Local talent for days.
Local talent for days.
Musical talent is a thing we do not have but that’s cool because it seems lots of other people do and we have other skills okay.
Turns out, the Gold Coast in particular has many a musical prodigy, which is lucky ‘cuz this would be a short story otherwise.
Here are 12 local solo musicians you should give your ears the pleasure of listening to ASAP.
Rene Le Feuvre
The Gold Coast lad just released a new single and it’s a whole lot of love for your ears friends. He creates high vibe tunes and he’s possibly one of the most passionate musos around. Catch him in various venues and cafes across the city. You might just fall in love.
Nathan Fynn
He plays around the Coast on the regular, massaging locals’ ears with his cruisy vibes. They say his style is reminiscent of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Neil Finn and that is quite the combination.
Kate McKay
A singer/songwriter born in South East Queensland, it is with great pleasure we claim this woman and her soulful vocal cords. She’s pretty epic at all the genres but we particularly love a powerful ballad of the Kate McKay variety.
Tyler Vivian
He’s a kiwi turned Gold Coaster with the voice (and face) of an angel. Also a singer/songwriter Tyler Vivian is one man you want to listen to. While he can belt out any old thing, it’s those sweet, soulful songs of his that’ll get ya. Listen to his tunes here.
Brett Gannon
Raw, unplugged acoustic sounds are always a good time and particularly when Brett Gannon is bringing them to your life. He’s played the world over and is much-loved for his lively sets with tunes ranging from the 60s to now.
Julie Hayes
Of Irish descent, Julie Hayes has the storytelling gene running through her veins. Her haunting folks-style melodies will transport you to another world. Julie’s style draws influence from the like of Florence Welch and Joni Mitchell and that is just fine by us.
Tyson Faulkner
He’s a passionate musician who has been performing for over 14 years around Australia. With a vast roll call of influences including Eddie Vedder, Metallica and Crowded House, you know his shows bring the good vibes.
Ella Fence
An electro-pop artist who recently performed on the Festival 2018 stage, Ella Fence creates big sounds and guaranteed fun times. She’s all about big bass and edgy sounds and she’s definitely one to seek out and reward your ears with. Listen to her sweet beats here.
Gregg Peterson
Another Gold Coast adoptee, this time from the far flung US of A, Gregg Peterson’s musical roots stem from jazz, blues and country. His solo gigs see him utilise those insane looping machines and his guitar work must be seen to be believed.
Zak Keenan
He’s only been playing around the place for a short while but in that time he’s garnered quite the fan base. Catch Zak and his cruisy, melodic tunes at Nightjar on the regular and don’t be surprised if this guy shows up at the Grammy’s pretty soon.
Rory Switzer
He’s a solo man but he’s also part of a band, Loose Leaf and you can see him and hear his smooth vocals all over the Coast these days. The band is a bit of a combo of chill and a rock & roll vibes and they sure know how to get a party started.
Jason Delphin
Jason plays and produces music styles that range from blues, soul, jazz, folk, punk rock. He was unearthed by Triple J and he’s played at Falls Festival and few times throughout the year along with Blues on Broadbeach. So you know he’s good.
There you have it, this lot play across the Coast at many a venue so look up your favourite and get down there to #supportlocal.
Words by Kirra Smith.
When Spotify just isn't cutting it.
There are a great many things to get amongst on the GC, and these days, a thriving local music scene is undeniably one of them. And we can all agree, if there’s one thing that takes kicking back with a frosty refreshment to a whole new level, it’s getting your ears around some sweet tunes while you do it.
From dank, hidden indie dive bars to classic pub-style serenades for the whole fam to vibe to – whatever genre you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be a venue to match.
This Arundel’s brewery has been hitting all the right notes since they slid open their enormous barn door at the end of 2022. Hound and Stag is now the GC’s largest combining craft brews and live music, and honestly, how could you go wrong with a combo like that?! The regular array of tribute bands are the big old auditory cherry on top of an excellent atmosphere, brew-pub bites and endless frosty beverages here, folks.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
One of Queenland’s largest AFL clubs, Southport Sharks is a family-friendly gem that’s more than merely a haven for footy fans to wet their whistles. With multiple venues and areas built-in, this Babushka doll vibing spot always has something going on, including live acts every weekend if you’re in the mood to groove. Every Friday and Saturday night, there’s an assortment of free gigs going down, from retro RnB shows, classic pub rock to tribute acts to get those toes tapping.
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport
We can always count on our local dive bar to deliver us the very dankest of gigs, and Vinnie’s Dive does exactly that. Championing our local music scene, they’re no strangers to big alt/indie names such as Dear Seattle, DZ Deathrays, Wil Wagner (The Smith Street Band) The Bennies and Regurgiator gracing their small but mighty stage – in addition to karaoke and themed tribute nights. We think this review sums it up best: “It’s dark, the floors are sticky, the toilets seats are occasionally broken, the beers are icy cold and the staff are the best people you’ll ever meet.” Get down there for great times and even better gigs.
