Nitelife February 2019

B

R

I

COVER SHOT: DOMINIKA SCHEIBINGER

INFLUENTIAL VENUES // LIVE MUSIC AND EVENTS // MONTHLY GUIDE

S

T

O FEBRUARY - 2019

L

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE

THURSDAY 27 JUNE

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CODA AGENCY

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH UNITED TALENT AGENCY

SILENT ALARM PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

FRIDAY 28 JUNE

SATURDAY 29 JUNE

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH 13 ARTISTS

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH X-RAY

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

SUNDAY 30 JUNE

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH BLOW UP LIVE

CANONS MARSH AMPHITHEATRE BRISTOL HARBOURSIDE

SEETICKETS.COM

|

T I C K E T S AVA I L A B L E F R O M

TICKETMASTER.CO.UK

@BRISTOLSOUNDS

|

|

GIGANTIC.COM

T @BRISTOL_SOUNDS

|

|

BRISTOLTICKETSHOP.CO.UK

f /BRISTOLSOUNDSOFFICIAL

SUBJECT TO LICENCE

A CROSSTOWN CONCERTS PRESENTATION

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

PENDULUM DJ SET | HANNAH WANTS | SASASAS | PROBLEM CENTRAL | DJ HYPE & HAZARD IAMDDB | BECKY HILL | LADY LESHURR | AKALA | MAVERICK SABRE THE FOUR OWLS | THE SKINTS | GENTLEMAN'S DUB CLUB VS THE NEXTMEN PRESENT POUND FOR POUND CRUCAST TAKEOVER: SKEPSIS | DARKZY | TS7 | MR VIRGO | BRU C | KANINE | LAZCRU | WINDOW KID DJ ZINC B2B SPECIAL REQUEST | REDLIGHT | DELTA HEAVY | MATRIX & FUTUREBOUND | KINGS OF THE ROLLERS D DOUBLE E | P MONEY | DJ MARKY & GQ | ROYAL T | JOKER | TOO MANY T'S | AMA LOU | FOOTSIE CULTURE SHOCK | AUDIO BULLYS | DC BREAKS & LOADSTAR PRESENT OPPOSITION | TURNO | 24HR GARAGE GIRLS THE HEATWAVE | CHAMPION & MC SERIOUS | SWINDLE DJ SET | ELIJAH & SKILLIAM FOUR40 RECORDS TAKEOVER X FOOR / TENGU B2B HYBRID THEORY B2B BAKES | MR TRAUMATIK | CONDUCTA CRISSY CRISS | 1991 | NICKY BLACKMARKET | DIE:MANTLE | EMERALD | BARELY LEGAL | MADAM X | CHIMPO BENNY L | BOU | HEDEX | SHAPES | UNGLUED | BLACKLEY | RAY KEITH | IC3 | DADDY EARL | DEGS DYLAN CARTLIDGE | CHARLIE BOWDERY | BARE JAMS | THE STALKS SIKA STUDIOS PRESENTS SHOWCASES FROM: AMEN4TEKNO | OFF ME NUT | SIKA RECORDS | SILK CITY RADIO BORN ON ROAD | WORDLIFE | MAJOR#BASS | ELECTRIKAL SOUND SYSTEM | VS VERSES OTHER ACTS: DEVILMAN | MARCUS NASTY | MIKEY B | BROTHERS OF THE STONE | FLIPTRIX | INJA DJ LOONEY | KILLA P | VERB T | DADDY SKITZ | BADNESS | SOX | EYEZ | TRILLA | IRAH | JMAN | MAYHEM NODB | DEADBEAT | FORCA | JOE BURN | SMELLINGTON PIFF | DIZZLE KID | KUEDON | SKAMMA AUDIOMISSION | BOMMA B | DANJA | FIYAHMAN | MUSA | SNOOPY DUBZ | BONAFYDE | DJ DIBZ BOOOGIEMAN | FLASH HARRY | LEZLEY D + MANY MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

SKATE + BMX

STREET ART

INTERNATIONAL PRO + OPEN COMPETITIONS £50,000 PRIZE PURSE | CUSTOM BUILT PRO PARK STREET SPOTS | PUBLIC PARK | JAM SESSIONS RING OF FIRE | WALLRIDE | + MORE

INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS & TOP LOCAL TALENT SHOWCASED ACROSS RAMPS, RAILS & WALLS LIVE & CURATED ART | WORKSHOPS DRINK & DRAW | + MORE

7 MUSIC STAGES | MUSIC UNTIL 3AM | DJ & MC WORKSHOPS | SILENT DISCO | TRUCK & BEARING PUB | STREET FOOD SELECTED STREETWEAR & HARDWARE POP-UPS | SHISHA LOUNGE | VIP & GLAMPING | FILM SCREENINGS | + MORE

CAMPING TICKETS + MORE INFO AT NASSFESTIVAL.COM | SECURE YOUR TICKET WITH A £30 DEPOSIT

LINE-UP SUBJECT TO CHANGE

HORSE MEAT DISCO HARRY HAD TO WORK MANAMI

22:00-04:00

22.02.2019 10PM-4AM AT THEKLA BS1 4RB £8/10/12

OPENING TIMES MON - FRI 12PM - 7PM SAT 12PM - 5PM SUN CLOSED

cloth

vintage sourced in bristol sold worldwide

bristol

233a CHELTENHAM RD, BRISTOL BS6 5QP

@clothbristol

HIGHLIGHTS

best events this month 20-23

WIN

shindig weekender 24

PROFILES

Pinch 25 De Staat 25

LOCAL TALENT

Koan SOUND 26-29

PREVIEW

GheTts 36-37

THE INFLUENCERS

FEBRuary

SWU.FM 38-39

FEATURED VENUES

51 Stokes Croft 42 O2 Academy 43 the Canteen 44 colston hall Presents 45 Crofters Rights 46

Exchange 47 The Fleece 48 The Full Moon 49 GALLIMAUFRY 50 The Golden Lion 51

hy-brasil 52 the lanes 53 Marble factory 54 Mr Wolfs 55 Old Market Assembly 56

The stag & Hounds 57 swx 58 THekla 59 to thE moon 60 Trinity 61

Photography: Dominika Scheibinger / Martin Thompson / Ania Shrimpton / Khali Photography / Soul Media / Paul Lippiatt / Connor Baker / shotaway.com / Dean Forrest / Darren Andrews nitelifeonline.com | facebook.com/nitelifebristol | info@nitelifeonline.com | Tel: 07590 993 523 Director Carlos Javier | Editor Rachel Morris | Commercial Manager Jodie Guichard | Art Director Steve Hughes adhesive-design.co.uk | Accounts Executive Luke Guest Features Abi Lewis, Georgie Partington | Photo Editor Dominika Scheibinger | Print Stephens & George | Distribution Javier Fox

10 // SELECTION

SELECTION // 11

12 // SELECTION

SELECTION // 13

14 // SELECTION

SELECTION // 15

o t p u g n i Offer

25

% FF O

t n u o c s i D Student -Unisex Barbers-

(We charge by length of hair not gender!)

Bearpit

Clifton

0117 930 0014

0117 973 1130

/shotgunbarbers

/shotgunbarbers

shotgunbarbers.co.uk

The Best UK Stand Up Comedy in Bristol

promotes

Operating since 1994

1994 2019 STAND UP FOR THE WEEKEND 25 YEARS OF OPERATION 21 YEARS AT THE HEN & CHICKEN

TOP UK CIRCUIT STAND UP COMEDIANS IN BRISTOL'S BEST VENUE FOR LIVE COMEDY THE HEN & CHICKEN STUDIO, 210 North St, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1JF

FRIDAY 1 FEBRUARY 8PM £13

AHIR SHAH

SAT 2 FEBRUARY 8.30PM £12 ADV/ £14 OTD*/ £15 DOOR UK T OUR

DUFFER

with GARETH RICHARDS

Ahir Shah returns with a brand new stand-up show about life and what comes after, death and what comes before, and Bohemian Rhapsody.

"Intricately crafted, profoundly moving, howlingly funny."

Daily Telegraph

US comic Omid Singh is one of the top multicultural comics working today. He visits the UK for a whistle stop tour of top venues.

"Omid is an absolute beast on stage... always bringing fire in his deliberate delivery." Comedy Central

SAT 9 FEBRUARY 8.30PM £13 ADV/ £14 OTD*/ £15 DOOR

WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 8PM £15

SINDHU VEE

OMID SINGH

UK T OUR

SANDHOG

Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer Nominee 2018, Sindhu Vee embarks on a UK tour with her critically acclaimed and Edinburgh Fringe sell-out show, Sandhog.

"Acerbic perspective and unapologetic delivery of less politically correct home truths" The List

SAT 16 FEBRUARY 8.30PM £12 ADV/ £14 OTD*/ £15 DOOR

ALUN COCHRANE PLUS GUESTS

In high demand on the UK and international comedy circuit, Alun Cochrane is a no-nonsense comedian who specialises in funny nonsense. Highly amusing anecdotes and strange flights of fancy.

"A master storyteller" The Metro

SUNDAY 17 FEBRUARY 8PM £15.50

UK T OUR

STEPHEN GRANT

PAUL SINHA

Stephen Grant possesses an energy and intellect which, when combined, make for dynamite comedy. His speed and dynamism create a magical energy which has audiences rapt and hanging on his every word.

"Consummate comedian" Time Out

Having spent two decades juggling disparate careers, loneliness, heartbreak, a multitude of vices and an overwhelming urge to show off his general knowledge, Paul Sinha finds that just as one problem disappears, another emerges.

"Full of insight and delight" The Times

with TOM DEACON

SAT 23 FEBRUARY 8.30PM £12 ADV/ £14 OTD*/ £15 DOOR

THE TWO AGES OF MAN

THURSDAY 28 FEBRUARY 8.30PM £13 UK T OUR

CARL DONNELLY

ANDREW DOYLE

Carl Donnelly takes the mundane stories of everyday life and turns them into stretches of self deprecating silliness. His conversational, silly sense of humour has seen him win a host of awards.

"Excellent, fast-rising comic with pacy anecdotal routines" Sunday Times

Andrew Doyle is one of the UK's foremost political satirists.

Friendly Fire is his seventh solo stand-up show. It follows the critically acclaimed Thought Crimes."Prepare for all your internal organs to burst with laughter" The Independent

with JULIAN DEANE

FRIENDLY FIRE

* ADV = Advance booking online/ OTD = On The Day online

See more / book online: THECOMEDYBOX.CO.UK

20 // HIGHLIGHTS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

FEBRUARY

HIGHLIGHTS Words: Abi Lewis

1. SHOTGUN DRUM & BASS SESSION VOL: 036

One of Bristol’s newest venues is delivering an exceptional weekly drum & bass night to showcase home grown talent from the heart of Bristol. Powered by an in-house Void Acoustics soundsystem, expect to witness the likes of Redland Tea Party collective, Groundsound, Primitive DJs and more.

