Nitelife August 2019 by NITELIFE

COVER SHOT: DOMINIKA SCHEIBINGER

DOCUMENTING BRISTOLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NIGHTLIFE CULTURE SINCE 2007

L AUGUST - 2019

SUMMER PARTY / RECORDS / LIVE MUSIC / DJs

45 Live Presents The Second Instalment of

THE BRISTOL VINYL CONVENTION DAY TIME (FROM MIDDAY)

FAMILY FRIENDLY SESSION BBQ / LOCAL CIDERS & ALES / RECORD FAIR / DJs

RECORD FAIR SELLERS HBS MusicArchaeology / DJ Para (Breakin’ Bread) Rob Life (Breakin’ Bread) &more TBC

HIGHLIGHTS

BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH 22-25

COMPETITION

3 hours studio time 28

PROFILES

oh, the guilt 29 Kasra 29

PREVIEW

Skunk Anansie 30-31

LOCAL TALENT MUTTLEY 32-35

INFLUENCERS

August

thorny 36-37

FEATURED VENUES

51 Stokes Croft 38 O2 Academy 39 Bambalan 40 the Canteen 41 colston hall Presents 42

Crofters Rights 43 Exchange 44 The Fleece 45 The Full Moon 46 GALLIMAUFRY 47

the lanes 48 Mr Wolfs 49 swx 50 THekla 51

Photography: Dominika Scheibinger / Martin Thompson / Ania Shrimpton / Khali Photography / Mark Bub Watts / Paul Lippiatt / Connor Baker / Rigo Luchi / 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 Features Abi Lewis, Charise Clarke, Georgie Partington | Head of Photography Dominika Scheibinger | Print Stephens & George | Distribution Javier Fox

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r e m m u S s n o i s s e S

T S U G U A H T 5 2 Y A SUND 3 P M T O L AT E £ 1 2 . 5 0 E A R L Y BIISRSDI O N £ 1 5 G E N E R A L AADBML E V I P AV A I L C O N TA C T B A M B A L A N

bambalan.co.uk @bam_ba_lan

bambalanbristol

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

@bambalanbristol

TERRACE SESSIONS FRIDAYS AT COLSTON HALL IN AUGUST

FRI 2 AUG, 6PM

FALLING UP PRESENTS

DANNY BUSHES + JAY L & ANDY MAC FREE FRI 9 AUG, 5PM

RUN

BRYAN GEE // D*MINDS // CRITICAL IMPACT // DJ DAZEE // TS2W // JAKES // SPECIAL GUESTS £5 INCL. BF FRI 16 AUG, 6PM

TROPICAL TEA PARTY

DJ HIPHOPPAPOTAMUS & THEODORE BURN (ON LIVE PERCUSSION) // JAMBADA VS RU ROBINSON // WAGGLES VS JUBBA FREE FRI 30 AUG, 6PM

A GUY CALLED GERALD (3HR SET) 30 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE TOUR £5 INCL. BF COLSTONHALL.ORG

Colston Hall Terrace Sessions_2MW.indd 1

18/07/2019 14:42

-Unisex Barbers-

shotgunbarbers.co.uk

(We charge by length of hair not gender!)

22 // HIGHLIGHTS

AUGUST

3. BIRDMAN CULT + HEAVY SUGAR + BULLYBONES

6. AMYTHYST KIAH

Words: Abi Lewis

4. H.R (BAD BRAINS) + SLAGERIJ + PIZZATRAMP + MIGRAINES

7. POP CONFESSIONAL PILGRIMAGE

HIGHLIGHTS 1. DOLCE VITA LAUNCH NIGHT: A SWEET FIRST TASTE This month, we welcome a brand-new LGBTQ+ event to Bristol to deliver the finest disco and house sounds accompanied by cocktails, in a safe and classy space that promotes ‘equality, quality and respect’. Lineup includes Butch Queen (Bitch,Please!), Catchi (Minotaur Sound) and Chaks (Global Village). 2 Aug // 11pm – 4am // £6 // Opa Bar

2. STAY PUT PRESENTS: GLOBAL ROOTS (WORLDWIDE FM)

DJ extraordinaire, Worldwide FM and Boiler Room co-founder, Thris Tian is bringing his new brainchild to Bristol for an evening of worldwide sounds. Featuring the Stay Put residents, Sydney, Sam Bhok and Help Wanted. 9 Aug // 11pm – 3am // £5 // The Crofters Rights

We love a freebie and we know you do too. Head on down to The Lanes on the 9th to celebrate the release of the debut single ‘Snakes’ from the Bristol 5-piece, Birdman Cult. Featuring support from Brighton’s Heavy Sugar and punk outfit Bullybones. 9 Aug // 7pm – 10.30pm // Free // The Lanes

Death or Glory promotions present an evening of pure fire with Bad Brains frontman H.R. Expect raw energy from the iconic punk singer and now reggae infused Human Rights lead vocalist in this breath-taking special show. Plus, support from Slagerij, Pizzatramp and Migraines. 10 Aug // 7pm – 10.30pm // £15 // The Fleece

5. MOMMA’S GROOVE DAY & NIGHT PARTY

Raise your hands if you love house music! No.51 welcome back Momma’s Groove residents this month for an all day and all night, house music spectacular. Bringing disco, afro, soul and deep house, these DJ’s will give you the best journey through the history of dance music. 10 Aug // 4pm – 3am // Free before 9pm // No.51

Not only will Amythyst’s voice give you goose bumps, but her provocative and fierce delivery in her live shows will leave you speechless and wishing for more. Bringing banjo infused alternative rock, folk, country and blues. 10 Aug // 7.30pm – 11pm // £13 // Rough Trade

Pop Confessional Pilgrimage are back for another instalment of pure pop classics. Come and confess your pop music addiction sins, in a room filled with like-minded Beliebers. Indulge in music from the likes of 5ive, Craig David, Taylor Swift and of course Justin Bieber. 10 Aug // 9.30pm – 2am // £2 // Thekla Faraway

8. LEE FIELDS AND THE EXPRESSIONS

Lee Fields distinguishable voice has been spreading joy in the funk music scene for the past 50 years. Backed by the incomparable soulsound of The Expressions, this is a rare Bristol appearance by a true legend. 14 Aug // 8pm – 11pm // £21.80 // Fiddlers

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9. A-LEVEL RESULTS: STEEL BANGLEZ + SPECIAL GUESTS

13. MODULE 8 OPENING PARTY

10. LA CHINOISE

14. EPI-FIED

Whether you aced your exams with flying colours or can spell FUDGE with your grades, head on down to SWX for the A-Level results party, with headliner Steel Banglez, plus all the best grime, rnb and hip hop plus a very special guest. 15 Aug // 10.30pm – 4am // £7 // SWX

Hailing all the way from Paris, La Chinoise bring a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to their live show. Head on down to The Lanes on the 16th to experience their fresh, psychedelic, indie surf sound. 16 Aug // 7pm – 10pm // Free // The Lanes

11. MANKALA

If you’re on the hunt for a tropical party then Mankala are the answer. Their Soukous and Afrobeat inspired rhythms and light-hearted brass riffs will definitely put a spring in your step and glue you to the dancefloor. 17 Aug // 9.30pm – 12.30am // Free // The Canteen

12. SEQUENCES 2019

Sequences returns for its third annual Motion takeover, and we cannot wait to get stuck in with this one. Lineup includes, DJ EZ, Mefjus, DJ Hazard, P Money, Deep Medi and loads more. Get ready to witness some of your favourite underground bass artists all under one roof. 17 Aug // 12pm – 11pm // £37.38 // Motion

