Guest Post: Bootleg Rascal take us through their top regional venues

Sydney’s Bootleg Rascal are bringing the party to regional Australia! The Booty Camp: Summer Vacay Tour will hit metro and regional venues from January next year, featuring 17 emerging artists and their very own sideshow alley, packed with crowd participation games.

“Touring in more remote areas has always been something close to our hearts,” says guitarist Jimmy Young“We get the chance to bring the show to music fans who might not get the opportunity to catch as much live music than those in major cities”.

Attendees will be able to catch the likes of A. GIRL, Alex Hosking, Drop Legs, Fresh Violet, Muddy Wolfe, Venice Queens, and more on the fifteen date tour, which kicks off on January 9th, at Belgrave’s Sooki Lounge.

“Jim and myself spent a lot of time working out what acts we wanted on the line-up’s,” says Bootleg Rascal frontman Carlos Lara“We’re really excited to see such a diverse offering of talent and we’re confident our fans will enjoy what they have to bring to the shows”.

With a focus on small, local venues at the core of the tour, we asked Jimmy to give us the lowdown on some of his personal favourites!

The Northern, Byron Bay website

It’s hard to talk about great music venues in Australia without mentioning The Northern.

The history and calibre of artists that have played there is pretty ridiculous. Not to mention the people who run the place are absolute legends and have always been super supportive of developing artists as well. The room sounds amazing and I have undoubtedly performed some of my all-time favourite gigs there over the years.

Plus, it’s located right in the heart of Byron with some of the best beaches in Australia right around the corner. What’s not to love?!

Solbar, Sunshine Coast website

This place has been an absolute institution for live music on the Sunshine Coast for as long as I can remember.

 

It’s changed locations a few times since it began but the vibe has always been the same. It’s hard to beat a sweaty summer night at the Solbar mostly because of the locals. They always bring a huge vibe and they’re definitely not scared to send it. My sort of place!

Sooki Lounge, Belgrave website

Although Belgrave is not far from Melbourne geographically, it’s far enough to have a vibe completely of its own.

In my humble opinion if you’re down that way and you’re into live music and good food, the Sooki Lounge is the place to be virtually any night of the week. The locals always turn up ready to get involved and it’s easy to see why once you’ve spent any time there. I also love the bookcase secret door that leads you into the DJ/disco den downstairs!

Mojo’s, Fremantlewebsite

I remember being amazed how strong the music scene was the first time I went to West Oz and in particular in Freo. The quality and quantity of musicians coming out of there always blows me away and Mojo’s has consistently played a big role in showcasing all that local talent. It’s a great little grungy room that regularly packs out with thirsty locals.

It’s got a rad beer garden out back, some old school arcade machines and some hectic art on the walls. This place does rock n’ roll right!

Miami Marketta, Gold Coast website

It’s hard to imagine a regional summer tour without stopping through the Goldy. I was born there and lived most of my life there too so it always feels like home to me.

While there isn’t a huge offering of live music venues on the GC these days, Miami Marketta is easily up there with the best. The venue has also played a vital role in encouraging live music and culture back to the Goldy as well. The space was originally old warehouses that have been converted into something really cool. Think food trucks, a ripping cocktail bar, colourful markets on weekends and warm balmy nights.

If you haven’t been before… get yo ass along!

Bootleg Rascal and their merry band of artists will be hitting all these venues and more from January 2020! Tickets for the tour are on sale now – head to the Bootleg Rascal website for more info or to snap up tickets!

Jodie Sloan

Living, writing, and reading in Brisbane/Meanjin. Likes spooky books, strong cocktails, and pro-wrestling.