5 Feb // 8pm – 1am // Free // Faraway Cocktail Club

2. FOFOULAH

Fofoulah are the masters at bringing together West African percussion, dub-style bass lines and Western electro-pop, topped with distinctively soulful Senegalese vocals. Come down to The Canteen for the perfect way to spend your evening.

7 Feb // 9pm – 1am // Free // The Canteen

3. SLUM VILLAGE + ABSTRACT ORCHESTRA

7. KAMCHATKA + THE GRAND MAL

4. GORGON CITY

8. MICHAEL CLARK + TWO DAY COMA

This is a collaboration not to be missed. Detroit hip hop legends Slum Village and UK renowned hip hop powerhouse Abstract Orchestra have come together to deliver your favourite Slum Village tracks live.

7 Feb // 7pm – 10.30pm // £18 // Trinity

This month, Codec presents the phenomenal house duo Gorgon City with very special guests, as part of their Escape Tour. Bringing their bass heavy house and addictive vocals, plus party anthems and hip hop stages, Gorgon City will deliver a night to remember.

9 Feb // 10.30pm – 4am // £8 // SWX

5. SATTA LITES + BOCA 45 & BRISTOL BEER FACTORY

To celebrate his 45th year, Boca’s recorded an album “Forty Five”, set to be released this April. Ahead of the album release, Boca will be performing the first single from the LP, whilst dishing out a new signature beer he’s been developing with Bristol Beer Factory – nice.

9 Feb // 7pm - 2am // Free // The Gallimaufry

6. LEAH SENIOR

It’s been a long time coming but Leah Senior is finally hitting Europe for the first time to present her soulful sound. Head down to Crofters for a free show and prepare to witness a special kind of something on stage.

9 Feb // 8.30pm – 10.15pm // Free // The Crofters Rights

Blues tinged ’70s styled, Swedish hard rockers Kamchatka return to The Lanes this month for a night of stoner, psychedelic rock. Support from the incredible Grand Mal – grand by name, grand by nature.

10 Feb // 8pm – 11.30pm // £8 // The Lanes

Michael Clark will be heading to Crofters to celebrate the release of his debut EP, ‘Something To Be Won’ for his first Bristol performance.

He’ll be bringing his jazz-electronic infusion and a little something for everyone. Plus, support from Pictures of Belgrade and Stanlaey.

11 Feb // 7.30pm – 10.30pm // £3 // The Crofters Rights

9. THE WAR GOES ON + SKAM + NO PULSE

Start your week off proper with a selection of sounds at the Stag.

Copenhagen based punk heads The War Goes On will take centre stage to show off their melancholy bangers. Plus support from 80’s Italian punk inspired, Skam.

11 Feb // 7.30pm – 11pm // £5 otd // Stag & Hounds

HIGHLIGHTS // 21

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

10. WHITE DENIM

White Denim have that raw, energetic garage sound that ignites the urge to stomp your feet to every track. To celebrate their latest album, the Austin Texas based indie band will be heading to O2 Academy Bristol as part of their UK tour.

12 Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £19.50 - £22.45 // O2 Academy

11. KALEEM TAYLOR

Neo-soul singer and chart topper Kaleem Taylor is known for his powerful lyrics and effortless finesse in his EP ‘Version’. Get ready to witness his talent live at Hy-Brasil for an intimate performance you won’t forget in a hurry.

13 Feb // 7:30pm - 10:30pm // £8.72 // Hy-Brasil

12. GRINGO STAR

Gringo Star are insouciant explorers, out to the far edges of rock & roll. Shots pulsing from a vintage Leslie speaker, their echo-slathered psychedelic garage bangers give you all the western weirdness you desire.

13 Feb // 7.30pm – 10.30pm // £8.75 // The Lanes

13. KEL ASSOUF + AMADOU DIAGNE + AREA BOYS

Desert rock band Kel Assouf will be coming to Attic Bar to perform brand new material on the day of the release of their latest album ‘Black Tenere’. The radical sound of African grooves and heavy blues from the trio will leave you wanting more. Plus, support from Amadou Diagne and Area Boys.

15 Feb // 8.30pm – 2am // £4 // Full Moon & Attic Bar

14. BLACK COFFEE

It’s nearly time for Black Coffee to set foot behind the decks to headline his highly anticipated show at Motion. After the recent success of his collaborative track ‘Drive’ with Delilah Montague and David Guetta, Black Coffee’s sound is bigger than ever and ready to get you moving.

15 Feb // 10pm – 5am // £26.25 - £31.85 // Motion

15. AFRIK BAWANTU

Afrik Bawantu is an orchestra producing African rhythm-driven, dance-inducing fusion with traditional roots, formed by Ghanaian vocalist and djembe drummer Afla Sackey. Get your dancing shoes on and get moving.

15 Feb // 10pm – 1am // £4.50 // Old Market Assembly

16. LALA LALA

Chicago-based Lillie West, AKA Lala Lala will be delivering a whole load of lo-fi indie straight from the heart at Hy-Brasil this February.

Accompanied by her band, this set will play a mixture of old and new, including material from her new album ‘The Lamb’.

15 Feb // 7pm – 10pm // Free // Hy-Brasil

17. SOMA SOMA

Shake off your winter blues to some sun-soaked tunes with SOMA SOMA this February. Leftbank will see the return of SOMA SOMA’s distinctive afrobeat and bossa fusion, with a cheeky dose of samba to really get you moving.

16 Feb // 9pm – 2am // Free - £3 // Leftbank

18. CONTINUOUS MOVEMENT 2ND BIRTHDAY

The past couple of years have been momentous for Continuous Movement, so to celebrate their 2nd birthday, they will be pulling out all the stops at The Exchange, with like the likes of DJ San Proper, Kayne The Hermit and more.

16 Feb // 11pm – 6am // £10-£12 // Exchange

22 // HIGHLIGHTS

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

FEBRUARY

HIGHLIGHTS 19. BEANS ON TOAST

Beans on Toast has come a long way since the days of ‘MDMAmazing’, but he still holds true to his honest and insightful verses. Catch him on his biggest tour to date with a full live band, to celebrate the release of his latest album ‘A Bird in the Hand’.

16 Feb // 6.30pm – 10pm // £15.00 // Thekla

20. SKEPSIS PRESENTS: SELECTION TOUR

We cannot wait for Skepsis Selection Tour to hit Bristol to showcase heaps of new music and extra special guests handpicked by Skepsis himself. Including, DJ Q, Caspa, Bru-C, KANINE and The Blast DJs, you don’t want to sleep on grabbing your tickets for this all-night banger.

16 Feb // 9pm – 2am // Free - £3 // Leftbank

21. HOT 8 BRASS BAND

24. HONEY JOY + BAT BOY

22. FAUX FURR & BIG KNICKERS: DRAG QUEEN KARAOKE

25. OHMME

Everybody’s favourite New Orleans’ brass-funk inspired Hot 8 Brass Band are returning to Bristol for another mesmeric show. Put on your dancing shoes and prepare to hear your favourite songs transformed into a brass band classic.

17 Feb // 7pm – 10pm // £18 // The Marble Factory

Grab your heels and your sparkly gown and head on down to Brisco for drag queen karaoke, performance and games. Hosted by the sassy Sally Savage, expect lip syncs, alternative art, burlesque and more.

17 Feb // 8pm – 2am // Free // Brisco

23. JAMMZ

Jammz latest release ‘Warrior 2’ captures everything you want to hear and more from the one of the UK’s most gifted grime lyricists. Get ready for an intimate performance from poignant MC at Rough Trade this February, as part of his debut tour.

17 Feb // 7pm – 11.45pm // £9.90 // Rough Trade

Stag & Hounds are great at handpicking the best DIY sounds to come out of Bristol and beyond. This month, grab your ticket to see South London indie punx Honey Joy, plus Asian Man Records signed Bat Boy. 19 Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £5 // Stag & Hounds

Improv rock duo Ohmme will be bringing their surreal art-rock noise to The Louisiana, as part of the Colston Hall Presents series, to exhibit their fuzzy guitar riffs and inquisitive lyrics.

20 Feb //8pm – 11pm // £7.63 // The Louisana

26. PETAL

Last year we saw the release of Petal’s latest album ‘Magic Gone’ take the spotlight. Now Petal are ready to embark on their UK tour and we cannot wait. Catch this rock band live in action at Crofters this month and witness their infectious sound come to life on stage.

22. Feb // 7pm – 10.30pm // £8.96 // The Crofters Rights

27. NEW LUNA + AND ALICE + SUNGLO + DJ NINO

Mr Wolf’s presents an eclectic jam-packed line up filled with everything you crave for on a Friday night. New Luna will be heading down all the way from Manchester, to showcase their dream-pop and post-indie style. Plus, math rockers and Alice, grunge heads Sunglo, and more.

22 Feb // 9pm – 4am // Free // Mr Wolf’s

HIGHLIGHTS // 23

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

28. KASAI MASAI

London based Kasai Masai bring a traditional sound of the equatorial African village, with a distinctive urban edge. Get ready for some fast-paced rumba and Congolese folkloric traditions to take over the Old Market Assembly stage.

22 Feb // 10pm – 1am // £4.50 // Old Market Assembly

29. SUGAR HORSE

Sugar Horse have a new EP on the horizon and they want to share it with you. To mark the release of their latest EP, the Bristol based rock band will be accompanied by Frauds, Oh, The Guilt, Twisted Ankle and more for an epic live show.

22 Feb // 7pm – 3am // £5 // Exchange

30. NBP EVENTS PRESENT: MAXI RAI

New born Sessions is heading to The Golden Lion to showcase fresh, consciously minded talent from Bristol and beyond. This month, Maxi Rai will be taking centre stage to showcase soulful folk, with a modern-day Bristolian Twist.

22 Feb // 9pm – 12am // Free // The Golden Lion

31. GLADE MARIE

DJ Glade Marie will be heading to No.51 to deliver a soulful set as part of her monthly residency. Get yourself on to the dancefloor and appreciate the definition of good music.

23 Feb // 9pm – 1am // Free // No.51

32. HIPPO CAMPUS CONCERT

To celebrate the release of their second album ‘BAMBI’, American indie rock band Hippo Campus will be heading to SWX as part of their UK tour. Prepare to hear new bangers amongst classics from their debut album, ‘Landmark’.