Introducing a new perspective to mind-bending raves in Bristol, we’re excited to check out Module 8’s first event at The Loco Club this month. Bringing a range of forward-thinking dance music from South Devon’s Kahter, plus Mish and residents Laundry Boy, Neel D and Pluralist, this is an intriguing opening party not to be missed. 17 Aug // 10pm – 3am // £3-£7 // Loco Klub

The Epi-Fied collective will be taking over To The Moon this month, with soulful drum and bass from DJ Alexander, Rob Vanden, Jaskin & Uneven. Grab yourself a tasty cocktail and hit the dancefloor. 17 Aug // 8pm – 12am // Free // To The Moon

15. HUEY MORGAN’S NYC BLOCK PARTY

Let the impeccable DJ, Huey Morgan transport you to an NYC block party in the peak of summer, right in the heart of Bristol. Bambalan’s sun trap terrace is the place to be this time of year, so grab your ticket to be part of the celebration. 18 Aug // 3pm – 10pm // £10 - £12.50 // Bambalan

16. APPLE BROS – BURGER AND CIDER FESTIVAL

Grab your stretchy eating trousers and your drinking buddy because the Apple Bros Burger and Cider Festival is back. Partnering up with their friendly neighbours at The Apple, Three Bros will be cracking out the BBQ, plus performances from local bands and DJs. Free entry with optional donation towards Bristol Drugs Project. 22 Aug // 12pm – 11pm // Free // Three Brothers Burgers and The Apple

17. PATENT PENDING

Patent Pending are a renowned bunch of peculiar performers who deliver infectious high energy and hilarious charisma in their shows. Playing music from their large back catalogue, including tracks from their outstanding 2017 release, Other People’s Greatest Hits, their show at The Fleece this month is one not to miss. 22 Aug // 7.30pm – 11pm // £15 - £35 // The Fleece

18. MUGSTAR

Pagan Love Vibrations and Fat Paul Presents are bringing psychrock group Mugstar to the Exchange for an evening of raw, chaotic beauty. Performing music from their albums Collapsar and Cagnetic Seasons, these internationally renowned cult heroes will be sure to take you on a journey at their show this month. 22 Aug // 7.30pm – 11pm // £8 // Exchange

24 // HIGHLIGHTS

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HIGHLIGHTS 19. JAKABOL

Bristol based, instrumental 4-piece band Jakabol take different worlds of genres and bring them together to create a pretty special kind of sound. Have you ever witnessed an orchestral harp perform alongside a funky drum beat and folk inspired violin? neither have we, until now. 22 Aug // 9pm – 4am // £3 // Mr Wolf’s

20. CHRISSEY HUNTLEY + THE MAY KINGS

Fresh from the fields, Chrissie Huntley wraps up her festival season by returning to her hometown for an emotive show, with support from a 7-piece backing band. Chrissie Huntley’s charm in her soul-pop inspired style, radiates self-love and strength that will put a huge smile on your face. 23 Aug // 9pm – 4am // £3-£4 // Mr Wolf’s

21. INTRIGUE X RAZE THE ROOF GARDEN PARTY

24. SPECIALIST SUBJECT RECORDS ALLDAYER

22. MADLIB + KAMAAL WILLIAMS + THE HELIOCENTRICS + CARISTA

25. CAPTAIN JAMAICA & THE MELLOTONES

In the height of summer, Intrigue and Raze The Roof will be taking over the Stokes Croft Beer Garden for an afternoon of pure drum and bass and quality vibes. Plus, a BBQ including vegan options to keep everyone’s belly happy. Lineup includes Pola & Bryson, Ben Soundscape, Mosaic and more. 24 Aug // 2pm – 9pm // £8-£12 // Stokes Croft Beer Garden

Now this is one we have all been waiting for. It’s not often the legendary hip hop genius Madlib comes to the UK to deliver one of his masterful DJ sets, so his upcoming set at The Marble Factory along with Kamaal Williams and The Heliocentrics will definitely be a night to remember. 24 Aug // 10pm – 3am // £22 // The Marble Factory

23. SUN-DAY & NIGHT PARTY

Whip out your sunglasses and put on your dancing shoes for the Sun-Day & Night Party. Enjoy the last of the summer vibes this bank holiday weekend, with some feel good disco during the day, and continue the party into the early hours with a great selection of DJs. 25 Aug // 3pm – 3am // Free before 9pm // No.51

To celebrate two years since the opening of the Specialist Subject Records shop above Exchange, the SS Records crew will be throwing a punk and indie-rock alldayer, with a vegan BBQ and karaoke afterparty to finish off the night. Lineup includes Onsind, Woahnows, Witching Waves, Toodles and the Hectic Pity and more. 25 Aug // 2pm – 2am // £15 // Exchange

Captain Jamaica & The Mellotones capture the rocksteady sound and portray it in a tempting way that will draw you to the dancefloor. Head down to The Gallimaufry this month to dance to an arrangement of classics and originals from the Bristol heavyweights. 27 Aug // 9pm - 11pm // Free entry // The Gallimaufry

26. INTOKU

We were lucky enough to catch electronic three piece Intoku at Inglefest earlier this year and they blew us away. After four and a half years in the making, they are finally bringing their soulful, melancholy sounds to Bristol’s intimate Crofters venue and we cannot wait. Think Portishead, Flume and Kudu Blue, but with an extra special twist. 28 Aug // 7pm – 11pm // £27.50 // SWX

HIGHLIGHTS // 25

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27. VANDELAY RADIO

To The Moon is the place to be in the summer evenings, with their great selection of cocktails and music from local DJs. This month, Vandelay Radio will be taking over the decks to present a night of chilled, downtempo vibes. 30 Aug // 8pm – 12am // Free // To The Moon

28. TERRACE SESSION #4: A GUY CALLED GERALD

To finish off Colston Hall’s summer terrace sessions, A Guy Called Gerald will be taking over the decks for a three-hour set to deliver the best of acid house, jungle, drum and bass and everything in between. Come and celebrate the end of your summer in style. 30 Aug // 6pm – 11pm // £5 // A Guy Called Gerald

29. LAURA JANE GRACE AND THE DEVOURING MOTHERS

Laura Jane Grace and The Devouring Mothers stunned the world with their latest album Bought to Rot back in 2018. This month, they are heading to Bristol as part of their huge co-headline UK tour with Frank Lero And The Future. 30 Aug // 6.30pm – 11pm // £23.25 // O2 Academy

30. THE DOWNS FESTIVAL

You’ve been living under a rock the past few months if you haven’t seen the lineup for this year’s festival at The Downs. On the 31st August, get ready for a five star lineup, featuring the legendary Ms. Lauryn Hill, the phenomenal Grace Jones, Bristol’s homegrown Idles and more. 31 Aug // 1pm – 11pm // £55 // The Downs

31. BRISTOL PUNX PICNIC 2019

As part of the Bristol Punx Picnic taking place across the weekend, Exchange will be hosting an all day event featuring some of the biggest names, both veterans and contemporary sounds, from the likes of FUK, Disorder, Anthrax, Pizzatramp, Menstrual Cramps and more. 31 Aug // 4pm – 3am // £8.50 - £10 // Exchange

32. MADNESS ON THE DOWNS

To finish off your last weekend of August summer, get ready for the ska infused ‘Baggy Trousers’ performers Madness to take over The Downs. Plus, a jam-packed lineup featuring the iconic reggae enthusiast DJ David Rodigan, plus The Outlook Orchestra and Trojan Records Soundsystem. 1 Sep // 1pm – 10pm // £29.50 - £49.50 // The Downs

33. LONDON COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR

Now this is a special kind of evening that deserves your full attention. Referenced as ‘the nations favourite choir’, London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) will be performing their soulful sound in a way that will give you goose bumps for weeks. 1 Sep // 8pm – 1am // £38.32 - £49.10 // The Den Dockside

34. ROOTS DEN

If you haven’t checked out Bristol’s brand-new music venue, then now is your chance. Head on down to The Den every Thursday for an pure reggae vibes from live band sets. Thurs // 8pm – Late // Free // The Den Dockside

35. RAMSHACKLE A LEVEL RESULTS PARTY: FT DEVILMAN

Bristol’s most prestigious student club night is celebrating students getting their A-Level results this month with an epic party, featuring Devilman. Get ready for great music, great vibes and some amazing drinks deals. 15 Aug // 10pm – 3am // £5 // O2 Academy

36. KAOTIK KARTEL

Get ready for a whole load of madness from local DJs, producers and vocalists on one stage. The Kaotik Kartel collective will be bringing their dancehall, hip hop and jungle flare to Attic Bar this month. 30 Aug // 8.30pm – 2am // £4 // Attic Bar

THE BEST IN JAZZ, ELECTRONICA, HIP-HOP AND BEYOND.

