6 Of The Best Shows To See Around Australia This December
Wow. What a year. The seasons have come and gone, and now that summer is officially here, it’s time to let loose.
Whether you’re a casual gig-goer, newcomer, or veteran, undo a few buttons, crack open a beer, and take your pick from our selection of the best gigs around the country this December.
Bad Bad Not Good - Multiple Dates @ Multiple Venues
Into Jazz? Into Hip-Hop? Into Experimental music? BBNG will scratch that itch. Hitting our shores with new 18-track champion album ‘Mid Spiral’, the band is gracing some of the best venues around the country, including Enmore Theatre, The Tivoli, and Palais. If you’re not familiar, do yourself a favour and tap in now!
Mk.gee - Multiple Dates @ Multiple Venues
As the end of year ‘best album’ listicles start to drop, one can’t escape Mk.Gee’s ‘Two Star and The Dream Police’. #2 on the New Yorkers list, this shit is a big deal, and us lucky punters get to witness the spectacle first hand, as Mk.Gee hits Australian shores for the first time, at the height of his career so far. Almost like listening to someone “trying to remember what pop music sounds like”, with the tools of a virtuosic funk arsenal. Evoking Bon Iver harmony with classic Springsteen melody, and subtle Arthur Russel sensibilities, I shouldn’t have to convince you.
Unfurl - 22 December @ Lazy Thinking
If you care about ambience, you would know that Sydney’s heralding ambient show plays on FBI 94.5fm from 11am-12pm on Sunday. Many a Sunday, I’ve nursed my hangover with waves of unhurried, minimal music. In a rare opportunity, the show will come off air and take the stage in Sydney institution, Lazy Thinking. Spanning 12 hours and featuring cult favourites like 198archie, DJ Andrew and Hubcaps, and hero acts like ealing and Wytchings, both coming off the back of new releases, there’s no better way for you to spend your Sunday, and of course at Lazy Thinking, no ticket is needed! Pay what you like at the venue, all profits to the artists!
MIKE - Multiple Dates @ Multiple Venues
At 24, New York Rapper MIKE has 11 albums under his belt, solidifying his status as a key figure in the underground hip-hop movement. For the first time, he’s making the pilgrimage down under, bringing gifts of introspection and effortless vibe. Aside from playing multiple venues across the country (tickets here), he’s also hitting prestigious Sydney culture centre, Phoenix, enter ballot here.
Mannequin Pussy - Multiple Dates @ Multiple Venues
Off the back of their latest release, ‘I Got Heaven’, Philadelphia outfit Mannequin Pussy promise energy, fantasy and release through their shows. Playing the esteemed Meredith Festival and hitting most major cities along the way, the band represents a collision of Punk Rock, Indie and Shoegaze to manifest as an empowering, emotional experience. Opening for them are Melbourne young guns Garage Sale, equally as impressive and exciting.
NMS FEST - December 21 @ The Lass O’Gowrie Newcastle
Newy are you in for a treat. Specialty Local Radio Show ‘Newcastle Music Show’ have curated possibly the best lineup we’ve seen in a minute just for you local punters. Headed by post-punk powerhouse Shady Nasty, and featuring local acts such as punk outfit Goon Gremlins, and synth punk frontrunners Poltergeist 9000, if you’re erring about whether to go, watch this:
Whether you’re a local, or a drive away, do the right thing and grab a ticket here.