Melbourne's west offers truly an impressive range of music venues, and most importantly doesn't discriminate on genre.
The music venues in Melbourne’s west are celebrated for allowing all types of music to thrive, giving the area a welcoming vibe for all artists. Accompanying the live music offerings is a vibrant culture unique to the west. From the picturesque ports of Williamstown, to the robust cultural epicentre of Footscray, west Melbourne makes for a great spot for a night out.
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Kindred Bandroom
Live music is only one part of the puzzle that makes up Kindred. The bandroom is a place for experimentation. Unrestricted by genre, the stage welcomes all types, and visitors are always in for a pleasant surprise. Artsy types in the west gather at Kindred as if it were the only watering hole in a vast desert (not that Yarraville is any kind of desert – there’s a surprising amount of cool stuff out that way). Listed by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten workspaces in the world in 2016, the artist-owned business gives people a space to come together, create and learn.
It’s the ultimate place to soak up the creative spirit. On any given day, they host African drumming tutorials, glee club, acting classes, and filmmaking workshops. There are also soundproofed rehearsal rooms for bands that are frequented by local legends including Sampha The Great, REMI, Didirri and The Casanovas, as well as a sweet little bar and cafe area for drink and snacks.
Misfits Bar
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Live music is a priority for one of the youngest music venues of Melbourne’s west. Music Director Jerry Poon labels sound as “a major factor” in shaping the future of the venue, positioning Misfits as a hub for live music for years to come. Heck, their opening night featured DJ heavyweights like Dijok and Palazzo, need we say more?
Seemingly the next big step in Footscray’s transformation into a one-stop shop for all things nightlife, Misfits delivers on Melbourne’s insatiable need for more local venues. Misfits is the brainchild of the Avengers of Melbourne’s entertainment industry: Jacob Bell, Amber Hahipene and Jerry Poon.
If you don’t know them, you almost certainly know their contributions (including Ferdyduke, Section 8, Whitehart and The Operatives). Their experience and knowledge of the industry provide incredible events, amazing lineups and great drinks every Thursday to Sunday after 5pm.
The Substation
Situated in Melbourne’s inner west in Newport, The Substation is hard to miss – an enormous brick building with long arched windows right next to the train station. The decor inside reflects a neoclassical refurbished industrial look.
The main space, fitting up to 500 guests, features exposed brick walls, timber floors and large red curtains, perfectly complementing the venue’s urban, artistic and laid back personality. The space is also available for hire, whether for weddings, performances, or other events. If you find yourself hungry after indulging in the art, head to the cafe downstairs.
The Substation is open from 12-6pm, Wednesdays through Saturdays. For those seeking art and performances that prompt questioning, admiration and ultimate entertainment, The Substation is the ideal choice.
The Clocktower
The Clocktower Centre has been one of the staple music venues of Melbourne’s west for as long as anyone alive today can remember, and remains one of the area’s stand out live music venues. Despite all that’s changed over the past nearly a century and a half, the Clocktower has remained, providing the community with a much-needed public space for celebration and gathering. It began as a mechanic’s institute in the 1880s following the gold rush of the 1850s. Also, for those who are wondering, the clock was actually only installed in the 1930s. The tower has been providing Essendon residents with the time ever since.
In more recent years, the building received a $5 million makeover, transforming it into a modern arts and culture hotspot. It now features a 500-capacity theatre space equipped with a stunning 1898 Bechstein grand piano, a 300-seat function room and creative spaces including a writing room and a podcast studio.
If you’d like to know about the best music venues in other suburbs around Melbourne, be sure to check out our comprehensive list here.
