What's On / Bristol Nightlife / electronic

Electronic Music in Bristol

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Bristol's Electronic Scene

As synthesizers, drum machines and sequencers become more affordable, it’s becoming rare to see live music performances without at least some electronic component. Bands are embracing new technology and unlike the every-band-needs-a-turntablist movement of the 2000’s, synthesizers are here to stay.

At the other end of the spectrum lies electronica and dance music where producers live shows have also hugely benefitted from the increasing access to physical hardware. Gone are the days where a “live” set involved watching a producer awkwardly staring into their laptop pausing for the occasional hit of bit-crush and reverb. From one man shows to co-ordinated digital masterpieces, we are for the first time we’re starting to see electronic producers making truly engaging live shows. James Blake, Mount Kimbie, Flying Lotus, Gold Panda and Luke Abbott are just a few of the artists to bring their MPC’s, patch bays and stunning live shows to Bristol.

If we set dance music to one side, then it’s relatively easy to highlight a few key venues for live electronic music in Bristol. Start The Bus, The Louisiana and The Exchange typically pick up artist’s first live tours while you would want to pick up tickets to The Trinity Centre, The Fleece or Thekla for larger, more established artists.

Buy tickets for electronic events in Bristol

Our recent electronic recommendations

Stokes Croft modular masters Elevator Sound herald the double digits with Rotterdam’s reigning king of the Clone galaxy. Serge and Afra will be slinging genius-level braindance electro, acid techno and cyber-funk selects with Elevator’s in-house gremlins Monojack, Missterspoon and lifeisfeedback serving you live hardware soup for starters. Bristol's foremost Machine Music specialists with a night of speedy techno & electro in the backroom from Serge, Afra, Lifeisfeedback & Missterspoon. + synth experimentalists in the front from FFINN, Myr, Moral Fibre, Marco Bernardi & maybe some secret special guests...

DiD schedule in another check-up for disco’s soaring pulse with the low-slung boogi-fied sleaze of System Olympia - slinging erotic italo squelch alongside nu-beat’s wayward son DJ October. Church Road = the Sunset Strip for one night only….. A masterclass in sultry, sleazy and jacking sounds..

Sell out warning! In the wise words of Charli XCX “I wanna dance to HudMo” and thanks to the ever legendary PTS, we’re counting down the days ‘til we get to do just that. The shape-shifting electronic maverick is a true luminary of postmodern club culture, his warped and high-octane sonic maximalism perfectly captures this age of digital-fuelled-hyperactive-overload. Truly unmissable. Wonked-out maximalism on the Firmly Rooted Soundsystem. First Bristol appearance in 8 years!

Baile funk wizardry from São Paolo’s DJ Caio Prince who pushes the genre to hyper-pitched and raucous parameters, unleashing a hypnotic frenzy in his wake. It’s gonna get hawt and heavy, dress to sweat. Bumpin Brazilian Baile Funk, Bruxaria, amapiano, jungle, footwork and more - NOT FOR THE FAINT OF BOOTY

What our editors say

“As well as powering the event, CGC Sound System, will be doing 3 sets through out the evening. They will be warming up affairs with their selection of rootical dubs and steppas, DJ Chalcroft will be returning to the decks for a tour of 140, and Sensitivity Sound Program will be packing a wonky dancehall set to get ya bodies moving.”
From: KAIJU CGC Sound System NYE Special

“Bristol Hi-Fi (Daddy G, Queen Bee and Mr Benn) are back at the Old Market Assembly for another legendary yuletide knees up. They'll be effortlessly stitching together reggaecentric hip hop, disco, jungle, ska, dancehall, boogie, bashment, house, funk and all manner of riotos riddims and beats'n'pieces to keep hips moving and vibes vibing all night long.”
From: Bristol Hi-Fi Xmas Bash

“'Emerging in 2015, Brighton-based DJ and producer Bushbaby has had a remarkable musical journey, seamlessly navigating bass, garage, and house. His sound has matured over the years, reflecting his innovative approach to music production. As a key member of Southpoint, an underground Brighton record label, Bushbaby has significantly reshaped the sonic landscape. He is a leading figure in the speed garage and bassline movement, crafting genre-defying tracks. With a magnetic stage presence and growing discography, he is a driving force in electronic music.”
From: Bushbaby + Just Jane & More

“ONEFLOW will be playing a multi-genre DJ set with extra servings of bass music (think house/nu-disco/drum&bass/techno/jungle/breakbeat/140/tribal etc.), alongside a range of music styles from medicine music to downtempo to electronica and more. Let your dance be a vehicle to express yourself!”
From: ECSTATIC BEATS - a bass-infused ecstatic dance

“The Berlin-based French producer, live performing artist and label owner has been fully immersed in the world of electronic music ever since her baptism into the fold at Glasgow’s legendary Optimo Espacio nights.”
From: PLU with Fantastic Twins