Nitelife April 2019

B

R

COVER SHOT: DOMINIKA SCHEIBINGER

DOCUMENTING BRISTOL’S NIGHTLIFE CULTURE SINCE 2007

I

S

T

O

L APRIL - 2019

CROSSTOWW N CONCERTS

W

P R E S E N T S

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

MONDAY 01 APRIL 2019

WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE

THURSDAY 27 JUNE

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CODA AGENCY

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH UNITED TALENT AGENCY

O2 ACADEMY BRISTOL

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CODA AGENCY

SILENT ALARM PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

T SOLD OU

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

FRIDAY 28 JUNE

SATURDAY 29 JUNE

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH 13 ARTISTS

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH X-RAY

saturday 13 THE GREAT HALL

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

SUNDAY 30 JUNE

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH BLOW UP LIVE

by arrangement with X-Ray

CANONS MARSH AMPHITHEATRE BRISTOL HARBOURSIDE @BRISTOLSOUNDS

|

T @BRISTOL_SOUNDS

|

f /BRISTOLSOUNDSOFFICIAL

SUBJECT TO LICENCE

UK TOUR 2019

SUNDAY 05 MAY

O2 ACADEMY BRISTOL

ALBIONROOMS.COM

ETON ALIVE UK TOUR 2019

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH PRIMARY TALENT INTERNATIONAL

SPECIAL GUESTS

FRIDAY 05 APRIL

SATURDAY 06 APRIL

CARDIFF

BRISTOL

UNIVERSITY Y PLAS O2 ACADEMY

★

THE NEW ALBUM ETON ALIVE OUT NOW IN ASSOCIATION WITH ATC LIVE (★ A CO-PRODUCTION WITH AEG LIVE)

10 | 04 | 19

08 | 05 | 19

16 | 05 | 19

- HY BRASIL -

- THEKLA -

GIRLI

LOWLY

30 | 04 | 19

15 | 05 | 19

- THEKLA -

TEN FE

- LOUISIANA -

ROBERT FORSTER - THE FLEECE -

SOAK

02 | 06 | 19

METHYL ETHEL

27 | 05 | 19

CLUB KURU - CROFTERS RIGHTS -

- EXCHANGE -

11 | 06 | 19

HATCHIE - LOUISIANA -

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

BRISTOLTICKETSHOP.CO.UK - TICKETMASTER.CO.UK TICKETWEB.UK - SEETICKETS.COM - GIGANTIC.COM @CROSSTOWN_LIVE -

/CROSSTOWNCONCERTS -

04 | 07 | 19

HANDS OFF GRETAL

@CROSSTOWNCONCERTS

- LOUISIANA -

26 | 07 | 19

ADULT MOM - CROFTERS RIGHTS -

TH JUNE 2019 8 Y SATURDA

L O T S I BR

BBQ

Y AREA 1: HOSPITALIT E ROLLERS NGS OF TH

KI ICITY R T K E L E N O LOND AFIX R G B 2 B K I R T ME LOGISTICS KEENO E HUGH HARDI UNGLUED LENS SPECIAL GUESTS: YPES THE PROTOT HOSTED BY

C DYNAMITE M EXAS T / Y H S 2 / INJA

AREA 2: S.P.Y PRESENTS DUBPLATE STYLE

S.P.Y LTJ BUKEM RANDALL DJ DIE NICKY BLACKMARKET DAZEE PARTICLE THE BLAST DJS SPECIAL GUEST: DJ ZINC

(TRUST ME I WAS THERE SET) HOSTED BY

GQ / LOWQUI / JAKES CARASEL / CHUNKY

AREA 3: DAZED

SUB ZERO DJ LIMITED SAXXON DUTTA KY DAZED DJS 12:00-22:0 MOTION C 0 O 74-78 AVO URTYARD N TICKETS: HO ST, BS2 0PX SPITALITY DNB.COM

VTSS

[DISCWOMAN / INTREPID SKIN] [OPEN - CLOSE]

TOM EVO CONCEPT 13 APHELION MINUTEMAN III 04.05.19 STRICTLY YES

BAM!BAM!BAM! P R E S E NTS

madlib DJ SET

kamaal williams the heliocentrics carista LIVE

24 AUGUST

MARBLE FACTORY BRISTOL

LIVE

DJ SET

THE LEGENDARY PRODUCER LEADS AN UNMISSABLE SONIC INVAZION OF GROOVES, MOVES & RHYTHM

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

HIGHLIGHTS

best events this month 22-25

WIN

Win tickets to Balter Festival 26

PROFILES

Goose 27 PENYA 27

PREVIEW

sleaford mods 28-31

THE INFLUENCERS MANDEM 32-33

LOCAL TALENT

APRIL

ICARUS 42-45

FEATURED VENUES

51 Stokes Croft 48 O2 Academy 49 the Canteen 50 colston hall Presents 51 Crofters Rights 52

Exchange 53 The Fleece 54 The Full Moon 55 GALLIMAUFRY 56 The Golden Lion 57

hy-brasil 58 the lanes 59 Marble factory 60 Mr Wolfs 61 Old Market Assembly 62

swx 63 THekla 64 to thE moon 65 Trinity 66

Photography: Dominika Scheibinger / Martin Thompson / Ania Shrimpton / Khali Photography / Soul Media / Paul Lippiatt / Connor Baker / shotaway.com / Dean Forrest / Darren Andrews / HighRise and Symmetry 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

12 // SELECTION

SELECTION // 13

14 // SELECTION

SELECTION // 15

16 // SELECTION

SELECTION // 17

The Best UK Stand Up Comedy in Bristol

promotes

Operating since 1994

1994 25 YEARS OF OPERATION 2019 STAND UP FOR THE WEEKEND 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

THURSDAY 4 APRIL 8PM £14

SIMON MUNNERY

FRIDAY 5 APRIL 8.30PM £13 UK T OUR

THE WREATH

UK T OUR CARL HUTCHINSON

I KNOW I SHOULDN'T BEHAVE LIKE THIS...

A British Comedy Award nominee and Chortle Award winner, Simon Munnery's stand-up career spanning 32 years has seen him regularly perform in several of his own major television and radio projects.

"Convention defying, innovative stuff." The Times

SAT 6 APRIL 8.30PM £12 ADV/ £14 OTD*/ £15 DOOR

As seen on Comedy Central's Stand Up Central and The Chris Ramsey Show, Geordie comedian Carl Hutchinson is back with a brand new show, taking his unique adolescent approach to grown up issues.

“Captivating... Outstanding... An all-round comic” One4Review

SAT 13 APRIL 8.30PM £12 ADV/ £14 OTD*/ £15 DOOR

MATT GREEN

MIKE WILMOT

A talented yarn-spinner, Matt Green's intelligent act is a mixture of high energy observational and topical jokes combined with more personal stories and anecdotes.

"Intelligent comedy from the highly amusing and baby-faced Green" The List

Canadian comic Mike Wilmot has built up a reputation as one of the unsung heroes of the UK comedy scene for his unique stand-up.

"Close-to-the-bone repertoire leaves the audience in a state of hilarity" The Sunday Times

with STEVE HALL

with ALISTAIR WILLIAMS

SAT 27 APRIL 8.30PM £12 ADV/ £14 OTD*/ £15 DOOR

SAT 4 MAY 8.30PM £12 ADV/ £14 OTD*/ £15 DOOR UK T OUR

IAN STONE

PETE JOHANSSON

Ian Stone is one of the most talented topical acts in the country.

Edgy and provocative, with an easy-going manner and self-deprecating style.

"Hilarious throughout. Not a word is wasted in his clever telling of his world view." Chortle

Canadian Pete Johansson has earned the title of global headlining comic with his unique socially progressive and intellectually challenging, yet accessible comedy that has garnered him a worldwide following. "This is observational, anecdotal, autobiographical comedy at its best." The Scotsman

with SARA BARRON

with RO CAMPBELL

THURSDAY 9 MAY 8PM £13

SAT 11 MAY 8.30PM £12 ADV/ £14 OTD*/ £15 DOOR UK T OUR

CHRIS McCAUSLAND

JOE SUTHERLAND

One of the UK's top stand-ups Chris McCausland is on tour. He's blind. He's a dad. He's a husband. He's third in command. He'll speaky about all of that, and loads more.

"A joke heavy show with gags a plenty" The List

Joe Sutherland is a baby-faced comedian with the voice of an angel on 40 B&H a day. With a caustic, catty wit and unapologetic confidence, he has taken the UK comedy circuit by the balls.

"Demands attention... He exudes a star quality, and on his own terms...." Chortle

SPEAKY BLINDER

with MARK SIMMONS

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

See more / book online: THECOMEDYBOX.CO.UK

Full

fun house decor

22 // HIGHLIGHTS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

APRIL

HIGHLIGHTS Words: Abi Lewis

1. CHERRY COLA

A brand-new night is making its mark at To The Moon this month.

Cherry Cola will be dropping a load of R&B, grime and pop for all you bass heavy fiends. Think anything from Lizzo, Little Simz and Frank Ocean.

5 Apr // 8pm – 12am // Free // To The Moon

2. SOUNDS OF HARLOWE

Sounds of Harlowe know how to steal the crowd’s hearts with their freshly blended soul-hop, taking elements of funky jazz and making it their own. Check out these local gems for an evening of laid-back head bobbin’.

