Nitelife October 2019 by NITELIFE

OC T 2019 . I S S U E : 141 . F RE E DOCUMENTING BRISTOLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NIGHTLIFE CULTURE SINCE 2007

THE FINAL CHAPTER OF in:motion 28 S E P 1 9 - 0 1 JA N 2 0 SAT 28 SEPT

FRI 25 OCT

[A-Z]

FOUR TET PEARSON SOUND ECLAIR FIFI WILLOW SAOIRSE LOGIC 1000 ALEXIS FALL FORWARD ----------SAT 26 OCT

DRUMCODE DAY & NIGHT B.TRAITS BART SKILS BOXIA DENSE & PIKA ENRICO SANGIULIANO LAYTON GIORDANI LUIGI MADONNA MATADOR NICOLE MOUDABER PAN-POT WEHBBA ----------FRI 04 OCT

MK PRESENTS AREA 10 MK LEFTWING : KODY KC LIGHTS SAFFRON STONE ----------SAT 05 OCT

THE BLAST AUTUMN CARNIVAL SUB FOCUS [DJ SET + MC I.D] CAMO & KROOKED HAZARD SERUM BARELY LEGAL CHIMPO PARTICLE HYROGLIFICS AMBUSH FAMILY SIR HISS & EMZ & MANY MORE

----------THU 10 OCT

ON AIR PRESENTS SHADOW CHILD & MORE

----------FRI 11 OCT

MR SCRUFF ALL NIGHT LONG MR SCRUFF [ALL NIGHT LONG] WORM DISCO CLUB ----------FRI 18 OCT

PAUL OAKENFOLD: DANCE MUSIC CLASSICS PAUL OAKENFOLD ALEX M.O.R.P.H. TILT JONNY GRIFFITHS TAZ MEAH & MORE

----------SAT 19 OCT

HOSPITALITY BRISTOL HIGH CONTRAST LONDON ELEKTRICITY S.P.Y METRIK GRAFIX BOU LENS SPECIAL GUEST: TC & MANY MORE

‘A DECADE IN THE DANCE’

25 YEARS OF BUGGED OUT!

HE.SHE.THEY HALLOWEEN [A-Z]

ABSOLUTE. B.PLEASE DUNGEON MEAT LA FLEUR MAYA JANE COLES STEFFI & VIRGINIA WAX WINGS ZENZERO & MORE

----------FRI 01 NOV

ANNIE MAC PRESENTS ANNIE MAC GREEN VELVET REBUKE DEBONAIR BIG MIZ ELLIS ROBERTS CRAWFORD ----------SAT 02 NOV

THE BLAST HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL OF THE DEAD SHY FX PROBLEM CENTRAL SPECIAL GUEST: RUSKO WATCH THE RIDE SERUM VOLTAGE & SPYDA UK APACHE BENNY L JOKER BLADERUNNER & MANY MORE

----------FRI 08 NOV

MARK REBILLET [ SOLD OUT ]

----------FRI 15 NOV

CAMELPHAT & SPECIAL GUESTS [ SOLD OUT ]

----------MON 18 NOV

LIVE NATION PRESENTS OCEAN WISDOM [ LIVE ] & SPECIAL GUESTS ----------FRI 22 NOV

SAT 23 NOV

SNOWBOMBING LAUNCH PARTY [A-Z]

TUE 31 DEC

IN:MOTION PRESENTS NYE LINE UP TBA ----------WED 01 JAN

ANNA WALL ARTWORK CERI DUSKY ELLIS ROBERTS HOLLY LESTER JASPER JAMES ----------FRI 29 NOV

IN:MOTION PRESENTS NYD LINE UP TBA

COLSTON HALL PRESENTS

PLUS MORE SHOWS TO BE ANNOUNCED

QUANTIC [ LIVE ] & SPECIAL GUESTS ----------SAT 30 NOV

RUN

DIMENSION THE PROTOTYPES CULTURE SHOCK A.M.C CRITICAL SOUNDSYSTEM PLAYAZ DJ HYPE HAZARD SPECIAL GUESTS: BLACK SUN EMPIRE SPECIAL GUESTS: PROBLEM CENTRAL ----------FRI 06 DEC

SOLARDO PRESENTS HIGHER SOLARDO [A-Z]

BLACK GIRL / WHITE GIRL CHRIS LAKE HEIDI LINDSEY MATTHEWS & MORE

----------SAT 07 DEC

WE ARE THE BRAVE ALAN FITZPATRICK B2B SKREAM WAFF ELI BROWN NATASHA & MORE

----------FRI 13 DEC

BOILER ROOM LINE UP TBA ----------SAT 14 DEC

PERPETUAL PRESENTS AME GERD JANSON DJ TENNIS JENNIFER CARDINI CURSES ELLIE STOKES SOWER ----------FRI 20 DEC

IN:MOTION PRESENTS

CIRQUE DU SOUL

SVEN VATH ILARIO ALICANTE DANA RUH

HORSE MEAT DISCO THE SHAPESHIFTERS

& MORE TBA

& MANY MORE

BRISTOLINMOTION.COM MOTION & THE MARBLE FACTORY, 74-78 AVON ST, BRISTOL, BS2 0PX

ISSUE 141

October 19

TUNGZ 28-31 It’s taken four years to work out how to present their multi-dimensional sound. Now, Tungz are ready to make you dance, weep and eat donuts.

HIGHLIGHTS Our top gigs and clubnights this month 24-27

WORDS

Gilles Peterson 40-41 Live music has benefited from a reaction to algorithms and to technology.

Tungz 28 Ghost of the Avalanche 34 Kate Tempest 36 Ticket giveaway 39 Gilles Peterson 40 Behind the scenes: Vikki Porter 42 Drinks with Metronomy 74

LIVE & CLUB LISTINGS

Full event listings this month 45-63

DRINKS GUIDE

Bristol’s favourite watering holes 73-84

DRINKS WITH metronomy 74-77 The framework for this album was more the idea of an object – the idea this record can contain all of that stuff.

Cover image: Dominika Scheibinger

October Highlights Words: Brad Penhaligon

Multi-Track: Novelist & OH91 Bristol producer OH91 joins 2018 Mercury Award nominated grime MC Novelist for the second Multi-Track showcase in Colston Hall. Head down early to catch Novelist for an exclusive Q&A that will spark interesting conversation. 3 October // 5:30pm – 11pm // Free // Colston Hall

Bandulu Gang + Commodo Kings of dubstep Bandulu gang take over Thekla with support from another giant in the dubstep scene: Commodo. Expect a night of the darkest beats and heaviest bass in the city known to be the mecca of 140. 4 October // 10pm – 4am // £5 - £9 // Thekla

Dispatch 360 Sound: Ant TC1, Philth & Black Barrel A night of the deepest, darkest drum and bass in Bristol’s deepest and darkest venue, The Loco Klub, an underground venue near Temple Meads. Catch three Dispatch Records artists go back-to-back for 3 hours. 4 October // 10pm – 4am // £8 - £14 // The Loco Klub

DJ Vadim & Jman DJ Vadim is known for his boundary pushing production using sounds from various cultures from around the world, paired with the gritty energy of MC Jman, an underground king of UK hip hop, a hugely exciting night is on the cards. 4 October // 8:30pm – 2am // £4 // Attic Bar

Moonlight Sessions Emerging minimal techno DJ Eksish and ambient house producer Kevin Cristo join the Moonlight residents for a night of deep underground music. Make sure you’re on the guest list to gain entry to this intimate affair. 5 October // 7pm – 12am // Free // To the Moon

Penguin Café Founded in 2009 by Arthur Jeffes, Penguin Café follows the footsteps of the iconic Penguin Café orchestra, created by Arthurs father, Simon. They provide a collection of ambient, and immersive classical music that will leave goosebumps. 5 October // 7:30pm – 10pm // £29.50 // St. George’s Bristol

Creep Show A unique group created by John Grant and members of Wrangler. Their musical talents combine in their new project Mr Dynamite, an experimental funky pop album. Head down early for support from disco producer and DJ Kincaid feat. Blancmange. 8 October // 7:30pm – 10:30pm // £19.08 // Trinity Centre

House of Pharaohs The British Rap group combine an abundance of individual styles from all 10 members who are solo artists of their own accord, to create a high energy performance of beats and bars. 9 October // 7pm – 11pm // £11 // Exchange

