New live music venue, Shotkickers, to open in Melbourne

A new live music venue, named Shotkickers, has arrived in Melbourne, started by musicians Christopher Windley and Mathias Northway.

Opening its doors in January on High St in Thornbury, the venue – formerly known as Swamplands Bar/Tago Mago – has received a considerable makeover, including a larger stage, new band room and booth seating throughout.

The 200 capacity venue takes its name from The Simpsons, according to Windley.

“Shotkickers is a band venue Marge visits where the men are super rowdy yet super gentlemanly, and it seemed like a great mantra” Windley said.

“I also love Simpsons sh*tposting so hopefully I can claim to own the biggest Simpsons meme in town."

As far as what the duo hope to achieve with the opening of Shotkickers, both Windley and Northway stress that it's a music venue conceived by musicians.

"It's a venue built by musicians, for musicians," Windley said.

"The bar was welded by a muso. The stage was built by musos. The roof got painted by musos. Everyone is so excited to bring something fresh to the scene”

Northway echoed these sentiments, while also noting the importance of a new live music space after the past few years.

"While reimagining the venue we’ve had the artist experience at the forefront of every decision” Northway said.

“Bands have had a rough trot of late and many incredible musicians live a stones throw away. We love the idea that bands could literally walk to the venue, backline is provided, booze is flowing and the sound system is top notch."