04.08.19 24.08.19

BLACKALICIOUS MADLIB KAMAAL WILLIAMS THE HELIOCENTRICS CARISTA

01.10.19

MIX MASTER MIKE

03.10.19

THEON CROSS

29.10.19

12.11.19

ABSTRACT ORCHESTRA PLAYS MF DOOM JAMILA WOODS

TRINITY MARBLE FACTORY

TRINNITY EXCHANGE TRINITY

EXCHANGE

THU.22.AUG.19

TUE.08.OCT.19

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WED.09.OCT.19 SUN.01.SEP.19

WED.06.NOV.19

THU.10.OCT.19 TUE.24.SEP.19

THU.26.SEP.19

SUN.10.NOV.19

FRI.11.OCT.19

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WED.13.NOV.19

FRI.15.NOV.19

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SUN.29.SEP.19 FRI.15.NOV.19 WED.16.OCT.19

TUE.01.OCT.19 MON.21.OCT.19 THU.14.NOV.19

FRI.04.OCT.19

MON.21.OCT.19 SUN.17.NOV.19

28 // COMPETITION

competition

WIN 3 HOURS STUDIO TIME WITH

LONDON CAMERA EXCHANGE competition

Over the last 12 years we have captured more than 20 live gigs and clubnights a month and are proud to work with some of Bristol’s most talented photographers. To celebrate this, we’ve teamed up with London Camera Exchange to offer a three hour session of studio time in their newly refurbished Bristol studio, worth £150. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer looking save money on a new project, or new to game and wanting to build your portfolio, the lovely professionals at London Camera Exchange will provide you with all the support you need.

They’ll be on hand to provide support and advice on lighting setups and how to achieve the best results in the studio. They’re even happy to offer a one-hour portrait editing workshop (if required), that will allow the winner the opportunity to review their images from the session, as well as providing advice on workflow and editing the images in order to maximise their potential. For a chance to win, head to nitelifeonline.com/win/ londoncameraexchange.

PROFILES // 29

profile - HOMEGROWN

profile - incoming

Oh, The Guilt

Kasra

Three-piece, post-punk band Oh, The Guilt deliver explosive live shows and dramatic songwriting. The band have made a name for themselves on the live circuit and have obtained a loyal following locally, with their sound that combines cold atmospherics, rousing crescendos and a hell of a lot of volume. Having met on the local live circuit playing in different bands, including Forgery Lit; Chris Nicholls, Ami Amp and Hannah Layhe formed Oh, The Guilt at the end of 2014. Though they take their name from a Nirvana song, their sound is far from nostalgic. Drawing on the likes of Joy Division, A Place To Bury Strangers, Bauhaus and Slint, the band respect their lineage yet transcend their influences to create an original and distinctive sound. Ahead of their show at The Lanes this month, where they’re supporting US power pop duo North by North; Oh, The Guilt’s Chris answer some questions –

Critical Music boss Kara is globally acknowledged as a pioneer of underground drum and bass. He established the forward-looking label in 2002, and covers all aspects of cutting-edge drum and bass, from putting out Sam Binga and Rider Shafique’s dancehall-flavoured Champion EP, to launching the career of Mefjus; whose forward thinking jungle with allusions to hip hop and neurofunk had made him one of the scene’s brightest stars. Karsa has an ear for which sounds will drive the underground drum and bass scene forward, and makes it his mission to give them a platform. He was honoured with a two-hour BBC Radio One Essential Mix last month, spanning the music that first drew him to drum and bass, Critical classics and some forthcoming unreleased tunes. This month, he returns to Sequences Festival at Motion for a Critical Music stage takeover, bringing Mefjus with him, along with Halogenix and Levela.

Upcoming shows: 23 August – The Lanes

Upcoming shows: 17 August – Sequences Festival, Motion

Band

Producer

THOSE QUESTIONS... 1. What have you learned today? That if I stay out till 3am two nights in a row, I’ll still be feeling it two days later. And that my chosen family are beautiful, resilient people. 2. Which song by another artist most inspires you? March Of The Pigs by Nine Inch Nails. It’s the first song I can remember where every aspect of it - the inspired mix of electronic and organic elements, the artwork and the video spoke to me all together. I come back to it very often. 3.Who are your top three acts right now? Cultdreams, ITHACA and Elizabeth Colour Wheel. 4. It’s 3am and the party is winding down, what track do you play to get everyone going again? Will Smith - Wild Wild West. 5. If you couldn’t work in music, what would you be doing instead? Photographer / artist.

6. What was the last book you read? Queer. A Graphic History by Meg-John Barker and Julia Scheele. It’s helping me learn and understand and find my footing so much since coming out. But I think it’s an important read for everybody. 7. Most recent binge watch? This Country 8. Do you have a party trick? I can burp the alphabet? 9. Tell us something people don’t generally know about you... I care. A Lot. About everything. I think I gained a reputation somewhere in my teens for being very laid back, but it simply isn’t true. And I cry really, really easily. 10. What are you doing tomorrow? Trying to teach a toddler to be kind and gentle and not to eat mud, like I do every day.

soundcloud.com/oh-the-guilt // @OhTheGuiltMusic

THOSE QUESTIONS... 1. What have you learned today? It’s 7am and so far today I’ve learnt that coffee makes everything a bit easier. 2. Which song by another artist most inspires you? That’s a potentially very long list. At the moment it’s Near DT, MI by Black Midi.

6. What was the last book you read? For The Good Times by David Keenan. 7. Most recent binge watch? The Chef Show on Netflix. 8. Do you have a party trick? I wish.