SoulJam For eight years SoulJam has delivered one of the biggest funk, soul and disco events across the UK, rocking multiple Bristol dancefloors in the process. They return to the Marble Factory, ready to keep the soul train running. 9 October // 11pm – 3am // £7 // Marble Factory

Snazzback presents: Milon Fronted by tenor saxophonist Dino Christodoulou and electric guitarist Neil Smith, Milon are a jazz and Middle Eastern groove duo based in Bristol taking over Snazzbacks next installment. 10 October // 9:30pm - 12:30am // Free // Gallimaufry

Aarmstrong A farewell set from one of 51’s most renowned residents. The progressive disco producer and DJ has had a busy year, playing at the likes of NASS and Rave on Avon, and he heads to 51’s for one last time. 11 October // 10pm – 4am // £4 // No.51 Stokes Croft

The Cosmic Dead Gravy Train and BLG promotions invite the psychedelic Scottsmen to The Lanes to showcase their intense heavy sound. Expect to hear some tracks from their forthcoming album Scottish Space Race. 11 October // 7:30pm – 10pm // £10 // The Lanes

Mangoes + Melons Bristol speed garage, garage and house label returns to Cosies for another vinyl-only event. Catch Jeremy Sylvester, A-Bee, Sekt 87 and Conroy display their skills on the turntables for another night of nostalgic 90s dance music. 11 October // 10pm – 3am // £4 // Cosies

The Rasmus The Finnish rock band have been around since 1994, evolving their sound over the years from funk to more solid rock. They head out on tour again in celebration of the anniversary of their iconic Dead Letters album. 11 October // 6:30pm – 10pm // £22.50 // O2 Academy

Tankus the Henge The London based 5-piece have a sound as mighty as their name. They have performed across the globe with exciting showmanship and a wealth of sounds from rock and funk to gypsy rhythms. 11 October // 7pm – 10:30pm // £12 // The Fleece

Papaya Fest A unique fusion of Latin American and British culture which brings an array of theatre, live music and DJs mixing it all up into one ferocious fiesta of a weekend, with performances from DJ hiphoppapotomus, The Fontanas, and Afro-Latin band WARA. 11 & 12 October // 10pm – 3am // £13 // The Old Market Assembly

Not3s The London born Nigerian singer/rapper is known for platinum singles alongside the likes AJ Tracey and Mabel. He rose to fame through the success of Addison Lee, taken from his debut tape Take Not3s. He headlines a CODEC clubnight. 12 October // 10:30pm – 4am // £11 // SWX

DJ Jazzy Jeff Philly’s finest DJ Jazzy Jeff returns to Bristol with a bag full of hip hop and r&b, alongside some other local talents to keep you bouncing through Sunday afternoon and evening. 13 October // 12pm – 10pm // £25 // Bambalan

October Highlights Clem Burke & Bootleg Blondie play Parallel Lines The official Blondie tribute band head to Bristol alongside Blondie drummer Clem Burke for a nostalgic night as they will be playing their 1979 UK number 1 album Parallel lines. 15 October // 7.30pm - 11pm // £18.50 // The Fleece

Dad Bod Boogie Presents: Melé Tribal house general and Elrow resident Melé headlines a tasty night of house and techno at Lakota, he boasts an impressive discography of dancefloor bangers including releases with Eats Everything and Pete Tong. Be sure not to miss the support from Dad Bod founders Mulholland, Peats, and Crawford. 16 October // 10pm – 3am // £3 – £5 // Lakota

Flightbrigade A band with a real family feel, Flightbrigade produces performances packed with chemistry and harmony, with gigs at Glastonbury and Boomtown to boast, Flightbrigade are well worth your attention. 17 October // 9pm-4am // £3 – 4 // Mr Wolf’s

Frankie Cosmos Coming all the way from New York, the indie-rock four piece will be delivering a delicate display of their excellent discography. Lead singer Greta Kilne is a gifted singer/ songwriter with a distinctively soft voice. 17 October // 7pm – 10pm // £14.30 // Exchange

Hornstars This Bristol University big band is a fine training ground for young jazzers - expect to be blasted with oozing funk and jazz along with scorching swing and an abundance of classy vocals to boot. 17 October // 9.30pm – 11.30pm // Free // The Canteen

Velvet Magnetic With track selection that feels like a journey across the decades, you’ll be sure to hear some timeless classics along with some unearthed gems in what promises to be a smooth ride with Velvet Magnetic. 17 October // 10pm – 2am // Free // No. 51 Stokes Croft

Rose Cousins An award-winning Canadian singer songwriter whose tracks always spark up emotions. She’s supported by more talent from across the pond in Paper Beat Scissors, who will be providing some tracks from his acoustic arsenal. 18 October // 7pm – 10pm // £8 // Crofters Rights

Odunsi The Engine A Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer with a knack for fusing r&b with afrobeat sounds to create smooth, bouncy anthems. His two albums: TIME OF OUR LIVES and rare have both earned rave reviews. 22 October // 7pm – 10pm // £19.25 // Exchange

In:Motion presents Hospitality The Hospitality crew resume usual Motion business with another gargantuan drum and bass lineup, with three rooms packed with heavyweights such as High Contrast, S.P.Y, Kings of the Rollers, Randall and Lenzman to keep you rolling through to the early hours. 19 October // 10pm – 6am // £28.75 // Motion

Do-IY Collective A new bi-monthly event from a Bristol based collective who fuse together music, art and technology. Join them on thier opening night and catch their residents play a diverse collection of tracks in an intimate, welcoming and creative space. 19 October // 8pm – 12am // Free // To the Moon

Martha Back again after a sold-out show at Exchange, the indie rock group’s latest album Love Keeps Kicking is a collection of heart-melting summer anthems that you’ll want to share with people close. 19 October // 6pm-10pm // £10 // The Fleece

Laura Misch Singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Laura Misch heads on tour this autumn after the release of Lonely City. With praise of the highest order from Gilles Peterson, she is one of the torchbearers of the new generation of jazz influenced artists from the UK. 23 October // 7pm – 11pm // £8.50 //Exchange

Lil Maxine She has a sound that is hard to categorise – try and catch it and it slips through your fingers. Austrian jazz singer Lise Huber aka Lil Maxine will take you on a journey, shape shifting from classic balladry into tiskering drum and bass or complex modern jazz structures. 23 October // 9.30pm – 11.30pm // Free // The Canteen

Dolce Vita Halloween Masquerade Have a ball with Dolce Vita at this early Halloween party in your classiest fancy-dress garments, with DJs spinning a mix of disco, house and techno. With the location still to be announced, expect a night full of surprises and mystery. 25 October // 9pm – 3am // £5 // Secret Location

Dr Syntax & Pete Cannon These two are known for their collaborative releases Let’s Talk and The Tonic, and are touring the release of their next project Wallop. Cannon is known for his old school style of production and extensive vinyl collection, and Dr Syntax is another big name in the UK hip hop scene, with a discography dating back over a decade. 25 October // 8:30pm – 2am // £4 // Attic Bar

Melt Banana The Japanese grindcore group are a furious combination of elements from punk, pop, electronica and rock. They deliver extremely high tempo tracks with piercing vocals that have been well renowned around the Europe and the U.S since their forming in 1992. 25 October // 7:30pm // £13.50 // Exchange

Mush Their latest EP Induction Party is packed with energy and attitude, and the Leeds born art-rock band return to deliver some of their heavy anthems to Bristol after receiving rave reviews from their performances in Hy-Brasil and Triptych festival earlier this year. 27 October // 7:30pm – 10:30pm // £6 // The Crofters Rights

Little Simz Her meteoric rise has been breath-taking to watch, at 25 she already has two critically acclaimed albums, including GREY Area released this year, and has toured with Gorillaz and Ms. Lauryn Hill. 28 October // 7pm – 11pm // £14 // Thekla

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Talking about the Exchange show, Nicky continues: ‘There will be more songs, more of a show, new material. We’re getting back to being a live band.’ ‘We really want to offer people as much as we can – the whole experience. Focus on making it a big show, a party for everyone’ says Jamie. At their last headline show in Bristol, Jamie handmade 60 donuts, which they served out of Nicky’s keyboard case. So we can expect Tungz to pull something extra out of the bag (or keyboard case) to make the EP launch at Exchange a memorable, positive evening for everyone. ‘We feel like we’re developing into our sound and this is just the start of it’ says Nicky. ‘It’s exciting to think what we could do in the studio and what we could do with our live shows.’