23 Feb // 6pm – 10pm // £16.50 // SWX

33. THE BLAST: ANDY C + DARK NIGHTZ + MORE

The Blast are set to return to Motion this month, with an extra special set from the legendary Andy C. Spread across three rooms, this drum n bass takeover will knock your Champion socks off. Line up includes Dimension, Voltage, Bassboy, Sir Spyro, Foreign Concept and more.

23 Feb // 10pm – 6am // £22 // Motion & The Marble Factory

34. WALDO’S GIFT TRIO

This month, the Waldo’s Gift trio have some great treats up their sleeve for their Wednesday residency at The Galli. Including the reworks of Radiohead’s Johnny Greenwood material, plus what’s set to be an almighty collaboration with jazz-rock outfit Wandering Monster.

27 Feb // 9pm - 11pm // Free // The Gallimaufry

35. HIP HOP COFFEE SHOP SESSIONS 5: AFT RAPS

For their next instalment, the Hip Hop Coffee Shop Sessions crew are going back to where it all began at Stokes Croft’s coffee bean hot spot, Boston Tea Party. This time round, the HHCSS crew will be joined by Bristol-based AFT raps label, including affiliates Rogue & Rvelly, Twizzy and Billy Whizz.

1 Mar // 7pm – 11pm // £3 - £6 // Boston Tea Party Stokes Croft

36. DR MEAKER

Labelled the hottest live UK dance act of the moment, Dr Meaker know a thing or two when it comes to bringing bass, electronic and fun to the table. Grab your tickets to welcome Dr Meaker in a super charged home turf show.

1 Mar // 7.30pm – 11pm // £12.50 // The Fleece

24 // COMPETITION

Win tickets • Win tickets • Win tickets

competition

4 x tickets to Shindig Weekender + a record bundle from the Ghetto Funk archives

Sarah Koury

competition Shindig Weekender is brought to us from the brains behind multiaward winning record label and party-throwers Ghetto Funk. In five short years, it’s gone from a party in a field to a cult-adored small festival, selling out earlier and earlier each year.

Taking over Somerset’s Gilcombe Farm each May, there’s tonnes to absorb beyond the music. Though the feel-good atmosphere alone is enough to draw crowds, a quick wander around the festival site will uncover games, workshops, circus, talks, comedy and more.

Shindig Weekender puts positive vibes at the forefront – with an increasingly impressive lineup to boot. This year, Estelle, Ozomatli with Chali 2na and Benjamin Zephaniah front the live action, while those seeking a dancefloor can look forward to the likes of Kenny Dope, Nu-Mark, LTJ Bukem, Don Letts, Audio Bullys and Stanton Warriors.

To celebrate the lineup announcement, as well the opening of Ghetto Funk’s new creative hub and record shop on Bath’s Walcot Street, we’re giving away 4 x tickets to this year’s Shindig Weekender on 23-26 May, plus a very special record bundle from the Ghetto Funk archives. For more information and your chance to win, head to nitelifeonline.com/win/shindig2019.

PROFILES // 25

profile - incoming

Dominika Scheibinger

profile - HOMEGROWN

Pinch

De Staat

One of the underground’s crucial driving forces, Pinch is natural innovator, continually exploring new territory (then sending for the rest of us). The producer and Tectonic boss played a major role in establishing a dubstep scene in Bristol, co-founding the legitimately legendary Subloaded nights alongside Blazey Bodynod in 2004. It was the first major dubstep night outside of London and saw sets from the likes of Digital Mystikz, Kode 9, Plastician, Youngsta and Skream alongside Bristol’s major players, Joker, Peverelist, Hodge and Pinch himself.

Subloaded officially retired after almost a decade in 2013, but after a successful one-off last year to mark Tectonic 100, Teachings in Dub and Trinity are joining forces with Pinch once again to answer demand for a second instalment. The monster lineup represents some of Bristol’s best new talent alongside the veterans and some never before seen B2Bs – operating the lineup as one connecting DJ chain, with each act playing a mini B2B either side of their set. Find the full lineup at trinitybristol.org.uk

Dutch five-piece De Staat have something of a twinkle in their eye. Fronted by the hyper-talented Torre Florim, who sings, plays guitar, writes and produces for the band; the rock group embrace influences from R&B to art rock.

Their latest and fifth studio album Bubblegum dropped last month, dealing with serious issues such as Trump’s arrival to the world stage in their characteristically fun way, bending genre at will. Their latest single Mona Lisa is described by Torre as ‘a blues song from the future’.

For fans of De Staat, seeing them live is a must – something truly special happens when they come together on stage. Their reputation as a live act has earned them major support slots with the likes of Rolling Stones and Muse; the latter asking De Staat to join them on the rest of their European tour after witnessing the magic firsthand. Torre answers our 10 questions ahead of their headline show at Thekla this month.

Upcoming shows: 22 February – Subloaded, Trinity

Upcoming shows: 11 February – De Staat, Thekla

Producer

Band

THOSE QUESTIONS...

1. What have you learned today?

That Brexit is still a serious nonsense and that The Donald is so greasy no one can pin him down.

Same as yesterday.

2. Which song by another artist most inspires you?

Anything by Rhythm & Sound.

3. Who are your top three acts right now?

That’s not how I think in real life, I don’t really have favourites. Three acts I like at the moment that randomly come to mind: Equiknoxx, Szare, Sleeper.

4. It’s 2am and the party is winding down, what track do you play to get everyone going again?

It’s never been winding down when I’m on the decks at 2am.

5. If you couldn’t work in music, what would you be doing instead?

Something terrible.

THOSE QUESTIONS...

6. What was the last book you read?

Straw Dogs by John Gray.

1. What have you learned today?

Bread tastes a lot better without fungus.

7. Most recent binge watch?

I watched all four episodes of the new series of Luther in one sitting, last week.

2. Which song by another artist most inspires you?

Soulwax – Is It Always Binary? No one else has to do anything with three drummers ever again. They did it.

8. Do you have a party trick?

I can burp ‘OohVaaahVoo’ without much thought going into it.

9. Tell us something people don’t generally know about you...

In collaboration with Tony aka Addison Groove, we’ve just launched a new spirit brand called Mezky. It’s a blend of fine quality mezcal, aged in Islay Malt Whisky casks – very smokey and very tasty! Ask for it at The Love Inn next time you’re down there or go to mezky.com to buy direct. I hear it’s the best new drink in town…

10. What are you doing tomorrow?

I’ll be working on a vocal track in the morning, making micro edits and fine tuning details. I’ve got a couple hours DJ practice booked in just after lunch and then, in the afternoon, some meetings to sell Mezky at a couple of Bristol bars. Dinner and a bit of telly with my wife in the evening, then probably back to the studio until bed time.

tectonicrecordings.com // @PinchTectonic

3. Who are your top three acts right now?

David Byrne, Moses Sumney and Rammstein.

4. It’s 2am and the party is winding down, what track do you play to get everyone going again?

Montell Jordan – This Is How We Do It. I mean, come on.

5. If you couldn’t work in music, what would you be doing instead?

Directing a film or starting my own hotel. My hotel will be awesome… And perhaps badly cleaned.

6. What was the last book you read?

Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari.

7. Most recent binge watch?

Westworld. Season One is fantastic – just unbelievably smart.

8. Do you have a party trick?

I’m pretty good at doing Gollum from the Lord of the Rings movies. Girls tend to find that really attractive.

9. Tell us something people don’t generally know about you...

Torre Florim is actually my two first names. I have a last name most people don’t know about.

10. What are you doing tomorrow?

We’re doing a special show for Dutch 3FM radio listeners at a secret location. After that, sex with sheep.

destaat.net // @destaat

26 // LOCAL TALENT

LOCAL TALENT

KOAN SOUND

Bristol producer duo KOAN Sound are celebrating the release of their long, long-awaited debut album, more than a decade on from their first release. Having entered the ring at just 16 with dubstep hit Clowny / Blessed, the evolution of KOAN Sound is unparalleled – somehow retaining their original and unique style, while continually expanding their reference pool to include everything from drum and bass to funk.

Though KOAN Sound have been off grid since their Forgotten Myths EP in 2015, anticipation for the new album has remained rife since they announced a forthcoming full length project at the beginning of 2016. KOAN Sound’s Will Weeks and Jim Bastow finally delivered the goods in the form of 11-track album Polychrome, and it was well worth the wait.

‘One of the reasons the album took so long is because we wanted it to be something really special, that is a summary of everything we’ve done before’ Will explains.

‘As we went through the process, our skills improved’ Jim adds.

‘Our technical and musical ability improved and so inevitably we felt like we had to go back and update all the tracks. We definitely felt the pressure to make sure it was really, really good to justify the amount of time we spent on it. We felt like

we owed it to the people who listened to our music to make it as good as possible – and ourselves.

‘We did play the occasional show here and there’ says Will ‘and every time we played we got such a great reaction to the new stuff. We realised we had such amazing fans and we owed it to them to finish this project.’

we realised we had such amazing fans and we owed it to them to finish this project

Polychrome finally hit shelves in December via KOAN Sound’s own Shoshin imprint, which they erected in 2015 to house their Forgotten Myths EP – deciding to go it alone after four very successful EP releases with Skrillex’s OWSLA label, including the much-loved Funk Blaster EP, which hit number one in the Beatport charts.

‘We’re not signed to a label, which is very much a doubleedged sword in the sense that we had all this freedom and time to experiment and release the album that we wanted to release, but at the same time there was no deadline. There was definitely a point where we lost perspective of what we were doing and maybe a little bit why we were doing it, because it had been so long since we released anything. We weren’t having much interaction with our fans because we were locked away writing, so we weren’t meeting the people who were going to listen to the music.’

‘OWLSA gave us a really amazing platform in the states and exposed us to people all over the world who would probably never have heard our music otherwise’ says Jim. ‘I think we just felt a little bit separate from what they were doing, they’re very much based in LA. ‘We felt like we had enough of a fanbase that we could do it ourselves, and with it being our debut album we wanted to have control over every last detail of how it’s presented.

‘One of the most satisfying parts of the release, after the music was finished, was doing the artwork and doing the mastering

LOCAL TALENT // 27

and working with friends. Everyone who was involved in artwork, video, mastering, the Trinity shows – they’re all mates, basically. Working with people we know was really good and it’s more rewarding.’

Jim and Will first struck up a friendship after meeting in secondary school, discovering that they’d grown up just one street apart in Bishopston and both played instruments – Will

This album was the return to listening to live music and bands for us

the drums and Jim playing the keys and a little guitar. KOAN Sound came to life after the pair found themselves gravitating towards electronic music, absorbing influence from Bristol’s big drum and bass culture, as well as the burgeoning dubstep scene.