5 Apr // 9.30pm – 1am // Free // The Canteen

3. DRS & PITCH 92 LP LAUNCH

7. TIRZAH

4. SUCK MY DONK’S 1ST BIRTHDAY

8. FEEL FLOWS: ANU

5. SLEAFORD MODS

9. BLACKBEARDS TEA PARTY: PUNCH THE SKY

Everyone loves a good mixing pot of sounds and AFT Recrods and Raps have teamed up to deliver just that. Welcoming DRS and Pitch 92 for the launch of their collaborative ‘From The Deep’ LP. Plus, Ambush Family, Durkle Disco and more.

6 Apr // 8pm – 2am // £4 // Attic Bar

Suck My Donk are celebrating their 1st birthday in style and you’re all invited. Boasting to be another sold out event, with a bunch of the finest acts across the UK and beyond. Join the likes of DC Breaks, Muzzy and Telekinesis for a birthday party bonanza.

6 Apr // 10pm – 6am // £14.55 // The Black Swan

Sleaford mods are back in Bristol to showcase material from their fifth studio album ‘Eton Alive’. Their drum machine beats and off beat delivery is truly distinctive, so get your ticket to avoid missing out.

6 Apr // 7pm – 10pm // £21.95 // O2 Academy

6. DJ MARKY & FRIENDS

This month DJ Marky will be bringing his South American influence all the way from Sao Paulo along with special guests. For the biggest party in Bristol. Grab your dancing shoes and pay your respects to one of the biggest drum and bass legends in the game.

6 Apr // 10pm – 6am // £9.50 - £16.50 // The Marble Factory

After her last performance at Simple Things Festival, Bristol have been eagerly waiting for Tirzah’s return. Finally, the gentle vocalist returns to promote her long awaited debut album ‘Devotion’, along with her live band featuring Mica Levi and Coby Sey. 9 Apr // 7.30pm – 11pm // £12 // Trinity

The Gallimaufry are celebrating their 7th birthday and have invited new residents ‘Feel Flows’ to join the festivities. This month, they welcome London DJ anu to the decks for techno and new wave electro.

12 Apr // 9pm – 2am // Free // The Gallimaufry

Join Blackbeards Tea Party at The Golden Lion for an evening of pure rock from Punch The Sky. This Birmingham based band are renowned to get the crowd moving, so where your dancing shoes for this one.

12 Apr // 9.30pm – 12.30pm // £5 // The Golden Lion

HIGHLIGHTS // 23

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

10. OFF ME NUT FUN HOUSE

Off Me Nut will be taking over Bristol’s legendary Lakota this month with full fun house décor in each room, plus a huge lineup of musical treats including Rockwell, DJ Douglas and Mark Breez. Lose yourself in the alien inspired future room, the rubix rave room and much more.

13 Apr // 10pm – 6am // £15 // Lakota

11. THE XCERTS

The Xcerts are heading to The Fleece this month to exhibit their distorted riffs and 90’s post-grunge inspired sounds. Mashing together influences from Biffy Clyro and Weezer, this bands energetic performance is not to be missed.

14 Apr // 7.30pm – 11.30pm // £8.50 // The Fleece

12. ALICE PHOEBE LOU

Alice Phoebe Lou caught the attention of blues and folk lovers with her honest voice and independent approach to music. Watch her music come to life on stage in a show not to be missed.

15 Apr // 7.30pm – 11pm // £13.50 // Thekla

13. SHOTGUN DRUM & BASS SESSIONS

16. FLAVA D

14. YASIIN BEY PERFORMS MOS DEF: THE ECSTATIC

17. JUDGE JULES

Shotgun Sessions present a weekly drum & bass night, showcasing home grown talent from the heart of Bristol. Powered by an in-house Void Acoustics sound system. If you fancy a go on the decks, bring along your vinyl and USB and sign up on the night.

16 Apr // 8pm – 1am // Free // Faraway Cocktail Club

This is something special for all the Mos Def fans out there. Yasiin Bey will be coming to Bristol for a one-off performance of ‘The Ecstatic’ album. Plus, support from Bristol’s very own Gardna and Kreed, alongside Rogue & Kelly, Mista Bibs and Sip The Juice DJs. 17 Apr // 7pm – 11pm // £25-£28.65 // O2 Academy

15. PRESS CLUB

Colston Hall Presents another great show this month at Hy-Brasil, bringing along Melbourne based Press Club as part of their first ever UK tour. Their distorted, fuzzy guitar riffs and energetic stage presence will prove the bands reputation for being one of the best live acts right now.

17 Apr // 7.30pm – 10.30pm // £7.63 // Hy-Brasil

Flava D will be taking The Marble Factory by storm this month for her first highly anticipated Bristol headline 3-hour set. Plus, all your favourite names including Unglued, L U C Y will be joining Flava D to help make this a night to remember.

18 Apr // 10pm – 5am // £11.80 - £17.25 // Marble Factory

Judge Jules will be bringing his reworked tracks to Thekla this month, along with a full ten-piece band. Watch the iconic dance DJ expertly orchestrate everything in his own definitive style.

18 Apr // 7pm -10.30pm // £14 - £20.72 // Thekla

18. BIMM VS DBS SOUNDCLASH

At the last soundclash BIMM stole the crown, but who will win the next round? With their improved sound system and a new venue to call home, BIMM and dBs are back, ready to go head to head for round two.

18 Apr // 10pm – 3am // £2-£3 // The Doghouse

24 // HIGHLIGHTS

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

APRIL

HIGHLIGHTS 19. HIGH FOCUS RECORDS 9TH BIRTHDAY

Get ready to join all your favourite MCs under one roof to celebrate High Focus Records 9th Birthday. Featuring The Four Owls, Jam Baxter, Ed Scissor and Ronnie Bosh to name a few. Plus the freshly signed to the label and Bristol homegrown and almighty MC, Datkid.

18 Apr // 9pm – 4am // £15 - £20 // SWX

20. ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS

Get your jazz hands at the ready for an all swinging, electro beat dazzling, gypsy surging sounds from Electric Swing Circus. With their vintage samples and dirty synth combo, this live act draw in a crowd every single time.

18 Apr // 8pm – 12am // £17.36 // The Fleece

21. PUPPY

London-based band Puppy are on a mission to bridge the gap between heavy metal and some of their favourite 90’s American indie anthems. Mixing glam rock with indie pop, this is a rare blend that will get you to the dancefloor.

18 Apr // 7.30pm – 11pm // £11 // Exchange

22. VIANNE

London based Vianne master the warming sounds that brighten your mood on any occasion with their smooth guitar and beautiful melodies. Imagine if Zero 7 and The Cinematic Orchestra had a baby, what more could you want?

20 Apr // 7pm – 2am // £3 // Mr Wolf’s

23. SOUL SHAKE GARDEN PARTY

Soul Shake will be taking over No.51 for an all day and all-night knees up. They will be spinning records in the No.51 garden, giving you the perfect soundtrack to your Saturday.

20 Apr // 3pm – 4am // Free before 9pm // No.51

24. HIP HOP COFFEE SHOP SESSIONS: 1ST BIRTHDAY BASH

We cannot believe it’s already been 1 year since the first Hip Hop Coffee Sessions! To celebrate, the HHCSS crew will be taking over the Blue Mountain rooftop for an explosive seven hours of hip hop.

Get ready to see the likes of Res One, Lazy Eyez G00SE and more.

20 Apr // 2pm – 9pm // £8-£12 // Blue Mountain

25. HOWLFEST

This all-dayer has something for everyone. From metal to ska and even vegetarian progressive grindcore, this lineup is tailored to all of your alt needs. The bill includes Sonic Boom Six, [Spunge], Press to Meco and many more.

20 Apr // 12pm - 11.30pm // £20 // Exchange

26. STELLA DONNELLY

Australian musician, Stella Donnelly’s endearing and relatable way of writing captures what it’s like to be a millennial woman in a Trump world. Witness her thought-provoking performance at Thekla this month.

24 Apr // 8.00pm – 12am // £9.90 // Thekla

HIGHLIGHTS // 25

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

27. NEW RAVE ORDER PRESENTS: COLLISION

New Rave Order have handpicked the best selection of Bristol DJ’s as part of their new Collision series. This month, NRO will welcome Revrt, Y DOTT, plus 24kt, Sepia vs Lijah and loads more. All profits from this event will be donated to Music Mind Matters.

25 Apr // 10pm – 3am // £3 // Basement 45

28. STEAM DOWN

We love a good mixing pot of sounds and Steam Down have it all.

Bringing together grime and soul that’s bound by sprinkles of jazz, this collective will have you dancing from start to end.

26 Apr // 7pm – 10pm // £12 // Rough Trade

29. SHOWHAWK DUO

Showhawk Duo are set to return to Bristol this month for their second instalment of ‘Welcome to the Acoustic Rave’. Expect trance anthems, guitar licks and larger than life energy from the duo on stage.

26 Apr // 7pm – 11pm // £20.05 // SWX

30. JOHN FAIRHURST

London-based John Fairhurst makes heavy blues for heavy times.

In equal parts revealing, vulgar, cathartic and thrilling, the virtuoso guitarist is channelling the discontent felt in the western world to pay tribute to –and to update –the very idea of rock n roll as protest music.

26 Apr // 11pm – 2am // £8 // Old Market Assembly

31. BRISTOL TAKEOVER

34. THE UNDERGROUND YOUTH + TEMPERS

The Underground Youth have a curious psychedelic brand that takes post-punk to another level. TUY are heading to The Lanes this month as part of their ‘Montage Images of Lust and Fear’ album tour.

Plus, support from Tempers.