Words: Rachel Morris Photos: Dominika Scheibinger Tungz EP launch: 5 October, Exchange tungz.co.uk @tungzzzzzz

Civil Unrest EP release: 12 October, DIE DAS DER Ghost of the Avalanche live: 14 November, Exchange Basement ghostoftheavalanche.bandcamp.com @GhostOfTheAvalanche

20 questions

with

Ghost of the Avalanche Punk two-piece Ghost of the Avalanche drop their fifth EP Civil Unrest this month, and they’re more pissed off than they’ve ever been. While previously their hard punk sound was willing to embrace rock and roll hooks, Civil Unrest is pure punk rage. It’s a six-track exasperation at the current political shit show and our deeply divided country. Tracks like Vampire Bats and Not Our War and a reeling sense of musical urgency feels at times like a call to arms, but also bluntly asks, what’s the point? Keeping true to punk tradition, Ghost of the Avalanche’s songs are short. The longest track on the EP is Cloak and Dagger at just over two minutes, with others sitting around 45 seconds, and the whole thing delivers like a swift punch to the gut. Born out of an idea to strip music back to its bare bones, Ghost of the Avalanche is Nick Wilton on vocals and bass guitar and Robbo Clark on drums. They put their no-frills, to-the-point, raw expression to the test in the studio this time, by recording Civil Unrest straight to cassette – meaning no splicing best bits together on a computer, but also eliminating the risk of overcooking things in the studio: what you hear is what you’ll get live. The EP drops on 12 October as an official International Cassette Store Day release and they’re backing it up with a UK winter tour. In a bid to get to know them better, we asked Nick a few questions – What have you learned today? I was at a festival for sustainable businesses today in Bristol as part of my day job as a marketing manager and I was surprised and pleased to see how many people want to start or swap careers to work with businesses that care about the environment. I also learnt how to put a literature stand up properly without severing my fingers. You can tell I’m fresh from work right? Which song by another artist most inspires you? Tiny Dancer by Elton John. I would love to write a song where the music emotionally shifts like that. It’s beautiful. First piece of music you bought? Michael Jackson’s Dangerous was the first album I ever bought with my own pocket money, on cassette noless. That memory is now a bit tainted considering all the allegations that the Leaving Neverland documentary detailed… So for the purposes of this interview I’ll say the first CD I ever bought which was Nirvana’s Incesticide because it was cheaper in Woolworths than Nevermind, which was the album I really wanted.

Most recent?

Most recent binge watch?

The newest Ceremony album In the Spirit World Now. It sounds like they were listening to a lot of Talking Heads and New Order when writing it. I love how they change up their style every album.

I’m so late to the party with these things but I watched every episode of Mad Men for the first time fairly recently but I’ve also binged watched the new Star Trek Discovery show on Netflix. I started the new Dark Crystal series but didn’t really understand what the fuck was going on so I’m yet to revisit it…

Who are your top three acts right now? I’d have to say Bad Breeding, they are a phenomenal live punk band and their albums are all solid. I’m really looking forward to seeing Lightning Bolt play at the Trinity in Bristol soon and The Bronx always deliver when it comes to rock n’ roll swagger.

Life motto?

Who is or was the most underrated artist, in your opinion?

Cats because they’ll take over one day.

Probably, Ramones. I know a lot of people love them but they should’ve had massive hits. Their song writing is impeccable and they influenced so many bands that it’s criminal they didn’t become global megastars at the time. They were like The Beatles on speed. Locally, the most underrated bands are Ghost Of The Avalanche, Downard and The St Pierre Snake Invasion. It’s 3am and the party is winding down, what track do you play to get everyone going again? Tick Tick Boom by The Hives Mosh pits - yay or nay? Yay if they’re good mosh pits where people help each other out when they fall over and when they are having a good time. Nay if knuckle draggers are there to throw their weight around, not cool. For me personally, I’m of the age now where I like to stand near the sound desk nursing a beer. That’s where the music sounds best, as that’s where the guy who is in charge of the sound is listening from. Do you listen to any music you think would surprise people? I listen to all different kinds of music but I guess some people would be surprised to know that I think the Sugababes have some absolute bangers. Also, I’m quite fond of old video game soundtracks. I’ve got the Streets Of Rage 2 soundtrack on double vinyl, so maybe that? What was the last book you read?

Be a nice person. Don’t be a dick. Cats or dogs?

Tea or coffee? Coffee at work. Tea at home. Pet peeve? People not indicating on roundabouts. Absolute vermin. Favourite computer game character? Kirby the pink blob is pretty cool. He’s very expressive and can take on a bunch of powers. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Learn a trade. I didn’t take the advice… Tell us something people don’t generally know about you... I was once a runner-up in a Home Alone look-a-like competition that Live and Kicking ran. What is your oldest possession? Probably Big Ted, my bear from when I was a kid. Although I gave him to my daughter to look after when she was born, so he’s kinda hers now. What are you doing tomorrow? I’m going to go to work then spend the evening with my family. Then I’ll attempt to write some new GOTA material for an album we hope to record next year.

I’m currently reading Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer, which I bought ages ago after watching the film adaptation but I’ve only just got around to reading it. Words: Josephine Smith Photos: @thefotomatic

it’s not about offering guidance to anybody other than myself

Following Kate’s Tempest’s new album release The Book of Traps and Lessons, we caught up with her to chat about how her style developed into the innovation it is today and attempted to delve into the creative process behind the album. The Book of Traps and Lessons takes us through a journey from start to finish, in two halves: an initial process of realisation, followed up by an attempt to put recognition into action, Kate explains. ‘So the songs are in this moment of cognisance about these traps in the first half of the album, and then in the second half of the album they’re desperately trying to put into practice some of these realisations about what these traps are and learn some lessons from them, hoping that these thoughts can manifest themselves in behaviours, rather than just as awareness.’ It would be natural to take from Traps and Lessons the notion that Tempest was in some way offering her listeners some moral guidance, but her own perception of her work is far more introspective, seeing the creative process as a serving a therapeutic purpose.

RAPPER, POET, SPOKEN-WORD PERFORMER AND PLAYWRIGHT KATE TEMPEST ON A HIGHER CREATIVE CALLING AND SHARING IT WITH THE WORLD.

Kate Tempest RAPPER, POET, SPOKEN-WORD PERFORMER AND PLAYWRIGHT KATE TEMPEST ON A HIGHER CREATIVE CALLING AND SHARING IT WITH THE WORLD. Words: Sarah MacPherson Kate Tempest live: 20 October, O2 Academy Bristol katetempest.co.uk

‘I think my work is so bound up with my life and my existence, it’s sort of my internal landscape and it’s not about offering guidance to anybody other than myself really.’ Taking it further, Tempest describes some of the darker times in her life and the way in which creativity has been her salvation, ‘It’s as though the creative voice is the highest self and it comes to me at my weakest moments, when I need support and guidance of sorts.’ Talking about the role of the musician within the world, Kate becomes profound as she describes the depths of musicality as ‘having contact with a deeper and more trulyfelt dimension.’ She goes on to describe the responsibility of the musician: ‘It’s so mysterious and binding and full of real joy and elation. I think if you’re that way inclined, then you are in service to that feeling and that dimension and so I think it should just naturally be the case that those of us who are that way inclined offer something of that world to everyone else.’ Talking more specifically about the musicality of The Book of Traps and Lessons, in which we see the lyrics take centre stage and the music taking on a more minimal role in the sound, Kate says the creative process was at times an arduous one. ‘It took ages. It was really counter intuitive and quite challenging, but we were encouraged in the process by [producer] Rick Rubin; he was encouraging us to break our conventions and try and find something new, musically and lyrically.’

