Bristol Dubstep

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Bristol's Dubstep Scene

You can’t spell Dubstep without Bristol

While the first word in Dubstep’s history might be DMZ, the second is surely Bristol. London is the birthplace but the Bristol dubstep sound must be its most iconic regional variant. Bristol acts like Pinch and Vex’d were instrumental in the early days as well as RSD // Rob Smith from Smith & Mighty who straddle Bristol’s trip-hop lineage and its dubstep future. Although this is cruelly left out of the Wiki page on dubstep - Bristol continued to play a huge part, defining an iconic sound sometimes known as ‘purple wow’ or wonky that included Joker, Gemmy, Jakes, Guido and Julio Bashmore through nights like Subloaded. While many of these artists are making house or other club music, their place in Bristol dubstep (and electronic music) history is secured.

What we said in 2015...
Presently dubstep in Bristol enjoys such stellar success that the only thorn in the genre's side is it's quantity. With such a saturated market it only becomes harder to find genuine talent amongst the endless bandwagon of tag alongs. Fortunately for Bristol, the boundaries are being pushed rather than retrodden and Bristol's own dubstep has gained international recognition.

Local talent has been the springboard for Bristol to become second only to London in the depth and range of the offerings of the sound. Joker, Gemmy, Pinch, RSD, Peverelist, Hyetal, Appleblim and Guido are but a few of Bristol's most prevalent exports, while arguably the city's most successful dubstep nights (Dubloaded and Applepips) are products of Bristol's own talent (Pinch and Appleblim) respectively.

The accessibility of dubstep's sound has seen it eclipse drum and bass in its hold over nightclubs and dubstep luminaries such as Skream, Benga and Plastician are regulars in the Bristol. Like drum and bass, the big acts are found at the huge, multi genre raves in Lakota and Motion (aka In:motion) while Bristol houses a mix of dedicated dubstep nights that operate in the mid-sized venues such as Thekla, Dojos, Basement 45 and The Croft.

Promoters such as Crazylegs have sought to expose the UK Funky side of dubstep, bringing artists like Joy Orbison, Deadboy and Roska to the masses. Subloaded at The Croft is another reliable source for forward-thinking dubstep.

Buy tickets for dubstep events in Bristol

Our recent dubstep recommendations

Sell out warning! The roadblock offering in the crown of En Masse topped with some bonafide jewels: Timedance boss Batu going b2b with CCL in total wriggly club wonderment, Azu Tiwaline & Forest Drive West’s polyrhythmical dub technoid hybrids + Patrick Russel’s dank Bunker bass. All powered by Sinai subs for extra hair removal. Brislington might never be the same again…. Your favourite DJ's from near and far step up on Sinai Sound.

Headset’s 9th birthday with wonkytek royalty Neil Landstrumm was a big deal. But you only turn 10 once, so why not go chips-in with an impossibly stacked stakes-raising lineup? Landstrumm returns alongside sino-grime veteran Grandmixxer, Rupture heavyweight Mantra on a 140 tip, OM Unit in stargazing mode, Mexican techno chaos from Niño Árbol + smudged braindance dubstruction from the best krew around. Special guests Mantra, Grandmixxer, Om Unit, Neil Landstrumm plus Headset residents on the Hometown Sound System across 2 rooms. All manner of soundsystem music from across the spectrum - techno, jungle, dubstep, grime.& more

Glistening bass futurism from Typeless boss Aloka in a b2b tearout with Mixtress’ relentlessly hi-NRG jungle / hardcore / footwork chops. No_one’s Rishi + local 140 heavies Samba, Glume and Phossa join hands to raise funds for DCI Palestine in a proper CDJ sparring match through percussive club, cyber-electro, euphoric rave, stutterin’ ghetto-tech and back again. Support the children of Gaza, by doing what you planned to do this weekend anyway...

Pummelling noise and experimental club mischief as Chewing Glass and SNOG team-up for a suitably bone-rattling affair. Featuring Mabe Fratti-approved avant-garde punks Luz Luz Luz, ATC’s industrial maverick Kinlaw and Ekstasis’ sublimely sepulchral incantations. Not to mention a heavy, heady dub-noise-techno collab from members of HERIOT + SCALER. Luz luz luz! (CDMX), Kinlaw (ATC), Terrorplex (Heriot) + Zoning (Scaler), Ekstasis, Orderly Room, CGC DJs

What our editors say

“We welcome ATRIP to Clock Factory Bristol, a German-Polish DJ and producer based in South London, crafts emotive electronic music rooted in the city's diverse club culture. Raised in London, he's deeply entrenched in its vibrant music scene, drawing inspiration from genres like garage, jungle, bassline, and dubstep. His debut mixtape, "TANZPARTEI," released in May 2023, showcases his evolution since the launch of the ATRIP project in early '22. With support from notable artists like Disclosure, salute, and DJ Seinfeld, ATRIP is poised for an exciting journey in the music world.”
From: ATRIP + More

“Calling all UKG lovers! Join us as Soulecta and Jack Marlow, two of the hottest rising stars on the UKG scene, bring their USBs to Clock Factory for an exclusive 360° party. Expect the very best dub-plates in Garage, Bass and 140, all powered by VOID Acoustics.”
From: UKG 360° RAVE • Soulecta, Jack Marlow + More

“MAIN PHASE - Copenhagen-born DJ, producer, and co-owner of ATW records with Interplanetary Criminal has solidified himself at the forefront of the UK bass scene in recent years. Blending garage, dubstep, and jungle, he's known for energetic sets featuring unreleased tracks. His innovative sound is instantly recognisable and loved across the UK scene by ravers and fellow established producers alike.”
From: Frontline Presents: Main Phase, Bakey, Capo Lee +

“Disc Jockeys supplying rhythms from all over the realm (dub and dubstep, jigs and jungle, medieval mash ups and many more). Prophetic musical performances written in ancient tomes. Albions Got Talent. Puppet show. A bunch of medieval characters and activities to get involved with.”
From: Knights Out

“We’re kicking off 2025 in true Bristol fashion with three of the city’s finest brands going head-to-head in the ultimate sound clash. Expect an eclectic mix of breaks, jungle, drum and bass, 140, and grime. There are no limits — only champions.”
From: Bristol Sound Clash