3. Who are your top three acts right now? All the guys on Critical – that’s more than three, sorry!

9. Tell us something people don’t generally know about you... I collect obscure noise records from the 90s.

4. It’s 3am and the party is winding down, what track do you play to get everyone going again? Enei – Widowed.

10. What are you doing tomorrow? I wish it was more exciting, but I have a day of meetings.

5. If you couldn’t work in music, what would you be doing instead? I’d like to think I would be working with food.

criticalmusic.com // @kasracritical

30 // PREVIEW

PREVIEW

SKUNK ANANSIE

Figureheads of the mid-nineties Britrock movement, Skunk Anansie have remained one of the most important British rock bands of the modern age, counting five studio albums since their 1995 debut Paranoid & Sunburnt, spanning generations of fans. Making waves in the music scene since they formed in 1994, Skunk Anansie are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year with the release of 25Live@25 – a collection of 25 tracks from their whole catalogue, recorded live across their 2017 tour, as well as embarking on an extensive European and UK tour. Known for powerful live performances, the album gives an impression of their formidable stage presence, however, there’s nothing like the real thing, Skunk Anansie drummer Mark Richardson explains: ‘When you look at a painting, you get an immediate emotional reaction to what’s in front of you, whereas with our records, that’s only part of the picture. When you’ve got Skin screaming down your throat as well as the music, it’s a very different beast to just listening to a record. We pride ourselves on the sound and the visual aspect of our shows.’

the overriding feeling was that we belong together ‘I first saw the band supporting Therapy? in ’94, just before I joined, and I remember how it felt when Skin runs on stage and grabs the mic – it’s something I’ve never forgotten.’ One of the things that makes Skunk Anansie’s music stand out

is their unique juxtaposition between rage and vulnerability, with a heavy sound and a softer, more melodic rhythm. Skin embodies this beautifully in the way that her singing spans from screaming to hushed tones. ‘It’s completely at odds with itself, isn’t it?’ Mark agrees. ‘I don’t know many other bands that do that. Most bands write a good ballad and stick with it, and then you’ve got bands that only write heavy songs. We seem to be good at both and our fans seem to love it. Maybe we could have been a bigger band if we did things differently, but for us it’s about having some integrity and being true to ourselves.’ They’ve also stood out thanks to their melting pot of musical influences, from punk, dub and reggae to electronica. ‘It’s not something we’re afraid of as a rock band. I think we’ve always been influenced by electronic music. If you listen to Stoosh and Post Orgasmic Chill, there’s electronic interludes, which Cass did. And throughout the albums since 2010 there’s a lot of electronic loops that we make ourselves. It’s a melting pot of personalities and tastes and that’s what comes out in our music.’ 25 years on and Skunk Anansie are still easily selling out shows, including the Bristol leg of their tour at O2 Academy this month, though things have changed a lot since Skunk Anansie began touring in the 90s. ‘We used to do eight or nine months of the year and now we probably do three to four months every couple of years. That’s partly because we’re old and partly because of how the industry has changed. There are so many more acts out on tour and we refuse to do any less of a show than we have to. ‘And the medical bills get higher each time’ Mark laughs, ‘with physio, massages and stuff like that. I had surgery on both

hands earlier this year. We can’t just chuck ourselves around like we did when we were 20. Well, we do – that’s why the medical bills are higher! ‘We still have a laugh and it’s just fantastic that I can be doing this 25 years later with the same band members.’ Skunk Anansie split between 2001-2009, during which time Mark became the drummer for Feeder after the death of their original drummer Jon Lee, while other band members involved themselves in other projects. However, Mark says it felt as though a reunion was always on the cards for Skunk Anansie. ‘I think we just became better at doing different things. I got into the whole film and editing thing and started a little production company. And I toured with Feeder and did some other bits and pieces musically. We came back together and the overriding feeling was that we belong together. ‘When the four of us are onstage, it’s better than when we’re onstage with anyone else. We always felt like there was more music to come.’ Skunk Anansie made headlines recently for another reason, after Stormzy Tweeted that he was the first black British artist to headline Glastonbury, quickly apologising on being corrected that Skin was the first in 1999 with Skunk Anansie. This paints a bleak picture for the rate of progress in the music industry towards cultural diversity, with a full 20 years between the Glastonbury performances. Skunk Anansie have always stood for underrepresented and marginalised members of society, not only by achieving chart success as black, queer women-fronted rock band, but also in their message. They’re bringing queer punk duo Queen Zee on tour with them this August – ‘a really important statement

PREVIEW // 31

for us’ says Mark – and they’ve never been afraid of upsetting the status quo. ‘It seems that there are still not many people like Skin who will get up on stage and say when you encounter sexism, racism, homophobia, transgenderism; you have to stamp it out, you have to say no. She says that every day. ‘Bono is one, Michael Stipe is one, and a few others, but generally I think people are too afraid to say the wrong thing. They’re too afraid to stand up for what they believe in. It’s easier to just say what’s expected and not push boundaries and be likeable, rather than keeping your message true to yourself.

often asked, can music change the world? The answer is yes. I think you can make a lot of small changes over a long period of time, and that adds up to a huge change and a huge influence over time.’ Skunk Anansie have also always been a voice for outsiders and rebels, and haven’t shied away from political comment with tracks like Yes it’s Fucking Political, Little Baby Swastikkka and We Love Your Apathy. ‘The current political climate is a mess, isn’t it? The old school Etonite network have no idea what it’s like to live in a council flat in Sheffield, living with no money with three kids and you’re struggling; you’re willing to get a job, but you just can’t find one.

It’s not just music, sometimes, it’s a lifeline

‘Whether you’re a fan of Brexit or not, let’s get somebody in power that people respect, someone who has a way of talking to people without lies and denial. What is good about the current state of affairs is that it’s giving other parties a bit more power. At the end of the day, though, you’re always left with red or blue. And the choices we’ve got are not that many.

‘We will always stand up for and encourage people to come forward and be open and true to themselves. We get a lot of people at our shows who really appreciate that. We’ve had messages from fans saying, “I was about to kill myself and then I found your music”. It’s not just music, sometimes, it’s a lifeline.

‘Let’s vote somebody in that is all for recycling and getting rid of plastic. Business is business, it will never change. It will always be about money or profit. But let’s have somebody in power that will make these massive corporations change the way they do business in terms of it being healthier for the planet.’

‘We’re not a band that likes to preach but we do have very strong social commentary. To pre-empt a question that we’re

Aside from the continued social and political unrest that Skunk Anansie’s music aptly soundtracks, Mark believes that

part of why Skunk Anansie have remained relevant across generations comes back to their live performances. ‘There seems to be a distinct lack of performers and I wonder why you would want to be up there if you didn’t want to perform. For me, it’s always been about theatre and I think we provide a spectacle. Skin’s such a great performer and such an icon that she never gets boring.’ In terms of what kind of spectacle we can expect on their upcoming tour, Mark says: ‘We’ve got this amazing backdrop that changes colour and we’ve got some lights, but we kind of went back to basics for this tour. The screens were getting bigger and bigger, I was doing all the content for them and I absolutely loved it, but we wanted the focus to be on us. With gigs of 3,500 people, you can still see us – you don’t need the screens. But don’t think that it’s going to be boring... All I’m going to say is gold lamé, you can do with that what you will.’ Although Mark wasn’t Skunk Anansie’s original drummer, with Robbie France recording the percussion on Paranoid & Sunburnt, he’s been very much a part of the whole journey. Mark met the brand new band in 1995, while they were on the hunt to replace Robbie, making a bold introduction – ‘I was in two other bands and I went to see Skunk Anansie play. I was a bit pissed and I went up to Skin and I said “your drummer is shit, you need me in your band”. They said their drummer was only temporary, why didn’t I come and give it a go? I got a phone call from the manager and I went for an audition, and two weeks after seeing them I was in the band. ‘It was amazing. We had a summer of being first on at festivals and I remember everybody running to the stage, because they wanted to come see these crazy gigs. Now nearly 25 years later we’re still doing those same festivals. I mean, what a life! You have to be grateful for this. So many people are miserable in this business, I feel like slapping them and saying well go be a bricklayer then, go work in a supermarket, or be an accountant. Don’t do this job and not be grateful for it. It’s too precious. It’s too wonderful to have this life. ‘We’re bringing joy to a lot of people who want to go out on the weekends to be entertained and get away from the drudgery of their normal life. And that’s what our job is – our job is to get up there and make people happy.’

can music change the world? The answer is yes With 25 years already under their belt, fans will be pleased to hear that Skunk Anansie aren’t going anywhere for a while. ‘We went writing for two weeks before we came out on tour. Hopefully we’re going to record more lives songs from this tour and then a new album for next spring. Then we’ll be probably going on tour the summer after that, so maybe by 2021 we’ll be back on the festival circuit. There’s lots of things to do, lots of music to write and play, and lots of fun to be had.’