However, things have come full circle for the release of Polychrome. Although they’re not planning on saying goodbye

28 // LOCAL TALENT

LOCAL TALENT // 29

to the dancefloors any time soon, live music has found a footing once again in their process – playing more of the instrumentation themselves and recording other musicians before working their magic in the production room.

‘This album was the return to listening to live music and bands for us, whether that was metal or jazz’ says Jim ‘and making a return to actually playing instruments again ourselves; jamming, playing with other musicians and recording other musicians – a few of which ended up on the album. It wasn’t a deliberate attempt to distance ourselves from the electronic world, it was just how our preferences changed.’

‘There’s still a huge influence that comes from drum and bass.

I don’t think that has ever left us, I think we just broadened our tastes’ says Will.

KOAN Sound fans’ tastes have evolved with them over the years, remaining loyal throughout various, very different releases. Alongside overwhelmingly positive album reviews, demand for tickets to their album launch at Trinity this month lead to them adding a second date.

‘We were happy with the quality of the album, but we didn’t know what people expected or anything’ says Will.

‘It’s really encouraging’ says Jim. ‘When you’ve been away for so long, you do start wondering how much people really care anymore or how relevant you are anymore.’

‘We put so much effort into everything that we do, I think we’ve gained enough trust from our fans that the next thing would be as good or better than our previous’ says Will.

‘The thing that made me happy is that we managed to tie together all the different elements of our sound and all the different styles that we’d done’ says Jim. ‘From the feedback we’ve had or seen online, a lot of people have very different favourite tracks – for every track that’s been posted online at least one person has said “this is my favourite”.

‘It’s definitely the most ambitious music that we’d ever put

together, in the amount of time that we spent on it and the amount of experimentation that we did.’

and responsive visuals for the live show, teaming up with Bristol-based creative studio KōLAB to bring it all together.

Although they’ve shown their softer side previously, Polychrome as a whole is gentler than any complete project they’ve put out before. There are plenty of meaty basslines to work with, but the overall mood feels lighter and brighter.

‘We started working with KōLAB to try and find a way to present all these different facets of sound that are in the album’ Jim says.

‘We tried to make it more of a listenable album’ says Will. ‘As well as being a dancefloor thing, it was really important to us for it to be very listenable with a pair of headphones. That’s probably why it sounds a bit softer than previous releases, because we want people to be able to sit and listen to it in the living room, as well as dance to it.’

we want people to be able to sit and listen to it in the living room, as well as dance to it ‘We’ve traditionally always done four track EPs and we’d always put maybe one more experimental tune on there’ says Jim ‘but you don’t have the same as freedom as with an album to really showcase your whole breadth of work.

‘Originally we had this idea for the album to be more of a dancefloor, funky, Fender Rhodes-based thing and make a second album shortly after that, which would be a more downtempo, cinematic thing and showcase that side of our work. But as we went through the process, those two ideas just naturally meshed together and it became something that really showcased our whole sound.’

The effort that KOAN Sound put into their work doesn’t stop at the music. Alongside the album, Jim and Will have put together a visual project that includes artwork for each track

‘We sat down and decided which colours can be linked to each track, the shapes and tones that can be felt for each track, and Polychrome felt like a really nice way to tie it all together’ says Will.

‘We ended up making a piece of art for each of the tracks, that are really different from each other, but all using a really similar technique’ Jim explains. ‘They were created using macro photography; mixing different paints and substances together and zooming in on it really, really close, so that you lose a sense of scale. Then we thought, why not continue using this technique and extend it to video, so we started filming what we were doing in really slow motion.

‘All of the macro photography footage is the backbone of the visual show. As well as that, we’ve been programming our own visuals, which we’re going to be triggering from the stage with the instruments.

‘It’s a new thing for us, but I have personally always felt that there’s a really strong visual aspect to our music’ says Jim. ‘Presenting it live in conjunction with the music will be a really great way to convey the feeling of the track and create a new experience that’s more than just the song or just the visuals – something that’s more than the sum of its parts.’

Words: Rachel Morris Photography: Sarah Koury 14 & 16 February – Koan Sound, Trinity koansound.com @koansound

BRISTOL’S BIGGEST AND BEST INDIE A N D A LT E R N AT I V E C L U B N I G H T EVERY THURSDAY AT THEKLA BRISTOL

2 FOR 1 DRINKS DEALS ALL NIGHT    pressurebristol • www.thekla.club • www.pressureclub.co.uk Please drink responsibly

36 // PREVIEW

PREVIEW

GHETTS

We took the opportunity to speak to grime royalty Ghetts at the release of his new Swindle collaboration, Drill Work – his first outing since dropping his long-awaited Ghetto Gospel: The New Testament in September. The genre-blending, skiddish 140ish tune couldn’t be better suited to one of grime’s most enduring, innovating and outright best MCs. Ghetts’ mastery of the craft allows him to continually catch us off guard, skipping or adding a beat as he pleases and switching up his flow like a golden snitch.

Talking to Ghetts, it’s clear that this linguistic alchemy doesn’t stop when the mic is put down; he speaks with an intriguing inflection that feels somehow a step ahead – coming in soft where you might presume a stress, pausing, or not, unexpectedly as he delivers his decades-earned wisdom.

Though it was his 2005 mixtape 2000 & Life that ushered him into the ring, copyrighting the signature tear-up style of his then Ghetto moniker; the release of Ghetto Gospel two years later truly inducted him as one of the grime greats.

Ghetto Gospel is held up alongside Kano’s Home Sweet Home and Dizzee Rascal’s Boy in da Corner as one of the genre’s most

important bodies of work, and was our first glimpse of the more mellow incarnation of Ghetts.

I’d rather talk about what’s happening in my life or the world than write for another MC ‘2000 & Life,’ Ghetts explains, ‘I had just been incarcerated for some years, so that record embodies that feeling. After hitting the road and seeing the world through music after the success of 2000 & Life, I feel like Ghetto Gospel is a natural growth – how I felt at the time, what I thought was achievable, the things I wanted to talk about and the people I was influenced by.

‘I struggle with saying the same thing over and over again or trying to sell the same product. I look at albums like chapters in my book that reflect my life at that time. They are a true

reflection of how I was feeling and a way of sharing my thoughts with people, whether they agree or not.’

At this time the MC was unofficially going as Ghetts, the album even including the track I’m Ghetts, but it wasn’t until 2010’s The Calm Before the Storm that he officially rebranded, hoping to take a meaningful step away from the bad boy image (ask Carlos) he’d crafted as a younger MC. ‘I’d been branded with a name and people couldn’t look past it. What kept happening was I’d meet people and they’d say “but you’re so cool” or “you’re proper smart” and I used to think, “what have I put out there that makes people think that I’m not?”

‘I took an almost out of body experience and looked at it from another perspective and I saw that most of the moments they’ve caught me in, I’m clashing or it’s a moment when I’ve been involved in something – so I couldn’t wait to get away from that.’

However, Ghetto is far from dead. ‘I still very much have that other side alive in me’ he says, describing himself as having

PREVIEW // 37 stands out as an important record. Alongside out and out grime bangers like Top 3 Selected, in tracks like State of Mind, Trapped in the System and Closest Thing to Heaven, Ghetts breaks ground on issues that others in the scene weren’t really touching.

Like its predecessor, The New Testament delivers some straight up bangers like Pick Up the Phone and Shellington Crescent, but on the whole deals heavily in themes of street violence, gang mentality, colourism and misogynoir.

It might be his new testament, but Ghetts doesn’t preach or tell us what to do. He calls it as he sees it, as he’s always done, but this time through the eyes of an older, wiser man.

Black Rose calls out colourism within black communities and frustratedly preempts the double standards and discrimination his dark-skinned daughter will face as she grows up, promising to be a source of love and support for her.

Next of Kin takes on gun crime not with a call for armistice, but instead dealing in perspectives – of a mother, a shooter and a son who’s passed away.

‘I’m at an age now where some of my friends have sons that are 16. The other day a 14 year old died in Walthamstow and I just remember hearing it on the radio and thinking “wow”.

Because I’m not 16 now and I’m not around it, I’m not thinking “that happens all the time, man”. At that age I was desensitised by a lot of things that I was around. So I wanted to write a song where I didn’t judge anybody, because I know what some of these kids are going through and it’s much easier said than done when you’re outside of it.’

The New Testament doesn’t get bogged down in conscious rap, far from it. The album is an outstanding body of work, complete with masterful lyricism, head-nodding production and powerful collaborations. After reintroducing himself with album opener Caution, Sir Spryo’s ‘sounds of the sir’ tag on the President T-featured Pick Up the Phone signals some serious talent to come, with contributions from Wretch 32, Donea’o, Kojey Radical, Little Simz and Stefflon Don to name a few.

Of course, the album’s caliber is no surprise to long time fans.

Despite a couple of questionable co-signs in his younger days, including a best-forgotten feature for Cher Lloyd, Ghetts’ own music has never strayed from a place of authenticity, and he’s one of grime’s few pioneering MCs that can be credited with never chasing radio play. However, he’s keen to not play up to the underground crowd either...

‘I really feel like people should just make what they want.

As I’ve grown I just feel like there are so many boxes and categories, and it was those same boxes and categories that really stifled me into playing up to a perception. As soon as I was free of those things, I really excelled musically because I didn’t care about how people think something is meant to sound.

‘I always say you can conform both ways. People only really acknowledge if you conform to the mainstream, but what about all the people who conform to the underground?

‘There are loads of people that do that because they know that they can play with the purists like that. There is as many conformists that way – people who are really scared to step out of their comfort zone and try new sounds. What makes music sicker is somebody’s individual ingredients, what they bring to their sound and the music they put out. That originality will be appreciated 100% – it will. It’s scary to do that, but it’s crazy when it comes back around, because it’s appreciated so much more.’

As any genre moves towards the mainstream, there is a panic generated among fans that the music will be bastardised by an opportunistic industry, but grime has once again held its own. The people who created the genre are still contributing to the scene, getting widespread recognition without compromise. Skepta’s Konnichiwa landed at number two in the album charts, with Kano and Wiley getting top 10s, and Ghetto Gospel: The New Testament reaching top 30. three equally exceptional aliases. Ghetts took the time to lay it out for us with his 2013 single release Cypher by Ghetts ft.

Ghetto ft. J.Clarke, switching verse by verse between all three.

