It's 2003, Rennie Pilgrim's Emit remix is on serious rotation and Cut and Run remixing another classic that should have been left well alone! This was when breaks were breaks and the genre moved predictably through reggae, hiphop and electro without disturbing the wider music scene.
Fast forward to 2010 and 'breaks' is dead. In its place the open casket which is 'electro', no longer the preserve of choppy drums and stabbing synths, 'electro' today encompasses elements from across the dance music spectrum with a diverse range of artists to attaching the 'electro' label to their sound.
The sound of electro in Bristol is vast, catching all the international players from Erol Alkan and Boys Noize to Toddla T and Redlight all bringing their own take on 'electro' to the table and redefining the genre as they go. It's this chicken and egg scenario that liberates the genre and allows nights like Shit The Bed at Motion and Blowpop at Thekla to have such a diverse sound.
Visiting producers like Sinden borrow basslines from dubstep and garage while artists from the Boyz Noise and Ed Banger imprints inflate traditional electro synths beyond recognition. Whether it's the manicness of fidget house (a la Redlight) or the choppy breakbeats of 90s old skool (Toddla T), Bristol's electro listings are bursting with influences from across dance music.
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What our editors say
“Ben Pest - This long-time globe trotting rave disrupter brings his signature blend of snarling electro, twisted techno rhythms, and warped acid that hit like a warehouse party in full eruption. Pure analogue mischief from one of the UK’s most singular hardware operators.”
From: Ben Pest, ZOiD, Tape Twelve - PULSEWAVE
“Club Love is Bristol’s home for queer hedonism; inclusive, sex-positive, and beautifully unpretentious. A place where disco meets house and electro, where the lights drop low and the energy stays high. Come early, stay late, and let the music pull you somewhere you didn’t plan to go.”
From: CLUB LOVE MEMBERS PARTY - JANUARY
“Lost Horizon Bristol is honoured to welcome a true icon of UK dance culture as Greg Wilson celebrates an incredible 50 years behind the decks. Beginning his journey in 1975 at just 15 years old, Greg emerged from the original disco era and went on to shape the foundations of modern DJ culture in the UK. From his early residencies at the Chelsea Reach to becoming a pivotal figure in the evolution of electro-funk and the art of mixing, his influence resonates through every corner of today’s dance music landscape.”
From: GREG WILSON - 50 Years
“Get ready for "Melting Wax," an underground vinyl party where the beats are deep and the vibes are electric! Dive into a world of pulsating electro, driving techno, and groovy house as the DJs take you on a sonic journey through the night. Set in a unique, intimate venue, this event is all about celebrating the raw energy of vinyl and the underground music scene”
From: Melting Wax w/ DJ Life, Shawn Cartier, Berwick, R.E.D, YouYou & Lew Fras
“We’re here to show just a glimpse into the huge breadth and diversity of female and non-binary talent in dance music! Along with takeovers from some friends of ours, we will take you on a journey through dnb, jungle, baile, footwork, breakbeat, techno, acid, and more!”
From: NoMoreAllMaleLineups