Words: Charise Clarke 19 August – Skunk Anansie, O2 Academy Bristol skunkanansie.com @officialskunkanansie

32 // PREVIEW

BIMM BRISTOL PRESENTS LOCAL TALENT

MUTTLEY

SPONSORED BY

PREVIEW // 33 ‘Young producers, keep hold of your first tunes!’ says Bristol producer Muttley aka Alex Hughes. His first solo vinyl release, Architect comes out on Von D’s Dubs Galore next month, though it’s actually the first track he ever uploaded to SoundCloud nearly 10 years ago. Muttley’s second solo release to be laid to wax will follow shortly afterwards on Southpoint, as part of an EP with contributions from Opus, 9TRANE and more. Showcasing the murkier side of Muttley’s production, the track, Sudoko, is a mellow, suspenseful grime banger.

mate in college. We had him down to play a charity thing me and my now-wife did when we were 18. It’s just great to be able to be in touch with the guy. Youngsta has been giving me a lot of time and advice, as well as supporting my tunes and inviting me on Rinse FM. Ishan Sound has also been a massive help and a big supporter.’

‘There’s a core group at Hold Tight, then there’s a few of us who release with them and DJ with them often. So I’m part of the family, let’s say. I was a big fan of theirs, I didn’t know any of them beforehand, but from being at their nights and chatting to them – it just made sense.’

While, arguably, most Bristol 140 producers draw reference points from Bristol’s heritage of reggae and dub music, it is one of the biggest audible influencers in Muttley’s music, with other nods being given to R&B rhythms, grime and trap.

While Hold Tight tends to pay homage to the original sounds of roots reggae, Muttley draws from a more recent pool, working backwards from the likes of Skream, Coki and Kromestar who took influence from London steppas and digi dub.

Diligently behind the dials from the age of 15, it finally feels like Muttley’s time to blow – though it’s less a case of finding his groove and more about getting the recognition he was always owed.

Muttley began his music journey playing guitar as a young teenager, which is what he says led him to reggae and dub, with electronic music following naturally after that; graduating from delay pedals to production software.

‘Hold Tight don’t necessarily venture towards the heavier side of dubstep too much and I don’t necessarily play the rootsy, older side of dub and reggae – even though it’s something I listen to and own a lot of. I’ll generally turn up and blend

Muttley was propelled onto the underground stage when Pinch put out his Ishan Sound collaboration Still Smoking on Tectonic last year. However, industry support has been swelling for a long time, with props from industry titans including RSD, Youngsta, Mala, Kahn and Neek, Bukez Finezt, Foamplate and plenty more.

‘We were trying to guess our way through software, without really having much access to anything. But that’s kind of what dub and dubstep is – chucking stuff through effects and seeing what happens.’

‘RSD was the first guy to play my music, really, that wasn’t my

This heavy nod to dub and reggae has earned him a place in the Hold Tight Records family, who have gladly made room for his 140-orientated sounds within their palette.

We were trying to guess our way through software

34 // PREVIEW

PREVIEW // 35 ‘Throughout the month there are probably 10 or 15 things that are kind of worth working on, then I whittle it down and whittle it down. I feel like I can’t sleep sometimes unless I get a couple of tunes out.’

I listen to loads of R&B and soul Although Muttley has a lot lined up in the coming months, including another release with Transient Audio before 2019 is out, this is down to industry timing, rather than feeling a need to keep putting out tunes. ‘After the Tectonic release, I felt a bit more pressure on myself to be aiming for those dream labels. Up until that point, I was trying to release every couple of months. ‘So hopefully there are more things coming that I can’t really talk about at the moment, but I think I oversaturated a bit before. Within a 12 month period, there were too many tunes – I don’t want to do that again. It was a lot of four-track EPs as well, which was a lot of work.

Dubstep is a single-led culture ‘It’s slowing down to two or three releases a year, which I think is better. People always told me that’s better way of doing it. I just want to do A sides and B sides, or maybe just an A side and a remix. Dubstep is a single-led culture. I like the fact that someone goes out and spends ten quid on a piece of vinyl – it’s a lot of commitment.’ As well as hinting at those dream label releases, Muttley confirms releases with Eat My Beat and Hold Tight for 2019; plus more collaborations with Ishan Sound hopefully coming soon as well.

Words: Rachel Morris Photos: Dominika Scheibinger soundcloud.com/muttleyuk @alexmuttley

some 140 and play some trap or something, which is a bit of a counter to what they’re doing.’ It’s definitely a happy musical meeting, with one Hold Tight release under his belt and more to come next year, he tells us. However, Muttley has many different sides and another big influence comes from soul and R&B, an interest he explores in his releases with Eat My Beat and even more so on unreleased tracks like About You.

That’s what I’m aiming to produce – that question mark stuff ‘I listen to loads of R&B and soul, stuff that maybe isn’t necessarily what people would assume. It’s something I listen to a lot, in terms of a playlist on your phone for travelling or whatever. Stuff with vocals, stuff with guitars and keys and horns. Some of the stuff I did on Eat My Beat has that kind of flavour and things I will do with them in future is going to have that kind of flavour.’ The one abridging feature across Muttley’s music is his kinship to the 140 tempo. Over the past few years, artists like Commodo, Eva 808 and Bristol’s Bengal Sound have blurred the line between grime and dubstep so much that they’ve effectively created a genre of its own. ‘That’s what I’m aiming to produce a lot of the time – that question mark stuff. There’s a lot of creative freedom within it, you can be dubby, you can be heavier, you can be more on the deep meditative side of things. There’s a lot you can do within 140 and that’s what makes it so interesting.’ Though Muttley has released a fair amount over the years, behind the scenes, he is far more prolific than you could imagine – to the point of becoming a running joke among friends. ‘I’ve definitely slowed down recently, but there is a joke amongst my mates within the scene about how much music I make. Sometimes it can be four ideas in a night that are a couple of minutes long.

36 // THE INFLUENCERS

THE INFLUENCERS // BEHIND THE SCENES WITH

THORNY

You never quite know when a Thorny night will crop up and take your breath away. The Thorny collective keep their followers on their toes in anticipation for their next event. Nitelife caught up with Thorny artistic director Jo Bligh to learn about the growth of Bristol’s favourite queer, creative nightlife space and what LGBTQ+ allies can do to show their support. Thorny started out as an understated local event back in 2015 at Mothers’ Ruin and has blossomed into a beautiful night that celebrates queer performers and musicians, whilst aiming to provide a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.

reports of hate crimes against transgender people have trebled a trans woman, so I experience this. That’s why it’s such a big importance for people to not only feel welcome, but for us

Jo went on to commend Trinity for responding quickly and directly, who issued their own public apology and refunded the venue hire fee in full.

‘Over time, we started putting on more events and our appetite for it really grew. I think when we first started, we really filled a gap in the city for queer people to come together and experience a safe space. I think there is still a massive need for that, especially as a large number of LGBTQ+ venues are being closed down by the council due to flat developments, so we’ve had to become more creative about the spaces we choose to run these events.

Trinity have since reported that a member of staff involved is undergoing disciplinary procedures and has been removed with immediate effect from any future events. They have also met with their security company and the security guards involved have been dismissed, with work being done alongside Bristol Night Watch and Night Time Industries Association to permanently revoke their badges.

‘We’re still a DIY project at heart, even though we’ve been going for a few years now. It’s built organically from a small community and whilst there is a much bigger attendance at our events now, it still feels intimate.’

