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
Black Rave Culture’s super trio of Amal, James Bangura & Nativesun bring hip-swinging Jersey club, jagged footwork and jackin’ ghetto-house heat to The Inn all the way from the US and fresh from setting booths ablaze across their UK/EU tear up. Essential whompin’ cross-genre club heat FFO: DJ Swisha, Ikonika, Kush Jones, Karen Nyame.
Black Rave Culture at The Love Inn.
Dubwise healing is assured in the first of many bold ventures for 1Relation at Pickle Factory. Offering a new home for upful community sound system action, Bristol’s finest new-skool operators invite Ras Addis to chant down babylon alongside Sista Ina in full lioness mode + Spiritual Rockers delivering steppas inna year 4000 style all the way from São Paulo. Righteous vibrations indeed!
Roots Therapy #01 at The Pickle Factory.
Timedance darlings Bruce and Ploy are back for their third all-night b2b, bringing feel-good house and techno straight to the dancefloor. Ploy delivers dense, chest-rattling grooves while Bruce spins his signature oddball magic. Get ready for pure vibes from two pals just playing what they love, house-party stylee!
Fly Life w Bruce + Ploy at Strange Brew.
You had us at sock wrestling! PLU, Fagbutt, Popola and Soft Butch unite to throw this mega queer summer party, jam-packed with the full spectrum of dancefloor sizzlers spanning underground electro, camp pop bangers and Latin club… plus the grand toe-wriggling showdown. Truly the stuff of dreams <3
Garden of Queerdom at Loco Klub.
More Photos of Electronic Music in Bristol
What our editors say
“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. £8 / £10 / £12.50 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