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Bristol's Experimental Music Listings

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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

British folk iconoclast Chris Wood graces the candlelit hush of John Wesley’s New Room. His everyday epics sketch sharp-edged portraits of England’s many overlooked lives, from empty nests to minor league football teams to tragedies of industrial decay. Acute compassion ballads FFO: Martin Carthy, Karine Polwart, Billy Bragg, Richard Dawson. Chris Wood at John Wesley’s New Room.

Sell out warning! Granny’s Attic craft a mischievous folk playground, weaving original tunes into centuries-old reels and laments with effortless virtuosity. Crisp melodies, playful textures, and infectious energy celebrate the living, breathing pulse of the folk tradition. Joyous foot-stomping magic FFO: Jack Rutter, Eliza Carthy, Salt House. Granny's Attic - Greenbank Folk Club at St Anne's Church, Eastville.

Sell out warning! Kiss Facility unites Sega Bodega’s prodigious production alchemy with Mayah Alkhateri’s gossamer Arabic vocals, all refracted through a prism of shoegaze longing and soaring avant-pop emotivity. Prepare to be utterly transfixed by the ultimate creative power couple in an absolute no-brainer FFO: Erika de Casier, Eartheater, Nadah El Shazly Kiss Facility at Strange Brew.

Marauding Norsemen Agabas charge into town wielding their self-coined ‘deathjazz’: a pummeling uptempo rawk engine with a thrash gallop, horn blasts strafing through the noise, and shredding throat growls atop a storm of riffs and rhythms. A cataclysmic ruin ritual FFO: Kvelertak, Imperial Triumphant, Slipknot, Converge. AGABAS at Exchange.

What our editors say

“Lobeless (Bristol electronic producer Jack Croft) hosts a unique audio-visual headline show celebrating the release of his debut EP. Blending ambient textures and heavy experimental hip-hop beats with live improvised shoegaze guitar, the performance promises an immersive experience featuring a living, breathing audio-reactive art installation. Expect intricate, abstract sound palettes designed for deep listening rather than the dancefloor. As featured on BBC Radio 6, Amazing Radio and NTS Radio. Support acts to be announced. FOR FANS OF: Burial, Four Tet, Massive Attack, Flume, Ivy Lab”
From: Lobeless EP Launch

“Blowout x JOY. presents - Portrayal of Guilt - Austin black metal trio Portrayal of Guilt return to Bristol this November for their first show here since 2023, touring in support of their boundary pushing and uncompromising latest album '...Beginning of the End". A release that sees them broaden their sound even more with industrial, nu-metal and trip hop influence into the mix. LA electronic duo Spike Hellis join as special guests. An incredible double bill, don't miss out. Nov 16th 2026 Rough Trade, Bristol Doors 7:30pm / £17adv 14+ (U18S accompanied with an adult)”
From: Portrayal of Guilt

“Join us for our monthly installation of Lee McCrory. On the first Friday of every month, you can expect experimental acoustic guitar, gruff vocals, and an eclectic fusion of influences including Tom Waits, Justin Sullivan, Bob Dylan and Bob Marley.”
From: Lee McCrory

“Old Empire present Krallice + special guests tba "Krallice is a metal band formed by New York City musicians Colin Marston, Mick Barr, Nick McMaster and Lev Weinstein. They play an experimental, highly technical style of black metal. The band has released eight studio albums and two EPs, most recently the LP Go Be Forgotten on November 21, 2017. They have been described as "one of the most interesting, engaging black metal bands to emerge in recent years" and "one of the most important bands in modern black metal”. Age: 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)”
From: Krallice + special guests

“DHP Presents: VENUS GRRRLS With support from Twin Skeletons Venus Grrrls are an alt-rock/goth-grunge quintet formed in Leeds, UK, known for combining Riot Grrrl feminist ideologies with heavy atmospheric synths and astrological themes. £14 Adv 7pm doors Exchange has a small ramp entrance from the street. Our bar and main event space are on the ground floor with level access throughout and we have an accessible toilet. If you need any other info on accessibility, please contact [email protected]”
From: VENUS GRRRLS