The returned venue hire fee will be used to refund tickets for anyone who had a negative experience, Jo says, with any remaining funds being put towards affecting positive change. Ideas including setting up a public forum or workshop to discuss concerns in the area of safeguarding community spaces, though Thorny are open to suggestions and have asked their online community for their ideas on the best way to use any surplus funds.

The core Thorny family, comprising of Danny Prosser, Jo Kimber and Alice Quigley all share different creative qualities and roles within queer culture that help feed into the growth and delivery of the Thorny ethos. ‘We have all grown with our projects and a lot has changed, but it is definitely very much a family. There is a core group of people who have been involved since the very beginning and there is a loyal contingent – people who just keep coming back for more. We wouldn’t be who we are without them.’

In order to work towards a world where everyone feel safe and welcome, it’s important that those outside LGBTQ+ communities engage in the conversation as well and educate themselves about the discrimination that individuals are facing day to day. Jo explains what she feels allies of the LGBTQ+ community can do:

One of the key beliefs Thorny hold close to their hearts is the importance of promoting an inclusive safe space at their events for all attendees, especially while, in the UK, hate crime is worryingly on the rise.

‘I think now, where we are politically in the UK, the stats are all out there. Hate crime is on the rise against LGBT people. I am

Our first few events were so special that we knew we had to continue what we were doing

All incidents are being taken seriously and in a public statement after the event, Jo commented: ‘We want to thank the members of the community who have come forward to share these traumatic experiences. It’s not easy to do this emotional labour, but I’m certain that your bravery will affect a lot of necessary change. ‘I can’t believe that it was the people who were responsible for implementing the zero tolerance policy we briefed them on who ended up violating it so badly throughout the night.’

‘It was a very, tiny, small beginning with a very hopeful future’ Jo explains. ‘It was about having a collection of outsiders come together and find their home. Our first few events were so special that we knew we had to continue what we were doing.

According to Home Office figures, a recent analysis by The Guardian found that reports of anti-gay and lesbian hate crimes have more than doubled in five years, and reports of hate crimes against transgender people have trebled. According to a report by Stonewall (2017), more than a third of LGBT people say they don’t feel comfortable walking down the street while holding their partner’s hand.

mistreated and misgendered; and one attendee reports experiencing sexual harassment on the night, which was compounded by security guards failing to deal with their request for protection.

‘Listening to LGBT people and believing what they say and believing their experiences. There is a lot of fear about asking questions in case of causing offence, but if you ask a question, a person can always say if they don’t feel comfortable. But it is important for people outside the community to engage and try to help.’

to be safeguarding spaces. This has become more important than anything for me right now.’ Despite all the positive work that Thorny and other LGBTQ+ positive organisations are doing to create safe spaces, it’s an uphill struggle and it’s clear there is still much to be done. Sadly, this was highlighted in the experiences of a few at Thorny’s Summer Party at Trinity last month. While the majority of attendees were able to enjoy the positive and inclusive atmosphere that Thorny strives to deliver, some individuals reported a negative experience, including being

There’s no doubt that we’ll be hearing more from Thorny soon as they continue to take positive steps forward, including their first venture out of Bristol this month at Supernormal Festival in Oxfordshire, where they will be running a space across the weekend. ‘It will be a step into the unknown’ Jo says, ‘but we are very excited to get out there and share the love.’

Words: Abi Lewis Photos: @thefotomatic wearethorny.com @wearethorny

THE INFLUENCERS // 37

51 stokes croft

38 // 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.

MOMMA’S GROOVE DAY & NIGHT PARTY

No.51 welcome back Momma’s Groove residents this month for an all day and all night, house music spectacular. Bringing disco, afro, soul and deep house, as well as a journey through the history of dance music.

10 Aug // 4pm – 3am // Free before 9pm

SUN-DAY & NIGHT PARTY

Enjoy the last of the summer vibes this bank holiday weekend, with some feel good disco during the day, continuing the party into the early hours with a great selection of DJs.

25 Aug // 3pm – 3am // Free before 9pm

02 academy

VENUES // 39

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.

LAURA JANE GRACE AND THE DEVOURING MOTHERS Laura Jane Grace and The Devouring Mothers stunned the world with their album Bought to Rot back in 2018. This month, they are heading to Bristol as part of their huge co-headline UK tour with Frank Lero And The Future.

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

30 Aug // 6.30pm – 11pm // £23.25 Mon 19th Aug • SOLD OUT

Mon 21st Oct

Fri 22nd Nov • 6.30pm

Fri 30th Aug • 6.30pm

Tue 22nd Oct

Sat 23rd Nov

Skunk Anansie

Laura Jane Grace and The Devouring Mothers & Frank Iero and The Future Violents

Hot Chip

Heels Of Hell Thur 24th Oct

Guns 2 Roses

The Selecter

Sun 8th Sep • 6pm

Fri 25th Oct • 6.30pm

Fri 13th Sep • 6.30pm

Pearl Jam UK Sat 14th Sep

Femi Kuti Wed 25th Sep

Fetty Wap Sat 28th Sep • 5.30pm

Volbeat Tue 1st Oct

New Hope Club Wed 2nd Oct

Richard Hawley Fri 4th Oct • 6.30pm

WAR

Sun 6th Oct

Hootie and The Blowfish Thur 10th Oct

Black Star Riders Fri 11th Oct • 6.30pm

The Rasmus Sat 12th Oct • 10pm

Garage Nation Mon 14th Oct

The Divine Comedy Tue 15th Oct

Killswitch Engage Thur 17th Oct • SOLD OUT

Slowthai

Fri 18th Oct • 6pm

Roachford Sun 20th Oct

Kate Tempest

Happy Mondays Greatest Hits Tour

Wed 23rd Oct

Fri 6th Sep • 6.30pm

Jason & The Scorchers / Dan Baird & Homemade Sin / The Kentucky Headhunters

The Macc Lads

Gary Numan

Tue 26th Nov • SOLD OUT

Lewis Capaldi Thur 28th Nov

Electric Six

Charles Esten

Sat 30th Nov

Bjorn Again

Sun 27th Oct

MoStack

Tue 3rd Dec

Mon 28th Oct • SOLD OUT

The Cult - A Sonic Temple Tue 29th Oct • 6.30pm

Refused + Thrice

Sigrid

Wed 4th Dec

Sam Fender Sat 7th Dec

Aldous Harding

Fri 1st Nov • 6.30pm

The Smyths

Mon 9th Dec • 6pm

Dan Reed Network / Gun / FM

Sun 3rd Nov

Opeth

Mon 4th Nov

Tue 10th Dec

AURORA

Scouting for Girls

Wed 6th Nov

Thur 12th Dec • 6pm

Kodaline

The Wonder Stuff

Thur 7th Nov

Fri 13th Dec

Rival Sons

The Chats

Fri 8th Nov

Snarky Puppy Sat 9th Nov

Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana Mon 11th Nov

Periphery

Sat 14th Dec

Motionless in White Sun 15th Dec

SLADE

Mon 16th Dec • SOLD OUT

The Libertines

Wed 13th Nov

Ezra Furman

Wed 18th Dec

Shed Seven

Thur 14th Nov

Metronomy

Fri 20th Dec • 6.30pm

Sat 16th Nov • 10pm

Festival Of The Dead

Alabama 3 ...A Celebration of Coldharbour Lane

Sun 17th Nov

Mon 27th Jan 2020

The Amazons

Caravan Palace

Mon 18th Nov

Tue 4th Feb 2020

Mahalia

The Interrupters

Tue 19th Nov • SOLD OUT

Mon 24th Feb 2020

Wed 20th Nov

Sat 14th Mar 2020

Yungblud

The Steve Hillage Band

Beartooth

The Dualers

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

August • 2019

RAMSHACKLE A LEVEL RESULTS PARTY: FT DEVILMAN Bristol’s most prestigious student club night is celebrating students getting their A-Level results this month with an epic party, featuring Devilman. Get ready for great music, great vibes and some amazing drinks deals.

