‘How to Slive during a Cozzie Livs’ is a column focused on bringing you the ways to live your best life as a broke uni student. For all you older (or less active in the pop culture space) readers: “Slive” refers to a mashup between the words “slay” and “live”, popularised by our queen, Paris Hilton. “Cozzie Livs” refers to our current cost-of-living crisis – if you haven’t noticed, good for you, I guess.
I spend the majority of my time (and pay-check) on concerts. There’s nothing like the experience of hearing a song you love played live. Sure, you may be squished between a rock and a hard place (AKA a smelly boy). Sure, you may have beer thrown on you. Sure, you may stand until your blisters have blisters. But when an artist you’ve listened to for years walks out on that stage and strums a tune so familiar you feel it in your bones, all of that melts away. It’s just you and the music.
Now I may be hyping concerts up a bit here, but to me, it’s a magical experience that everyone should try at least once.
Here’s the problem: concerts be expensive. The cheapest ticket for SZA was over $120. Partially obstructed view tickets for Taylor Swift were still $80 (and that’s not including prices to travel down to Melbourne, damn). I literally spent $200 to stand in the rear mosh for Harry Styles. It’s ridiculous. People can’t afford housing or food, and we’re here giving millionaires our hard-earned dollars to listen to them yell into a microphone and jump around the stage a bit – it’s not our fault they’re all from America and have to fly for 14 hours on their private jet to get here.
In a cost-of-living crisis, we don’t have extra money. We don’t have $100 here and $200 there to splurge on a night out. So, how are you meant to still experience things that bring a bit of joy but cost a bit more?
Support small artists!
I seriously cannot recommend this enough. Now, I don’t necessarily mean you have to go on Spotify and just stream people with <1000 listeners. What I mean is that you should go to local gigs and see what’s out there.
Australian artists don’t get enough credit. Our music scene is thriving. Aussie indie rock is having its moment. I can’t tell you how many local bands I love – Ixaras, LOVELOVELOVE, Beddy Rays, Betty Taylor, Hope D, Ball Park Music… the list could go on and on. And those are just Queensland musicians.
Yeah, it might be harder to find bands you like when they’re not in the mainstream. But once you find them, it’s so worth it.
Just think about it. $30 shows – or sometimes even free shows. Small gigs where you don’t have to fight for barricade. Artists who appreciate their fans (and sometimes get to know them). Artists that you can say “I knew them before they blew up” about. More of a chance of getting handed a setlist, drumstick, guitar pick, etc. Not as likely to die in a mosh. Won’t get so overstimulated. Honestly, better stage presence. Cheaper merch. More shows near you. You get to seem cool and indie. You’re supporting someone’s dream.
Basically, there are no downsides to supporting local artists – only positives.
And if you don’t know where to start, let me help you out.
First off, check out triple j Unearthed. The digital radio station plays certified bangers from unsigned and independent artists 24/7. Most iconic Aussie acts got their start through this. If you want to find out more, you can check out another article about Unearthed here.
Another way to find local acts is through playlists. Spotify lowkey slays when it comes to playlisting. You can find small Aussie bands through ones like Local Noise, The Local List (which is made specially for you, based on your taste), and Fresh Finds AU & NZ.
Music magazines are also a great way to find out more about Aussie bands. I may be biased (considering I work for them), but Purple Sneakers and The Music are some of the most respected Aussie music mags around. Obviously, you’ve got the bigger ones like Rolling Stone AU too, but they don’t necessarily cover the smaller bands you want or need.
But the best way to find bands? Go to gigs! Felons Barrel Hall often has free live gigs, as does Brooklyn Standard, Black Bear Lodge, and Tomcat. Greaser has free gigs every Thursday too. Fortitude Valley is a hub for music lovers. If you’re after a classier vibe, Doo Bop Bar in the city has live jazz pretty often as well.
The gist of it is, it’s not exactly impossible to find good local bands. Find one you like, see which bands open for them, see who they open for, etc. Bird of a feather flock together. If you find one, you’ll find them all. And when you do, you’ll be set.
Anyone down for a $30 gig this Sat? I’m keen.