The video features the hoodied, gas-up Ghetto (2003-present), the more grown up Ghetts (2008-present) and the super slick, self-assured J.Clarke (2013-present) – the persona closest to the real life Justin Clarke. He can and does call upon any of these characters at will, with all three making an appearance in The New Testament.

there was too much great energy that was put into the grime scene just for it to end there Ghetts comes from a culture of crews, rolling with Nasty Crew, before starting The Movement with Devlin, Wretch 32 and others; which at the time came hand in hand with MC battles.

Fortunately, Ghetts’ ability to freestyle has never been called into question, building his reputation on clashing and holding several historic Fire in the Booths to his name. However, it seems this reputation as one of the best freestyle MCs is a byproduct of a man obsessed with lyricism.

‘Naturally, I’d say I’m not a battle MC. The time that I come from was a dangerous time to be on the radio, so you had to write lyrics just in case somebody would come in for you and embarrass you. Naturally, my thing is to treat music like a therapy session. I’d rather talk about what’s happening in my life or the world, or write something story-based than write for another MC.’ More than a decade since its release, Ghetts is honouring his original masterpiece by adding another chapter, The New Testament. Though Ghetts was already working on an untitled project, it was during the Ghetto Gospel 10 year anniversary tour that the album fell into place. Having not had the chance to tour the album originally, it was the first time he had seen his songs connect emotionally with a crowd.

In its subject matter as well as its quality, Ghetto Gospel

‘I always felt like grime would have a resurgence’ he says.

‘Knowing some of the individuals involved, I felt like there was too much great energy that was put into the grime scene just for it to end there.’

Four years since his last album tour, Ghetts is bringing Ghetto Gospel: The New Testament out on the road this month – and he’s more than ready.

‘You think I come to spit over a vocal version of the song and not give it my all, you garn mad’ he says. ‘Come and witness a level of versatility which will leave you speechless as we go through all emotions, pushing the buttons only real art can.’

Words: Rachel Morris Photography: misha meghna 5 February – Ghetts, Thekla ghetts.com @therealghetts

38 // THE INFLUENCERS

THE INFLUENCERS // BEHIND THE SCENES WITH

SWU.FM

You don’t have to live in Bristol to recognise its deep impact on underground music culture around the world. Nurturing industry game-changers like Roni Size, DJ Die, Pinch, Eats Everything, Kahn and Neek and countless others, it’s easy to see why people from afar view Bristol as a musical mecca. But with all that in mind, it’s hard to understand why there hasn’t been a Bristol-based FM station broadcasting our city’s local underground talent worldwide – until now.

In what has been a rollercoaster few of years, SWU.FM (South West Underground) have jumped through burning hoops to get where they are today. With the overwhelming support of the city, and now Ofcom, they will be taking over 103.7FM for good this May. The idea for SWU.FM was born in 2015, when Bristolbased producer Ollie 303 AKA Ollie Watton, his brother Will Watton and MC Koast decided to team up and do something about the gaping hole in Bristol’s FM market.

‘Bristol’s got such a high calibre of artists and a very healthy music scene’ Ollie tells us. ‘This city can easily sustain a station with interesting content that will capture listeners locally and worldwide.’

‘The initial idea for SWU.FM came about one night after reading a few articles on how other stations went from pirate to legal. I started emailing Ofcom asking them loads of questions and, armed with a

bit more info, I started planning the SWU.FM trial broadcast with Ofcom and Arts Council England. The idea was that if all went well, it could be flipped into a full-time thing. Thankfully it did.’

Bristol had been marked as a city with no free FM space for about 10 years Well is an understatement. Broadcasting 24-hours a day for 27 days, their trial broadcast on 87.7FM in 2016 saw almost 6.5 million website hits, with their Bandulu broadcast infamously crashing the site as listeners around the world tried to tune in.

The South West music community rallied in their masses, with the likes of Roni Size, Pinch, My Nu Leng, Stanton Warriors, Fred V and Grafix, NYTA, Joker, Dubkasm and many more contributing shows. On top of that, more than 60 DJs and MCs came together to play fee-free at a massive SWU.FM fundraiser at Motion.

Listener support matched up, with their public Does Bristol Need a New Radio Station? campaign achieving a resounding 10,008 YES votes to 32 (anonymous) NOs. But despite all this, bringing SWU to the airwaves hasn’t been easy for Ollie and the rest of the team.

better known as DJ and producer Woz. And finally, our assistant manager Thad Mathews from BBC Radio Bristol.

‘Koast, Will and Stuart from Give Up Art have been with me at the very beginning – a lot of clever people helped along the way to help turn SWU.FM into a reality.’

Bristol’s got such a high calibre of artists and a very healthy music scene

‘Bristol had been marked as a city with no free FM space for about 10 years. During this period no new radio stations had been able to apply for a licence.

We started a conversation with Ofcom on how an application could be achieved. This involved us meeting various targets like the trial broadcast, then providing evidence of demand for SWU as a full-time station and having the FM waveband re-evaluated before they would consider allowing a new application.

Finally, as we patiently wait for the highly anticipated launch on the horizon for May this year, Ollie reassures us that the SWU.FM crew already have a longterm plan up their sleeve, promising future listeners that the much-needed Bristol radio station is here to stay.

‘We were probably more shocked about being granted the licence than you think. Without going deep into the boring legalities of it all, radio licensing normally announces all successful applicants at once;

‘We have a five year plan in mind with the aim to refine and improve what we did on 87.7FM. We’re doing more video content. We’re also on DAB now, smart phone apps and have our own web player –

unbeknownst to us that year it would be split into staggered announcements. SWU.FM wasn’t included in the first published list, so we thought we’d totally f****d it and four years’ hard work had gone down the drain. We even began looking into alternatives like DAB or online-only radio, but we finally decided it was time to call it a day and accept defeat.

we’re basically broadcasting on all available outlets and will continue to embrace new platforms as the radio station grows.’

‘A couple of months later I was on the train to London and, to my shock, got an email from Ofcom saying we’d been awarded the full-time licence. I had to screenshot it and post it on the SWU WhatsApp group to check I’d read it correctly.

‘Our team has already grown since being awarded the licence and that’s really exciting. New additions include our business manager If Khan. He was the MetalHeadz label manager and has worked for Exit Records, Gutter Funk and done a bunch of other cool stuff. We also have our station manager Ash, who is

Announcements on SWU.FM’s radio schedule are set to follow this April (with some exciting rumours coming out of the mill), but in the meantime you can keep an eye on their website for news and updates.

Ollie is also encouraging anyone looking to get involved to hit the applications tab online to find out how to become part of the SWU.FM team.

Words: Abi Lewis Photos: Photography: Martin Thompson @thefacecollective www.swu.fm

THE INFLUENCERS // 39

51 stokes croft

42 // VENUES

51 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QP | @51StokesCroft | facebook.com/51stokescroft | 01179 148 048 | 51stokescroft.com

Located in the heart of Stokes Croft, No.51 offers cosy dining, late night dancing as well as community minded events like charity fundraisers and quiz nights. Here you can grab a tasty woodfired pizza, sip on a delicious cocktail, listen to great music and chill out with friends in their spacious garden.

ASIAN HAWK

DMC title holder and technical genius, Asian Hawk is one of the most unique turntablists on the DJ circuit today. Head down to No.51 to check out his captivating style and impeccable tune choice.

22 Feb // 10pm - 4am // £3/£4

GLADE MARIE

DJ Glade Marie will be heading to No.51 to deliver a soulful set as part of her monthly residency. Get yourself on to the dancefloor and appreciate the definition of good music.

23 Feb // 9pm – 1am // Free

02 academy

VENUES // 43

Frogmore Street, Bristol, BS1 5NA | @o2academybris | facebook.com/o2academybristol | 0905 5020 3999 | o2academybristol.co.uk

The O2 Academy is one of Bristol’s busiest music venues playing host to major touring acts as well as up and coming artists. They’ve established themselves as one of the best venues to catch your favourite bands in the Southwest, while also being home to some of Bristol’s most Notorious Weekly club nights.

WHITE DENIM

facebook.com/o2academybristol twitter.com/o2academybris instagram.com/o2academybris facebook.com/o2academybristol youtube.com/o2academytv

White Denim have that raw, energetic garage sound that ignite the urge to stomp your feet to every track. The Austin Texas based indie band will be heading to O2 Academy as part of their UK tour.

twitter.com/o2academybris instagram.com/o2academybris youtube.com/o2academytv

12 Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £19.50 - £22.45 Fri 1st Feb • 6.30pm

Thur 7th Mar

Mon 15th Apr • 6pm

Dodgy

U.F.O. “Last Orders” 50th Anniversary Tour

Papa Roach

Sun 3rd Feb

Yasiin Bey performs Mos Def - The Ecstatic Wed 6th Feb • 6.30pm

Fri 8th Mar • 6.30pm • SOLD OUT

Maribou State

Buckcherry & Hoobastank

Sun 10th Mar

Fri 8th Feb • 6.30pm

Mon 11th Mar

Stiff Little Fingers

Fun Lovin’ Criminals

Embrace

Sat 9th Feb

Wed 13th Mar • SOLD OUT

Gorgon City Live

Dodie

Sun 10th Feb

Sun 17th Mar

The Dead South

Deaf Havana

Tue 12th Feb

Wed 20th Mar

White Denim

The Wailers

Sun 17th Feb

Fri 22nd Mar • 6.30pm

Thur 18th Apr

Monster Truck Fri 19th Apr • 6pm

Love From Stourbridge 2019 ft. Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, Pop Will Eat Itself, Miles Hunt DJ Set (The Wonder Stuff) Sun 21st Apr

Suede Wed 24th Apr

Hollywood Undead Thur 25th Apr

Circa Waves

Blue October

The Herbaliser

Wed 20th Feb

Sat 23rd Mar

Sat 27th Apr

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

Gipsy Kings

by Andre Reyes

Sun 28th Apr • SOLD OUT

Thur 21st Feb

Tue 26th Mar

Tom Walker

Steve Aoki plus special guests Cheat Codes

NAO

Mon 6th May

Wed 27th Mar

Dermot Kennedy

Fri 22nd Feb • 5.30pm

Thur 28th Mar

Mayday Parade & The Wonder Years

Mon 1st Apr

Wed 27th Feb

P.O.D. & Alien Ant Farm

The Internet The Stranglers

Kid Ink

Fri 31st May • 6.30pm

Cash Sat 8th Jun

The Zutons

The Wedding Present...