28 Apr // 7.30pm – 11pm // £8 // The Lanes

35. TEN FÉ

In Bristol we are shoulder to shoulder with raw talent and it’s events like the Bristol Takeover that highlight some of the best talent to emerge from Bristol. Featuring Saffron Records, Bristol in Stereo, SWU.FM and more. Save the date for this irresistible freebie.

27 Apr // 4pm – 1am // Free // Colston Hall Foyer

Ten Fé are taking to the road for their biggest tour yet, to showcase material from their brand-new album ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’.

Described as an album that boldly expresses the songwriter’s truth and optimism, the band get ready to convey their deep appreciation for life and music in their live show.

30 Apr // 7pm – 10pm // £8 // The Louisiana

32. KID INK

36. THE MIDNIGHT HOUR

Kid Ink is heading to Bristol this month as part of his UK tour. The tattooed rapper and producer will take centre stage at O2 Academy to perform material from his latest EP ‘Missed Calls’, and more.

27 Apr // 7pm – 11pm // £28.90 // O2 Academy

33. TRUE STRAYS

True Strays are heading to Crofters for a hometown show promoting their second EP. Grab your ticket to check out their huge bass driven riffs and howling guitars. Plus, support from Samantha Lindo.

27 Apr // 7.30pm – 10.30pm // £5 // Crofters Rights

Ali Shaheed Muhammed (of A Tribe Called Quest) & Adrian Younge are coming to Bristol to perform music from the hip hop duo’s longawaited debut album ‘The Midnight Hour’.

30 Apr // 7pm – 11pm // £13-£17 // Trinity

26 // COMPETITION

Win TICKETS • Win TICKETS • Win TICKETS

competition

Win 4 x tickets to Balter Festival 2019 The Mouse Outfit . Los Albertos . Black Sun Empire. Dub Phizix & Strategy competition Balter Festival is a rite of passage for any festival goer and attracts a cult following the world over, with a heavy Bristol contingent making up the rollicking crowd.

crew takeovers including an all-out Japanese invasion. Old favourite Balkanical Circus is also getting a facelift, turning into an all-day cabaret extravaganza.

Born out of a pure love of music and run with the help of a likeminded group of friends, Balter is the brainchild of gypsycore producer E-Coli – and one of the last true remnants of the South West’s free party scene.

Some of the bigger names on this year’s lineup include The Mouse Outfit, Los Albertos, Black Sun Empire, Dub Phizix & Strategy, Dr Syntax & Pete Cannon, Vandal B2B Mandidextrous and Channel One Soundsystem; alongside plenty of underground cult favourites spanning garage, drum and bass, hardtek, disco, reggae, hop hip and everything in between.

Once known for housing only the hardest sounds on the electronic spectrum, the wacky and wonderful Balter Festival has been expanding their offering little by little each year, and this year introduces two new stages. Phlegmgazm will be showcasing underground noise and metal, while The Lab will feature whole

For your chance to win 4 x tickets to this year’s festival on 31 May - 2 June, head to nitelifeonline.com/win/balter2019 by 31 April.

PROFILES // 27

profile - HOMEGROWN

profile - incoming

G00SE

PENYA

Hip Hop Coffee Shop are celebrating their first birthday this month with a no holds barred blowout. They will be trading intimate for outside, with a seven-hour day party on Blue Mountain’s rooftop terrace with a hefty crew of local boom bap talent, including Creatures of Habit, Split Prophets’ Res One and Hip Hop Coffee Shop regular G00SE. Also known as one fourth of Bristol hip hop group Verbal Highz, MC and producer G00SE has found solo success with a number of singles and his Living Poets Society EP on Verb T’s In the Balance Records. G00SE has also recently found viral fame with his tongue in cheek diss tracks, so far coming for First Bus and Ryanair in a series of videos produced with UKHH.com.

Afro-latin electronic quartet Penya is led by producer and multi instrumentalist Magnus P.I. Their world music-informed, percussion-driven, warm jazzy sounds have won praise from the likes of Gilles Peterson and Bonobo, and gigs the world over, from Camden to Cyprus.

Vocalist Lilli Elina evokes ancient Afro-Cuban melodies, while Jim Le Ms draws on his experience as a ceremonial Bata drummer to create entrancing tribal rhythms. Viva Msimang’s dubbed-out trombone together with Magnus’ electronic groove scapes complete the highly listenable, soul-moving Penya sound.

Their debut LP Super Liminal came out on Pete Buckenham’s On the Corner Records last year, and he’s bringing Penya with him to Crofters Rights for a label takeover this month. Penya’s Magnus answers our 10 questions ahead of the live show –

Upcoming shows: 20 April – Hip Hop Coffee Shop, Blue Mountain

Upcoming shows: 5 April – On The Corner Takeover, Crofters Rights

MC

Band

THOSE QUESTIONS...

1. What have you learned today?

To be honest it’s only 9am, so the only thing I’ve learned so far is that I hate getting up in the morning. But I guess I already knew that.

2. Which song by another artist most inspires you?

It’s very difficult to pin it down to any one particular song, but From Then Till Now by Killah Priest is definitely up there.

3. Who are your top three acts right now?

Hex One, Babylon Warchild and Edan (plus an extra special mention for Verbal Highz too, of course).

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

James Brown – Get On Up. If you can’t party to that, then get out of the party.

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

Working in film or creative writing, ideally.

6. What was the last book you read?

The Science Delusion by Rupert Sheldrake. Great book. I don’t read anywhere near as much as I should at the moment.

7. Most recent binge watch?

I don’t really watch TV series, so it was probably a succession of old school hip hop videos.

8. Do you have a party trick?

I guess rapping is my party trick. I once met a guy whose party trick was eating a whole lemon (rind and all) in a few bites. I challenged him to see who could eat three whole lemons the quickest. People were betting on it. I lost some money, my dignity and a few taste buds that night.

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

I used to be a grade 8 drummer. Swapped the drum sticks for the mic many years ago, so I would probably embarrass myself on a drum kit nowadays.

10. What are you doing tomorrow?

Tomorrow I’m going to Dusty Sounds Studios (greatest music studio in Bristol) to record a whole host of verses for some features I’ve been asked to do.

inthebalancerecords.bandcamp.com // @goosemusick

THOSE QUESTIONS...

1. What have you learned today?

I currently have a five month old baby boy at home, which is our first child, so we’re on a steep learning curve! Penya are also currently producing several different recording projects and deadlines for completion are closing in.

I find it hard to keep on top of everything with a clear head and also continue my freelance work as a percussionist (which pays the bills). It basically means I’m getting much less sleep, but I’m learning to work much faster and, in terms of music production, I’m learning to have more faith in my instincts.

2. Which song by another artist most inspires you?

It’s impossible to select just one, but within the context of what we are trying to do with Penya, I find Fiesta by Bomba Estéreo very inspiring.

3. Who are your top three acts right now?

KOKOKO!, Photay and BCUC. 4. It’s 3am and the party is winding down, what track do you play to get everyone going again?

Azo Toke by KOKOKO! 5. If you couldn’t work in music, what would you be doing instead?

I’d think I’d enjoy working with young people, helping them formulate ideas and goals for their future. As I get older, I’m finding myself more and more interested in psychology, so perhaps something that could combine these things.

6. What was the last book you read?

I have just started On Freedom by George Orwell and just finished Infidel: My Life by Ayaan Hirsi Ali – but with a baby boy at home, most nights I’m reading Oi Frog! or Oi Dog! on repeat.

7. Most recent binge watch?

Afterlife on Netflix. There was a lot of hype online about it and I succumbed – I wasn’t disappointed.

8. Do you have a party trick?

Not that I can think of right now.

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

I’ve got an allotment and this year we’ve been upgraded from a half allotment to a full allotment, so we’re attempting to be as self sufficient as possible with veg over the summer months.

We live in Peckham and were on the waiting list for five years before being offered the half allotment, so this upgrade feels like a bit of a god send. Having some outdoor space in Zone 2 helps keeps me sane.

10. What are you doing tomorrow?

Getting up obscenely early to entertain my son and then continuing the production of Penya’s next release – a very exciting collaboration with an artist from East Africa.

penyaofficial.com // @penya_superliminal

28 // PREVIEW

PREVIEW

SLEAFORD MODS

PREVIEW // 29

Sweaty basements, smashed up guitars and worn out drumsticks are the images usually conjured at the mention of punk, yet Sleaford Mods have emerged as one of our climate’s greatest punk acts armed with little more than a laptop and a microphone.

Formed in 2007 in Nottingham, Sleaford Mods was originally the solo act of vocalist and songwriter Jason Williamson, taking its name from Lincolnshire’s Sleaford, a market town not far from Jason’s hometown of Grantham – fittingly, the birthplace of the battleaxe of austerity, Margaret Thatcher .

Prodigiously working class, Jason took to penning his frustrations with songs like Teacher Faces Porn Charges, an autobiographical song about going to the shop in his pyjamas to buy a Mars bar and can of Special Brew – emptying the entire contents of his pocket at the time. The Sleaford

Mod’s characteristic electronic punk sound was born when friend and early Sleaford Mods producer Simon Parfrement suggested that Jason combine these lyrics with a loop lifted from a Roni Size track. It hit.

you can’t keep reeling off the same old shit Jason performed live as a solo act for years, bringing looped samples and backing tracks on CDs to pubs around Nottingham. In 2009, Jason met Andrew Fearne after seeing

him DJ in a small Nottingham club and by Sleaford’s 2012 album Wank, Andrew was credited on the album. Thereafter, Andrew became the band’s sole producer and Sleaford Mods were a bonafide duo.