preview

With roots in hip hop, this album pushed Kate’s personal boundaries in terms of musical creativity, she says. ‘It was definitely a hard process because my natural instinct is obviously to lock in rhythmically with beats, but on this album, Mick was encouraging us to find a new way of expressing.’ Lyrics are and always have been the crux of Kate Tempest’s music, however, Kate argues the role of the music in the album is no less valuable. ‘Its really important what’s happening musically, it’s just less. It’s that we aren’t locked in with each other, we’re like these two halves going to the same destination, but not locked in with each other.’ With four studio albums, two Mercury prize nominations and poetry awards including the Ted Hughes Award under her belt, the development of Kate’s style has been a gradual process, transitioning from the young rapper she was at 16. At the age of around 19, a friend brought her to a Slam event where Kate publicly performed her lyrics for the first time without music, spurring an enduring interest in the poetry and spoken word scene in London. ‘It reminded me somehow of my favourite part of a hip hop event, after the gig, outside there would be big groups of people all standing around on the street or on the bus home, it was just going one rhyme at a time – just 12 bars each, in a big circle. And that was my favourite part of the night, it made me feel so good. Sometimes

spoken word events have something of that feeling to them – everyone just getting up and doing their best bars, I found it really exciting.’ As Kate’s career progressed rapidly through the spoken word world, seeing her commissioned by a theatre director to write the play Wasted, her vision of her creativeself began a process of evolution. ‘That was my beginning and a real baptism of fire, because it was through that experience of writing Wasted that showed me that there were other forms available to me and that’s when I started to think of myself as a writer, not just a rapper or lyricist.’ The distinctions between music and poetry are blurred in Tempest’s album The Book of Traps and Lessons, contributing to its distinctive sound, but where the line lies, Kate argues, is instinctive and dependent on intention. ‘I definitely have a sense, in me, of the difference. I have an awareness of not just form, but environment and I know that also influences how people receive language. I think that it’s about intention, so if you intend for a piece of lyricism to be poetry or if you intend for it to be musical, then it will influence how that piece of work comes about and how you record it.’ Anyone that’s listened to Tempest’s new album will have gained a sense of the lyrical despair at some aspects of modern society, touching on issues that plague the minds of conscientious liberals worldwide, including the state of the environment. Tempest

offers some notions of optimism though, seeing the album overall as hopeful. ‘Even if the creativity begins with a felt moment of despair, it ends in creativity, which is always hopeful and positive.’ On society itself though, she remained a little less self-assured – ‘Sometimes I’m much less hopeful than other times about society’s future, as I’m sure most can relate with.’ With all this in mind, it’s to be expected that Tempest’s live performance this month would offer the audience something fairly unique to a big stage. Reminiscing on previous performances of the album almost wistfully, Tempest describes an emotive and feeling performance that unites both performer and audience.

‘What happens is something mad, we all go on this mad journey together, where something is going on, there’s some conjuring happening and then you get to the end and it feels so beautiful and so positive.’ Describing the progression towards the end of a live performance, you get a sense of the journey Tempest takes you on: ‘We’ve been through such darkness together to get there, so often there are some people with tears in their eyes. For us on stage, as well, sometimes; we really move when we go through it. So, it’s less hands-in-the-air party and more a place for feeling part of a moment, of a performance, of an audience, of a community – It’s magic really.’

it’s less hands-in-theair party and more a place for feeling part of a moment

Win tickets to every Crosstown Concerts show for the rest of 2019 The Heavy . White Lies . Snow Patrol . Dinosaur Pile-Up . My Baby Crosstown Concerts was brought to life in 2016 by former Metropolis Music directors Paul Hutton and Conal Dodds. Independently-minded music promoters with a massive platform, Crosstown now works with acts from Lana Del Rey to Bristol’s own Soeur. Run out of Bristol and London with shows across the UK, Crosstown’s calendar is filled with genuinely good acts – not just whoever sells tickets.

So it’s worth paying attention to who they’re putting on. We’ve joined forces to offer a chance to win tickets to every Crosstown Concerts show for the rest of the year. Lined up for Bristol so far, highlights include The Heavy, Dinosaur Pile-Up and My Baby. You could also head across the bridge to see Snow Patrol or make your way to London for White Lies. You can view the full calendar at crosstownconcerts.com.

ENTER online

For a chance to win, head to nitelifeonline.com/win/crosstownconcerts2019

GILLES PETERSON WITH THE OPEN EARS OF THE WORLD TURNED TOWARDS HIM FOR THE BEST, BOUNDARY-PUSHING NEW MUSIC, GILLES PETERSON CARRIES A WEIGHTY RESPONSIBILITY. THOUGH HE’S JUST DOING WHAT HE LOVES, HE TELLS US.

there’s so much energy coming from the craft of performing live

DJ, radio presenter, label boss and record collector Gilles Peterson has made one of the most significant contributions to music in current times. His unrelenting dedication, over three decades, to uncovering new, boundary pushing music has been recognised in countless awards, including an MBE. With a very public platform on BBC Radio 6 Music, as well as a global network for more intrepid musical explorers via his online radio station Worldwide FM, Gilles provides an almost steady stream of access into the world of music he buries himself in, which includes experimental dance music, world-influenced music, hip hop and jazz. Gilles Peterson has also brought us influential record labels including Acid Jazz and Talkin’ Loud, as well as his current focus Brownswood Recordings, which has delivered some the past few years’ crucial releases, such as Swindle’s No More Normal and the We Out Here compilation featuring Ezra Collective, Nubya Garcia, Hutchings, Maisha, Moses Boyd, Theon Cross and more. It was his Talkin’ Loud imprint that released Roni Size and Reprazent’s Mercury-award winning, landscapechanging album New Forms in 1997; although Gilles Peterson’s history with Bristol music ventures much deeper than that, he tells us, as we talk with him ahead of his show at Anson Rooms this month. Although Gilles Peterson’s affiliated sounds are more broad, his most enduring relationship is with jazz. From acid to orchestral, it’s never strayed too far from the core of what he’s been doing since day one. The UK’s new jazz scene has exploded in the last few years, with a new generation of super-talented artists storming London’s underground and spreading outwards, arguably filtering into every facet of music that’s popular today. Many of these artists – Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings, Moses Boyd, Theon Cross – have been championed by Gilles, if not mentored or released by him. In this way, Gilles represents both the chicken and the egg. He’s certainly bringing these artists to new ears, doing more for the scene than anyone else in the industry, though Gilles plays down his part in it all:

Reprazent was one of the most amazing stories of my life in music ‘I think that this jazz generation, for want of a better word, learned how to use social media to bring attention to what they’re doing, to create their community, and they fuse that with the DIY aspect of putting on parties, mastering records, cutting records, running their own record labels; all of that stuff wasn’t happening with the generation previous to them. ‘That’s what has made it really active and exciting. And the more people get involved, the more people want to make the music, the more new groups come through, the more you get positive rivalries, which creates more creativity.’ Gilles Peterson is omnipotently looked to for new, boundary-pushing music and it’s rare to read a paragraph about him without the word tastemaker attached. Three decades of proven expertise brings with it a clout that means when Gilles Peterson backs something, we open our ears to it. We also frequently look to Gilles for musical education; with his programming – whether that’s a radio show or festival lineup – he champions new music within the context of those foundational artists who got the music to where it is today. To many, this would be a big responsibility to shoulder. ‘If you overthink it, you get caught up in this, that or the other. For me, it’s just about waking up, being excited about music and what I do. I still look forward to playing at a festival or getting on the M4 and going to Bristol to play a party, or going to Jamaica to record musicians, or whatever it is – that’s what drives me.

‘I just do what I like doing’ he says. ‘The funny thing is that I’ve been through at least six cycles of being in and being out and being in and being out. It’s always brilliant, but there are moments when there’s just a little bit more light on us.

‘It really isn’t money or anything else, because I don’t think you could last in this game if you have any other agenda. I think people are very clued up to see whether people are bluffing or not. The moment I don’t enjoy it or I feel that there’s no room for me, I’ll get out.

‘For me, it’s always been about how I can incorporate this jazz within the fabric of everything else going on, because that’s when it has the most impact. That’s when you know people listen to it equally, without making a preconceived judgment before they’ve even heard the music.’

‘I’m always very aware that I’ve got a platform with the BBC that allows me to play music to people who wouldn’t normally hear of a lot of the artists I’m playing, so I always think about the balance of bringing people through, but also, as you say, clearly remembering who our heroes are and trying to make those connections musically and culturally.

