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

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

Fuck aye! Vixen Sound’s in town! Glasgow’s arch sound sistren delivers rudegal dancehall, punishing steppas and proper DUBstep alongside Norwich lioness Em Pressure and Bristol’s soulful Lys Darkgyal. Make yours a femme-powered 420…. all-women lineup showcasing the finest selectors in Reggae, Dub, Steppas, and Dubstep. Expect deep basslines, heavy rhythms, and high vibrations in a space that celebrates feminine energy in sound system culture. Headlining the night is the mighty VIXEN SOUND (Glasgow) — bringing heavyweight dub pressure with her signature style and fire selections.

Free entry 140 questing at exclusive members gaming mecca Advanced Retreat! Celebrating the 8-bit synthonic wonders of Guido’s new EP with sino-grime and VG-inspired dubstep from Medis, Gemmy and Sir Hiss + the gentle thrum of button bashing from console and arcade classics… Games and Beers to celebrate the return of Bristol Grime legend, Guido.

Mackenzie continues his dungeon-club CORN catharsis, leaning into dark waves of occult DnB magic and proper ground-shaking, driving techno. Part of South Bermondsey’s DIY misfits, DJ Gonz’s mystic and earthy mix of beguiling dub and brooding teknoid steppas will rumble you to the core. Mackenzie's CORN curates the Innsession

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

“Expect a journey through tempos starting with dub / dub Techno featuring live vocals/mcs and instruments into dubstep, garage a splash of ambient & soul excelling into drum and bass... Ok we get it... It's going to be a big vibe, eclectic and forward thinking music all through the mighty Method Twenty Four Sound-system.”
From: The Chikara Project x The Moth Club - Day Event

“Joining them is Messie with their distinctive sound rooted in breaks, footwork and Baltimore club, Club Angel, one of Australia’s most electrifying and distinctive artists, as well as rising duo IN PARALLEL, who aim to reconceptualise the dance moments that sparked their initial love for the scene. Meanwhile, Motion resident SUFI brings her signature blend of new-wave UK Garage, raw 140 sounds, and baile funk to Motion’s outdoor stage. Plus more artists still to be announced!”
From: Motion Closing Series: bullet tooth, Y U QT ++

“Svengali put on the Mongrel club nights from the early 2000s, bringing jungle, dancehall, bass, breakcore and everything in between to Bristol venues from Lakota to The Croft , Black Swan to Blue Mountain. Expect broken beats from 140 to 180 from him for this one.”
From: Leisure Centre presents- Raving 4 Ricky

“Frequent face at The Crown, Astralis has carved her name in the local scene as one of the city's most promising up-and-comers in DnB. She's curated an absolutely stacked lineup of some of her nearest and dearest pals, covering rollers, minimal, 140 + more!”
From: Astralis + Friends: Aerial B2B Saff, Bleach B2B MXWL + more