Lyrics and production aside, one of the things that stands out about Sleaford Mods is Jason’s urgent, pent-up punk vocals.

Carrying a significance of the likes of The Fall’s Mark E. Smith and Sex Pistols’ Johnny Rotten, Jason’s East Midlands-affected shouty, rap-influenced vocals are recognisable in a moment.

Even outside the realms of punk music, some of history’s greatest vocalists such as Lou Reed and David Byrne are not remembered for carrying a tune, but frequently, by doing the exact opposite. To quote David Byrne himself, ‘The better a singer’s voice, the harder it is to believe what they’re saying.’

Jason’s disquieting vocal delivery forces your whole attention,

30 // PREVIEW though he actually holds a pretty good singing voice, having spent his younger days fronting rock bands. Sleaford Mods’ new album Eton Alive is perhaps the first time fans are given a glimpse of this in songs like When You Come Up to Me and O.B.C.T, though Sleaford Mods have reached a level of following and crushing cultural relevance that it doesn’t detract an iota from their message.

‘I was blessed with a good vocal range, I’m quite a good singer in the traditional sense – or used to be – so I thought that that was enough, but it’s not. Singing isn’t just being able to sing, it’s being able to communicate an individual, meaningful voice.

‘It’s alright if you’re doing a pantomime or something, that’s all that’s required of you, or opera where you are trained to sing in a certain style and that’s a skill in itself, but to do street music, punk, rock and roll; whatever you want to call it, requires an original voice – one that’s got an original message or a message that is communicated in an original way. Even though the subject matter might be something that has been

well-trodden – and social commentary has, oppression has.

The older I get, the more it wouldn’t even enter my mind that in order to be a good vocalist you have to have good range – you’ve just got to have a good approach to it. We are cursed with a lot of people that are technically great, but are just absolutely pointless.’

to do street music, punk, rock and roll; whatever you want to call it, requires an original voice With early influences, aside from punk, such as Wu Tang Clan and The Streets’ Original Pirate Material, Jason also cites artists like Luther Vandross and Chaka Khan as influences.

‘The singing on the new album is still very much in its infancy.

This album has been received well, much to my surprise, because we’re a band that’s known for our punky, ranting, impulsive noise and it’s starting to go into something else now. I don’t know if it’s as effective as it used to be, or what, but clearly people think it still is. And I think perhaps there is better to come from that experiment that is on the two or three songs on the new album.

‘You have to keep it interesting for yourself. I’ve known people that in the nineties were in really good, cool garage bands and just got sick of it and joined folk bands. It’s got to be interesting, you can’t keep reeling off the same old shit.

‘I’m influenced now by different things. I think that’s great, fuck it. It’s two fingers up, innit? “What? You were listening to what?”

Fuck you. People get these completely wrong ideas about what punk is. We’re not wholly punk, there are other aspects to us. But it’s all about doing what you want.

‘There will always be a little bit of a ranty, rap thing in it, I guess, because I still listen to a lot of rap orientated music.

PREVIEW // 31

‘Our sound is so characteristic of us, it’s our own thing and that won’t leave us. You know, we’ll go on – we’ve probably got another four, five years in us – and it won’t probably change massively, but there will be little strains of other influence and this singing thing will probably be one of them.

– taking influences from grime, funk, hip hop, techno and more. When you strip away Jason’s vocals for a moment, you can hear exactly what makes this duo combination so special.

‘Eton Alive is basically a continuation of life under the lie of austerity, of corporate brawl; it’s a continuation of expression that has bounced from that really. With the other albums, they’re very raucous, there are lots of long monologues spitting about this, that and the other. This one kind of just sits there and thinks about it a little bit – it’s a little bit more mature. It talks about personal issues as well as exterior issues.

Some of the issues are well-trodden paths – consumerism, capitalism, et cetera, et cetera; but as time went on, these things were very interesting, still, and I found a new way of talking about them.’

It’s meat and potatoes, it’s cabaret, it’s comedy – it’s everything you want

Though as a frontman Jason could carry a full band, Andrew pulls an equal weight in terms of Sleaford Mods’ unique appeal, with his excellent, genre-disregarding, lo-fi production

‘Sleaford Mods appears quite punky, because of the way I sing, because of the minimalism and that kind of defiance that comes from everything that you see about it visually and sonically.’

Rumours of Sleaford Mods’ live show often precede an introduction to their music and this month we will have a

chance to see it for ourselves, with Sleaford Mods’ UK tour stopping into Thekla on 6 April.

‘If you get a chance to see us now and over the next five years, ten years, you can turn around and say, yeah, you experienced a decent band. We’re one in the chain of many, many bands throughout history that are just good. And live, it’s good.

It’s proper.

‘It’s meat and potatoes, it’s cabaret, it’s comedy – it’s everything you want. Well, anything I’d want from a decent band, you know. It’s inspiring stuff I would imagine for somebody that’s looking for an act like that.’

Words: Rachel Morris 6 April – Sleaford Mods, Thekla theklabristol.co.uk

32 // THE INFLUENCERS

THE INFLUENCERS // BEHIND THE SCENES WITH

MANDEM

so to speak. I think that is a very interesting way of breaking stereotypes.’

Alongside Mandem’s online platform, a key facet of what they do is panel discussion events in Bristol and London. Mandem invites people from all walks of life to engage in debates surrounding race and masculinity, with sometimes uneasy, attention-catching titles such as ‘Does Islam Like Black People?’, ‘Mandem Don’t Cry’, ‘Has Identity Politics Gone Too Far?’ and ‘Do Mandem Need Feminsm?’ – the latter being a clear example of how Mandem aims to give a voice to men of colour, as opposed to creating a space exclusively for them, or excluding anyone who falls outside this bracket.

Similarly, Elias has opened up the conversation online with Mandem’s new Ghostwriter section, where authors of any ethnicity, gender or background are invited to contribute.

Mandem provides an online space for young men of colour to express themselves creatively, exploring ideas of culture, politics and identity through writing, film and music. Though Bristol-based, Mandem aims to attract a national audience – regardless of age, ethnicity, class or gender – to explore their content and join in with key discussions surrounding race and masculinity.

it felt right to take ownership over our own media As Mandem get ready to celebrate their second birthday this month, Nitelife sat down with founder Elias Williams to learn more about the fast-growing online platform.

Equipped with a degree in film whilst currently studying for his MA in History at University of Bristol, South London-born Elias has used his knowledge, craft and determination to build a platform to help give young men of colour a voice. Looking back to when it all started in 2017, Elias described what inspired the creation of Mandem and the necessity to pursue it.

‘There was a lot of talk about the lack of diversity in the media and there was also a growing discussion surrounding toxic masculinity’ Elias explains. ‘People of colour, and particularly men of colour, felt that they hadn’t been represented in the media brilliantly over the years, even down to their portrayal in films.

So it felt right to take ownership over our own media.

‘Our mission statement is to change the narrative surrounding men of colour by making it more representative. Beyond that, we want to actively engage young people in politics and join in the discussion on some of the most important questions of our time.

‘People talk about young people being disillusioned or disinterested in politics, but the truth is that no

one is representing them in parliament that really understands their views or opinions. Mandem is a space where we can cultivate that political voice.’

Recognising the need and potential for a platform like Mandem, Elias wanted to make sure he put in the groundwork and create something that truly filled the void he, and others around him, saw.

‘The first thing I did to get Mandem off the ground was network. I spoke with City of Bristol College, people at my university, and a lot of creative people of colour living in Bristol. By doing that I was able to bounce some ideas around before getting Mandem up and running.

‘As I was studying film making at the time, I created a lot of video interviews to help introduce the online platform to the world. I wanted to keep it as accessible as possible and not come across too academic for readers, that’s why I pushed for a multi-media platform using words, film and music.’

Whilst the Mandem platform currently predominately features short films and articles, Elias is passionate about pushing Mandem’s music content much more in the near future.

I’d like us to continue supporting young local musicians ‘I have a key desire to present alternative images of black musicians. I’ve interviewed quite a few musicians for Mandem too, including singersongwriter Cosmo Pyke and rapper Kojey Radical.

We’re already supporting a handful of musicians, including the super talented Bristol-based rapper Kwazi and Whizzdxm, to name a few.

‘One thing I’m hoping to do more of is seeking out those male musicians of colour who are a bit alternative and who aren’t the stereotypical rapper,

‘‘Do Mandem Need Feminism?’ came about was because we had two events prior to that centred around masculinity and black masculinity, so it felt natural to bring feminism into the equation’ Elias explains. ‘After researching feminism for my dissertation, I realised there was a lot of work on male identity and masculinity within feminism that a lot of people don’t know about, but needs to be discussed.

‘I like to compare feminism to racism because race is not just an issue that people of colour should care about, progress comes from when white people start to critically think about race. There’s a similar thing there with men and feminism, with men having to critically think about gender.’

seeking out those male musicians of colour who are a bit alternative and who aren’t the stereotypical rapper As Mandem approach their second birthday this month, Elias has created a new short film based on the true story of a 16th century African Samurai, set to be released on Mandem’s website on 16 April.

‘Moving forward, I want Mandem to become even more of a music video related hub, where we can help young aspiring musicians to promote themselves and get their names out there. We’ve got a couple of freestyle videos from MCs on our YouTube channel already, but I’d like us to push that more and continue supporting young local musicians.

‘We want to do a follow up panel discussion on the subject of identity politics in May, but the longterm goal is to start inviting more high-profile names down to discuss these topics as well. It would be great to one day host people like Akala or Lowkey, but for now you’re just going to have to watch this space.’