15 Aug // 10pm – 3am // £5

Bambalan

40 // VENUES

Arguably the best roof terrace in Bristol, Bambalan boasts amazing views over the city centre as well as great food, drinks and regular sets every weekend from some of Bristol’s best DJs playing funk, soul, house and disco.

HUEY MORGAN’S NYC BLOCK PARTY

18 Aug // 3pm – 10pm // £10 - £12.50

N OPE R Y

G ISTO O O L F D O AW O AR D DS

E E V D AY

01 TM 8 ED IT E WIN RR N E ANEAN R

BES

EAT, DRINK & DANCE

Catch Bristol’s best DJs on Bambalan’s roof terrace every Friday and Saturday

bambalan.co.uk

bambalanbristol @bambalanbristol WANT TO JUST PARTY?

@bam_ba_lan

BAMBALAN SUMMER SESSIONS: DJ SPOONY

Take it back to the old school this August bank holiday weekend, with the father of garage, DJ Spoony. Indulge yourself in Bambalan’s great drinks selection, and get a healthy dose of garage, house and soul.

25 Aug // 3pm – 10pm // £10 - £12.50

the canteen XX

VENUES // 41

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.

LITTLE THIEF

Power trio, Little Thief know how to make the room shake with their slamming percussion and rock beats. Check out the roaring style from the guitar, drums and vocal combo at The Canteen this month.

16 Aug // 9.30pm – 12.30am // Free

THU 1

THU 15

OBT

Ibou Tall

SAT 3

Binbag Wisdom SUN 4

The Diamond Family Archive

FRI 16

Little Thief SAT 17

Mankala TUE 20

MON 5

Leo James

WED 7

Old School Funky Family (Afro-Funk)

Canteen Jazz Session Sefrial THU 8

The Underscore Orkestra UK

THU 22

FRI 23

The Hucklebuck SAT 24

SAT 10

The Cabarats

SUN 11

Slim’s Blues and Roots Session

Gnawa Blues All Stars Desperate Measures

MON 26

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

MANKALA

If you’re on the hunt for a tropical party then Mankala are the answer. Their Soukous and Afrobeat rhythms and light-hearted brass riffs will put a spring in your step and glue you to the dancefloor.

17 Aug // 9.30pm – 12.30am // Free

Colston hall XX Presents

42 // VENUES

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.

LEE FIELDS AND THE EXPRESSIONS

Lee Fields distinguishable voice has been spreading joy in the funk music scene for the past 50 years. Celebrate the singer’s range of style with the exceptional soul band The Expressions, at Fiddlers this month.

book

0117 203 4040 colstonhall.org

14 Aug // 8pm – 11pm // £21.80 // Fiddlers

Colston Hall loudly and proudly presents great shows in venues across Bristol Fri 2 Aug

Sat 28 Sep

Sun 20 Oct

Terrace Sessions: Falling Up Presents

Murray A. Lightburn (of The Dears)

Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay

Colston Hall Terrace

Colston Hall Foyer

Bristol Folk House

Fri 9 Aug

Tue 1 Oct

Tue 22 Oct

Terrace Sessions: RUN

Manu Delago Ensemble

Colston Hall Foyer

Colston Hall Terrace

Fiddlers

Wed 14 Aug

Wed 2 Oct

Lee Fields and the Expressions

Jesca Hoop

Alasdair Roberts & Friends

Fiddlers

Colston Hall Foyer

Fiddlers

Lambert Wed 23 Oct

Thu 3 Oct

Sat 26 Oct

Fri 16 Aug

The Album Leaf

Birds of Chicago

Terrace Sessions: Tropical Tea Party

St George’s Bristol

Bristol Folk House

Fri 4 Oct

Sun 27 Oct

John Smith

Thu 29 Aug

David Allred (Erased Tapes)

Steve Gunn

Colston Hall Foyer

Colston Hall Terrace

Exchange

Bristol Folk House Sat 2 Nov

Tue 8 Oct

Charlie Cunningham

Fri 30 Aug

Creep Show

Redgrave Theatre

Terrace Sessions: A Guy Called Gerald

Trinity Centre

Colston Hall Terrace Fri 6 Sep

Tue 5 Nov

Fri 18 Oct

Deerhunter

Rising Up: Peterloo

SWX

Bristol Folk House

John Paul White

Fri 8 Nov

Sinkane

Bristol Folk House

Trinity Centre

A GUY CALLED GERALD

To finish off Colston Hall’s summer terrace sessions, A Guy Called Gerald will be taking over the decks for a three-hour set, bringing the best acid house, jungle, drum and bass plus everything in between.

30 Aug // 6pm – 11pm // £5

the crofters rights

VENUES // 43

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.

CAGEWORK + JUNODEF

Invisible Llama are bringing a juicy lineup to Crofters this month to keep our indie appetites quenched. Lo-fi indie three-piece Cagework will be performing music from their self-titled debut, with support from Junodef.

6 Aug // 7pm – 10pm // £5

STAY PUT PRESENTS: GLOBAL ROOTS (WORLDWIDE FM) DJ extraordinaire, Worldwide FM and Boiler Room co-founder, Thris Tian is bringing his new ‘brainchild’ to Bristol for an evening of worldwide sounds. Featuring Stay Put residents, Sydney, Sam Bhok and Help Wanted.

9 Aug // 11pm – 3am // £5

exchange

44 // VENUES

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

Exchange plays host to gigs most nights of the week, with club nights at the weekend. 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.

MUGSTAR

Psych-rock group Mugstar are heading to the Exchange for an evening of raw, chaotic beauty. Performing music from their albums Collapsar and Cagnetic Seasons, these internationally renowned cult heroes will be sure to take you on a mindful journey at their show this month.

22 Aug // 7.30pm – 11pm // £8

BRISTOL PUNX PICNIC 2019

As part of the Bristol Punx Picnic, Exchange will be hosting an allday event featuring some of the biggest names, both veterans and contemporary sounds, from the likes of FUK, Disorder, Anthrax, and Menstrual Cramps.

31 Aug // 4pm – 3am // £8.50 - £10

the fleece XX

VENUES // 45

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. With live music, massive club nights like Propaganda, and a range of tribute acts, The Fleece is a must for music lovers and students.

H.R (BAD BRAINS) + SLAGERIJ + PIZZATRAMP + MIGRAINES Death or Glory promotions present an evening of pure fire with Bad Brains frontman H.R. Expect raw energy from the iconic punk singer and now reggae infused Human Rights lead vocalist in this breathtaking show.

10 Aug // 7pm – 10.30pm // £15

PATENT PENDING

Patent Pending are renowned performers who deliver infectious high energy and hilarious charisma. Playing music from their large back catalogue, their show at The Fleece this month is one not to miss.

22 Aug // 7.30pm – 11pm // £15 - £35

THE FULL MOON XX / ATTIC BAR

46 // VENUES

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 is a hub for all nightime activities. From events, parties, drinks and food, as well as an international backpackers hotel, this place offers great Bristol vibes and a wicked nght out. What more could you ask for?

KAOTIK KARTEL

VP PRODUCTIONS PRESENT

30 Aug // 8.30pm – 2am // £4

2019

DESIGN: INKIE

RESIDENT DJS

Let The Full Moon resident DJs give you the perfect soundtrack to your night, with an eclectic mix of genres. Spinning decks every Friday and Saturday night this month, except the 30th and 31st.

Fri-Sat // 9pm – 2am // Free

the gallimaufry XX

VENUES // 47

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 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.