Until a few years ago, jazz in popular music had been largely the domain of crossover producers like Bonobo, who reference jazz through club-oriented samples. Today, it’s the brilliant sax players, keys players, jazz drummers and trombonists marching to the forefront, with jazz group Sons of Kemet up for the Mercury Prize last year. ‘At the moment there’s so much energy coming from the craft of performing live. In a way, maybe DJ culture got to a point where you don’t quite know what’s authentic. Are they just pressing a button and it’s all done for them? So I think live music in general has benefited from a kind of reaction to algorithms and to technology. ‘I also think that it’s been a case of a new generation taking the music for themselves and not feeling that they owe it to anybody. I compare it a little bit to when Odd Future came along from L.A., I remember being on the radio in England and thinking, how come I don’t know about this? ‘It felt like the first wave of movements using the internet to target their fans. If you’re not in that immediate network, it takes a while for you to find out about it and, by then, it’s already become quite a big thing.

‘I need new music in my life, I need to hear new music. I was always a bit of an A&R guy with all the record labels I’ve done. I enjoy the aspect of hearing something when it’s very young. It’s great to be able to see people’s journeys and be more in the shadows – I really enjoy that side of it.’ Though Gilles is known for his part in Bristol music history in signing Reprazent’s New Forms, his musical links to Bristol go much further back than that and it’s still a city he finds musical inspiration in. Kayla Painter graduated his Future Bubblers talent development programme in 2018 and he rates a lot of artists coming out of Bristol, including Batu and Addison Groove, he tells us. ‘Bristol and I go back a long way. Reprazent was one of the most amazing stories of my life in music, but of course, I was very, very upset that I never got a sniff on Portishead. They invited me to their launch the first time they did the Dummy album. The DJ part of me thought, oh my God, this is the best thing ever, and the record label and music industry guy was really pissed off. Of course, Massive Attack, as well. I’ve known Grant for a long time, I remember DJing with him in Bristol before Massive Attack existed. ‘Ben Westbeech was one of the first records we put out on Brownswood. That was a record that came a little bit too soon for both him and for Brownswood – he was so talented. Another was Tammy Payne, who I did stuff with on Talkin’ Loud, and of course KRUST is one of the greatest of all time. He’s unbelievable.

‘I’ve loved what Bristol has brought us and today, whether it’s people like Addison Groove, Appleblim or Batu, it’s had a very special, distinctive relationship with bass music. You can’t mess with Bristol, it’s my second favourite city in Britain.’ After jazz, a style of music that’s as deeply tied to the Gilles Peterson name is world-influenced music. He hosts Worldwide-branded events around the world and launched his Worldwide FM radio station in 2016 (expanding his Grand Theft Auto V radio station into the real world), which acts as both a steady stream and a valuable archive of underground music from around the globe. With internet culture and accessibility of music – his own internet radio station playing a part in that – musical influences and reference points are bound to spread farther than they could have years ago. But in terms of whether the globalisation of music is a good thing, Gilles thinks that, for the UK at least, the outlook is positive. ‘A newer generation and the generations to come don’t see music in such vivid boxes as we did. A lot of it is down to the really big artists that everybody looks towards, whether that’s people like Beyonce or Solange or Björk or Anderson .Paak, a lot of those artists are so broad in their music and they’re so successful with it that it’s only going to make people more curious about it – about the music or samples and where it’s coming from. I think that people are distinguishing less about what they should or shouldn’t be into. If it sounds good and if it works for them, they’ll go and investigate further. ‘On the other hand, that’s for those people who want to get deeper into music. If you’re that person who’s just going through life, then I think it’s harder to get into music now, because they’re just getting the lowest common denominator thrown at them. It’s like fast food, being chucked at people in a really convenient way and that music is quite bland – maybe blander than it’s ever been. ‘On a global scale, I don’t know if it’s such a positive outlook, but I think from the UK perspective, because this country has got such a deep relationship with club culture and with pirate radio and the music media; people are genuinely quite sophisticated in the UK for music. ‘As a DJ I’m certainly sensing it. In the 80s, this country was still very much dominated by the white rock and roll media. That infiltrated radio, infiltrated everything. If you were doing anything that wasn’t within that area, it was very difficult to get exposed, which made it difficult for me back in the days of Talkin’ Loud and all that stuff. These days it’s a lot more open in terms of the media, the blogs, the radio and people seemingly are much more open minded for new sounds. So I’d say it’s very good here in the UK at the moment, but maybe a different picture if you’re living in Dallas.’ With one of the biggest record collections in the world, at over 30,000 items, it means that you’ll never get the same set twice from Gilles Peterson. We’ve seen completely different sets from him within the same summer, so we asked the record collector and DJ how he goes about packing his record bag for a show. ‘In terms of preparation, my mindset changes every time. I’m certainly not the DJ that knocks out the same set you heard me play three months ago. I very much play off instinct, so sometimes it might take a little while for me to get going, for me to catch the moment, so it’s swings and roundabouts. ‘I still treat DJing like I’ve always treated it. I turn up and play on instinct – what’s in my bag, what I’m feeling at the time. I mean, I literally turn up and there’ll be 5000 people in front of me and 10 seconds before, I still don’t know where I’m starting, and that’s really fun.’ Gilles comes to Bristol this month via Fiesta Bombarda, after their last jaunt together became Fiesta’s fastestselling show. Support comes from Bristol’s own jazz-infused electronica experimentalists Ishmael Ensemble, Cool Beans’ DJ Chris Arnold and Raggamuffin.

Words: Rachel Morris Photos: Benjamin Teo Gilles Peterson: 5 October, Anson Rooms gillespetersonworldwide.com

behind the scenes

VIKKI Porter VIKKI PORTER’S LOVE FOR REGGAE AND SOCA HAS LED HER TO TRINIDAD AND BACK TO BRISTOL’S ATTIC BAR, WHERE SHE DELIVERS A DIVERSE PROGRAMME OF MUSIC WITH A SUNSOAKED LEANING.

Full Moon and Attic Bar has a well-earned reputation as having something to suit everyone. Comprising the Full Moon pub, sprawling courtyard and 240-capacity Attic Bar club space at the bottom of the garden. With an affordable door entry policy and consistently good music in the Attic Bar every Friday and Saturday night, plus daytime events through the summer months – including the now-infamous Full Moon and Attic Yard Party that kicks off Bristol’s festival season each year – it’s a bonafide hub of Stokes Croft’s worldfamous music scene. A few years back, it was named as one of The Guardian’s Top 10 clubs in the UK – sharing the accolade with the likes of Fabric London and Glasgow’s Sub Club. The venue is easily distinguishable by the intergalactic graffiti covering the building – painted by local artist Cheba – and the psychedelic mushroom towering above its courtyard, but also by the buzz emanating from the place any time of day or week. Vikki Porter is the music programming manager at Attic Bar, booking a busy calendar with a variety of acts to suit most musical interests. However, Vikki is first to admit that her musical tastes filter though to the venue’s personality, as well as the wider Bristol scene as a whole. Vikki is a huge lover of reggae and Soca, a passion that led her on frequent trips to Trinidad, even living there for a time. And while you never know what you’ll find through the doors of Attic Bar if you drop in unannounced, it’s certainly a hotspot for carnival sounds, with other favourites including drum and bass, hip hop, jazz and soul. ‘I think you should try to have as many genres going on as possible, but it I think your personal taste will always filter through, which is what makes your venue individual. ‘We also have some amazing regular club nights like AFT, Tun Up!, Ruffneck Ting and Born on Road. All of these nights are run by successful artists in their own right. We have a broad spectrum from live music to spoken word and we are also looking at bringing more fashion and art events. ‘The Attic Bar is a brilliant platform for up and coming new bands, as well as established acts. We have an affordable £4 door price every Friday and Saturday, so we have a lot of regulars who come down just knowing the music will be good, which means that quite often the artists get to play to a new audience.’

Vikki has always been interested in the music scene, and cut her teeth in the industry running live gigs, comedy nights and DJ events at The Mud Dock in Exeter. Vikki later moved to Bristol and started promoting events, finding her early calling at Thekla and doing a lot of promotions for one of Bristol’s most iconic venues. The Attic experience began for Vikki 11 years ago, initially on a part-time basis before the scene in Stokes Croft really started to become recognised in the night life community. ‘Almost overnight, Stokes Croft became a buzzing place’ Vikki says. The venue is one of the founding-fathers of Stokes Croft’s nightlife scene and has acquired a sterling reputation for hosting quality events on any given weekend. The success of Attic Bar has laid the foundation for other unique spaces such as The Canteen and Pipe and Slippers, to enhance the alternative experience that the area offers party goers.

