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

From the wiggy, kaleidoscopic house and breaks inclinations of his recent Pulse series to earlier dubstep-weighted sounds, Peverelist is a consistent visionary of the UK dance underground. It’s a treat to witness the Livity and Punch Drunk boss perform the latest outerdimensional evolution of his sound live at Brew with Joe Milli’s atmospheric techno and UK funky transmissions in tow. Livity Sound w/ Peverelist & Joe Milli at Strange Brew.

Roll up roll up for the Croydon dubstep / dark garage / grime originator turned wavemusic groundbreaker! Plastician is one of bass music’s true journeymen; always innovating, never compromising. While his contemporaries might’ve pivoted to tropical house or Nike commercials, Plastician still just wants to move you in the dance, 20 years on. Limited tickets available OTD from 11PM!

Sell out warning! Wheel ups a plenty as UK bass devotee Main Phase takes over The Brew for an all-night sesh of pure garage, breaks and dubstep wizardry. With releases on ec2a, Hardline Sounds, Shall Not Fade and ATW Records (with Interplanetary Criminal), you know you’re in the best of hands... ATW Records Co-founder Main Phase takes the controls of Bristol's finest Strange Brew for an ANL Session.

The En Masse Trinity blowout returns! Expect scorched-earth steppers, dub distortions and industrial dancehall as Ojoo makes their long-awaited Bristol debut alongside live twisted dubstep rewiring from Skull Disco’s Shackleton. Plus two mind-melting meetings: thee legendary Tikiman (aka Paul St. Hilare) gracing the mic with esteemed Timedance boss Batu + Saskia joining forces with Jurango for a hefty bass workout. Return to power at Trinity

More Photos of Bristol Dubstep

Crowd at a dubstep night in Bristol 2025

What our editors say

“Electronic future-dub duo OMEGA NEBULA are a force. Their music takes the most powerful elements of dub reggae and dubstep and rolls them into uplifting, emotionally weighted anthems with a unique sonic identity. Taking influence from the UK sound system scene, dub clubs and bass driven subcultures, their huge sound is heart shaking, their message profound, and their energy invigorating.”
From: BASSQUERADE ft DR MEAKER & OMEGA NEBULA

“Expect more silliness than you know what to do with. A full spectrum of bass music, from disco to drum and bass, from UKG to dubstep. It's time to bring Father Funk back home, back to where it all began.”
From: Church of Love vs Thick Boy: FATHER FUNK: Office Christmas Party

“We've invited Bristol's very own Lily Huu to be our special guest for this one and she will be drawing for the selections taking you on a journey from 140-180bpm in true Bassline Remedy style! Very excited to hear what's in the bag for this one!”
From: Bassline Remedy

“Opening Queerky is Bristol partner duo Field Case, gracing the booth with a special 2.5 hour marathon set. Known for their masterful layering of experimental techno with deep dubstep and trance, they craft dark winding journeys. With a newly granted Resident Advisor mix of the day for their recent TM8 mix series submission, we only expect the best.”
From: QUEERKY w/ Wednesday

“Oblig’s work heading up @obligated_records and deep styles explored in recent mixes such as his Dekmantel mix have majorly contributed to decontextualising grime and 140 within the UK techno sound. Thrumming with heavyweight textures, his brings a twisting drive and a fresh take on the sound.”
From: Seasoning: Oblig, AliA, Axle b2b Dyslecta, Ostad b2b Sask