Words: Abi Lewis Photos: Martin Thompson // @thefacecollective mandemhood.com

THE INFLUENCERS // 33

WED.03.APR.19

TUE.16.APR.19

WED.01.MAY.19

WED.08.MAY.19

SAT.20.APR.19

FRI.03.MAY.19

WED.08.MAY.19

SAT.06.APR.19

FRI.10.MAY.19 MON.08.APR.19

TUE.23.APR.19

TUE.09.APR.19

THU.25.APR.19

FRI.03.MAY.19

SUN.12.MAY.19 FRI.03.MAY.19

WED.10.APR.19

FRI.10.MAY.19

FRI.26.APR.19 THU.11.APR.19 SUN.05.MAY.19

WED.15.MAY.19

TUE.30.APR.19 FRI.12.APR.19 FRI.03.MAY.19 SUN.14.APR.19

WED.01.MAY.19

THU.16.MAY.19

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

DJ ZINC B2B SPECIAL REQUEST | REDLIGHT | DELTA HEAVY | MATRIX & FUTUREBOUND | DJ MARKY & GQ TOO MANY T’S | AMA LOU | CULTURE SHOCK | AUDIO BULLYS | DJ TARGET | DYLAN CARTLIDGE | GRIZ DC BREAKS & LOADSTAR PRESENT OPPOSITION | TURNO | NOTION | GENERAL LEVY | 24HR GARAGE GIRLS FEAT SHOSH THE HEATWAVE | FOUR40 RECORDS TAKEOVER X FOOR / TENGU B2B HYBRID THEORY B2B BAKES | CONDUCTA MR TRAUMATIK | CRISSY CRISS | 1991 | RAY KEITH | JUNGLE WARRIORS | NICKY BLACKMARKET PRESENTS 360 YOUNGMAN LIVE | DIE:MANTLE | SWING TING & FOX | EMERALD | SAMMY VIRJI | BENNY L | HEDEX | BOU

CRUCAST: SKEPSIS | DARKZY | TS7 | MR VIRGO | BRU C | KANINE | LAZCRU | WINDOW KID

PENDULUM DJ SET | HANNAH WANTS | SASASAS | PROBLEM CENTRAL | DJ HYPE & HAZARD IAMDDB | GRANDMASTER FLASH | BECKY HILL | LADY LESHURR | AKALA | MAVERICK SABRE THE FOUR OWLS | JIMOTHY LACOSTE | THE SKINTS | SNEAKBO | KINGS OF THE ROLLERS GDC VS THE NEXTMEN PRESENT POUND FOR POUND | JURASSIC 5'S SOUP PRESENTS: FULLEE LOVE COLLECTIVE

LOYLE CARNER

FRIDAY

INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS & TOP LOCAL TALENT SHOWCASED ACROSS RAMPS, RAILS & WALLS LIVE & CURATED ART | WORKSHOPS | + MORE FULL ARTIST LIST ONLINE

INTERNATIONAL PRO + OPEN COMPETITIONS £50,000 PRIZE PURSE | CUSTOM-BUILT PRO PARK STREET SPOTS | PUBLIC PLAZA | JAM SESSIONS | + MORE FULL SKATER + RIDER LIST ONLINE

LINE UP SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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

STREET ART

SKATE + BMX

SIKA RECORDS SHOWCASE: DEVILMAN | SOX | KILLA P | BADNESS | DIZZLE KID | FIYAHMAN | KUEDON | SKAMMA SNOOPY DUBZ | DANJA | GRAVITY | BONAFYDE | OMUS ONE | MAL, 420 | FLASH HARRY | LEZLEY D OFF ME NUT SHOWCASE: PHATWORLD | THORPEY | DEADBEAT UK | FORCA | BORN ON ROAD SHOWCASE: ARIES | KELVIN 373 AMEN4TEKNO SHOWCASE: MANDIDEXTROUS | STIVS | EVERY DAY GRIME SHOWCASE: WESTY | CHEW | DUBZTA | JAY 3 MTD CROSSBREED | + SPECIAL GUESTS | SILK CITY RADIO SHOWCASE: BIG MIKEE | TANTSKI | HITMAN | WEBSTER CHEESE&BREAD SHOWCASE: JAY 0117 | DIMPSON | SIR HISS | MAJOR BASS SHOWCASE: OH91 | SUSPECT | ANAGRAM DISTRACT | BASHER | D RAW | COMMA DEE | K KRUSH | ESSAY + MANY MORE

PRETTY WEIRD: NOVELIST | D DOUBLE E | PRESIDENT T | BARELY LEGAL B2B MADAM X | CHIMPO | SICARIA SOUND RUDE KID & FRIENDS: JAYKAE | DEVLIN | RUDE KID | DJ TIINY | SIR SPYRO | + VERY SPECIAL GUEST BUTTERZ: ROYAL T & P MONEY | JOKER & FOOTSIE | CHAMPION & MC SERIOUS | SWINDLE DJ SET | ELIJAH & SKILLIAM | L U C Y

BUSHBABY | SHAPES | WITTYBOY | UNGLUED | BLACKLEY | IC3 | DADDY EARL | DEGS | FELON | CHARLIE BOWDERY BARE JAMS | THE STALKS | STARZ & DEEZA | DESIGNATE | CRISIS | PHIBES | DJ DARKO | KLIMAX | CATALYST

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

25.04.19 26.04.19 30.04.19 01.05.19 08.05.19 11.05.19 14.05.19 18.05.19 21.05.19 28.05.19 11.07.19 19.07.19 24.08.19

LOWKEY STEAM DOWN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR NUBYA ODDISEE DESIIGNER KRS-ONE PLUS SHAODOW TOO MANY ZOOZ BLANK BANSHEE CHALI 2NA & OZOMATLI SUGARHILL GANG & THE FURIOUS FIVE

THE BUG MADLIB +

KAMAAL WILLIAMS THE HELIOCENTRICS CARISTA

FLEECE ROUGH TRADE TRINITY FIDDLERS THE FLEECE SWX TRINITY SWX FIDDLERS THE FLEECE THE FLEECE TRINITY

MARBLE FACTORY

42 // LOCAL TALENT

BIMM BRISTOL PRESENTS LOCAL TALENT

ICARUS

sponsored by

LOCAL TALENT // 43

Since the release of their debut EP Steal the Sun in 2014, brothers Tom and Ian aka Icarus have emerged as another head-turning act emanating from the South West’s overflowing pool of electronic talent. Their versatile sound ranges from deep, underground club tracks to crossover airplay hits, as well as running their own record label Fly Boy, with an ever-growing roster of electronic talent.

Nitelife peeled Ian and Tom away from their studio in Brislington, where they’re currently hard at work, to chat to the brothers about what they’re working on currently, their recent EP and what’s in store for their upcoming UK tour this April.

2018 was a busy year for Icarus and probably the biggest in terms of their music career, as not only did the brothers land their fourth consecutive BBC Radio 1’s ‘Hottest Record’ with Love Has Come Around, they also turned the heads of house music giants Rüfüs Du Sol, who invited the Bristolbased brothers on their North American tour; promoting them to main support for the UK leg of their tour, which included a sold-out date at London’s Printworks – a pretty big achievement considering they’d only debuted their live show six months earlier.

This February, Icarus released their This Must Be the Place EP on Pete Tong’s FFRR label and it’s undoubtedly their most accomplished body of work to date.

this EP really helped us find our groove with writing and discover our real sound ‘It’s a themed EP, which is something we’ve started experimenting with in the last year or so’ Tom explains, ‘having a concept behind something is quite a novel idea for us and helps tie the music together. We spent a lot of time on the road last year, so we thought about the constant travelling, or running away – which is actually one of the track titles – and having in mind all the feelings and emotions around that.’

Opening with the track Echoes, this latest release showcases

the innovative duo’s ability to blend the darker, cinematic extreme on their sonic spectrum with tracks like Man of the Land with their swirling melodies on tracks like Running Away and Sirens, featuring vocals from fellow Bristolian, Katy Pearson.

Previously, Icarus have moved between genres as they’ve fused elements of deep house, garage and progressive production, whilst taking inspiration from an eclectic cocktail of artists such as Basement Jaxx, The Chemical Brothers and Hans Zimmer. With this latest release, Ian and Tom have continued to push their sound to the limit and have succeeded once more in creating tracks that don’t fit into neat categorisation, though the brothers agree that this conceptual body of work is the clearest vision of their sound to date.

‘Over the past couple of years, we’ve experimented and dabbled in quite a lot of different styles of music’ says Ian, ‘it’s all dance-led and has a house music foundation in terms of tempo, but this EP really helped us find our groove with writing and enabled us to discover our real sound. Previously when we’ve put out music there has been lots of different sounds and textures from one track to the next, whereas

44 // LOCAL TALENT

we felt that there was a clear feeling and mood flowing throughout this EP.’ ‘I think putting together bodies of work has helped’ Tom says, ‘from actually doing EPs as opposed to singles. We did a couple of years of just putting a single out at a time, which is fine and it felt right to do that as it’s helped build us; but actually putting records together has definitely sculpted a sound.’

‘Also, sometimes you can spend six months writing a single before putting it out’ Ian says, ‘and your influences change quite a lot between two records. Doing an EP gives you that focus and you’re always referring back to the music that you’ve already written, rather than going off on a tangent.’

Ian and Tom have firmly established themselves as sonic adventurers, as they explore the outer realms of electronic music. So while they might have found their groove with writing, that doesn’t mean their next release will sound like this one.

