No doubt about it, our live music scene has definitely taken a hit since COVID reared its head, and we’re not just talking about the cancellation of international tours and major music festivals—local artists and music venues have also had to face ever-changing rules and regulations that have made it pretty damn difficult to plan gigs with any sort of certainty. Despite all the challenges, though, our tight-knit local music community has soldiered on.
From bringing audiences stuck at home feel-good tunes via online live shows, to banding together to raise money for others in need despite having very little support for their own loss of work—safe to say WA artists deserve a very big pat on the back. And what better way to do just that than by getting amongst all the WA Music Week celebrations.
Kicking off Friday 19 March, the week-long celebration (well, 10 days technically) will see Perth overthrown with music-loving goodness. We’re talking endless gigs of every genre in venues across Perth, pop-up block parties and free shows for all ages, an industry award night, conference sessions for budding music pros, a photo exhibition celebrating killer music snaps and so much more.
Honestly, the program is a lot to take in. Which is why we’ve done the hard yards and combed through it all to bring you our top picks.
Strap yourself in, here’s how to celebrate WA Music Week in Perth.
Hear And Now
Friday 19 And Saturday 20 March | HBF Stadium, Mount Claremont
Kickstart the festivities with this epic 2-day stadium showcase featuring some of our top local talent. With big-hitters like Spacey Jane, POND, San Cisco and Stella Donnelly coming out to play, you know it’s going to be good. Scope out final tickets here.
Scarbs Beach Party
Sunday 21 March | Multiple Venues, Scarborough
We really can’t think of a much better way to spend a Sunday than by bar-hopping between some of our fave beach-front venues while catching live sets from the likes of Young Robin, Otiuh, Dear Sunday, BEXX, Grace Sanders, Sunday Sundown and more. Lock it in.
WA Music Awards
Tuesday 23 March | His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth
Maybe we’re a little biased, but we reckon WA is home to some of the best music, not just in the country but around the globe, so it seems fitting to give our locals some much deserved recognition. If you manage to scoop up a ticket, chuck on your fanciest dress and get set for a first-class evening celebrating this year’s very best in music. Be warned, the music industry knows how to party so it may get a little rowdy.
Blue Grey Pink Showcase
Wednesday March 24 | The Bird
Local label and management company Blue Grey Pink has a roster chock-a-block full of exceptional WA acts so you better believe their WA Music Showcase is one to watch. Drop by and catch sets from breakthrough indie superstar Noah Dillon, as well as tunes from freakishly talented acts like Pat Chow, Dolce Blue, and Sugar Wife (solo), with the Oddlaw DJs spinning tunes too. Plus, we’ve heard whispers of a very special secret headliner so keep your eyes peeled for that.
WAMFest
Friday 26 March And Saturday 27 March | Multiple venues
Unlike any other festival you’ve ever been to, WAMFest is a gigantic annual showcase event which sees a whole heap of bars and music venues (pretty much every single one in Perth and Northbridge) throw open their doors for two huge nights of live music. There are too many acts to fit onto a poster, let alone tell you about here, but just trust us when we say, there’s something for everyone—from head-banging hardcore shows to smooth R&B, dazzling indie, funk, soul, hip hop and more.
Plant Milk Mini Fest
Friday 26 March | Rosemount Hotel, North Perth
The good folk at Plant Milk Music are upping the ante with this cool mini-fest at music hot stop The Rosemount Hotel. Yes, you will of course be gifted with live sets from WA faves like BEXX, MissGenius, Last Quokka, Jamilla, Anesu and more, but what’s even better, you’ll also find market stalls and drag performances too. How good!
WA Music Week Record Fair
Saturday 27 March | State Theatre Centre, Northbridge
Move over Spotify, because vinyl is cool again and we’re always on the hunt for some fresh goods to add to our collection. Head to the State Theatre centre and go for a crate dig and see if you strike gold.
Block 2 Block
Sunday 28 March | The Bird, Northbridge
While some prefer to spend Sunday on the couch binging the latest Netflix shows, others are all about keeping the weekend alive—and Block 2 Block is for those that prefer the latter. Brought to you by two of Perth’s most loved dance music programmers, this day-long party is not for the faint of heart.
If these events aren't your vibe, find more awesome things to do in Perth.
Image credit: Annie Harvey for WAM (Stella Donnelly at WAMFest 2019)