Looking for some good spots to chill with your homies and listen to some home-grown artists spin up some magic? Here are 5 great spaces you should check out!
China House
Where would you be able to find a compound of 3 heritage buildings, linked by an open air courtyard and converted into 14 spaces comprising shops, cafes, restaurant, galleries, live music and a bakery all in one space? China House Penang, that’s where!
They also promote lots of local acts, be it indie bands, rock bands, cover bands, metal, and good ol’ fashioned pop! You name it and you’ll find it there.
Source: Penang Foodie
Source: Penang Foodie
Some of the local Penang bands you should really keep an eye out for are Volatile, Acidic Bunch and Daniel C and the Maetheads among many others.
Address: 153, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Hours: 9AM – 1AM/ Saturday to Friday
Phone: 04-263 7299
Publika, The Bee
Looking for something indie-friendly and with a big space for those dancing shoes you’ve been hiding away in your cupboard? This is your fun space fam.
Source: Time Out
Source: Time Out
There might be a cover charge for certain shows that would range between RM15-RM40 so keep an eye out for that bit. But hey, if you’d pay 400 ringgit for a Bruno Mars concert, what’s 40 bucks for a great local band in a more intimate location?
Address: 36, Block C, Level G2, Publika, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480, Kuala Lumpur
Telephone: 03-6201 8577
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday from 11:00am till late
Kim Haus
Source: Facebook
Once home to one of the earliest gold jewellers in Penang, this 4-storey tall building is located at Campbell Street with the ground floor of the building turned into a cafe and bar.
You might wanna check out the Jom Kopitiam performances and the occasional Say It Like You Mean It activities that are hosted at the venue.
It’s also a great place to take a few insta-worthy shots, or just chill in the hammock.
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
Address: Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Telephone: 016-330 1515
Opening hours: Everyday from 8AM to 1AM
Merdekarya
Source: Timeout
When the venue’s website says: ‘There is space for all opinions here. If God and The Devil signed up for our open-mic, they’d be given 10 minutes each. Fair’s fair’ you KNOW this is the place to be.
Source: Timeout
With live performances nearly everyday, and cheap booze (if you’re into drinks), this is the perfect set-up to really find some gems in the local music scene.
Source: Facebook
Gaslight
Source: Facebook
The rustic, ancient interior of this place is filled with antics from the good old days. To keep with the theme, even the furniture is built from scratch. Open mic sessions are held almost every night for artsy-fartsy folks who need a platform to experiment with. Furthermore, it’s big enough and yet quaint in size to accommodate about 40 people standing.
Source: Facebook
This intimate location is great for its coffee and the authentic and personal atmosphere it creates for its performers.
Address: 15, Plaza Damansara, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Telephone: 03-2011 4047
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 2PM to 11PM, and Friday from 2PM to 1AM, Sunday from 4PM to 1AM. Closed on Monday.
Well, what are you waiting for? Make these spots your siren call, and check them out. And don’t forget to #sapotlokal
Also read: This Local Experimental Band is the Future of the Malaysian Music Industry
