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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

Unapologetically 90s inspired Melbourne two-piece Mannequin Death Squad meld grunge, metal, skater punk and riot grrrl into a blistering elixir of high-energy, heavy riffing thrash pop. Alt anthems perfected FFO: Paramore, Delilah Bon, Royal Blood, Veruca Salt, Chelsea Manor. Mannequin Death Squad at Exchange.

Wally’s synth work is simply era-defining – he’s the glue that holds Grace Jones and Talking Heads together. You’ve pored over his studio roll call, digi-funk sleeper hits and Balearic Tangerine Dream soundscapes, now come hear his intoxicating afro-futurist SEGA music in the flesh in this life-affirming, historical must FFO: Herbie Hancock, Haruomi Hosono, Mr Fingers, Giorgio Moroder. Wally Badarou + ddwy + Andy Payback at Strange Brew.

Grungey, glitchy, Twigs-evoking sophistipop from Chengdu stand-out Shii tops this shape-shifting billing of all-female cross-genre artists. She’s in strong company with the classical-leaning electronic explorations of London’s Yingtuitive – think Laurel Halo meets Ryuichi Sakamoto – and Bristol’s own sublime alt-folkist Boci. Elite new finds all around! Shii at Exchange.

After a record-speed sell out in Jan, up-n-comers Truthpaste bring you lucky lot another minty dollop of experimental folk-pop whimsy. It wouldn’t be Cellar Door if it wasn’t overflowing, so catch ‘em waking up the sheeple alongside Hank Bee’s Hovvdy-style heartland indie, Of Lyrn’s tropicalia-edged alt-rock sweetness, and a gorgeous glut of visual artistry. Biggun FFO: Tapir, Rozi Plain, BCNR, Richard Dawson. Truthpaste + Hank Bee + Of Iyrn at Strange Brew.

What our editors say

“Priscilla Andersohn is a singer/songwriter rooted in the London and Bristol scene. She crafts atmospheric alternative pop rooted in live instrumentation and emotional depth. Performing with bass, guitar and percussion, her music unfolds slowly and expansively, blending rhythm and texture to create an immersive live experience. Her sound is moody, spacious and quietly powerful — drawing audiences into a world that feels both intimate and cinematic. A night of moody alternative pop and atmospheric electronic music awaits. Website: www.priscillaandersohn.com Instagram: @priscillaandersohn”
From: Priscilla Andersohn- DIASPORA FESTIVAL

“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