WALDO’S GIFT

AUGUST

For this month’s Waldo’s Gift residency, the Bristol based trio will be delivering Aphex Twin reworks on the 14th, presenting Lyrebird on the 28th and bringing their own improvisations to the stage on the 21st.

thegallimaufry.co.uk

Wednesdays // 9pm - 11pm // Free entry

every single night

MONDAY

FRIDAY

Hosted by Mike Dennis

Through soul, jazz & electronica Hosted by Manami & Neathway 2nd Chiv & Sam Hall (Idle Hands) 9th Memotone 16th Waxmouse (Outer Sounds) 23rd Glances 30th Manami & Neathway

Open Mic TUESDAY

Galli Live

6th Lewis Creaven’s Dharma Blues 13th TBC 20th Seedling Sessions w/ A Different Thread + Thomas Shephard 27th Captain Jamaica & The Mellotones

WEDNESDAY

Waldo’s Gift

Hip-hop, math, jazz & electronica 7th Improvisations 14th Reworks: Aphex Twin Paying tribute to the iconic electronic producer

21st Open Collaboration 28th ft. Lyrebird

SATURDAY

DJS

Satta Lites

Withdrawn, VMO$ & guests play beats, bumps & bass 3rd Frankie Downbeat (Downbeat Melody) 10th Monts Mosaic (TBC) 17th Birthmark (Earthtrax/Cold Light) 24th Lemzlydale (Pearly Whites/Sector 7) 31st D.ham (Noods)

SUNDAY

4th The Jazz Sessions

Hosted by Craig Crofton

THURSDAY

Snazzback

DJS

Feel Flows

Afro-funk & psych-jazz 1st ft. China Bowls 8th Global Groove Experiment: New York 15th Open Stage 22nd BeatTape ft. Illiterate 29th presents Piin

11th Phantom Ensemble 18th Sydney Sessions 25th Forth & Back Hip Hop Jam

Hosted by MADLY Reigniting a time when it seemed every single reinvented the genre. Golden era hip hop, originals & special guests

CAPTAIN JAMAICA & THE MELLOTONES

Captain Jamaica & The Mellotones’ rocksteady sound will tempt you to the dancefloor. Head down to The Gallimaufry this month to dance to an arrangement of classics and originals from the Bristol heavyweights.

27 Aug // 9pm - 11pm // Free entry

theXX lanes

48 // VENUES

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 and even a bed for the night. All in a genuinely laid back atmosphere.

LA CHINOISE

Hailing all the way from Paris, La Chinoise bring a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to their live show. Head on down to The Lanes on the 16th to experience their fresh, psychedelic, indie surf sound.

16 Aug // 7pm – 10pm // Free

OH, THE GUILT + NORTH BY NORTH + SEEK WARMTH This freebie will knock you off your feet. US power pop duo North By North will be heading to The Lanes as part of their first UK tour. Accompanied by post punk rockers Oh, The Guilt and Seek Warmth.

23 Aug // 7.30pm – 10pm // Free

mr wolfs XX

VENUES // 49

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

Looking for a live music and late night party venue? 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.

JAKABOL

This Bristol based, instrumental 4-piece bring together different worlds of genres to create a pretty special kind of sound. Orchestral harp, folk inspired violin and a funky drum beat included.

22 Aug // 9pm – 4am // £3

CHRISSEY HUNTLEY + THE MAY KINGS

Fresh from the fields, Chrissie Huntley wraps up her festival season by returning to Bristol this month. Chrissie Huntley’s charm and her soul-pop inspired style, celebrates self-love and is guarenteed to put a smile on your face.

23 Aug // 9pm – 4am // £3-£4

SWX XX

50 // 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.

A-LEVEL RESULTS: STEEL BANGLEZ + SPECIAL GUESTS Whether you aced your exams or can spell FUDGE with your grades, head on down to SWX for the A-Level results party, with headliner Steel Banglez, plus all the best grime, rnb and hip hop.

15 Aug // 10.30pm – 4am // £7

MACHINE GUN KELLY

US rapper, Machine Gun Kelly will be heading to SWX this month as part of his highly anticipated UK tour, to promote his new album ‘Hotel Diablo’ that dropped earlier last month.

28 Aug // 7pm – 11pm // £27.50

thekla

VENUES // 51

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. While the ship is undergoing a £1m overhaul over the summer months, you can catch all their regular parties at their Thekla Faraway pop up, as well as an occassional car park stage extravaganza.

PRESSURE POP UP

This is one for all you indie lovers out there. Pressure Pop Up will be returning to Thekla Faraway this month for another explosive night from Bristol’s biggest indie and alternative club night.

THEKLA

LIVE LISTINGS

8 Aug // 9.30pm – 2am // £2

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

WEDNESDAY 9TH OCTOBER

SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER

KOVIC

BREAKFEST FEAT. BIG JEFF, DOGEYED, EMILY ISHERWOOD, GORK, JAMIE CRUICKSHANK AND LOADS MORE

FRIDAY 11TH OCTOBER

HOLY MOLY & THE CRACKERS

SUNDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER

SATURDAY 12TH OCTOBER

FEROCIOUS DOG

WHENYOUNG

TUESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER

WHITFIELD CRANE

SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER

CHASTITY BELT

FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER

MONDAY 14TH OCTOBER

DIZRAELI

PIP BLOM

SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER

MARIKA HACKMAN

THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER

REAL FRIENDS

SUNDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER

WITH CONFIDENCE

FRIDAY 18TH OCTOBER

ROZI PLAIN

MONDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER

SATURDAY 19TH OCTOBER

JOE NICHOLS

K. FLAY

THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER

SUNDAY 20TH OCTOBER

ICE NINE KILLS

ADAM GREEN

FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER

GARDNA ALBUM TOUR MONDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER

ALLAH-LAHS

TUESDAY 22ND OCTOBER

TUESDAY 1ST OCTOBER

RALPH PELLEYMOUNTER

DURAND JONES & THE INDICATIONS

WEDNESDAY 23RD OCTOBER

WEDNESDAY 2ND OCTOBER

WINSTON SURFSHIRT

EARTHGANG

THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER

FRIDAY 4TH OCTOBER

PIERCE BROTHERS SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER

MONDAY 21ST OCTOBER

STRIKING MATCHES & TENILE TOWNS

DEFINITELY OASIS

SOUP OF JURASSIC 5 PRESENTS FULLEE LOVE COLLECTIVE

POP CONFESSIONAL PILGRIMAGE

Pop Confessional Pilgrimage are back for another instalment of pure pop classics. Come and confess your pop music addiction sins, in a room filled with like-minded Beliebers and indulge in your favourite pop anthems.

10 Aug // 9.30pm – 2am // £2

to the XXmoon

52 // VENUES

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

A superb little venue off the beaten track of Old Market’s main street, To The Moon offers tasty cocktails and top quality spirits at reasonable prices. Check out their rum collection boasting over 20 excellent choices, the Space Pirates rum events and delicious Italian food from Grano Kitchen. The venue also hosts a range of top DJ nights and the team are always on the lookout for more promoters to get involved.

EPI-FIED

The Epi-Fied collective will be taking over To the Moon this month, with soulful drum and bass from DJ Alexander, Rob Vanden, Jaskin & Uneven. Grab yourself a tasty cocktail and hit the dancefloor.

17 Aug // 8pm – 12am // Free // To the Moon

VANDELAY RADIO

To the Moon is the place to be in the summer evenings, with their great selection of cocktails and music. This month, Vandelay Radio will be taking over for a night of chilled, downtempo vibes.

30 Aug // 8pm – 12am // Free

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