‘We don’t get excited about something that sounds similar to

We don’t get excited about something that sounds similar to things we have already released

things we have already released’ says Ian, ‘what excites us is something that sounds different and something that sounds a bit unique.’

‘You always want your most recent release to be the best thing you’ve ever recorded, in your opinion anyway’ Tom adds. ‘You realise after a while of doing it that obviously other people are going to have favourites throughout your catalogue that you might feel differently about. But as long as we’re really happy with the piece of music that we’re putting out at the time, that’s all it’s really about. That’s the only pressure we put on ourselves – to like what we’re doing.’

It’s pretty clear that they’re not the only ones who like what they’re doing, as Icarus have grown from a hotly-tipped name to a regular fixture on daytime radio, finding fans in Pete

LOCAL TALENT // 45 Tong, Annie Mac, Phil Taggart and Alice Levine, to name a few, and attracting masses at the likes of Creamfields, SW4, Boardmasters and Ibiza’s Amnesia.

Getting noticed in the crowded world of house-driven electronic music can be tricky, and carving your own niche within it even more so. I asked Ian and Tom how they go about setting their music apart from their contemporaries.

‘It is pretty difficult’ says Ian. ‘We just keep going with an idea until we feel like it’s got something about it. I suppose it’s just persistence in the studio, if a track doesn’t feel special enough, we won’t stop. If we’re still keen on the basic idea, we’ll keep hammering away until we take it to that next level.’

‘That’s why we don’t put loads of music out’ Tom adds. ‘We take a lot of time over our records and some things do get shelved for a year, then we’ll come back and finish it when it feels right for that track. Something we’ve realised is that our tracks always have to have a thing – that one thing – that grabs us and makes it weird or different, then we focus the rest of the track around that. It took us quite a while to have that realisation.’

‘The tracks that connect the most or excite people drive us forward’ says Ian. ‘When we’re playing them live or DJing, you really get a feel for the audience’s reactions and whether or not the track connects, and when it does, it’s the best feeling and something we hook onto. That’s what we have in the back of our minds when we’re writing.’

Bristol is one of the most influential electronic music outposts in the world, producing some of the greatest names across many scenes, and the level of cross-pollination in Bristol is unquestionably unique.

‘Bristol’s music scene is just so varied’ says Tom. ‘There’s just always so many different pockets of things going on. The underground scene is just always very exciting here. Looking back to when we first starting clubbing here in Bristol and going to drum and bass raves, it’s just got a nice feel to it. An all-inclusive feel.’

The crowds in Bristol, they’re some of the best crowds we’ve ever played to ‘The crowds in Bristol, they’re some of the best crowds we’ve ever played to’ says Ian. ‘I mean Motion, I’m a bit biased here, but it’s probably the best club we’ve ever played in. There’s always such a good vibe in Bristol clubs, whereas some places we play, we struggle to get a vibe.’

‘There’s no real attitude here’ says Tom, ‘no one’s trying to be cool, no one’s worried about anything like that. Everyone’s just there to have a good time. We can tell and that makes you feel so much better when you’re the other side performing. It makes it so much easier to find a groove and to get into it.’

Clearly both excited to return to their hometown for their show at Thekla, I asked the brothers what we could expect: ‘New music!’ says Ian. ‘And a new kind of visual to it, it’s going to change a fair amount from our last tour. We’re just currently putting it together now, putting together ideas and putting the production and the new set together – it’s exciting.

Though there’s more pressure playing in our hometown, this show has to be the best, the one.’

‘It was for me last time’ Tom says. ‘I just enjoy it much more. We also want to release some new music about two weeks before the tour starts. Time is running out, but we’ll get there! There’s never a calm moment before anything like this, it’s always to the wire, but that’s part of the fun.’

The Bristol-based brother’s current trajectory is showing no signs of slowing down, as there is much more to come from the duo with 2019 set to have not only more releases and shows, but a busy festival schedule too.

‘We aim to do another body of work towards the end of the year’ says Tom. ‘Though it’s always hard writing in the summer as we’re so busy travelling and we have festival slots this year, as well as Ibiza bits – it’s shaping up to be quite busy. So we’re trying to plan out our writing period now because we know time just runs away.’

Icarus are also focusing on expanding their Fly Boy record label, as they’re currently signing new artists and building a busy release schedule. They also have plans for the further development of their live show, so keep your ears to the ground for further updates on this unstoppable duo

Words: Georgie Partington Photos: Dominika Scheibinger 26 April – Icarus, Thekla thisisicarus.com

51 stokes croft

48 // 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.

CHOW

Chow selects and evolves his sound from all genres, blending disco, reggae, funk, house, garage, and dancehall. Check him out at his current residency at No.51 for an incredible seamless set.

5 Apr // 9pm – 1am // £3-£4

SOUL SHAKE GARDEN PARTY

Soul Shake will be taking over No.51 for an all day and all-night knees up. They will be spinning records in the No.51 garden, giving you the perfect soundtrack to your Saturday.

20 Apr // 3pm – 4am // Free before 9pm

02 academy

VENUES // 49

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.

SLEAFORD MODS

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

Sleaford mods are back in Bristol to showcase material from their fifth studio album ‘Eton Alive’. Their drum machine beats and off beat delivery is truly distinctive, so get your ticket to avoid missing out.

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

6 Apr // 7pm – 10pm // £21.95 Mon 1st Apr

Sat 27th Apr

Mon 19th Aug • SOLD OUT

The Zutons

Kid Ink

Skunk Anansie

Sat 6th Apr

Sun 28th Apr • SOLD OUT

Sun 8th Sep • 6pm

Sleaford Mods

Tom Walker

Mon 8th Apr

Fri 3rd May • 6.30pm

Sundara Karma

Fat White Family

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

Tue 9th Apr • SOLD OUT Wed 10th Apr

Sun 5th May

Fri 13th Sep • 6.30pm

James Blake Fri 12th Apr • 6.30pm

Sleeper Sat 13th Apr • 10pm

The Greatest Showman Singalong Club Tour

Peter Doherty

Pearl Jam UK

Mon 6th May • SOLD OUT

Thur 10th Oct

Dermot Kennedy

Black Star Riders

Fri 10th May • 6.30pm

Fri 11th Oct • 6.30pm

Better Oblivion Community Center

The Rasmus

Wed 22nd May

Papa Roach

Little Steven & The Disciples Of Soul

Tue 16th Apr

Thur 23rd May

Mon 15th Apr • 6pm

Bear’s Den Wed 17th Apr

Yasiin Bey performs Mos Def - The Ecstatic Thur 18th Apr

Monster Truck Fri 19th Apr • 6pm

Kamasi Washington Sat 25th May

Dot To Dot Festival 2019 Wed 29th May

Maren Morris Fri 31st May • 6.30pm

Cash

Love From Stourbridge 2019 Sat 1st Jun ft. Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley Pop Will Eat Itself, Miles Sat 8th Jun Hunt DJ Set (The Wonder The Wedding Present Stuff) - Bizarro Tour Sun 21st Apr • SOLD OUT

Suede Wed 24th Apr

Hollywood Undead Thur 25th Apr

Circa Waves Fri 26th Apr • 6.30pm • SOLD OUT

Dave

Fri 18th Oct • 6pm

Roachford Wed 23rd Oct

Heels Of Hell Thur 24th Oct

The Selecter Fri 1st Nov • 6.30pm

The Smyths Fri 8th Nov

Snarky Puppy Sat 16th Nov • 10pm

Festival Of The Dead Tue 19th Nov

Yungblud Fri 22nd Nov • 6.30pm

The Macc Lads Sat 23rd Nov

Thur 20th Jun

Taking Back Sunday

Happy Mondays Tue 26th Nov • SOLD OUT

Sun 30th Jun

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Wed 3rd Jul

Nahko and Medicine for the People

Lewis Capaldi Thu 28th Nov

Electric Six Wed 18th Nov

Shed Seven

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

KID INK

Apr • 2019

Kid Ink is heading to Bristol this month as part of his UK tour. The tattooed rapper and producer will take centre stage at O2 Academy to perform material from his latest EP ‘Missed Calls’, and more.

27 Apr // 7pm – 11pm // £25

the canteen

50 // 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.

SOUNDS OF HARLOWE

Sounds of Harlowe know how to steal the crowd’s hearts with their freshly blended soul-hop, taking elements of funky jazz and making it their own. Check out these local gems for an evening of laid-back head bobbin’.

5 Apr // 10pm – 1am // Free

fri 5th

Thanks to a splendid combination of power grooves, classy brassy arrangements and full throttle vocals.

Sounds of Thur 11th

Harlowe Glamour & Here’s a fresh blend of soul-hop vocals and funky jazz instrumentation all wrapped up in a fine live reputation achieved in just three short years of club and festival appearances.

Sat 6th

Nelson & Friends The collective has gained a reputation around East London (Hackney) for their irresistible rhythms and captivating melodies.

The Baybes

Wed Bristol Community 17th Big Band You can expect jazz, blues and Latin classics alongside some of the great big band numbers - all delivered with maximum energy.

Sun

21st

Richie & Rosie

Staggeringly tight American roots duo, combining dazzling technique with sweet and honest harmony vocals.

Mon 29th Ben Badoo It’s an amazing 45 years since Ghanaian master musician, singer and dancer Ben Baddoo came to the UK on a mission to play classical music on traditional African instruments.