Bizarro Tour

Sat 6th Apr

Thur 20th Jun

Sleaford Mods

Taking Back Sunday 20th Anniversary Tour

Thur 28th Feb

Mon 8th Apr

Ward Thomas

Sundara Karma

Fri 1st Mar • 6.30pm

Tue 9th Apr

The Game

James Blake

The Selecter 40th Anniversary Tour

Tue 5th Mar

Fri 12th Apr • 6.30pm

Fredo

Sleeper

Thu 28th Nov

Thur 24th Oct

Electric Six

O2 Academy Bristol ticketmaster.co.uk

Frogmore Street, Bristol BS1 5NA • Doors 7pm unless stated Venue box office opening hours: Mon - Sat 12pm - 4pm

ticketmaster.co.uk • seetickets.com • gigantic.com

o2academybristol.co.uk

Feb • 2019

MAYDAY PARADE + THE WONDER YEARS

Mayday Parade and The Wonder Years are teaming up to tour full of emo, pop-punk dreams. Having both released new albums in 2018, this’ll be fans’ chance to bring their sounds under one roof.

22 Feb // 5.30pm – Late // £22.85

the canteen

44 // VENUES

Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QY | @IntheCanteen | facebook.com/thecanteenbristol | 0117 923 2017 | canteenbristol.co.uk

The Canteen emerged out of the creative inspiration and collective efforts of a bunch of Stokes Croft and Bristol brilliants. With free live music every night, expect gentler tones from Sunday – Wednesday spanning folk, jazz and acapella ensembles, then Thursday – Saturday sees things ramp up from 10pm, when the tables are cleared for the unavoidable rip-roaring dancing times.

FOUFOULAH

Fofoulah are the masters at bringing together West African percussion, dub-style bass lines and Western electro-pop, topped with distinctively soulful Senegalese vocals. Come down to The Canteen for the perfect way to spend your evening.

7 Feb // 9pm – 1am // Free

Fri 1st Forest of Fools Fancy a night of turbo-charged folk that makes you want to jump up, with traditional melodeon and whistle matched with slap-back drumming and some proper grimy bass sounds courtesy of sub-sonic sousaphone and a didgeridoo like you never heard before? Course you do!

Fri 8th Route2Roots

A live hip-hop crew boasting four (count ‘em!) MCs, one DJ and a 5-strong hard-as-nails rhythm section has to be some kind of perfect Friday night party, no? Hailing from Southampton - the town that brought you Craig David, no less! - Route2Roots have supported their heroes Public Enemy and Wu Tang Clan as well as KRSONE, Pharaoh Monch and others but we’re giving them the stage all to themselves.

Thur 7TH Foufoulah

One of those delicious multicultural meltdowns from the UK world music scene, this lot have West African percussion, dub-style bass lines and Western electro-pop things all going on at once with those distinctively soulful Senegalese vocals topping off their party-starting sound very nicely indeed.

18th Canteen Apple Mon 10th of My Eye Latin Session

Sun

There’s a beguiling richness to the sound of this many-voiced, multi-instrumental acoustic outfit that makes a seductive setting for their razor-sharp songs. It’s original folk music in the tradition of protest, social document and stories of life in all its bittersweet glory.

Hola! And bienvenido to our monthly instrumental celebration of all things Latin and Jazz, with lashings of Cuban salsa courtesy of host trumpeter Michel Padron and his sizzling quartet that also includes montuno piano ace Jim Blomfield.

Sat 23RD Midnight Ritual

An immersive, tropical music night inspired by South American new cumbia parties, where global bass mixed with live visuals and futuristic tropical décor create a unique experience for lovers of Latin American, African or Caribbean bass music!

canteenbristol.co.uk * The Canteen, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QY

MIDNIGHT RITUAL

An immersive, tropical music night inspired by South American new cumbia parties, where global bass mixed with live visuals and futuristic tropical décor create a unique experience for lovers of Latin American, African or Caribbean bass music!

23 Feb // 9pm – 1am // Free

Colston hall Presents

VENUES // 45

Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR | @Colston_Hall | facebook.com/ColstonHall | 0117 203 4040 | colstonhall.org

While Colston Hall undergoes a major redevelopment, Colston Hall Presents sees Bristol’s largest concert venue taking flight – loudly and proudly presenting great live music at independent music venues across Bristol.

From the best emerging talent to international superstars, you can count on Colston Hall Presents to keep providing Bristol with eclectic and quality shows all year round.

KALEEM TAYLOR

Neo-soul singer and chart topper Kaleem Taylor is known for his powerful lyrics and effortless finesse in his EP ‘Version’. Get ready to witness his talent live at Hy-Brasil for a memorable intimate performance.

book

0117 203 4040 colstonhall.org

P

R

E

S

E

N

T

S

13 Feb // 8pm – 11pm // £8.72 // Hy-Brasil

Colston Hall loudly and proudly presents great shows in venues across the city Fri 1 Feb

The Howl & The Hum The Louisiana Tue 5 Feb

Fri 15 Feb

Dorian Concept (Brainfeeder) + Jameszoo Fiddlers

Chance McCoy + Eli West

LaLa LaLa (USA)

The Wardrobe Theatre

Hy-Brasil Music Club

Fri 15 Feb

Sun 3 Mar

Laura Gibson The Louisiana Sun 3 Mar

Night Flight The Crofter’s Rights Sat 9 Mar

Crooked Colours

Wed 6 Feb

Sun 17 Feb

Colston Hall Foyer

Masayoshi Fujita

Angelo De Augustine

Sat 9 Mar

Colston Hall Foyer

The Folk House

Ibibio Sound Machine

The Dead South

Wed 20 Feb

Trinity Centre

O2 Academy Bristol

Ohmme

Sun 10 Feb

Wed 13 Feb

The Louisiana

Sun 10 Mar

Colter Wall

Poppy Ackroyd

Sun 24 Feb

Exchange

Colston Hall Foyer

Kathryn Joseph

Thu 21 Mar

Wed 13 Feb

Colston Hall Foyer

Swindle Live

Cedric Burnside

Fri 1 Mar

Fiddlers

The Louisiana

Tank and the Bangas

Thu 4 Apr

Wed 13 Feb

Kaleem Taylor

SWX

Hy-Brasil Music Club

Sat 2 Mar

Nubiyan Twist Trinity Centre

Penelope Isles Rough Trade Bristol Fri 5 April

Musical Youth Colston Hall Foyer

OHMME

Improv rock duo Ohmme will be bringing their surreal art-rock noise to The Louisiana, as part of the Colston Hall Presents series, to exhibit their fuzzy guitar riffs and inquisitive lyrics.

20 Feb //8pm – 11pm // £7.63 // The Louisana

the crofters XX rights

46 // VENUES

117-119 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RW | @Crofters_Rights | Facebook.com/croftersrights | 0117 2310079 | croftersrights.co.uk

Situated in the heart of Stokes Croft, The Crofters Rights has an ever changing list of 17 keg and cask, draught beers and ciders. Ray’s Neapolitanstyle pizzas are served every day and the back room hosts everything from punk gigs to storytelling, comedy to experimental noise.

LEAH SENIOR

It’s been a long time coming but Leah Senior is finally hitting Europe for the first time to present her soulful sound. Prepare to witness a special kind of something on stage.

9 Feb // 8pm - 10:15pm // Free

MICHAEL CLARK + STANLAEY

Michael Clark will be heading to Crofters to celebrate the release of his debut EP, ‘Something To Be Won’ for his first Bristol performance.

He’ll be bringing his jazz-electronic infusion and a little something for everyone.

11 Feb // 7.30pm – 11pm // £3

exchange XX

VENUES // 47

72 - 73 Old Market, Bristol, BS2 0EJ | @exchangebristol | facebook.com/exchangebristol | 0117 930 4538 | exchangebristol.com

Exchange plays host to both gigs most nights of the week with Club Nights most weekends.

Having opened in September 2012, Exchange has already hosted performances from a varied array of internally revered artists including The 1975, Four Tet, (the) Melvins, Jungle, Diplo, Haim and Sick Of It All to name but a few.

CONTINUOUS MOVEMENT 2ND BIRTHDAY

The past couple of years have been momentous for Continuous Movement, so to celebrate their 2nd birthday, they will be pulling out all the stops with DJ San Proper, Kayne The Hermit and more.

16 Feb // 11pm – 6am // £10-£12

SUGAR HORSE

Sugar Horse have a new EP on the horizon and to mark the release of their latest project, the Bristol based rock band will be accompanied

by Frauds, Oh, The Guilt and more.

22 Feb // 7pm – 3am // £5

the fleece

48 // VENUES

12 St. Thomas Street, Bristol, BS1 6JJ | @FleeceBristol | facebook.com/fleecebristol | 0117 945 0996 | thefleece.co.uk

This legendary live music venue has previously hosted the likes of Oasis, The Strokes, Goldfrapp and Bloc Party. Live music 7 nights a week and massive club nights like Propaganda, The Fleece is a must for music lovers and students. The in-house promotions team are also responsible for promoting many gigs across the city in other venues, so follow them all on Twitter and Facebook to receive updates on their upcoming gigs.

MICAH P. HINSON

American singer and guitarist, Micah P. Hinson has a gift for writing heartfelt country. Joined by Musicians of the Apocalypse, Micah P. Hinson will be heading to The Fleece to perform material from his latest album.

7 Feb // 7pm – 10pm // £15

SHE DREW THE GUN

She Drew The Gun return to the live scene following the release of ‘Revolution Of Mind’. Head down to The Fleece to witness their empowering sound from guitarist, songwriter and front woman, Louisa Roach.

28 Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £8

THE FULL MOON / ATTIC BAR

VENUES // 49

1 North Street, Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3PR | Twitter - Coming soon | facebook.com/pages/The-Full-Moon-and-Attic-Bar | 01179 245 007 | fmbristol.co.uk

The Full Moon & Attic Bar, with its Moonshine bar and Shisha bar are all the on the same grounds.

This really is a hub for all nightime activities from events, parties, drink and food. To add to this there is also a backpackers hotel which adds an international vibe to a great night out. What more could you ask for?

KEL ASSOUF + AMADOU DIAGNE + AREA BOYS

VP PRODUCTIONS PRESENT

Kel Assouf will be coming to Attic Bar to perform brand new material from their latest album ‘Black Tenere’. The radical sound of African grooves and heavy blues from the trio will leave you wanting more.

15 Feb // 8.30pm – 2am // £4

2019

DESIGN: INKIE

CHRISSY CHRIS LP LAUNCH

Chrissy Chris is kicking off his year with the release of his album ‘War on Silence’. The drum and bass ambassador will be celebrating his release, with support from Danox & Haxby and Carasel MC.