‘The DJs, MCs and percussion are a big part of the vibe of the truck. The Lime Time DJs: Dub Boy, Atki2, AAA Badboy, Rukus and Jonesy Wales – who started up The Super Soca show on Ujima Radio, and then on percussion we ship in Keshav from Jus Now. We’re only in our second year, but I have great hopes it’s going to be bigger and better next year.’ On top of Attic Bar and the Lime Time truck, Vikki also co-runs Hotel Paradiso at Boomtown – combining theatre, interactive set design and a dub heavy music programme to create an unforgettable experience. ‘I have run Hotel Paradiso at Boomtown with Sarah Middleton from Rolling Stage for the past seven years, where I manage the music programming. It has turned into quite an amazing venue. The whole festival is an out of this world musical, theatrical and visual experience and I feel proud to be part of it.’

personal taste will always filter through, which is what makes your venue individual Over the years, Vikki has brought a huge acts ranging from Slamboree Soundsystem, Musical Youth and Kate Tempest to the small stage, as well as local legends such as Laid Blak and Dr Meaker making a regular appearance.

Vikki is also an adept DJ herself, having been a resident DJ for Star and Garter. One thing is clear – Vikki is extremely passionate about music and programming innovative events that give back to the music scene in a big way.

Vikki is able to bring these kind of highcaliber acts to play through her personal experience, extensive contacts within the industry and an umbrella of key promoters she now works with.

As autumn approaches, Vikki has made sure that Attic Bar has plenty of stirring acts lined up to tempt party-goers out on a winter evening: ‘We’ve just started our new season and we have some amazing acts coming up – DJ Vadim, Dr Syntax, Grooverider, Solo Banton’s album launch, to name a few. And also keeps your eyes peeled for our New Year’s Eve party with Dr Meaker.’

Vikki’s has also lent her experience and passion for music to the recently returned St Pauls Carnival, hosting her own Carnival truck, Lime Time – a collaboration and full lineup of DJs, MCs and colourful costumes. ‘Having lived in Trinidad and experienced one of the world’s biggest carnival year after year, when St Pauls Carnival returned for its 50th Anniversary I felt I just had to get involved. So the Lime Time truck was created!’ ‘We play strictly Soca with plenty of vibes and traditional feathered costumes – which I handmade myself. I was really happy that all the girls looked so amazing in them and seeing so many photos in the press including a write up in The Guardian made all the hard work worth it.

Words: Will Humphrey Photos: Martin Thompson – @thefacecollective fmbristol.co.uk @atticbarbristol

influencers

LIVE GUIDE VENUES 51 STOKES CROFT 46 O2 ACADEMY 47 BAMBALAN 48 THE CANTEEN 49 COLSTON HALL 50 THE CROFTERS RIGHTS 51 EXCHANGE 52 THE FLEECE 53 FULL MOON & ATTIC BAR 54 THE GALLIMAUFRY 55 LAKOTA 56 THE LANES 57 MOTION & MARBLE FACTORY 58 MR WOLFS 59 THE OLD MARKET ASSEMBLY 60 SWX 61 THEKLA 62 TO THE MOON 63

Live listings // venues

51 stokes croft Instagram @51stokescroft // facebook.com/51stokescroft 51 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QP // 01179 148 048 // 51stokescroft.com

From the same team behind Mr Wolfs, No.51s showcases a funkier genre, with disco, house, techno, breakbeat and general rhythms that lead to the dancefloor taking the bulk of their events. That’s not to say you won’t find the occasional live offering or open mic night. No.51s hides a very decent beer garden out back and regularly makes use of it with day and night parties through the year. They’ve also earned a reputation as one of the best pizza spots in town, with a wood-fired pizza oven on site and a creative kitchen team. A great spot all week for drinks, dancing and good vibes.

October Highlights

AARMSTRONG

VELVET MAGNETIC

11 Oct // 10pm - 4am // £4

17 Oct // 10pm - 2am // Free

A farewell set from one of 51’s most renowned residents. The progressive disco producer and DJ has had a busy year, playing at the likes of NASS and Rave on Avon, and he heads to 51’s for one last time this month.

With a track selection that feels like a journey across the decades, you’ll be sure to hear some timeless classics along with some unearthed gems in what promises to be a smooth ride with Velvet Magnetic.

Live listings // venues

02 academy

Instagram @o2academybris // facebook.com/o2academybristol Frogmore Street, Bristol, BS1 5NA // 0117 927 9227 // o2academybristol.co.uk

A classic live venue, O2 Academy Bristol is designed entirely around what’s happening on stage. They recently refitted their sound desk to ensure perfect acoustics whether you’re in the mosh pit or the balcony – they even offer double pints at the bar, so you won’t need to return during a gig. As well hosting major touring acts, the venue is a key stop off point for artists on their way up, with early shows from the likes of Kings of Leon and Kendrick Lamar. After curfew, the venue can transform into a club, hosting regular student nights, as well as special one-offs, such as Kisstory or grime epic Eskimo Dance.

October Highlights

THE RASMUS

HEELS OF HELL

11 Oct // 6:30pm - 10pm // £22.50

23 Oct // 7pm - 11pm // £42

The Finnish rock band have been around since 1994, and their sound has evolved over the years from funk to more solid rock. They head out on tour again in celebration of the anniversary of their Dead Letters album from 2003.

7 queens from hit show RuPauls DragRace take to the stage for a huge Heels of Hell lineup. Sharon Needles, Alaska, Adore Delano, Miz Cracker, Latrice Royale, Kennedy Davenport, Akeria Davenport, and Biqtch Puddin.

facebook.com/o2academybristol twitter.com/o2academybris instagram.com/o2academybris facebook.com/o2academybristol youtube.com/o2academytv twitter.com/o2academybris instagram.com/o2academybris youtube.com/o2academytv Tue 1st Oct

Tue 29th Oct • 6.30pm

Fri 22nd Nov • 6.30pm

Sun 15th Dec

New Hope Club

Refused + Thrice

The Macc Lads

SLADE

Wed 2nd Oct

Richard Hawley Thur 3rd Oct • 10pm

Bruk Off 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 • SOLD OUT

Killswitch Engage Thur 17th Oct • SOLD OUT

Slowthai Sun 20th Oct • SOLD OUT

Kate Tempest Mon 21st Oct • SOLD OUT

Hot Chip Tue 22nd Oct • SOLD OUT

Gary Numan Wed 23rd Oct

Heels Of Hell Thur 24th Oct

Fri 1st Nov • 6.30pm

The Smyths

Mon 25th Nov

Wed 18th Dec

Airbourne

Shed Seven

Sun 3rd Nov

Tue 26th Nov • SOLD OUT

Fri 20th Dec • 6.30pm

Lewis Capaldi

Alabama 3

Wed 27th Nov • SOLD OUT

Sat 21st Dec • 9pm

Giggs

Craig Charles Funky Christmas Party

Sat 2nd Nov • 10pm

Opeth Mon 4th Nov

AURORA Wed 6th Nov

Kodaline Thur 7th Nov • SOLD OUT

Rival Sons Fri 8th Nov

Snarky Puppy Sat 9th Nov

Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana Mon 11th Nov

Periphery Wed 13th Nov

Ezra Furman Thur 14th Nov

Metronomy Sat 16th Nov • 10pm

Festival Of The Dead Sun 17th Nov

The Amazons Mon 18th Nov

Mahalia

Fri 25th Oct • 6.30pm

Tue 19th Nov • SOLD OUT

Charles Esten

Yungblud

Sun 27th Oct • SOLD OUT

Wed 20th Nov

Mon 28th Oct • SOLD OUT

The Cult

Mon 16th Dec • SOLD OUT

The Libertines

Eskimo Dance

The Selecter

MoStack

Sat 23rd Nov

Happy Mondays

An evening with The Steve Hillage Band

Thur 28th Nov

Electric Six Sat 30th Nov

Mon 27th Jan 2020

Bjorn Again

Caravan Palace

Sun 1st Dec

Sun 2nd Feb 2020

J.I.D.

