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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

Sell out warning! Inventive jazz fusion ensemble melding afrofunk, afrobeat, gnawa and rumba into a fire-breathing 9-headed psychedelic beast. Muito Kaballa are a force to be reckoned with FFO: Fela Kuti, Tenderlonious, L'éclair, Surprise Chef, the Pyramids. Muito Kaballa + Plantfood at The Jam Jar.

Halima’s honeyed Afro-pop and slinking R&B heads up the Bass Candy launch: a new night dedicated to live vocalists and global club sounds. The first instalment takes place in the intimate surrounds of a 17th-century church nestled in Bedmo, with further live sets from PRVNA on the hypnotic Afro-house and Badliana’s bassy trap-pop. Hot new destination FFO: Kelela, SZA, Cleo Sol. Halima, PRVNA, Badliana at St Dunstan's House.

Sell out warning (second show added)! Gorgeous suites for flute, cello and voice from the Japanese school of celestial folk classical. Torso meld jazz, post-rock and hushed chamber minimalism into a towering romance FFO: Arthur Russell, JOW, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Midori Takada, Visible Cloaks unplugged. Torso at IC Visual Lab.

Sell out warning! Gorgeous suites for flute, cello and voice from the Japanese school of celestial folk classical. Torso meld jazz, post-rock and hushed chamber minimalism into a towering romance FFO: Arthur Russell, JOW, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Midori Takada, Visible Cloaks unplugged. Torso at IC Visual Lab.

What our editors say

“Born in Puerto Plata to Taíno Native and Italian heritage, Alden was raised in Germany but found her artistic home in Dublin, Ireland, where she first made a name for herself playing on the streets. She now crafts a sound that bridges folk and pop music —rooted in her folk music upbringing yet enriched with subtle electronica and warm acoustics. Often compared to Daughter or Birdy, her songs explore human connection and growth.”
From: Laura Alden

“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 + special guests

“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

“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

“Natalie Bergman is an American singer-songwriter. She is one half of the duo Wild Belle, along with her brother Elliot Bergman. Her debut solo album, Mercy, was released on Third Man Records on May 7, 2021 - infused by rich pop music taking influence from reggae, afrobeats and soul.⁠”
From: Natalie Bergman + special guests