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

BEN BADOO

After 45 years, the Ghanaian master musician Ben Badoo returns to the UK. This singer and dancer will soothe your soul as you admire his playful sounds using traditional African instruments.

29 Apr // 10pm – 1am // Free

Colston hall Presents

VENUES // 51

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.

GEORGIA ANNE MULDROW

Multi-talented vocalist, songwriter and producer, Georgia Anne Muldrow is a sensation beyond words. Known for her neo-soul sensibility, the Brainfeeder signed artist takes hip hop and jazz to a new level where avant-garde and realism meet.

book

0117 203 4040 colstonhall.org

P

R

E

S

E

N

T

S

9 Apr // 8pm – 11pm // £17.44 // Fiddlers

Colston Hall loudly and proudly presents great shows in venues across Bristol Thu 4 Apr

Sun 21 Apr

Sun 28 Apr

Hailu Mergia

Echo Collective plays Amnesiac

by Radiohead

William Tyler

Colston Hall Foyer Thu 4 Apr

Bristol Folk House Thu 2 May

Penelope Isles

Colston Hall Foyer

Rough Trade Bristol

Tue 23 Apr

Martin & Eliza Carthy

Fri 5 Apr

Sun Ra Arkestra

The Station

Musical Youth

Fiddlers

Thu 2 May

Colston Hall Foyer

Wed 24 Apr

Ishmael Ensemble

Sat 6 Apr

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial: In Concert

Rough Trade Bristol

Tue 9 Apr

Bristol Hippodrome

The Station

Georgia Anne Muldrow & Dudley Perkins AKA Declaime

Thu 25 Apr

Fri 3 May

Murray A. Lightburn (of The Dears)

Sister Nancy and Legal Shot

Piroshka Rough Trade Bristol

Colston Hall Foyer

Fiddlers

Fri 26 Apr

Fri 12 Apr

DJ YODA + Friends

Molly Tuttle

Homecooking Live Tour

Fri 3 May

Carla Morrison

Fiddlers Sat 4 May

Grant Lee Phillips + Josh Rouse

Bristol Folk House

Fri 26 Apr

Fiddlers

Fri 12 Apr

Blair Dunlop

Wed 8 May

Kaleem Taylor

Bristol Folk House

Flamingods

Hy-Brasil Music Club

Sun 27 Apr

Exchange

Wed 17 Apr

Bristol Takeover

Sun 12 May

Press Club

Colston Hall Foyer

Ruston Kelly

Hy-Brasil Music Club

The Crofter’s Rights

BRISTOL TAKEOVER

Bristol Takeover is here to showcase some of the best talent to emerge from Bristol. Featuring Saffron Records, Bristol in Stereo, Multi-Track and more. Save the date for this irresistible freebie.

27 Apr // 4pm – 1am // Free // Colston Hall Foyer

the crofters XX rights

52 // 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.

DIAL AFRICA

Head on down to the regular club night that focuses on African Music from across the continent. Bringing you a load of afrobeat, afro-funk, Ethio-jazz and more.

21 Apr // 7.30pm – 10.30pm // £5

TRUE STRAYS

True Strays are heading to Crofters for a hometown show to promote their second EP. Grab your ticket to check out their huge bass driven riffs and howling guitars. Plus, support from Samantha Lindo.

27 Apr // 7.30pm – 10.30pm // £5

exchange XX

VENUES // 53

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.

PUPPY PLUS GREEN LUNG

Puppy are on a mission to bridge the gap between heavy metal and American indie anthems. Mixing glam rock with indie pop, this is a rare blend that will get you to the dancefloor.

18 Apr // 7.30pm – 11pm // £11

HOWLFEST

This all-dayer has something for everyone. From metal to ska and even vegetarian progressive grindcore, this lineup is tailored to all of your alt needs. Lineup includes Sonic Boom Six, [Spunge], Press to Meco and many more.

20 Apr // 12pm – 11.30pm // £20

the fleece

54 // 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.

ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS

Get ready for the all swinging, electro beat dazzling, gypsy surging sounds from Electric Swing Circus. With their vintage samples and dirty synth combo, this live act draws in a crowd every single time.

18 Apr // 8pm – 11pm // £15.50

TEENAGE WEREWOLVES (CRAMPS TRIBUTE)

Recognised as the best Cramps tribute in the world, Teenage Werewolves capture the authentic essence of the garage punk band and deliver a sensational show. Fronted by Jack Atlantis, this band are the wackiest of them all.

22 Apr // 7.30pm – 11pm // £13.50

THE FULL MOON / ATTIC BAR

VENUES // 55

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?

DRS & PITCH 92 LP LAUNCH

VP PRODUCTIONS PRESENT

AFT Records and Raps welcome DRS and Pitch 92 to the Attic Bar this month for the launch of their collaborative LP ‘From The Deep’. Plus, Ambush Family, Durkle Disco and more.

6 Apr // 8pm – 2am // £4

2019

DESIGN: INKIE

UNDER THE HILL FESTIVAL – LAUNCH PARTY

Under The Hill is back for another year and to kick off this year’s festivities, the UTH crew are throwing a launch party featuring the Slamboree Soundsystem, Mr Tea and the Minions, Mista Trick and more.

26 Apr // 8pm – 2am // £4

the gallimaufry

56 // 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.

FEEL FLOWS: ANU

APRIL

The Gallimaufry are celebrating their 7th birthday and have invited new residents ‘Feel Flows’ to join the festivities. This month, they welcome along London DJ anu to the decks for techno and new wave electro. .

thegallimaufry.co.uk

12 Apr // 9pm – 2am // Free

every single night

MONDAY

FRIDAY

Hosted by Mike Dennis

Through soul, jazz & electronica Hosted by Manami & Neathway 12th anu (NTS) 2am licence

Open Mic TUESDAY

Galli Live

2nd Lewis Creaven’s Dharma Blues 9th Chaz Thorogood 16th Seedling Sessions w/ Stanlaey & LYLE! 23rd Dexter Selboy and the Shonky Trio 30th Captain Jamaica & The Mellotones

WEDNESDAY

Waldo’s Gift

Hip-hop, math, jazz & electronica 3rd Waldo’s Gift Trio 10th feat. China Bowls 17th Open Collaboration 24th Reworks: Jon Hopkins ‘Insides’ Performing their take on the third LP from the electronic producer.

THURSDAY

Snazzback

Afro-funk & psych-jazz 4th Snazzback 11th Beat Tape 18th presents The Indecision 25th presents TwoSpeak

DJS

Feel Flows

SATURDAY

DJS

Satta Lites

Withdrawn, VMO$ & guests play beats, bumps & bass 6th Monts Mosaic (Centre For Better Grooves)

13th Lewis Parker (DJ set) 2am licence + Simiah / Hack / Pings 20th Matt Light (Plaque / Slack Alice) 27th Birthmark (Earthtrax / Cold Light)

SUNDAY

7th Jazz Sessions

Hosted by Craig Crofton

14th The Phantom Ensemble 21st More Soup!

Comforting vinyl selections spanning half a century with a range of ingredients from soul to hip hop to jazz to blues

28th Forth & Back Hip Hop Jam

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

SATTA LITES & KINGUNDERGROUND PRESENT LEWIS PARKER (DJ SET) Hip hop craftsman and veteran, Lewis Parker has been contributing to the genre for over 20 years. Check out his DJ set at The Gallimaufry this month, along with support from Simiah, Hack and more.

13 Apr // 9pm – 2am // Free

the golden lion

VENUES // 57

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.

GOLDEN LION

BLACKBEARDS TEA PARTY: PUNCH THE SKY

Join Blackbeards Tea Party at The Golden Lion for an evening of pure rock from Punch The Sky. This band are renowned to get the crowd moving, so where your dancing shoes for this one.

APRIL 2019

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

12 Apr // 9.30pm – 1am // £5

THU FRI SAT SUN

4th 5th 6th 7th

HOT JAZZ JAM Pre-Swing Era Jazz/Ragtime Jam THE MUTOIDS Classic Punk Rock & New Wave KING COLOBUS Baritone Heavy Blues Rock OPEN MIC SHOWCASE SPECIAL 2pm

THU 11th ENTER THE LION New Artists Showcase FRI 12th BLACKBEARDS TEA PARTY / PUNCH THE SKY £5 B.T.P Celebrate 10 years of Rockin’ Music Mayhem SAT 13th THE BAD LOSERS / ARMADILLO ENGINE Freakbeat SUN 14th SCARLET MUSES Knee-Swinging Jazz Classics 4pm THU 18th FRI 19th SAT 20th SUN 21st

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

THU 25th FRI 26th SAT 27th SUN 28th

PIGSTY HILL BLUES CLUB Open Blues Jam BABAR LUCK / CLAYTON BLIZZARD + BOOM BOOM RACOON MANGO FACTORY Sizzling Latino Funk n Soul J.J. GATSBY Vintage Swing & Post Modern 4pm

ADRENALIZED + HUMAN PROJECT + GRAND COLLAPSE £5 CLUMSY Bouncing Off Beat Reggae Fusion GRANAREUNITED Granary Club Rocking Reunion Paying a VERY SPECIAL TRIBUTE to the late AL READ xxx

BAD LOSERS + THE ARMADILLO ENGINE

The Golden Lion welcome Bristol based 60s garage and freakbeat rockers, The Bad Losers. Plus, The Armadillo Engine will be joining them to deliver their ‘gusty rock originals’, fused together with a gritty punk flare.

13 Apr // 9.30pm – 1am // Free

Hy-Brasil XX

58 // 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.

