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.

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Our recent dubstep recommendations

Burial for the dolls (as it should be). CLIMAXED returns with a stellar billing of selectors across the 140, dubstep and bass continuum, featuring gyrofield’s dreamy and heavvvy dnb and a Bristol debut from club diva Karlie Marx. Gender affirming bass-weight & diva-licious frequencies

Dimeshift label boss Axle’s melting pot of dark garage, dubstep and grime paired with Dub Athlete’s militant technoid steppas and Rareman’s raw pulsating breakbeat will make for some SERIOUS noise at The Love Inn. Dubplates at the ready, big one FFO: Beatrice M, Mia Koden, Darwin, re:ni. Dime Shifts, Axle down the Inn for the InnSession

Headset continue to spoil us, this time whipping out a ridiculously huge billing of 140 specialists as part of their continued 10th birthday celebrations. Catch dubstep veteran Neek, DVL6 boss Medis and grime-electro maestro Sir Hiss plus plenty more body-rattling bass, wubz, dubz and steppers from Axle and Headset’s own Skillis. Extra sound in the Strange Brew back room for a 140 special

It’s 2025 and all-male line-ups shouldn’t still be a thing but here we are. Cue this huuuge takeover of femme and non-binary selectors from across the city with a dedicated bass room supplying the dnb, jungle and 4x4 heft + room 2 bringing the house, 140, garage and dubstep grooves. Showcasing femme and nb talent in Bristol

More Photos of Bristol Dubstep

Crowd at a dubstep night in Bristol 2025

What our editors say

“This Halloween, we’re taking over the heart of Bristol for a night of true underground sound. One room, fully immersed: powered by VOID Acoustics and Danley Sound, lit by festival-grade lasers and LED walls. Expect Bass, UKG, 140 and beyond — a complete night of raw energy and forward-thinking music.”
From: Clock Factory Halloween - 33 BELOW, camoufly, Bklava + more

“Nu:Motive and The Underground Bristol join forces to launch the UG25 season in style. Kicking things off with a heavyweight celebration of Grime, 140 and Garage, this opening party promises elite curation, cultureand energy.”
From: UG25 Opening: Ghetts + More

“Nu:Motive & Dazed are back onboard the legendary Thekla Bristol, this time inviting Bushbaby for his UK tour! Expect top-tier UKG, 140, Grime and Bass from some of the finest support Bristol has to offer! Tickets are extremely limited, so secure yours now!”
From: Bushbaby

“We’re back in Bristol for our biggest Smile-Z event yet — a full-day summer garden party celebrating 3 years with a stacked lineup of UKG and 140 shellers. Powered by Sain Audio Sound System & DIFF Radio.”
From: SMILE-Z 3RD BDAY: BVNQUET, SEMPA, FRONTLINE - UKG/140 Outdoor Day Event

“Introducing Plastician, a true originator of grime and dubstep, known for shaping the sound of early 2000s London with his uncompromising productions and heavy DJ sets. As founder of Terrorhythm Recordings, Plastician has played a key role in pushing the wave movement forward, cementing himself as a pioneer of UK bass.”
From: BreakHaus: Face2Face Day Fest