Where: Shops A & B, 44A Nerang Street, Southport
There’s always something happening at SOPO, the entertainment heart of Southport. Right in the centre of the CBD, this lively local is your go-to for everything from live music and DJs to trivia, bingo and special events, with something on the calendar day and night. Come the weekend, Seductions Lounge turns up the volume with a rotating lineup of talented local bands and performers every Friday and Saturday, delivering the perfect soundtrack for dancing, drinks and good times with friends.
Where: 36 Scarborough Street, Southport
Take the stairs to Level 1 and you’ll find one of Surfers Paradise’s most entertaining nights out. Hotel Jardin’s Piano Bar pairs expertly crafted cocktails with live piano sessions in a moody, intimate setting centred around a baby grand. Dubbed Surfers’ favourite sing-along piano bar, the resident pianist plays all your faves and happily takes requests, so whether you’re keen to belt out a classic, sip your way through curated wine flights at Sips & Sounds, or simply soak up the late-night energy, this is your cue. Live music kicks off from 5pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 6pm Thursday through Sunday.
Where: 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
The Home of the Arts is certainly doing the heavy lifting to finally elevate the arts and culture scene here in our section of Queensland. From intimate, indoor performances to the homegrown darlings and headline acts routinely taking one of Australia’s best outdoor stages – the variety of shows are as varied and vibrant as its technicolour exterior.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Open Tuesday to Sunday, Den Devine was awarded Gold Coast Live Music Venue of the Year 2025, and it’s easy to see why. Since opening in 2020, Den Devine has put live music at the heart of everything it does, celebrating both seasoned pros and rising local talent across jazz, blues, and a whole mix of global genres. The intimate, “music is life” vibe makes every visit feel like a front-row experience.
Fuel your night with UK & Irish fayre, European classics, USA favourites, and a stellar whisky selection. Seats fill fast, book ahead to catch the vibe.
Where: 15 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
When it comes to star-studded acts and internationally recognised music performances, The Star Gold Coast is the place to grab a seat in a full-blown theatre and experience music as it was intended. But the entertainment doesn’t stop when the curtain falls.
Across the precinct, you’ll find live music lighting up Atrium Bar, Nineteen at The Star and Cherry, alongside the open-air ambience of Garden Kitchen & Bar’s Live on the Lawn series. From DJs and soloists to laidback acoustic sets and vibrant weekend sessions, there’s always a soundtrack to your night out.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Build it, and they will come… though it’s not clear in this analogy if the ‘they’ should be the steady stream of stellar, live music acts, the hungry hordes, or adoring music fans. Either way, this iconic laneway has established itself as a cracking spot for many things, including one of the best places to catch a gig on the GC.
From 5pm from Wednesday to Saturday nights, Miami comes alive with foods from all around the world mixed with local blues, jazz and independent artists. A hotspot doing some solid heavy lifting to attract incredible national and international acts as they tour the country – Be sure to keep an eye on their gig calendar; tickets always sell out fast!
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
A true Gold Coast icon since 1883, The Wallaby Hotel is where cold beers, loud guitars and even louder singalongs collide. Fresh from a glow-up that still keeps its old-school charm intact, this Mudgeeraba fave is basically the unofficial HQ for live music lovers. Expect bands belting it out every weekend (and often midweek too), dance floors that don’t quit and plenty of boot-scootin’ opportunities. Whether you’re here for a chilled solo pint or a full boogie with the crew, good times are basically guaranteed.Where: 45 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
Burleigh’s multi-use music, space hire and events hub, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is a melting pot of goings-on and a principal meeting place for muso’s, movers and shakers and music lovers across the GC. The industrial-style venue is outfitted with a fully stocked bar and equally stacked gig guide, so refer back often and make sure you pencil in a date with Mo’s Desert Clubhouse ASAP.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads
A fresh look is not the only thing Burleigh Town Hotel is boasting these days, also ‘drumming up’ a very solid live entertainment schedule studded with emerging bands and popular Aussie acts to get your ears around. There’s DJ’s and acoustic artists bringing tunes to the beer garden most weekends, along with with Punk, Motown and Pop themed tribute shows – where you can hit the d-floor to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and queen Kylie (gold hot pants optional).
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
This gem is a favourite among live music fans, having hosted a slew of local, national and international icons — but it also remains one of our best-kept secrets. Find your way down to Currumbin RSL, where, hidden just above, Soundlounge hosts acts from folk soloists and DJs to rock and roll bands. Listening to fantastic live music can be a hungry business, but this venue has you covered with food options, including pizza, an a la carte restaurant and bar snacks.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Whether you’ve been catching world-class waves or lounging in the afternoon sun, Coolangatta — and specifically the Coolangatta Hotel — has long been known as one of the best for rounding out a perfect afternoon with live music. Being one of the Gold Coast’s largest live music venues, this OG frequently features both national and international touring bands and DJs on any given weekend. In between catching your fave big names, rock out to live, local tunes every Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun.
