Sydney's Top 5 niche club nights
Millie Stein tells you where to go and why, in the nicest possible way.
By Millie Stein
Tropical Social Club
Low lights, lots of vinyl
The lowdown: There's nothing Steele Bonus likes less than to listen to one genre of music all night, which is why he created Tropical Social Club, a monthly "record listening party". We're told to expect some leftfield disco and its fair cousin cosmic rock, as well as pretty much any record ever to be labelled obscure.
Why you should check it out: It's by far the most original night, both conceptually and musically, to hit Sydney for a while. Plus, the intimate venue makes you feel like each track is being played for your listening pleasure, rather than to pass the time before some sweaty kid's pill kicks in.
Monthly at The Dug Out Bar Darlinghurst
Tom Waits Tuesdays
Pay your respects to the man
The lowdown: Tonight could also be called "Tom Waits and Friends". Expect to hear all Tom-affiliated artists, from Muddy Waters and other blues luminaries who so heavily influenced Waits' distinctive style, to Nick Cave, the White Stripes and all those who have continued the tradition.
Why you should check it out: Because we all want to drink bourbon on Tuesdays. And what could be more fun than pretending you're in a seedy southern bar with nothin' but your dreams and a second hand suit? And - pardon the pun - but you won't need to pay in Blood Money, here at the home of reasonably priced debauchery (more like Small Change).
Tom Waits Tuesdays happen on Tue 17 Mar and then on the third Tuesday of every month at the Abercrombie Hotel Chippendale
Teenage Kicks
Mostly indie, most of the time
The lowdown: A celebration of all things uncommercial happens every Thursday at this Kings Cross institution. You're as likely to hear vintage Radiohead as you are that new band from Brooklyn no one has heard of except you and the DJ. Either way, it's all about independent music.
Why you should check it out: Because the scene's not dead, it's just resting. It's been a while since we've been willing to lay back, teapot full of alcohol in hand, and let someone play us the latest track from Fever Ray, but we feel that time has come.
Teenage Kicks happens weekly at the World Bar Kings Cross
Goodgod Small Club
Trip the light fantastic
The lowdown: It all started with a blue-and-white dress code. This "late night danceteria", brought to you by Jimmy Sing (formerly of Jimmy Sing's Record Stand), Spruce Lee and Hana Shimada, has been giving runabouts a place to throw shapes since... well, since they opened. Expect some early house, some vaguely familiar disco and some questionable behaviour.
Why you should check it out: While an entry fee doesn't often precede a good time, this night is well worth a few bones. The music is an artful blend of what you know and what you don't know, dished out by deck-destroying special guests such as Dynamite Sounds' Captain Franco and Count Doyle and Modular-signed psych-heads Canyons.
Goodgod happens monthly at La Campagna Sydney
No Frills Drum n Bass
The beat goes on
The lowdown: Trust us, it's not just toothless, track-suited pikies who can't get enough of drum n bass. The local scene is booming, and it's largely thanks to the 10-strong crew at No Frills Drum n Bass. While not technically a monthly night, the events these guys put on have hosted countless international stars and regularly showcase local talents.
Why you should check it out: Support a small organisation doing their bit to keep a local scene alive, all for the sheer love of phat beats. Bad drum n bass can feel like a dentist's drill to the ears, but when it's good it's insanely brilliant.
There are a bunch of No Frills events happening throughout March and April. See sydneyfriction for more details.
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