Forget millionaire musicians moaning about lost earnings while they lounge in their mansions. In some parts of the industry the proliferation of music on the internet has been a good thing. With any Tom, Dick or Harry able to upload a video to YouTube, live music has once again become the proving ground for new groups. Lucky then that one of the best things to do in London is find a new band to fall in love with.

We're not talking about Brixton Academy, Wembley Arena, or the O2; the real strength of London’s live music scene lies in being able to see a great band, any night of the week, for less than a tenner. Here’s our top five small venues where you’ll see live music for less:

1. The Dublin Castle
Let’s start with live music royalty. For three decades the backroom of this unassuming Camden boozer has been the beating heart of London’s indie scene. Madness began their career here and since then it’s given a leg-up to everyone from Blur, to The Killers, to The Arctic Monkeys. A great place for a quiet pint, you can gamble a couple of quid to enter the backroom on pretty much any night of the week for a chance to see the next big thing.

2. The Lexington
Compared to the Dublin Castle, The Lexington is a mere pup on the capital’s live music scene but in a few short years it has built up a loyal following of devoted fans. With a whiskey bar feel downstairs and an intimate live room upstairs, it’s hard not to have a great night at this pub and venue on Pentonville Road. Music-themed pub quizzes, club nights and a roster of great bands from near and far mark every week at The Lexington. 

3. Bush Hall
We dare you to see a gig at Bush Hall and not fall in love with the place. A ballroom from the turn of the 20th Century that has spent time moonlighting as a restaurant and even a snooker hall, it’s now a live music venue overflowing with character. Its charms do attract larger acts, so you may have to compromise that £10 budget a tad, but trust us, it’s worth it.

4. The Water Rats
If the fact that Bob Dylan played his first UK gig here in 1962 isn’t enough musical heritage for you, how about the nugget that the Gallagher brothers also began their assault on the capital’s ear drums in this Gray’s Inn Road pub? Far from selling out, this North London stalwart, just up the road from King’s Cross, has kept its dedication to promoting new acts intact and most nights of the week you’ll find aspiring musicians’ giving it their best shot in the back room.

5. Ain’t Nothin’ But...
Had your fill of indie and rock? Head to this authentic blues bar hidden down a backstreet in London’s glittering West End. With acts playing for free seven nights a week (although you have to get in early on Fridays and Saturdays), this is the perfect place to get your live music fix without spending a penny. The standard is predictably exceptional.

Have we missed any gems out? Tell us your top places to see up-and-coming bands.