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
“Hailing from house music’s birthplace Chicago, Lil Louis is one of the true pioneers of the genre. His 1989 track French Kiss left a lasting mark on electronic music and he followed it up with a string of absolute anthems that still move dance floors today.”
From: Strange Brew presents Lil Louis
“DJ Pete, also known as Substance, has been a constant driving force in shaping electronic music for the past 30 years. Emerging as a DJ in Berlin’s early techno days in the late 1980s, he became part of the formative underground movement that helped define the city’s sound. His early production work with René Löwe (aka Vainqueur) on Chain Reaction defined dub-techno in its early stages. DJ Pete has a deep and longstanding connection with Berghain since the iconic techno institution's early days as a resident DJ & with contributions to the Ostgut Ton, the club's influential in-house label.”
From: Surgeon & DJ Pete - All Night Long
“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