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Bristol's Pop Scene

80s pop, 90s pop, Bristol has all kinds of pop. Go down the Harbourside on any night of the week and the streets are packed with queuing punters going out to hear the latest tracks and pop classics from days gone by. Bristol's thriving club scene means you can go out and hear almost any music. Another key area is the Clifton Triangle (especially for students) where cheap nights and drink deals at clubs like Po Na Na and Mbargo's are all the rage.

On the live circuit, you can experience plenty of pop music in Bristol. Like any major city, larger concert venues cater towards and music and, along with Cardiff, Bristol is one of the key cities in the West (and South-West) for any international touring act to be playing. Larger venues like the O2 Academy and Colston Hall are great places to see groups of all kind.

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Our recent pop recommendations

Sell out warning! Kaleidoscopic, folkloric, synthpop siren songs: Mermaid Chunky’s whimsical world is a gleefully eccentric and precious pearl to behold. The duo – whose previous gig resumé includes soundtracking the wedding of 2 porcelain pooches – return to the Brew with a fresh batch of absurdist fever-dream magic. Mermaid Chunky at Strange Brew.

Gorgeous folk-noir awash with bowed chamber strings and otherworldly harmonies. Aussie sister duo Charm of Finches summon an indie-baroque heartache of epic proportions FFO: Kate Bush, Gillian Welch, Agnes Obel, Sufjan Stevens. Charm of Finches at The Jam Jar.

More avant-garde magic from Copenhagen's ceaseless musical wellspring … Fine’s off-kilter singer-songwriting and collaborations with fellow power-Danes (inc Astrid Sonne and Erika de Casier) have launched her to cult status in just a few years. Tender, moody 90s alt-rock meets electronic bedroom pop, full of country murmurs and sleepy strangeness FFO: Mazzy Star, Why Bonnie, Maria BC, ML Buch. Fine + guests at Strange Brew.

Cuculi returns with pianist-composer Laurie Torres’ uniformly gorgeous post-minimalist piano pieces, shoulder-to-shoulder with multi-instrumentalist James Gow’s flickering cello, bass, and brass shapes. Seductive, intimate and mysterious FFO: Harold Budd, Duval Timothy, Ben Seretan. Laurie Torres + James Gow at The Greenbank.

What our editors say

“Emelina Murphy is a rising Bristol-based artist whose music channels the daring spirit of 70s and 80s art pop and rock. Inspired by Kate Bush, Björk, and David Bowie, her sound blends theatrical flair with emotional depth for a genre-blurring, distinctive experience. On stage, Emelina is magnetic — her immersive, high-energy performances are designed to leave a lasting impression.”
From: Emelina Murphy + Treemask + Lara Rxse

“Holysseus Fly, the solo project of Ishmael Ensemble singer and keyboardist Holly Wellington creates lush, alternative pop tinged with soul and jazz influences has become a journey of personal & creative reclamation.”
From: Holysseus Fly + Bethany Kyle & Eli Jitsuto + Scarlett Loran

“Taking influence from artists such as Pavement, LCD Soundsystem, New Order and The Flaming Lips – Pynch write idiosyncratic pop music for the 21st century. In his lyrics, Spencer searches for meaning while offering dry observations about pop-culture, conspiracies and McDonalds; juxtaposing the spiritual with the everyday to the sound of a slacker synth-pop rhapsody.”
From: Pynch + Oslo Twins & Darius Zaltash

“In the months following the release of Mirror In Blue Light, the band received significant support from the likes of CLASH, B24/7, Fame Magazine, Crack Magazine, and international radio play from Nashville to Japan. These milestones have helped build strong momentum around the album, which draws from the band’s signature blend of alternative pop, psychedelia, and jazz.”
From: Mild Orange / Magic Shoppe / Pocket Sun

“Emelina Murphy is a rising Bristol-based artist whose music draws from the bold creativity of 70s and 80s art pop and rock. Influenced by the likes of Kate Bush, Björk, and David Bowie, her sound weaves theatricality with emotional depth. For this special acoustic set, Emelina will be joined by long time collaborator Charlie. Together, they share a unique on stage chemistry. Intuitive, expressive, and beautifully in sync. Their raw, intimate energy draws in a heart felt audience .”
From: Crafty Folk Events