Feb // 8.30pm – 2am // £4

the gallimaufry

50 // VENUES

26-28 The Promenade, Gloucester Road, BS7 8AL | @thegallibristol | facebook.com/TheGallimaufryBristol | 01179 42 7 319 | thegallimaufry.co.uk

An independent bar, restaurant and music venue on the Gloucester Rd. A relaxed coffee shop vibe in the day, ‘The Galli’ serves food and drinks all day with live music and DJs 7 nights a week (always free entry). Working with local suppliers, artists & artisans wherever possible. Check their website for up-to date info on menus and events.

SATTA LITES: BOCA 45 & BRISTOL BEER FACTORY

Ahead of his album release this April, Boca will be performing the first single from the LP, whilst dishing out a new signature beer he’s been developing with Bristol Beer Factory – nice.

February

Monday Tuesday

Open Mic

9 Feb // 7pm - 2am // Free

5th Lewis Creave n’s Dhar ma Blues 12th The Play 19th Seedling Sessi ons: Chaz Thorogood + Torsten Jensen 26th Captain Jama & The Mellotones ica

Hosted by Mike Dennis

k

aufry.co.u

Wednesday

thegallim

ift Waldo’s GJa onica zz, Groove & Electr Hip-hop, Math,

Monster 6th w/ Wandering ny Grennwood hn Jo s: 13th Rework ian Radiohead music the Paying tribute to poser and film score com

20th w/ Nihilism 27th Synesthesia

Friday

7th Neon and the De ons 14th Snazzback: Glo bal Groove Experiment: World Tou r 21st Snazzback: 6-p iece 28th Prudent Prima te

the Sun Children ofork s

Saturday

Hosted by Soulw

1st Manami ll 8th George Powe athway Ne & mi na Ma 15th Neathway 22nd Manami &

Sunday tom Ensemble 10th The Phan 17th More Soup ning selections span

Thursday

Satta Lites

Whitey’s on the

moon

Withdrawn, VM O$ + guests play beats, bum ps & bass 2nd Mont’s Mos aic (cfbg) 9th Boca45 (2a m licence) 16th Simiah (Ki ng Underground ) 23rd More Soup

yl Comforting vin ingredients with a range of s half a century to Jazz to Blue p Ho p Hi to from Soul

Back 24th Forth & rs & originals ve p-Hop jam, co Hi

WALDO’S GIFT TRIO

This month, the Waldo’s Gift trio have some great treats up their sleeve, including the reworks of Radiohead’s Johnny Greenwood material, plus what’s set to be an almighty collaboration with jazzrock outfit Wandering Monster.

Every Wednesday // 9pm - 11pm // Free

the golden lion

VENUES // 51

244 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8NZ | @goldenlionbriz | facebook.com/goldenlionbristol | 0117 924 6449 | goldenlionbristol.co.uk

The Golden Lion is a renowned Bristol Music venue offering live music on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday Afternoon. A surprise mix bag encompassing the whole music spectrum.

Keep up to date on their social media pages for full listings and details. Bar open ‘til 1am Friday and Saturday, and midnight Sunday to Thursday.

BON TEMPS PLAYBOYS

GOLDEN LION

10 Feb // 4pm – 7pm // Free

BUCKS QUIZZ - EVERY MON @ 8pm FREE PING PONG - EVERY TUESDAY OPEN MIC NIGHT - EVERY WEDS @ 8pm

Head on down for an afternoon treat at The Golden Lion this month, brought to you by Bon Temps Playboys. Get ready to dance away your Sunday afternoon with The Golden Lions favourite zydeco band.

FEBRUARY 2019

FRI 1st MAD KING LUDWIG Musician, Performer, Madman SAT 2nd FULL FORCE & POWER Jamaican SKA, Reggae & Dub SUN 3rd THE GOOD BOYS New Bristol Folk/Blues Outfit 4pm THU FRI SAT SUN

7th 8th 9th 10th

HOT JAZZ JAM Pre-Swing Era Jazz/Ragtime Jam PSYCHADELEPHANT Psychadelic Funk & Heavy Soul PHOENIX RIVER BAND Atlanticana - Roots/Soft Rock BON TEMPS PLAYBOYS Swampy Cajun Zydeco 4pm

THU 14th ENTER THE LION Showcasing New Music FRI 15th TRIBUTE TO BOB MARLEY & DENNIS BROWN SAT 16th SUN 17th

DAPPA DON & the PLAYAZ Pay Homage to Two Legends RUZZ GUITARS BLUES REVUE Quality Blues SOLID GONE / DAMON T / JAKE MORGAN 4pm IMAGINE THAT Present an evening of Blues, Folk, Roots

THU 21st FRI 22nd SAT 23rd SUN 24th

HIP HOP JAM NIGHT LIVE Hip Hop Jam. Get Involved!

MAXI RAI plus Guests Newborn Sessions 3 AMIGOS DJ’s Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae and more THE STRIKING CLOCK Sunday Afternoon Folk 4pm

THU 28th PIGSTY HILL BLUES CLUB

Open Blues Jam

NBP EVENTS PRESENT: MAXI RAI

New born Sessions is heading to The Golden Lion to showcase fresh, consciously minded talent from Bristol and beyond. This month, Maxi Rai will be taking centre stage to showcase soulful folk, with a modern-day Bristolian Twist.

22 Feb // 9pm – 12am // Free

Hy-Brasil XX

52 // VENUES

7-9 Baldwin St, Bristol BS1 1RU | @hybrasilmusicclub | facebook.com/HyBrasilMusicClub | 0117 930 4370 | hybrasilmusicclub.com

Named after a mythical island off the coast of Ireland, Hy-Brasil is a late night music venue located in the heart of Bristol. Join them for 2-4-1 burgers on Tuesdays, awesome drink deals and an array of live and electronic events throughout the week.

LALA LALA

Chicago-based Lala Lala will be delivering a whole load of lo-fi indie straight from the heart at Hy-Brasil. This set will play a mixture of old and new, including material from her new album ‘The Lamb’.

15 Feb // 7pm – 10pm // Free

FEBRUARY 2019 Fri 1 Audiophiles Sat 2 Charlie Winston Sun 3 Zero Mode Thurs 7 Party Hardly Fri 8 Bokito Sat 9 FRAU DJs Mon 11 Juanita Stein Weds 13 Kaleem Taylor Fri 15 Lala Lala Sat 16 Rob Heron Weds 20 Bedroom Thurs 21 Arts2Life Fri 22 Emily Capell Sat 23 Gang & Inevitable Daydream Thurs 28 Jack King, The Malarkey & Anna Collette Hy-Brasil is a phantom island said to lie in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland.

Irish myths described it as cloaked in mist except for one day every seven years, when it becomes visible but still cannot be reached.

WWW.HYBRASILMUSICCLUB.COM

EMILY CAPELL

If you love the sounds of Jordan Allen and Skinny Lister then Emily Capell is for you. The talented singer-songwriter projects a unique mix of indie-pop and blues in the most enchanting way.

22 Feb // 7.50pm – 10.30pm // £10

the lanes

VENUES // 53

22 Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE | @thelanesbristol | facebook.com/lanes.bristol | 01173 251 979 | thelanesbristol.co.uk

Rapidly establishing itself amongst the ranks of the city’s most respected music venues. As well as playing host to both international and local live music and clubnights, The Lanes also offers round the clock bowling, an Italian style pizzeria, karaoke, a vintage shop and even a bed for the night. All in a genuinely laid back atmosphere.

KAMCHATKA + THE GRAND MAL

Blues tinged ’70s styled, Swedish hard rockers Kamchatka return to The Lanes this month for a night of stoner, psychedelic rock. Support from the incredible Grand Mal – grand by name, grand by nature.

10 Feb // 8pm – 11.30pm // £8

GRINGO STAR

Gringo Star are insouciant explorers, out to the far edges of rock & roll. Shots pulsing from a vintage Leslie speaker, their echo-slathered psychedelic garage bangers give you all the western weirdness you desire.

13 Feb // 7.30pm – 10.30pm // £8

Marble Factory

54 // VENUES

74-78 Avon Street, Bristol | 0117 972 3111 | @MarbleFactoryUK | facebook.com/marblefactorybristol | marblefactorybristol.com

The team at Motion have delivered another cutting-edge live music venue for Bristol, with their recently refurbished, 1600-capacity little sister, Marble Factory. The new warehouse space offers an immersive, all-encompassing audiovisual experience and is set to make its In:Motion debut this year, hosting the likes of Flying Lotus, Enzo Siragusa and Patrick Topping.

THE HOT 8 BRASS BAND

Everybody’s favourite New Orleans’ brass-funk inspired Hot 8 Brass Band are returning to Bristol for another mesmeric show. Put on your dancing shoes and prepare to hear your favourite songs transformed into a brass band classic.

17 Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £20.70

THE BLAST: ANDY C + DARK NIGHTZ + MORE

The Blast are set to return to Motion this month, with an extra special set from the legendary Andy C. Spread across three rooms, this drum n bass takeover will knock your Champion socks off.

23 Feb // 10pm – 6am // £25

mr wolfs XX

VENUES // 55

32 St Nicholas Street, Bristol, BS1 1TG | @MrWolfsBristol | facebook.com/MrWolfs | 0117 923 2565 | mrwolfs.com

If your looking for a live music and a late night party then look no further than Mr Wolf’s.

Open 7 day’s a week It’s the place you’ll get the opportunity to see up and coming bands, to bust some moves on the dance floor, watch talented artists paint live, hear some quality musicians come together and jam your heart out.

NEW LUNA + AND ALICE + SUNGLO + DJ NINO

Mr Wolf’s presents an eclectic jam-packed line up filled with everything you crave for on a Friday night. New Luna will be heading down to showcase their dream-pop, post-indie style. Plus, and Alice, Sunglo and more.

22 Feb // 9pm – 4am // Free

SKATA TONES + BAREFOOT BANDIT + ROCKIT SCIENCE The unstoppable explosive sound of Skata Tones will have you skanking to every beat. Plus, The Barefoot Bandits will be bringing their reggae and dub infused sound, wiith DJ Rockit Science on the decks ‘til late.

9 Feb // 9pm – 4am // £3-£4

the Old Market Assembly

56 // VENUES

25 West Street, Old Market Bristol | @oldmarketassembly | facebook.com/oldmarketassembly | 0117 373 8199 | oldmarketassembly.co.uk

The Old Market Assembly is a completely independent restaurant and arts venue situated in the heart of one of Bristol’s most up-andcoming nightlife hubs. Hosting everything from local bands to wild parties with touring artists.

The Old Market Assembly perfectly combines locally sourced affordable food and hospitality with a wide array of live music and club nights.

AFRIK BAWANTU

Afrik Bawantu is an orchestra producing African rhythm-driven, dance-inducing fusion with traditional roots, formed by Ghanaian vocalist and djembe drummer Afla Sackey. Get your dancing shoes on and get moving.

