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.
Buy tickets for electronic events in Bristol
Our recent electronic recommendations
Free entry! Whether you’re keeping the party rolling, or kicking yourself for missing out on Tanya Stephens tix, the Cosies-adjascent Back-A-Yard collective will be rocking you with diasporic delights all night long. Expect pure dancehall fire, hip-snaking amapiano, sub-shaking dub and much more!
Did someone say FREEEEE ENTRY? The Back-A-Yard DJ's takeover the Jam Jar straight after Tanya's Stephens headline show. Dancehall, Reggae + good vibes guaranteed
If you wanna kill disco, you’ll have to go through JKriv first. The brains behind the invincible Razor-N-Tape imprint (probably the most crucial of the decade) graces the Brew with a masterclass in cascading strings, vocal sass and pumping boogie-fied grooves. A surefire hit with the dancers and yet another home-run for DiD.
NYC's disco edit king JKriv takes to the Strange Brew booth!
A Pride special for the teetotal queers! Boussé baddie Gender Criminal is at the Loko helm with drag artistry and emcee theatrics, alongside Juju’s goth-pop melodrama, baroque electro from Kerensa, and rising underground star DJ Slaggamuffin keeping things moving with bass and baile funk bangers. Dry = / = juiceless!
Bristol Sober Spaces and Sober Queers Pride Party featuring live music, DJs and drag!
Diverse subterranean club session raising money for Ricky Retox’s medical bills. Anna Prank will get you raving with only the smiliest slices of breakbeat ardkore and pure junglist NRG, plus there’s Millicent’s neck-snapping 140, ice-cold electro retro-futurism from Crappa T, and many many more selectors to keep you sweating til 3am.
Leisure Centre, Hyperactive Breakbeat, Retox and Kaotik Kartel combine for a fundraiser for the one and only Ricky Retox
More Photos of Electronic Music in Bristol
What our editors say
“For the first time, Ritual Union will be keeping the celebrations going late into the night with the launch of AFTERGLOW - the festival’s official afterparty. Festival-goers can expect an electrifying evening of cutting-edge electronic music and DJ sets that will light up Bristol after dark.”
From: Ritual Union: Afterglow feat. Ninajirachi, KAVARI and more
“Beat:Cancer is a charity formed to help fight cancer through funding research, treatment, screening and care using electronic music: We release music, run club nights, host gigs and organise festivals to raise money, which we then grant to worthy institutions such as hospices, research centres and treatment wards.”
From: Karkasaurus in aid of Beat:Cancer
“Clock Factory Bristol has established itself as one of the city’s most forward-thinking club spaces, known for immersive production, underground line-ups and a no-nonsense focus on sound. Set in the heart of Bristol, it has become a home for cutting-edge electronic music, hosting everything from hard-hitting bass nights to genre-spanning showcases. FREE Entry Before 11PM £5 Guaranteed Entry All Night”
From: True Underground: Rave | Skeptic
“Featuring a NAUGHTY LINEUP of top-tier DJs, blending everything from dancehall, afro and UKG to DnB, hard trance, and 4x4. Get ready for a true fusion of sounds, going full festival style with high energy and non-stop dancing from start to finish.”
From: THE NAUGHTY LIST
“It's Xmas Bash time again and the Bristol Hi-Fi trio of Daddy G, Queen Bee and Mr Benn are once again bringing the good tidings to the Jam Jar. Their tried and tested formula of good music, good people and good times always delivers the finest in bass heavy party jams from reggae to funk to boogie to afro to disco to dancehall to ska to jungle to hip hop and beyond.”
From: Bristol Hi-Fi Xmas Bash 2025