If I had a dollar for every time I have heard someone say that there's nothing to do in Perth- I'd be pretty much a millionaire. The problem is people don't seem to know where to look, or that they won't enjoy themselves if they do go out. So I've put together five reasons you should get up right now and go see a great local band.

1. It's a great ice breaker

How many times have you caught up with a really hot friend that you haven't seen in ages and there's a super awkward silence you can't fill with anything except: "How about that weather?" They probably won't want to hang out again, just quietly. All this could have been averted if you were at a local gig- the music would be WAY too loud for awkward silences and you'd have something awesome to talk about in between sets. Not to mention everyone knows checking out local bands makes you seem mysterious and cool. I think. That's right, isn't it?

2. You could make a new discovery

Every band that makes it big starts somewhere small. (Unless you're Dave Grohl in the Foo Fighters. That guy is a GOD!) Anyway, imagine if you were at a Red Hot Chili Peppers gig- before they were famous. You would've been able to talk to them, possibly become mates, buy really cheap merchandise and EPs that would be considered rare and hugely sought after now, plus you'd have the joy of seeing such a great band play in a tiny intimate space. And even if that doesn't happen- and it hasn't to me yet- you get to make a heap of new friends with what are probably really awesome dudes and dudettes, which means you have someone else to go with to the next gig! Win-win.

3. Cheap-ness!

Cover charges range between $5-$20 and I don't think I've ever seen higher than that for an unsigned band. It's generally anywhere between $5-$15 and it's usually only more than that if an EP or headline act is included in your ticket price. Some regular nights it's even free! The other advantage is you probably have a local pub near where you live or work, and if you don't, one won't be too far away- which saves you lots of money in taxi fare. It's also great to go to your local pubs and venues because drinks are much cheaper than they would be if you were at an expensive bar or club.

4. Avoid buttheads

Perth has a major issue with drunken yobs trying to pick fights, and they are the reason a lot of people don't want to go out. They're not likely to be in these venues. Sure, there are a few sometimes, for example the Mustang Bar that get a bit of a rowdier crowd occasionally, but for the most part most crowds I've ever been in have been pretty well behaved. They'll get kicked out pretty quick if they're being antisocial. There's always one really drunk middle aged person dancing super crazily at the front, but they'll generally leave you alone if you leave them be too, and the few workmen that hang around the pubs frequented by bands just want to be left on their own to drink beer. Which is fine by us!

*Though if all of Perth's drunken fools were John Belushi...*

5. It's really, really fun

Music is great. It brings people together from many different countries and ways of life. It's a language everyone can understand and that's why I love it so much. What's great about the Perth community is also what's bad about it- it's super small and everyone knows everyone else. I'll walk into a venue on a spur of the moment and know at least one performer, a handful of punters, and probably the sound guy or a barman. It's great! It's a really friendly social scene- but we would really love to see some fresh faces. And the Perth scene never stops, we're on seven days a week, every day of the year. So- what are you waiting for?! Go see a band right NOW! Tell them Emma sent you.....

I want to hear if you go and see a new band, tweet me @perthsoundchic or @isolated nation, or both! Until next time! ;)

Emma Bradstock

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