It’s Bristol’s dance music that has earnt Bristol’s music scene international recognition, but the city’s playful experimentation between musicianship, electronics and sound art that is starting to gain the most traction. It's with a sigh of relief that we bid farewell to loop-pedal-powered hippies of the past and embrace the patch bays, compressors and modular synths of the future. All Bristol’s experimental music events are listed on this page.
Buy tickets for experimental music events in Bristol
What our editors say
“An advocate for inspiring more arts and culture in his hometown, Finn Hails from the industrial town of Middlesbrough in the North East of England and his songs come from places of real truth, deliver anthemic melodies and shine light on the trials and tribulations of his youth told through captivating vocals.”
From: Finn Forster
“After the remarkable success and acclaim that greeted her second album, Carry Them With Us, Brìghde Chaimbeul returns with a magic(k)al third album, Sunwise, which sees her push forward experimentally but also immerse her music more deeply in tradition, folklore and mystery. Extending the fearless, experimental ethos of her lauded 2023 album "Carry Them With Us,” Brìghde Chaimbeul's new music continues to push the boundaries and expectations of both experimental and traditional sonics.”
From: Brìghde Chaimbeul + Nora Brown with Stephanie Coleman
“Known for crafting nocturnal, surrealist music that feels both intimate and otherworldly, Dalt has spent over a decade reshaping the boundaries of experimental pop, sound art and electronic composition.”
From: Danger To Ourselves Tour
“Four piece band with a dynamic stage show. From industrial metal anthems, synth wave stompers and glam rock floor fillers one thing is for sure – each song delivers emotion, vitriol and theatrics which are all part of the ongoing semi-autobiographical multi album concept continuing with the bands imminent third release following - 2018s Suicide, Rock & Rock and 2022s Subliminal Messages/Beneath the Limen”
From: Elkapath
“One of the most prolific and experimental bands in history, Acid Mothers Temple are an ultra-psychedelic force to be reckoned with. Touring relentlessly since their conception with a rotating lineup of masters of their craft, the band conjure progressive jams, bathed in synthesizer and drowned in electric guitar. Witness true greatness, and embrace the liberation of cosmic melody, of which this will be THE LOUDEST POSSIBLE IN THE UNIVERSE!”
From: Acid Mothers Temple / Teeth of The Sea / Thee Alcoholics