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.
There won’t be a dry eye in the Brew as the king of heartbreak euphoria + Trance Party fav steps up for this unmissable PTS summer party! Get ready for sing-a-long Brandy hooks, Mariah Carey meets grime, Ariana Grande flips and lurved-up R&B classixx with the signature MssingNo magic touch. Cop for his unmatched club feels + Mobilegirl's brain-twisting blend of post-genre electronics.
PTS ϟ MssingNo & mobilegirl at Strange Brew.
A bonafide acid legend’s in the building for all the free party rotters! A longtime Stay Up Forever fiend and Chris & Aaron Liberator collaborator, Sterling Moss’ 303 belters are immortal. He’ll be pounding the dancefloor at this 10 hour Green Works marathon alongside deviant hardtek wallop from Bad Boy Pete and the Outsider Records crew, testing the Giggity Sound scoops to the absolute maxxx.
ACIDSPLASH at Green Works.
Sell out warning! Bristol’s shape-shifting, anything-goes outpost links with Trinity for a double birthday bash like no other. A guiding light through the choppy post-dubstep years, Pev and Livity toast 15 laps round the sun with the finest UK bass and percussive club mutations from the best BRS has to offer. Never stop spoiling us please!
Livity Sound 15 years X Trinity 50 years at The Trinity Centre.
More Photos of Electronic Music in Bristol
What our editors say
“A high-energy carnival-style night celebrating vibes, music and food. Bringing together the best of dancehall, reggae and soca in an inclusive space where people of all backgrounds can come together, dance and enjoy a true taste of the Caribbean culture!”
From: Gwaan Madd Residency
“Music collector, DJ, producer, and Klasse Wrecks co-founder Mr. Ho makes his Public Affair debut. A cult figure in electronic music whose sets are as unpredictable as they are authoritative, moving freely through house, techno, breakbeat and electro with the instincts of a lifelong digger. Alongside Luca Lozano, his Klasse Wrecks imprint has quietly become one of the most coveted names in the game, and that same obsessive curation carries into every set he plays. Public Affair founder and resident Monika Taneska opens the night, setting the tone with her signature tripped-out techno. Deep, disorienting and exactly where the night needs to begin.”
From: Public Affair: Mr. Ho & Monika Taneska
“Bringing a fresh new vibe to Bristol, expect non stop energy from start to finish with the best in house, garage, dancehall & RnB. Good people, good music & nothing but feel good music all day. Come ready to move, connect & be a part of something new.”
From: Keep It Movin
“We’re back in the courtyard with our good friends from Zen Arcade and Pub Tropicana with a very special guest in the form of A Love From Outer Space AKA Sean Johnston. For those versed in low slung, chuggy electronic music, there is literally no one better. We can’t wait to welcome you for what will be a standout dance of the summer. Line up: A Love From Outer Space Ellie Anderson Tom Rio (Just Jack) Bowski & Jethro”
From: ZEN ARCADE × PUB TROPICANA PRESENT: A LOVE FROM OUTER SPACE
“Higher Level return to their favourite Stokes Croft institution and are proud to be bringing one of the UK underground's heavy hitters, Drumskull! With releases on Sherelle & Nina's Hooversound, London's Seagrave and Skin Teeth's Torre he has been at the forefront of the 160+ movement and is very much a producers producer. He will be playing an extended set and going b2b with our resident breakbeat specialist Borai Expect drum workouts the likes of which you've never heard, and crushing bass weight worthy of the updated system in the backroom.”
From: Higher Level: Drumskull / Borai