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
Prepare to get schooled by one of the biggest legends in the game: DJ Nature aka DJ Milo of Bristol's era-defining Wild Bunch posse. Decades on, his selections remain as soulful as ever… gliding through bass-soaked deep house, punk, hip-hop, jazz, dub and beyond. No nostalgia trip here, just the real deal from someone who helped write the rulebook!
DJ Nature at The Love Inn.
Proper community happenings in the beating dub heart of St Pauls! Powered by the almighty Mexico-via-Italy Bass Revelation rig; this is set to be an epic session deploying HQ digi-dub pressure, technoid steppas and enough low-end vibrations to shake both the mind and the spine.
Rising Yard at Kuumba Centre.
Rob Smith has been etched into Bristol’s musical lore for as long as we can remember. From Smith & Mighty to RSD, that Pretty Bright Light percy was the soundtrack of the golden-era dubstep days. Trust Exercises are cramming a giant into the Cider Box, with Timedance’s Bruce dishing out his dubwise crud alongside Amaia’s wall-shaking deep digs on wax. Absolutely ’uuuge!
Trust Exercises Presents: RSD / Bruce / Amaia / Dom Carlo + Axle / Kutchi at The Cider Box Tap Room.
Dressed in Street Fighter fatigues cos he’s gonna kick your asssss, the fweaky motherfucka himself Dr. Freakenstein waves the Glasshouse flag once again for the cause of intergalactic ghetto-funk. Freakenstein’s basically the love child of DJ Stingray and Egyptian Lover, slaying all no-movers with his mind-melting, X-rated elektro and body-popping technoid squelch.
GLASSHOUSE: FREAKENSTEIN & Ellie Anderson at Strange Brew.
More Photos of Electronic Music in Bristol
What our editors say
“Off-Kilter presents: dj sweet6teen Daisy Moon Ben Jackson Fresh off the back of a hot summer of shows, dj sweet6teen joins us for the next Off-Kilter at Strange Brew on Saturday October 10th. The Cologne based artist heads to Bristol for the very first time, bringing her fluid but focused sound - somewhere between (tech) house, minimal, breakbeat and beyond to the Strange Brew back room. With previous residencies at Robert Johnson and Gewölbe, along with a string of key festival appearences, we're incredibly excited to bring her to Bristol. Sat 10 October Strange Brew 23:00 - 04:00”
From: Off-Kilter w/ dj sweet6teen, Daisy Moon + Ben Jackson
“We are so excited to welcome DVS1, widely regarded as one of electronic music's most respected and uncompromising figures. He has built his reputation through an unwavering dedication to sound, anchored by flawless technique and an instinctive feel for the dance floor. A beat and rhythm addict, his timeless sets favour depth and groove over spectacle, unfolding with patience and precision through expertly curated selections. This is a rare chance to experience one of the underground's true masters in an intimate setting, alongside Soft Raw's Danielle.”
From: Soft Raw presents DVS1 & Danielle
“Moving through clásicos, deep cuts and rare diasporic gems, this end-of-summer party serves its signature cumbia alongside salsa, soukous, champeta, early reggaetón, dancehall, and global sounds… Vinyl-only and rooted in Latin rhythms, featuring Dr Perra, Bogotá-born DJ, vinyl collector and curator working across Afro-diasporic and contemporary underground sounds; Amancai, DJ, promoter and co-founder of Zaperoco, a night dedicated to Colombian Picotero sound system culture in London; and Cal Jader, co-founder of Movimientos and a key figure in London's Latin and global music scene.”
From: ¡Cumbia, Mi Amor
“Void is known for their electronic, underground, and experimental music programming from around the world. With their Radio show Void Radio every Tuesday & Wednesday showcasing local and international talent, Void have curated a vast lineup of house, tech and breakbeat DJs to move your behind to this August Weekend! Chiedza Brogan Love Shak Olly Sundown Saturday 15th August 10PM-2AM The Full Moon & Attic Bar Physical ID is required for entry to this event. If you do not have physical ID, you will be refused entry and a refund will not be provided for your ticket.”
From: Void Radio Takeover: Chiedza, Brogan, Love Shak, Olly Sundown
“Void is known for their electronic, underground, and experimental music programming from around the world. With their Radio show Void Radio every Tuesday & Wednesday showcasing local and international talent, Void have curated a vast lineup of house, tech and breakbeat DJs to move your behind to this August Weekend! Roti Tully Dutch Sauce Aquatronic 6 Friday 14th August 10PM-2AM The Full Moon & Attic Bar Physical ID is required for entry to this event. If you do not have physical ID, you will be refused entry and a refund will not be provided for your ticket.”
From: Void Radio Takeover: Roti, Tully, Dutch Sauce & Aquatronic 6