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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

Floor-to-ceiling retro indie charm! First-wave Creation Records darlings The Loft infamously split on the Hammersmith Palais stage during their first national tour in 1984, reuniting thirty years later to finally release their debut album – a modern classic of shimmering jangle-pop-rock. They’re the definitive comeback kids FFO: Hefner, The Wave Pictures, The Vaselines, The Reds Pinks and Purples. The Loft + The Lovely Basement at The Croft.

Sell out warning! Luring the Brew into holiday mode: Austin two-piece Summer Salt are millennial dad rock with doo-wop softness and sultry bossa nova sway, blended over ice into sunshine bop perfection. Stick the out of office on and get to know! Irresistible FFO: Peach Pit, Real Estate, Kruanghbin, Pop Etc. Summer Salt + John Myrtle + Adult Leisure at Strange Brew.

Sell out warning! DFA-flavoured Yorkshire post-punks DEADLETTER take on Trinity with twitch-wired rhythms and acid-etched wit. One of the most deliriously danceable live acts around – their jittery percussive swells fist-bump with sharp-edged guitars, sassy basslines, and that signature siren sax that dares you not to move. Irresistible FFO: LCD Soundsystem, Magazine, Gang of Four, Viagra Boys. DEADLETTER + RY-GUY at The Trinity Centre.

Faris Ishaq is the undisputed modern master of the ancient sounds of the nay reed flute. The global jazz collaborator returns to Bristol with his new solo endeavour, marrying truly dizzying breathwork with percussive frame drum pulse. An unmissable Palestinian musical expo FFO: Yusef Lateef, Paul Horn, ECM, Nai Barghouti. JASAD Faris Ishaq Palestinian Nay at St Paul's Church Clifton.

What our editors say

“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

“EMELINA MURPHY 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