Kano

Mon 2nd Dec

Tue 4th Feb 2020

Krept & Konan

The Interrupters

Tue 3rd Dec • SOLD OUT

Mon 24th Feb 2020

Sigrid

Beartooth

Wed 4th Dec • SOLD OUT

Tue 3rd Mar 2020

Sam Fender

Testament

Thur 5th Dec • SOLD OUT

Fri 13th Mar 2020 • SOLD OUT

Aitch

Sat 7th Dec

Sat 14th Mar 2020

Aldous Harding

The Dualers

Mon 9th Dec • 6pm

Thur 19th Mar 2020

Dan Reed Network / Gun / FM

Lightning Seeds

Tue 10th Dec

Scouting for Girls Thur 12th Dec • 6pm

The Wonder Stuff Fri 13th Dec

The Chats Sat 14th Dec

Motionless in White

Mon 23rd Mar 2020

Cigarettes After Sex Sat 28th Mar 2020

I Prevail Fri 18th Apr 2020 • 6pm

Roachford Tue 21st Apr 2020

Lamb of God Sat 13th Jun 2020 • 6.30pm

WAR

O2 Academy Bristol

ticketmaster.co.uk

o2academybristol.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

October • 2019

Live listings // venues

Bambalan

Instagram @bambalanbristol // facebook.com/bambalanbristol Podium Level, Colston Tower, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 4XE // @bambalanbristol // 0117 922 1880 // bambalan.co.uk

Arguably the best roof terrace in Bristol, Bambalan boasts amazing views over the city with resident DJs regularly pumping out tunes from the rooftop DJ booth. Bambalan’s music policy is funk, soul, house and disco – which matches their upbeat, good time attitude. As well as a delicious North African kitchen menu, Bambalan’s bar stocks a selection craft beers, ciders and happy hour cocktails, and is probably the best place in Bristol to get an Aperol Spritz. Bambalan boasts plenty of inside and outside space, plus table football and table tennis on the balcony.

October Highlights

DJ JAZZY JEFF

TERRACE SESSIONS

13 Oct // 12pm - 10pm // £25

Every weekend // 5pm - 10pm // Free

Philly’s finest DJ Jazzy Jeff returns to Bristol with a bag full of the hottest hip hop and r&b alongside some other local talents to keep you bouncing through Sunday afternoon and evening.

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

Catch some of Bristol’s best DJ talents including Alfresco Disco, The Disco 303 and Loco 99 every Friday and Saturday on the terrace bar - now complete with all-weather cover and heaters making it the perfect terrace whatever the weather.

Live listings // venues

the canteen

Instagram @canteenbristol // facebook.com/thecanteenbristol Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QY // 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. One of the only spaces in Bristol offering live, free music every day of the week, The Canteen offers a varied program of live music and DJs lovingly curated by the Ear Trumpet Music crew. Expect folk, jazz and acapella ensembles during the week, with things ramping up from Thursday to Saturday, when you should come prepared to sweat it out on the dancefloor. Alongside a great bar selection, the kitchen offers a range of locally sourced food, with vegetarian, gluten free and vegan options.

October Highlights

HORNSTARS

LIL MAXINE

17 Oct // 9:30pm - 11.30pm // Free

19 Oct // 9:30pm - 11.30pm // Free

This Bristol University big band is a fine training ground for young jazzers - expect to be blasted with oozing funk and jazz along with scorching swing and an abundance of classy vocals to boot.

She has a sound that is hard to categorise, try and catch it and it slips through your fingers. Austrian jazz singer Lise Huber aka Lil Maxine will take you on a journey shape shifting from classic balladry into tiskering drum and bass.

TUES 1ST

Chai For All

WEDS 2ND

THURS 17TH Hornstars

FRI 18TH

Jonny Bruce Trio

Last Tree Squad

Chaz Thorogood Blues Trio

The King Dukes

THURS 3RD FRI 4TH

Malavita!

SAT 5TH

Afon Sistema & Mestre Hugo

SAT 19TH

SUN 20TH

Chorlton Country Club

MON 21ST

SUN 6TH

Joshua Blackmore’s SiZE + Tom Cawley’s False 9

MON 7TH

Live Music TBA

TUES 8TH

WEDS 23RD

WEDS 9TH

THURS 24TH

Andrew Waite Canteen Jazz Session Andrew Skellam La Perla

THURS 10TH

James Dorman’s Soul Bossa Collective

TUES 22ND Lil Maxine

Los Abbures

FRI 25TH

Live Music TBA

SAT 26TH

FRI 11TH

Live Music TBA

SAT 12TH

Red Roots Jazz

Chance McCoy

SUN 13TH

Slim’s Blues & Roots Session

DeCyphers Hip Hop Session

Live Music TBA

Dance Camp Band 34 Mustard Brass

MON 14TH

SUN 27TH

MON 28TH TUES 29TH

TUES 15TH

WEDS 30TH

WEDS 16TH

THURS 31ST

Lewis Clark

Fraser Anderson

Atlas

Melt Everything Down

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

Live listings // venues

Colston hall Presents Instagram @colstonhall // facebook.com/ColstonHall Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR // 0117 203 4040 // colstonhall.org

While Colston Hall undergoes a £50m major redevelopment to transform the 150-yearold hall into a world class venue, the Colston Hall Presents series sees Bristol’s largest concert venue take flight across the city. Making use of a multitude of independent venues and spaces, Colston Hall are continuing to deliver a diverse programme of events from classical music to alternative rock. From the biggest names in the business to the most obscure, the Colston Hall team aim to push boundaries and keep us on our toes, with something on offer almost every night of the week.

October Highlights MULTI-TRACK SHOWCASE FEAT. NOVELIST & OH91 Bristol producer OH91 joins 2018 Mercury Award nominated grime MC Novelist for the second Multi-Track showcase in Colston Hall. Head down early to catch Novelist for an exclusive Q&A that will spark interesting conversation.

3 Oct // 5:30pm - 11pm // Free

Colston Hall loudly and proudly presents great shows in venues across Bristol Tue 1 Oct

Sat 12 Oct

Sat 26 Oct

Manu Delago Ensemble

Discovery Day

Birds of Chicago

Colston Hall Foyer

Bristol Folk House

Fiddlers

Fri 18 Oct

Sun 27 Oct

John Smith

Jesca Hoop

Rising Up: Peterloo 2019

Fiddlers

Bristol Folk House

Wed 2 Oct

Sat 19 Oct

Charlie Cunningham

Nihiloxica

Simple Things Festival 2019

Redgrave Theatre

Colston Hall Foyer Thu 3 Oct

Colston Hall Foyer + Various Venues

Wed 2 Oct

The Album Leaf St George’s Bristol Thu 3 Oct

Multi-Track Showcase ft. Novelist & OH91 Colston Hall Foyer

Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay Bristol Folk House

Deerhunter + Cate Le Bon SWX

Lambert Wed 23 Oct

Alasdair Roberts & Friends

Wed 6 Nov

Beverly GlennCopeland St George’s Bristol Thu 7 Nov

Acid Arab Fiddlers

Tue 8 Oct

Trinity

Tue 5 Nov

Tue 22 Oct

Colston Hall Foyer

Creep Show (John Grant)

Mon 4 Nov

Warmduscher The Fleece

Fri 4 Oct

Colston Hall Foyer

SOLD O

Sun 20 Oct

Colston Hall Foyer

David Allred (Erased Tapes)

Bristol Folk House Sat 2 Nov

Thu 24 - Fri 25 Oct

Puzzle Creature Colston Hall Foyer

Their musical talents combine in Mr Dynamite, an experimental funky pop album. Head down to The Trinity Centre early for support from disco producer and DJ Kincaid feat. Blancmange.

8 Oct // 7:30pm - 10:30pm // £19.08

book

0117 203 4040 colstonhall.org

CREEP SHOW

Live listings // venues

the crofters rights Instagram @Crofters_Rights // facebook.com/croftersrights 117-119 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RW // 0117 2310 079 // croftersrights.co.uk

Situated in the heart of Stokes Croft, Crofters’ back room hosts everything from punk gigs to storytelling, comedy to experimental noise. Their music programme veers towards the underground and obscure, and hosts regular takeovers from some of Bristol’s best promoters. Open late every Friday and Saturday, the seperate bar area boasts an ever changing list of 17 keg and cask, draught beers and ciders. You can expect anything from tropical dance music to heavier house, techno, drum and bass and grime events, and their giant mirror ball attracts a good few disco nights too.

