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.
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Our recent electronic recommendations
Sell out warning! Fantastical creatures stalk the six immersive worlds of Ashton Court Mansion as 2025’s power wanes. Festival-sized pageantry awaits adventurous souls: goblin kings and burlesque queens, dnb pyrotechnics and walloping speedbass, live dub delights and feisty folk. If only the rest of the year was this damn magical…
Experience an unforgettable New Year's Eve with live music, immersive environments, and magical performances. an unforgettable New Year's Eve with live music, immersive environments, and magical performances.
Legendary MC and dancehall don Thunda Banton heads up this sizzling winter warmer from the Back A Yard crew. Joined by a stacked bill of regulars including Nymfro, Sky Lion, Jonesy Wales and Stormy J, expect roots, reggae, amapiano, dub and bashment with all the trimmings.
Last Back A Yard for 2025!!
Zoe Pea returns for a spooked-spun edition of off-kilter sonic noodling venture Escalator To Nowhere, materialising this time at a secret BS4 location. Their delightfully devilish club cosmos will be joined by Angel Rocket’s absurdist slow-fast IDM and Muckers’ mycological electronica – the ultimate Halloween freakout.
Post-spook rhythmic drama ft. both live-played and ready-made bangers!
Sell out warning! Hordes of Machina Bristronica modular wizards descend on the Brew for a must-witness live hardware spectacular from Helena Hauff’s fav cult alien electro overlord: The Exaltics. Expect near-Drexicyan levels of mystic acid squelch alongside Delay Grounds’ spun-out live IDM and cosmic dance futurism.
A fully stacked lineup of machine music, crunchy and funky in equal measure..
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What our editors say
“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
“THE ABANDONED CIRCUS GROUNDS Nestled within thick Forrest, Discover & explore the derelict, and almost forgotten Oddtop circus! *Non rave bangers / Cheese / Balkan / Mash-up / reggae & dancehall / Donk / Jungle* THE GREAT HALL The great hall of all thing heavy, fast and maybe sometimes a bit silly.. *Hardcore / Jungle / Donk / 4x4 / tekno / Speed Garage / Ravecore / Balkan-core”
From: Contraband Circus + Upside Sound Day & Night Party
“Coren is a queer DJ known for their irresistible energy and commitment to the colour orange. Their dance floors are a place to release your struggles, remember why you’re alive, and connect through joy and sweat. Come as you are, bring your rage, bring your tears, and shake a$$ til you’re out of your head and into your body. Their obsession with all flavours of dance is infectious. They fuse playful, groovy and euphoric sounds from funky, afro and tech house, bass, breakbeat, garage, nu-disco and more.”
From: NONBINARAVE
“A well-respected figure on the European electronic music scene for over a decade, James is renowned for exploring the more melodic side of Electro, Braindance, Acid, Breakbeat and Rave. First gaining wider recognition with his Ball & Chain EP on Null+Void Recordings back in 2015, he has not looked back since.”
From: We're Going Deep w/ James Shinra
“Musically, the night moves with intention. Expect a multi genre journey that builds across the evening opening with piano house and breakbeat, shifting into hardcore, jungle and footwork, eventually moving into donk. As the night goes on, the energy pushes into harder styles and hard techno to close.”
From: APHRODITES ENCHANTED GARDEN