What's On / Bristol Gigs / experimental music

Bristol's Experimental Music Listings

upcoming gig

Bristol's Experimental Music Scene

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

Our recent experimental music recommendations

Round 2 of A.R. Kane’s immaculate dream-pop re-conception is a vast and heavenly affair. With our greatest living dub poet Roger Robinson, Lord Tusk’s cerebral afrofuturist electro, Jabu and their astral Bird of Peace arkestra all leading you to a blessed state unmatched by St Thomas himself (probably). Part 2 of a two-night special presented by Do You Have Peace? + Music to Come

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

“They released their debut EP Ode To A in 2023, earning it a spot on The Thin Air’s “Best of 2023” list. "Ode To A succeeds not just in the artistic practice of the avant-garde, but as piece of an engaging, genuinely psychedelic experimental drone rock” – Stevie Lennox, The Thin Air. In April 2024, they released their second EP “GOING INSANE” on cult Porto based label Socorro, with a limited vinyl run via Ireland’s beloved Blowtorch Records, receiving much critical acclaim.”
From: pôt-pot

“Bloodworm capture the dark, atmospheric energy of gothic rock while channeling the melodic sensibilities of post-punk legends. With haunting vocals from singer George Curtis reminiscent of The Cure, brooding basslines that echo Joy Division’s raw intensity, and swirling guitars that nod to the shoegaze textures of Ride, they take you on a sonic journey through the melancholic and the ethereal. ‘Back of a Hand’ and ‘Depths' has solidified their place in the modern goth-punk scene, offering a fresh yet nostalgic sound that will resonate with fans of the genre’s pioneers.”
From: BLOODWORM

“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