15 Feb // 10pm – 1am // £4.50

Fri 1st

Sounds of Harlowe

A grunge-soul collective with a wide range of influences who blend elements of soul, hip-hop, metal and jazz to create their own signature brand of music.

,

Afrik Bawantu is an orchestra producing African rhythmdriven, dance-inducing fusion with traditional roots, formed by Ghanaian vocalist and djembe drummer Afla Sackey.

Fri 22nd

Kasai Masai

Sat 2nd

Disgraceful Behaviour

DisGraceful Behaviour is back! Serving only the finest in Queer, Weird, Wild, and Wired Cabaret. This rock-em-shock-em thrill ride is specifically designed to showcase the best and brightest interdisciplinary denizens of the contemporary drag, burlesque and cabaret scenes.

, No Stop Go

Fri 15th

Afrik Bawantu

Based in London, and led by Voodoo King, Nickens Nkoso, Kasai Masai mix the traditional sound of the equatorial African village with a distinctive urban edge. The band’s fast-paced style of soukous and rumba meld with Congolese folkloric traditions to create an infectious form of dance music.

, Punka Presents: Sat 23rd

Tokyo Taboo, Cosmic Ninja and Dis Charge

Fri 8th

The mighty 12-piece No Go Stop are much more than a tribute to past glories, they are a living, breathing evocation of the life-force that is Afrobeat. Boasting an impressive repertoire of self-penned, new material, they have recently released their debut record “Agbara Orin”.

We are so excited to be able to host Tokyo Taboo on their U.K tour! They have built up quite a reputation for their crazy outfits, insane live performances and addictive tunes. Dolly Daggerz is possibly one of the most captivating lead singers you will see!

The Old Market Assembly, 25 West Street, Old Market, BS2 0DF bookings@oldmarketassembly.co.uk ; 0117 373 8199

KASAI MASAI

London based Kasai Masai bring a traditional sound of the equatorial African village, with a distinctive urban edge. Get ready for some fastpaced rumba and Congolese folkloric traditions to take over the Old Market Assembly stage.

22 Feb // 10pm – 1am // £5

the stag and hounds

VENUES // 57

74 Old Market Street, Bristol, BS2 0EJ | @stagbristol | facebook.com/theStagandHoundsBristol | 0117 922 6439 | eventbars.com

One of the city’s most legendary live music venues, Stag and Hounds pride themselves on their eclectic, experimental but accessible music programme, inclusive atmosphere, great drinks at decent prices and general fun vibes. A pub and music venue all rolled up in one big kooky haunted house shaped package.

THE WAR GOES ON + SKAM + NO PULSE

Start your week off proper with a selection of sounds at the Stag.

Copenhagen based punk heads The War Goes On will take centre stage with their melancholy bangers. Plus, 80’s Italian punk inspired, Skam.

11 Feb // 7.30pm – 11pm // Free

HONEY JOY + BAT BOY

Stag & Hounds are great at handpicking the best DIY sounds to come out of Bristol and beyond. This month, grab your ticket to see South London indie punx Honey Joy, plus Asian Man Records signed Bat Boy.

19 Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £5

SWX XX

58 // VENUES

15 Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2JY | @swxbristol | facebook.com/swxbristol | 0117 945 0325 | swxbristol.com

SWX is a live music venue and event space in Bristol city centre. Equipped with a state of the art sound & lighting system, they host some of the biggest gigs the city has to offer. It’s also home to two of Bristols most loved club nights; Far Fetched every Friday and CODEC every Saturday night. Head to SWXBristol.com for their latest listings.

GORGON CITY

This month, Codec presents the phenomenal house duo Gorgon City with very special guests, as part of their Escape Tour. Bringing bass heavy house and addictive vocals, Gorgon City will keep you dancing all night long.

9 Feb // 10.30pm – 4am // £8

HIPPO CAMPUS CONCERT

To celebrate the release of their second album ‘BAMBI’, indie rock band Hippo Campus will be performing at SWX as part of their UK tour. Prepare to hear new bangers amongst your favourites from their debut ‘Landmarks’.

23 Feb // 6.30pm – 10pm // £16.50

to the moon

VENUES // 59

27-29 Midland Road, Old Market, St Philips, Bristol BS2 0JT | @tothemoonbris | facebook.com/pg/tothemoonbristol | 07845 700194 | tothemoon.cc

A superb little venue off the beaten track of Old Market’s main streets, To The Moon is a bar-come boutique and vintage shop, serving up awesome cocktails, local beers and Pieminister pies, with a great spirit collection – particularly when it comes to rum, with over 20 top-notch rums to try. To The Moon also puts on a growing range of club nights and gigs and is currently on the lookout for more DJs and promoters to get involved.

UNDER THE LIGHTS

Put on your dancing shoes and join DJs Josh Albiston & Bob YT for a vinyl only session of Boogie, Modern Funk and Disco at To The Moon this month.

8 Feb // 8pm – 12am // Free

DON’T TEST - CARNIVAL BRISTOL

Don’t Test and Take Your Time will be hitting To The Moon this month to deliver the 2nd instalment of Carnival Bristol. Bringing a unique mix of fresh rhythms and the sounds of the summer.

15 Feb // 8pm – 12am // Free

thekla XX

60 // VENUES

The Grove, Bristol, BS1 4RB | @theklabristol | facebook.com/theklabristol | 0117 929 3301 | theklabristol.co.uk

Located on board a converted German cargo ship, Thekla is an award-winning live music and club space. From live toe-tapping Americana to banging house and techno, the crew have all musical tastes covered. Playing host to weekly club nights as well as major national and international touring live acts, Thekla is one of Bristol’s best loved venues.

GHETTS

Ghetts is by far one of the biggest names to come out of the grime movement and a force to be reckoned with. Check out his quick-fire verses and biting style at Thekla this month.

THEKLA

LIVE LISTINGS

5 Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £14

The Grove East Mud Dock Bristol BS1 4RB theklabristol.co.uk | thekla.club F L theklabristol | I X theklabris alttickets.com • gigantic.com • bristolticketshop.co.uk

SUNDAY 17TH FEBRUARY

FRIDAY 1ST FEBRUARY

BILL RYDER-JONES

GANSTAGRASS SOLD OUT

MONDAY 18TH FEBRUARY

SATURDAY 2ND FEBRUARY

DECAPITATED

TEN TONNES

WEDNESDAY 20TH FEBRUARY

MONDAY 4TH FEBRUARY

PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS

CAPTAIN SKA TUESDAY 5TH FEBRUARY

GHETTS

THURSDAY 21ST FEBRUARY

KRIS BARRAS BAND

WEDNESDAY 6TH FEBRUARY

THIS WILDLIFE & WILLIAM RYAN KEY

TUESDAY 26TH FEBRUARY

GUS DAPPERTON

+ JIM LOCKEY

WEDNESDAY 27TH FEBRUARY

RUTS DC

THURSDAY 7TH FEBRUARY

BROKEN BRASS ENSEMBLE SOLD OUT

THURSDAY 28TH FEBRUARY

JUNIUS MEYVANT

FRIDAY 8TH FEBRUARY

FRIDAY 1ST MARCH

KERO KERO BONITO

SAN HOLO

SATURDAY 9TH FEBRUARY

MONDAY 4TH MARCH

WHISKEY SHIVERS

BAS

SUNDAY 10TH FEBRUARY

TUESDAY 5TH MARCH

THE MURLOCS

SEAFRET

MONDAY 11TH FEBRUARY

WEDNESDAY 6TH MARCH

DE STAAT

SAINT RAYMOND

TUESDAY 12TH FEBRUARY

THURSDAY 7TH MARCH

LOUIS THE CHILD

THE COMET IS COMING

WEDNESDAY 13TH FEBRUARY

FRIDAY 8TH MARCH

KOVIC SOLD OUT

CATS IN SPACE

FRIDAY 15TH FEBRUARY

JIMOTHY LACOSTE

SATURDAY 9TH MARCH

WILLE & THE BANDITS

SATURDAY 16TH FEBRUARY

BEANS ON TOAST

SUNDAY 10TH MARCH

DEEP BLUE SOMETHING

BEANS ON TOAST

Beans on Toast has come a long way since the days of ‘MDMAmazing’, but he still holds true to his insightful verses. Catch him at Thekla as part of his biggest tour to date.

16 Feb // 6.30pm – 10pm // £15.00

trinity

VENUES // 61

The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW | @trinitybristol | facebook.com/trinitybristol | 0117 935 1200 | 3ca.org.uk

Penetrating Old Market’s skyline and ear drums, Trinity is home of the sound system in Bristol, with their monthly Teachings in Dub nights and regular showings from some of the world’s best underground artists. The Grade II listed converted church also make very good use of their natural acoustics with live performances from a mixture of huge and upcoming names.

SLUM VILLAGE + ABSTRACT ORCHESTRA

This is a collaboration not to be missed. Detroit hip hop legends Slum Village and UK’s renowned hip hop powerhouse Abstract Orchestra have come together to deliver your favourite Slum Village tracks live.

7 Feb // 7pm – 10.30pm // £18

SYMMETRY RECORDINGS

Symmetry Recordings will be showcasing some of the finest drum n bass talent at a Trinity takeover this month. Prepare for label founder Break to deliver an electrifying set, along with Spectrasoul, Emperor and more.

15 Feb // 10pm-4am // £14-£18

HOSPITAL RECORDS PRESENTS…

BRISTOL 09.03.2019 MAIN ROOM: HOSPITALITY CAMO & KROOKED (DJ SET) S.P.Y PRESENTS DUBPLATE STYLE DANNY BYRD LONDON ELEKTRICITY FRED V // UNGLUED // HUGH HARDIE HOSTED BY

DYNAMITE MC // CARASEL // DEGS // DAXTA ROOM TWO: KINGS OF THE ROLLERS PRESENT ROYAL RUMBLE KINGS OF THE ROLLERS (2 HOUR SET) DILLINJA B2B BRYAN GEE B2B JUMPIN JACK FROST NU:TONE B2B LOGISTICS B2B MAKOTO LIMITED B2B BOU B2B STOMPZ HOSTED BY

INJA // SP:MC // IC3 // TEXAS ROOM THREE: MED SCHOOL ETHERWOOD (2 HOUR SET) KEENO // WHINEY LAKEWAY // SWEETPEA // CONSTRICT HOSTED BY

RUTHLESS // TEMPZA // REMIDY

22:00-06:00 @ MOTION, 74-78 AVON STREET, BS2 0PX

TICKETS: HOSPITALITYDNB.COM // MOTIONBRISTOL.COM