tour, Mac is bringing along his friends to join in the fun during the summer tour: Western Australian psych-rockers Pond and ‘Neo-Kawaii’ bubblegum punk group, CHAI—a four-member all-female group from Japan. This tour will be one of intense energy, high passion and lots of fun, so make sure you’re there.
Where: Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park When: Friday 10 January Cost: $85.00
FOMO 2020
Parramatta Park
With a fusion of Australian talent mixed with international powerhouses, FOMO2020 is expected to draw in large crowds. With one stage only (so no set time disasters), appearances from internationally loved talent, Rico Nasty—a rapper, songwriter, and record producer—to Australian emcees like Chillinit, who took Australia’s music underground by storm this year, FOMO2020 is shaping up to be a festival that deserves to be on your "must-go" and "can't miss this" list. More details are here.
Where: Parramatta Park, Parramatta When: Saturday 11 January Cost: $119.90 – $199.90
Out Of Bounds | A Fest For The South West
Campbelltown Athletics Centre
Coming to Campbelltown in January, Out Of Bounds is a festival for Sydney’s south-west consisting of talent like Illy, The Rubens, Mallrat, GRAACE and more. The festival is being presented by I OH YOU, and is focused on giving Sydney’s south-west a chance to shine. As creative and cultural opportunities are usually focused within Sydney’s inner-city region, bringing a large-scale festival like Out Of Bounds to Sydney’s south-west is an epic idea (if you ask us). Head here for more. Where: Campbelltown Athletics Centre, Campbelltown When: Saturday 18 January Cost: $89.90And get pumped, Lizzo is actually coming to Australia.
Design credit: Kate Mason