Skip the obvious tourist traps like Corner Hotel and The Forum — Melbourne's real music magic happens in basement bars tucked into CBD laneways where locals have been keeping the secret for decades. Cherry Bar at 68 Little Collins Street pulls in proper rockabilly acts six nights a week, crammed into a space smaller than most hotel rooms but with a sound system that'll rattle your bones.

Head up to Curtin House's rooftop bar every Thursday night for live jazz sessions that tourists never find because they never look up. The crowd is 90% locals nursing craft beers while some of Melbourne's best musicians jam until 2am. Same building houses Ding Dong Lounge in the basement — Sweaty, loud, and absolutely perfect for discovering bands three months before they blow up.

For blues purists, The Esplanade Hotel (Espy) in St Kilda reopened with the same grimy energy that made it legendary but finally fixed the acoustics. Last month I watched a harmonica player make an entire room of chattering hipsters fall completely silent. The venue books unknown blues artists Tuesday through Thursday — $15 cover, $8 pints, and the kind of raw talent you'll never see at stadium shows.

Pro tip from years of laneway hopping: Degraves Street basement venues change names constantly but the music stays incredible. Follow the sound of electric guitars down any narrow staircase and you'll find your new favorite band.