New live music venue Convenients is set to open its doors in Northbridge for the first time this weekend. The venue boasts a prime location in the heart of Perth’s entertainment district, at 35 Lake Street, across the road from the Northbridge Piazza.
Convenients is Perth’s only live music venue constructed, for the most part, by musicians. The previously derelict site lay to waste for some years as the former home of a fast-food joint. Resurrecting the space has been a challenge, helped by an ensemble of musos from some of Perth’s favourite bands. From electrical fittings to rendering and tiling, members from Childlike Empress, Murderbirds and Gyroscope, are just a few of the many who have contributed to the physical fabric of a new home for local music.
Director Matt Hatton said, “To be honest, I had no idea how many musicians in the WA music scene had qualified and skilled trades. I put posts up on social media calling out for tradies to undertake work at the venue and everyone who hit me up I had worked with through music. It was surreal to see them work in such a different context because I only know these guys to be tearing up the stage. It’s amazing to think that this place is literally built and powered by musicians.”
Designed in the style of a contemporary speakeasy, the action of Convenients’ bar and main stage are hidden behind the light and bright facade of a fully operational convenience store frontage. A stand of local band merchandise and strategically placed posters are the only clues which indicate what is happening deep within. As patrons enter through a door masquerading as a fridge, they are welcomed to the more atmospheric darker side of the venue, where local brews on tap and delicious burgers from the kitchen can be enjoyed late into the night.
The venue will kick off live music on Friday, April 9 with Paranoias’ Napalm Springs 7″ launch also featuring Helta Skelta, Total Defeat, and Ten Mile Well, with all proceeds donated to the Patricia Giles Centre For Non Violence.
The Grand Opening Party is a free-entry event on Saturday, April 10 featuring Nautical Mile, Tied Down and Reefeater.
On the following weekend you can catch Black Stone From The Sun on Friday, April 16 alongside Pinwheel, Spici Water and Sad Hill.
On the next night of Saturday, April 17 get down for Conveniently Triangle Fight & Friends featuring Triangle Fight, The Lunettes, King Proteus, Caution Horses and Them Spacey Dogs.
While the venue may be new, Matt Hatton has been part of the local scene for some time through Mad Hatter Productions, a company that services the music scene and its audiences through local programming and touring national and international acts. A Vibrations Analyst by day and musician and promoter by night, Hatton has extensive experience working in both the music and hospitality industries.
New live music venue Convenients opens this weekend at 35 Lake Street, Northbridge. For more info and to buy tickets head to their Facebook page.