CHLOE FOY

Chloe Foy creates delicate yet intense atmospheres that transport you into bliss. Taking inspiration from classical music, folk and indie, Chloe is quickly building a massive following in the Uk and US with her relatable yet unique music.

11 Apr // 7pm – 10pm // Free

APRIL 2019 Weds 3 HIGH CLIMBERS Fri 5 House DJs Sat 6 TUGBOAT CAPTAIN Thurs 11 CHLOE FOY Fri 12 KALEEM TAYLOR Sat 13 FRAU DJs Sun 14 ANNA ST. LOUIS Tues 16 BROOKLYN NINE-NINE QUIZ Weds 17 PRESS CLUB Thurs 18 ARTS2LIFE Fri 19 House DJs Sat 20 THE BACK ROOM Sat 27 DEEP FRIED

2-4-1 BURGERS & CHICKEN EVERY TUES WWW.HYBRASILMUSICCLUB.COM

PRESS CLUB

Colston Hall Presents another great show this month, bringing along Melbourne based Press Club as part of their first ever UK tour. Their distorted, fuzzy guitar riffs and energetic stage presence will prove the bands reputation for being one of the best live acts right now.

17 Apr // 7.30pm – 10.30pm // £7.63

the lanes

VENUES // 59

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.

HOOVERIII

Join The Lanes in welcoming Hooveriii to Bristol for the first time, as they get ready to set foot on stage and lure Bristol crowds in with their fuzzy synths and melodic riffs.

15 Apr // 7.30pm – 11pm // Free

THE UNDERGROUND YOUTH + TEMPERS

The Underground Youth have a curious psychedelic brand that takes post-punk to another level. TUY are heading to The Lanes as part of their ‘Montage Images of Lust and Fear’ album tour. Plus, support from Tempers.

28 Apr // 7.30pm – 11.30pm // £5 - £8

Marble Factory

60 // VENUES

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

Part of the Motion warehouse complex, the Marble Factory has rapidly confirmed itself as an integral fixture of Bristol culture. The fully decked out, 1600-capacity space delivers cutting-edge lineups representing a wide range of genres which celebrate the city’s diverse musical offering.

On top of its diverse programme, the Marble Factory offers an immersive, all-encompassing audiovisual experience.

SINK THE PINK

Sink The Pink are heading to Marble Factory and category is… ‘When I grow up’. Grab your showgirl feathers and join this bonkers drag troupe for an evening of bad behaviour and big dreams.

13 Apr // 9pm – 3am // £22.03 - £27.03

FLAVA D

Flava D will be taking The Marble Factory by storm this month for her first highly anticipated Bristol headline 3-hour set. Plus, all your favourite names including Unglued, L U C Y will be joining Flava D to help make this a night to remember.

18 Apr // 10pm – 5am // £11.80 - £17.25

mr wolfs XX

VENUES // 61

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.

RAMNASTAX + ROCKIT SCIENCE

This five-piece punk band’s music has been scientifically proven to make your body move. Ok, not exactly, but their original sounds and boogie infused bass lines will definitely have you on the dancefloor.

13 Apr // 9pm – 4am // £3 - £4

VIANNE

Vianne master the warming sounds that brighten your mood on any occasion with their smooth guitar and beautiful melodies. Imagine if Zero 7 and The Cinematic Orchestra had a baby, what more could you want?

20 Apr // 7pm – 2am // £3

the Old Market Assembly

62 // 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.

CC SMUGGLERS

CC Smugglers started off as young British street performers. However, over the years their infamously engaging live performances and innovative brand of self-promotion saw them take the show on to stages and audiences across the world.

19 Apr // 10pm – 1am // £8

Fri 5

SOMA SOMA

Sun-soaked compositions, groovy beats and contagious horn lines that will transport you to sunnier climes and contagiously get the whole room dancing!

,

Sat 6

Wayne and Wanda Spring Fling

Fri 19

CC Smugglers

CC Smugglers started off as young British street performers. However over the years their infamously engaging live performances and innovative brand of self promotion saw them take the show on to stages and audiences across the world.

,

Sat 20

Lipsync legends Wayne and Wanda are back and starting their Old Market residency with a spring fling.

Expect cabaret games, laughs and performances all night long. Be prepared though, this is all about you honey, so get ready to participate!

Under The Cherry Moon - Prince Night!

Sat 13

John Fairhurst

,

,

Fri 26

Hot Night In The City - Blues

Join Queen Dis Charge as they host a night of live blues and beauty. With guest, Sofi Reed, expect an experience that will ooze sensuality and sexiness, with old classics and unexpected surprises this is going to be one special night.

,

Get ready for a huge collaborative night of music, art and performance inspired by the icon that was Prince.

London-based John Fairhurst makes heavy blues for heavy times. In equal parts revealing, vulgar, cathartic and thrilling, the virtuoso guitarist is channelling the discontent felt in the western world to pay tribute to –and to update –the very idea of rock n roll as protest music.

,

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

JOHN FAIRHURST

John Fairhurst makes heavy blues for heavy times. In equal parts revealing, vulgar, cathartic and thrilling, this guitarist channels the discontent felt in the western world to pay tribute to protest music.

26 Apr // 11pm – 2am // £8

SWX

VENUES // 63

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.

HIGH FOCUS RECORDS 9TH BIRTHDAY

Get ready to join all your favourite MCs under one roof to celebrate High Focus Records 9th Birthday. Featuring The Four Owls, Jam Baxter and Ed Scissor to name a few. Plus, Bristol homegrown, Datkid.

18 Apr // 9pm – 4am // £15 - £20 // SWX

SHOWHAWK DUO

Showhawk Duo are set to return to Bristol this month for their second instalment of ‘Welcome to the Acoustic Rave’. Expect trance anthems, guitar licks and larger than life energy from the duo on stage.

26 Apr // 7pm – 11pm // £20.05 // SWX

thekla XX

64 // 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.

ALICE PHOEBE LOU

Alice Phoebe Lou caught the attention of blues and folk lovers with her honest voice and independent approach to music. Watch her music come to life on stage in a show not to be missed.

THEKLA

LIVE LISTINGS

15 Apr // 7.30pm – 11pm // £13.50

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

THURSDAY 18TH APRIL

MONDAY 1ST APRIL

JUDGE JULES

KEUNING SOLD OUT

FRIDAY 19TH APRIL

WEDNESDAY 3RD APRIL

THESE NEW PURITANS

EASY LIFE

SATURDAY 20TH APRIL

THURSDAY 4TH APRIL

FRANC MOODY

CHERRY GLAZERR

SUNDAY 21ST APRIL

SATURDAY 6TH APRIL

JOYCE MANOR

MASSIVE WAGONS

MONDAY 22ND APRIL

SUNDAY 7TH APRIL

BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH SOLD OUT

GOOD COP BAD COP TUESDAY 24TH APRIL

M HUNCHO

MONDAY 8TH APRIL

NINA NESBITT

WEDNESDAY 24TH APRIL

STELLA DONNELLY

TUESDAY 9TH APRIL

ETTA BOND

FRIDAY 26TH APRIL

ICARUS

WEDNESDAY 10TH APRIL

GIRLI SOLD OUT

SATURDAY 27TH APRIL

JOSEFIN OHRN + THE LIBERATION

THURSDAY 11TH APRIL

FONTAINES D.C.

SUNDAY 28TH APRIL

FRIDAY 12TH APRIL

STEALING SHEEP

NILÜFER YANYA

MONDAY 29TH APRIL

SATURDAY 13TH APRIL

C DUNCAN

NOBLE JACKS

THURSDAY 2ND MAY

SUNDAY 14TH APRIL

BUILT TO SPILL

TVAM

THURSDAY 2ND - SUNDAY 5TH MAY

MONDAY 15TH APRIL

ALICE PHOEBE LOU WEDNESDAY 17TH APRIL

WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR

SOLD OUT

THEKLA 35

A WEEKEND OF LIVE AND CLUB EVENTS CELEBRATING THEKLA’S 35TH YEAR AS A VENUE. #THEKLA35 TUESDAY 7TH MAY

JOEY LANDRETH

STELLA DONNELLY

Australian musician, Stella Donnelly’s endearing and relatable way of writing captures what it’s like to be a millennial woman in a Trump world. Witness her thought-provoking performance at Thekla this month.

24 Apr // 8.00pm – 12am // £9.90

to the moon

VENUES // 65

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.

CHERRY COLA

A brand-new night is making its mark at To The Moon this month.

Cherry Cola will be dropping a load of R&B, grime and pop for all you bass heavy fiends. Think anything from Lizzo, Little Simz and Frank Ocean.

5 Apr // 8pm – 12am // Free

DIRTY LAUNDRY

To The Moon and their friends Dirty Laundry have teamed up to bring an evening of some of the best hip hop, funk, breaks and house. Head on down for a tasty cocktail and a boogie.

26 Apr // 8pm – 12am // Free

trinity XX

66 // VENUES

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.

TIRZAH

After her last performance at Simple Things Festival, Bristol have been eagerly waiting for Tirzah’s return. Finally, the gentle vocalist returns to promote her long awaited debut album ‘Devotion’, along with her live band.

9 Apr // 7.30pm – 11pm // £12

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR

Ali Shaheed Muhammed (of A Tribe Called Quest) & Adrian Younge are coming to Bristol to perform music from the hiphop duo’s long-awaited debut album ‘The Midnight Hour’.

30 Apr // 7pm – 11pm // £13-£17

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

Thekla 35 Years A3.indd 1

13/03/2019 17:30