Where: Cnr Warner Street and Marine Parade, Coolangatta
For live music lovers, Twin Towns delivers in a big way. Home to a 1,000-seat, state-of-the-art Showroom, this Tweed Heads icon hosts an ever-changing lineup of acclaimed Australian and international artists, with both daytime and evening ticketed shows on the calendar. Beyond the big names, there’s more than 50 hours of free live entertainment every week, making it one of the premier live music venues on the Tweed and southern Gold Coast. Head to The Stage for complimentary performances from talented local and touring acts, and settle in for an easy, music-filled day or night out.
Where: 2 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads
Words by Belinda Symons
Surfers Paradise LIVE is on again.
A little bit of rock and roll is good for the soul. So is a lot of rock and roll and just music in general really.
Which is probably the reason we Gold Coasters love a good music festival so much. Especially when that music festival takes place right here in our own sweet city and it promises the delightful sounds of some absolute rock gods to boot.
Surprise! Surfers Paradise LIVE is back guys and with it comes a lineup you absolutely won’t want to miss.
Yes friends, this year is set to be an absolute feast for your ears with Aussie rock legends Spiderbait, Jon Stevens and The Angels headlining a super-charged weekend of classic Aussie acts.
Not only those good times though, the much-loved local event is serving up one of its best ever line-ups with musos Vanessa Amorosi (love you), Mark Seymour and the Undertow, Baby Animals and Dragon to light up the main outdoor Beach Stage too.
Held from Thursday 30th April to Sunday 3rd May (which will probably be here in three days now that January is over), Surfers Paradise LIVE will announce even MORE epic headline acts over the next few weeks.
Honestly we could just die happy having Vanessa Amorosi help us relive our not-so-wild youth.
While the event is (and always has been) free, in 2020 there’ll be an option to purchase VIP passes guaranteeing exclusive front-of-stage access and the chance to meet all your faves.
First release VIP tickets will go live Tuesday 11 February for $79 per day or $199 for a three-day pass. Ticketed guests will have access to an exclusive LIVE bar at nominated times, as well as exclusive access to the front of stage area allowing for the ultimate viewing experience, the chance to mingle with artists, exclusive use of VIP toilets and access to watch all the LIVE music on a big screen if you’re in need of a break from the crowds (yes please).
Talented local artists will bring live music to the streets of Surfers Paradise every day of the festival and the main events will unfold each evening on the Beach Stage near the iconic Surfers Paradise sign. More can also be seen at Cavill Mall Stage and at White Rhino’s Beach Hut Stage.
It’s going to be an absolute time Gold Coasters, make sure you get in quick to get your tickets or mark April in the calendar for some of that soul soothing music you absolutely need (same) in your life.
WHEN: Thursday 30th April to Sunday 3rd May 2020
Words by Kirra Smith
Ahead of her debut EP release later this year.
Emma Hudson is a talented local musician who at 24, has only just embarked on what’s destined to be a successful career.
The bubbly singer and songwriter performs across the Gold Coast and is set to release her debut EP within the next couple of months (which is definitely going to be filled with good time tunes).
We sat down for a chat with Emma about creating music from emotion and why making the jump is the best thing you can do when it comes to following your dreams.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I was lucky enough to grow up on the Coast! In fact, I’ve lived in the same street since I was a baby.
What do you love most about living here?
The views and the lifestyle. It’s so relaxed and everyone’s so friendly. And I love that I can go from beach from to valley in the same day. It’s wild.
How long have you been a singer / songwriter?
I grew up playing guitar but only gained the confidence to start writing and perform about 18 months ago! Since then, I’ve had so much support from family, friends, and strangers and I’m so grateful for where the whirlwind of a journey has taken me so far.
Have you always known this is what your career would be?
Absolutely not! Music was always a passion, but I actually completed a Bachelor of Psychology before this. I didn’t think there were jobs in the music industry, but it turns out I was super wrong! If I’d have known then what I do now, I would have started this a long time ago!
Where you do you find inspiration for your music?
Whenever I have a strong emotion, songs just kind of pour out of me. Whether it’s love, anger, loss, whatever. My song themes range a lot but the one thing in common between them is that they mean a lot to me. I pour my soul into them.
What have been some of your favourite local gigs to play?
Tonic on Chirn has a special place in my heart. It’s the first gig I ever played and since that day, they’ve become like a family to me. The vibe is so relaxed and the food is amazing too, so that helps.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to make music their career?
Make the jump. It’s not as scary as you think. The music community on the Coast is so welcoming and supportive; if you put the work in, you’ll thrive.
Plans for the rest of 2019?
I’m in the middle of some really exciting stuff at the moment! I’ll be releasing an EP within the next month or two, which is crazy to me. I’m collaborating with some other artists, gigging more, and getting a few other things together that I can’t talk about yet. But a lot is happening!
Tell us your favourites on the Coast:
Cafe for breakfast: Barefoot Barista has a to-die-for acai bowl (did someone say ice-cream for breakfast?)
Coffee spot: Espresso Moto has the best vibe for some creativity flow with my caffeine.
Restaurant for dinner: Harvest Buffet at The Star is my go-to for a cheat night.
How does your weekend usually look? If I’m not gigging, tutoring, or studying, I’m spending time with my son playing games and running around. My life is crazy hectic but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
