By Isabella Edwards
We’ve checked out some of the best live music in Northern Beaches and caught up with some up-and-coming and amazing local talent.
Nothing beats a bit of live music. Whether you’re knocking off on a Friday afternoon or heading out for dinner and drinks after a day on the beach, live music makes the perfect soundtrack to a great evening. But where to go? Which acts are worth your time? Don’t stress; we’ve got you covered.
Venues of Best Live Music in the Northern Beaches
Dee Why RSL
932 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why NSW 2099
First established in 1937, the club now has over 60,000 members and boasts one of the largest live music venues on the northern beaches. Dee Why RSL can tickle any musical fancy. With an extensive list of live performances from Fleetwood Mac tribute shows to concerts by The Wiggles, there is something for everyone at Dee Why RSL. Recently, the venue hosted the ARIA award-winning northern beaches duo Lime Cordiale, during their “Country Club Experience” tour.
Bucketty’s Brewing Co
26 Orchard Rd, Brookvale NSW 2100
If unwinding with a well-crafted beer and a chilled-out acoustic sound is your kind of gig, you can’t beat Bucketty’s Brewing Co. With relaxed music on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 pm they’ll carry you through to the weekend with live music on Friday and Saturday nights that’s sure to get you dancing. What’s better? You can ease into the week ahead with more music on and a family-friendly atmosphere Sundays from 4 pm! Stop in and try their beer of the week while you enjoy some tunes.
Dee Why Hotel
834 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why NSW 2099
If relaxed pub-style music sessions are more your speed, don’t miss the amazing live performances at the Dee Why Hotel. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, Dee Why Hotel showcases a different new talent and as a bonus to the audience – you can usually snag some discounted cocktails to help you soak up the atmosphere! With a tasty and child-friendly menu, it’s the perfect place to enjoy some live music with the whole family.
Jah Bar
1/23 The Strand, Dee Why NSW 2099
If its stunning beachfront location and delicious tapas offerings weren’t enough to get you through the door, perhaps pairing it all with some sensational local musicians will. Each Sunday from 3 pm – 6 pm, Jah Bar hosts some of the best live acts around. Amazing music, delicious food, and $10 Sangria on Sunday afternoons? Sounds like the perfect way to end a weekend to us!
Singer, Haley Holgate
Not familiar with the name? You’re about to be! Haley Holgate is a beaches-based indie-folk singer/songwriter and storyteller. Featuring clean-cut lyricism and commanding melodies, her writing reflects on life’s pitfalls and turns them into hooky, warm worlds of sound. Some of her key influences include the whimsical stylings of Mumford and Sons, Phoebe Bridgers, the Lumineers, Julia Jacklin and Lizzy McAlpine.
“My high school teachers at Pittwater House and lecturers at the Australian Institute of Music have really nurtured my love for music and performance, and I’ve been song writing and gigging around the beaches on the weekends during my studies. I’ve always had a passion for music; as a kid, I was quite competitive when it came to playing SingStar on my PlayStation, and I loved going to dance classes after school. I first knew I wanted to be a singer/songwriter when I heard Mumford and Sons on the radio when I was 10 – I connected with their music in such a special way and wanted to be able to do the same for other people.”
Haley credits being raised on Sydney’s northern beaches as being a core element of her creativity.
“It’s so easy to enjoy a nourishing lifestyle living on the Northern Beaches, and I’ve found that it is essential to my creative process to get out in nature and have a free headspace for ideas to flow through. Narrabeen Lakes and Dee Why Beach have both been great sources of inspiration for me, and I’ve brought my guitar to so many other beautiful spots to write.”
Haley relishes in Dee Why’s live music scene but recognises that the industry has some growing to do when it comes to up-and-coming artists:
“I’d love to see more opportunities for artists in the early stages of their journey to help them grow successful careers in music.”
You might be lucky enough to spot Haley busking by the beaches on the weekends, but you don’t want to miss her upcoming live shows – though you might have to venture a little further afield than Manly or The Strand.
“I have two shows coming up, the first at Lazybones Lounge in Marrickville on the 29th of March, and then at Sappho Books, Café and Bar in Glebe on the 21st of April. I’m in the process of recording my first single and album, so keep an eye out on my socials for more details soon!”
Check out some of Haley’s amazing performances and keep up to date with her on Instagram: @haleyholgate
Entertainer, JøshjøsH
With a musical style as eclectic and cool as his name, JøshjøsH is a Dee Why local with over 15 years of experience in the live music game. Describing his music as “music is for road trips and people who appreciate storytelling through music.” JøshjøsH took his emotive blend of soulful lyrics and easy-going melodies on the road in January, touring the NSW coast and performing in caravan parks and campgrounds, creating the perfect summer soundtrack.
“I wanted to get out of the major city rat race and try to mix my love of surfing, music and camping together. I had never done something like this before, but it was one of the most meaningful and fulfilling tours I have done to date. I was grateful to play to people who were happy to listen and enjoy all the same things I do.”
Coastal life is engrained into JøshjøsH’s music, with his Dee Why roots being pathing the way for his relaxed, beachy sound.
“I have met some other inspiring creatives through surfing and living in the area. That community and support network has been really helpful in finding my voice as an artist.
I feel like the coastal lifestyle and closeness to nature here finds its way into my music as well.”
A performer from a young age, JøshjøsH was encouraged by his parents to pursue music. Thankfully, he listened to their sage advice. You can catch JøshjøsH at his upcoming shows.
“I have a show at Low 302 In Surry Hills supporting Northern Beaches act "Tommy Gun" and Melbourne act "Play Lunch" on their east coast tour on March 23rd.
Then I will be playing a free show at Bucketty's Brewery in Brookvale on April 27th.”
Not enough? Lucky for us, JøshjøsH will be releasing new music later this year.
The music community in the Northern Beaches is known for its supportive and collaborative nature. Musicians often come together to collaborate, share their experiences, and support one another's growth. This sense of community fosters creativity and provides a nurturing environment for artists to flourish. Furthermore, local initiatives and organizations have been instrumental in promoting and supporting the Northern Beaches music scene. From music education programs to community-run events and platforms, there are various opportunities for musicians to develop their skills, gain exposure, and connect with like-minded individuals. Also, music is now being actively used for video blogs, so I recommend that you read the full guide with tips and sources of music for video blogs: https://artistpush.me/blogs/news/the-ultimate-guide-for-vlog-music