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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.

Buy tickets for pop events in Bristol

Our recent pop recommendations

Outsider ‘space jazz’ pop oddities from a true underground hero, at 83 years old Ronald Langestraat is finally having his time round the sun. Latin jazz inflections meet stuttering computer rhythms and Ronald’s mournful voice in a hotel lobby on the ISS; guaranteed gigantic discovery for fans of Chick Corea, Jimi Tenor, Surprise Chef, Tara Clerkin, Mauskovic Dance Band. Ronald Langestraat + Martha Rose + Spooky J at Strange Brew.

Celebrate IWD with a Trinity triple bill of local baddies! RED’s infectious, vocal-powered dance-pop meets sultry R&B / trap-hop from Badliana and Moxie Dolls’ shredding punk-rock anthems at this genre-expansive showcase of Bristol’s grassroots. Celebrating women/NB in music at The Trinity Centre.

Ethereal hyperpop angels assemble: step into Bby Eco’s luscious eco-pop paradise of swirling trance, whispered lullabies and fluttering textural soundscapes. Complemented by further enchanting world-building glitches as BABii + Iglooghost are pursued by an orange bunny in their mysterious new project Cyst. Mandatory attendance FFO: Malibu, Oklou, YEAR0001, Himera, Yawning Portal. Bby Eco + Cyst at Strange Brew.

A triple threat of gothic ferocity! Black Dahlia conjure bubbling, obsidian mascara-pop full of windswept vocals + Kelan pounds martial rhythms beneath cynical, lupine growls. Delirious nocturnal glamour FFO: Nine Inch Nails, Savages, Lykke Li, Chromatics. Black Dahlia + Kelan + More TBA at Cafe Kino.

What our editors say

“This work is an organic and introspective meditation, which began over the lonely months of lockdown. Influenced by Daniel Johnston, Anna Domino, Laurie Anderson and Kate Bush, the album tenderly explores the almost-knowing of love, through an 80s outsider art pop lens.”
From: Ronald Langestraat + Martha Rose + Spooky J

“BLUE BAYOU Blue Bayou are a new wave, chamber pop band with horns and strings. They flit between ballads and dance numbers, slacker rock and art pop: eight bands in an eight song set. This is music in the fashion of Costello’s knocking knees.”
From: Big Long Sun - Valentine's Special

“Join Molly Fletcher Hebden, Brogan Ritchie, and The Episodes for a night of alternative pop-rock and indie energy, with Ladybird kicking things off with a special acoustic set. Expect infectious melodies, gritty riffs, and a night of music you won’t forget”
From: Molly Fletcher Hebden

“Collaborations have also seen him working extensively in pop music, writing instrumental arrangements for songwriters including Little Annie, Baby Dee, and Ladan Hussein (aka Cold Specks). He has toured internationally as a solo artist and has performed with acts such as Timber Timbre, Cold Specks, Devon Sproule, and Mercury Prize nominated band Guillemots.”
From: SWIG featuring Chris Cundy and Rachel Musson

“Emelina Murphy is a rising Bristol based artist whose music channels the daring spirit of the 70s and 80s art pop and rock era. Inspired by the likes of Kate Bush, Björk, and Cindy Lauper, her sound blends theatrical flair with emotional depth, offering a distinctive and genre blurring experience. On stage, Emelina is magnetic her dynamic performances are immersive, high energy, and designed to leave a lasting impression.”
From: Haystack's Alt Night