October Highlights

ROSE COUSINS

An award-winning Canadian singer songwriter whose tracks always spark up emotions. Supported by Paper Beat Scissors, who will be providing some tracks from his acoustic arsenal.

18 Oct // 7pm - 10pm // £8

MUSH

The Leeds born art-rock band will be returning to deliver some of their heavy anthems to Bristol after receiving rave reviews from their performances in Hy-Brasil and Triptych festival earlier this year.

27 Oct // 7:30pm - 10:30pm // £6

Live listings // venues

exchange

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

A versatile 250 capacity space offering an adventurous music programme up to seven nights a week. As well as hosting performances from internationally-revered artists, this venue is a key incubator of local talent. At the start of 2019, Exchange became Bristol’s first community-owned venue, run by its members. During the daytime, the space is open as a coffee shop, vegan kitchen and record shop (owned and operated by Specialist Subject Records). Exchange has a punk spirit at its core and delivers one of Bristol’s most diverse music programmes, bringing in some of the best boundary-pushing music across all genres.

October Highlights

FRANKIE COSMOS

Coming all the way from New York, the indie-rock four piece will be delivering a delicate display of their excellent discography. Lead singer Greta Kilne is a gifted singer/ songwriter with a distinctively soft voice. Head down early to catch the talented support act Lina Tullgren.

17 Oct // 7pm – 10pm // £14.30

MELT BANANA

The Japanese grindcore group are a furious combination of elements from punk, pop, electronica and rock. They deliver extremely high tempo tracks with piercing vocals that have been well renowned around Europe and the U.S since their forming in 1992.

25 Oct // 7.30pm – 11pm // £13.50

Live listings // venues

THe fleece

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

Steeped in local history, The Fleece has been a vital part of Bristol’s music scene since 1982. The grade II listed building has hosted many music legends on its stage, including Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, Oasis, Muse, Amy Winehouse, Queens Of The Stone Age and Ed Sheeran. The Fleece offers music seven nights a week, with live gigs from major touring artists as well as up-and-comings, a range of tribute acts, and regular clubnights. The 450-capacity venue has one of the best stage views around, whether you prefer to stand at the back or at the barrier; as well as a perfect dancefloor for clubnights.

October Highlights CLEM BURKE & BOOTLEG BLONDIE PLAY PARALLEL LINES The official Blondie tribute band head to Bristol alongside Blondie drummer Clem Burke for a nostalgic night as they will be playing their 1979 UK number 1 album Parallel lines that has sold over 20 million copies as of 2008.

15 Oct // 7:30pm - 11pm // £18.50

MARTHA

Back again after a sold-out show at Exchange, the indie rock groups latest album Love Keeps Kicking is a collection of heart melting summer anthems that you’ll want to share with people close.

19 Oct // 6pm - 10pm // £10

THE FULL MOON & ATTIC BAR

Live listings // venues

Instagram - @thefullmoonbristol // facebook.com/thefullmoonandatticbar 1 North Street, Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3PR // 01179 245 007 // fmbristol.co.uk

This Stokes Croft hub presents a triplepronged attack, with a pop-up outdoor stage, DJs in the Full Moon pub and live action in Attic Bar. Musically, you’ll find a slight bias towards more sun-soaked sounds like dub and reggae, though you never know what you’ll find when you walk through Attic Bar’s doors. As well as curating their own impressive music calendar, Attic Bar also hosts regular takeovers from the likes of Tun Up! and AFT Records. Their annual Yard Party is one of the first and best events in the summer calendar, making great use of their huge courtyard.

October Highlights

DJ VADIM & JMAN

DR SYNTAX & PETE CANNON

4 Oct // 8:30pm - 2am // £4

25 Oct // 8:30pm - 2am // £4

DJ Vadim is known for his boundary pushing production using sounds from various cultures from around the world, paired with the gritty energy of MC Jman, an underground king of UK hip hop, a hugely exciting night is on the cards.

VP PRODUCTIONS PRESENT

2019

DESIGN: INKIE

These two are known for their collaborative releases Lets Talk and The Tonic, Cannon is known for his old school style of production and extensive vinyl collection, and Dr Syntax is another big name in the UK hip hop scene.

Live listings // venues

the gallimaufry

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

Gloucester Road’s unofficial hub for innovative jazz, The Galli hosts weeknight residencies from two brilliant jazzorientated, technically-gifted improv groups: Waldo’s Gift Trio and Snazzback. Between them, they offer a combination of hip hop, afro funk, jazz, math and electronica. Friday and Saturday nights bring a selection of DJs and dancing until 1am, while the rest of week is reserved for wide range of carefully-considered live music in a relaxed setting. Entry is always free and you’ll find art and installations from Bristol creatives to enjoy throughout the venue.

October Highlights

SNAZZBACK PRESENTS: MILON

FEEL FLOWS W/ ALFRESCO DISCO

10 Oct // 9:30pm - 12:30am // Free

25 Oct // 9pm - 3am // Free

Fronted by tenor saxophonist Dino Christodoulou and electric guitarist Neil Smith, Milon are a Jazz and Middle Eastern groove duo based in Bristol taking over Snazzbacks next instalment.

A party crew well renowned for their use of unusual locations and high energy events. They head back to Bristol for another late-night takeover that promises to be another classic.

OCTOBER thegallimaufry.co.uk

every single night

MONDAY

FRIDAY

Hosted by Mike Dennis

Through soul, jazz & electronica Hosted by Manami & Neathway 4th Netyaroze (Noods) 11th Manami & Neathway 18th 2257AD (1020) 25th Alfresco Disco 3am licence

Open Mic TUESDAY

Galli Live

1st Lewis Creaven’s Dharma Blues 8th The Duval Project 15th Seedling Sessions w/ TBA 22nd RWKUS 29th Doin-it Thataway plays Donny Hathaway

WEDNESDAY

Waldo’s Gift

Hip-hop, math, jazz & electronica 2nd Reworks: Kid A ft. Elliot Ellison

Cousin Kula frontman shares a birthday with this ground breaking album

9th Synesthesia 16th Open collab 23rd Experimentations 30th ft. Harry Pope & Chelsea Carmichael

THURSDAY

Snazzback

DJS

Feel Flows

SATURDAY

DJS

Satta Lites

Withdrawn, VMO$ & guests play beats, bumps & bass 5th Pessimist (Blackest Ever Black) 12th Charlie (Satsumas) 19th More Soup 26th Peachin (Mix Nights)

SUNDAY

6th Sydney Sessions 13th Phantom Ensemble 20th Sun Sessions w/ Bokito + Alexander Sun, Roberta Pia & DJ Wax Hogs!

27th Ruth Royall presents The Pocket Sessions

Afro-funk & psych-jazz 3rd Beat Tape ft. Illiterate 10th presents Milon 17th Full band 24th Global Groove Experiment 31st presents TBA

lakota

Live listings // venues

Instagram @lakota.bristol // facebook.com/lakotabristol 6 Upper York St, Bristol, BS2 8QN // 0117 923 2225 // Lakota.co.uk

Lakota only has eyes for a full-blown rave. Established in 1989, Lakota is one of Bristol’s longest-running and most iconic nightclubs. Sadly, the clock is set and Lakota is set to close its doors in the coming future, so its worth enjoying this club of legendary status while you can. With four dancefloors set over three stories, Lakota lends itself to the harder scale of club music, with particular penchant for jungle and drum and bass. Though with variety of independent promoters queuing up to fill its huge space, you can find all-out dance parties from disco to psytrance across the month.

October Highlights

DAD BOD BOOGIE PRESENTS: MELÉ

WIDE EYES: CLIPZ, DJ ZINC, JUMPIN JACK FROST

Tribal House general and Elrow resident Melé headlines a tasty night of house and techno at Lakota, he boasts an impressive discography of dance floor bangers including releases with Eats Everything and Pete Tong. With support from Dad Bod founders Mulholland, Peats, and Crawford.

Wide eyes hit Lakota with another lineup of jungle and drum and bass moguls, with the legendary DJ Zinc the special guest of the night, plus sets from Clipz, Jumpin Jack Frost and Nicky Blackmarket to keep you skanking until sunrise.

16 Oct // 10pm - 3am // £3 - £5

25 Oct // 10pm - 5am // £9

Live listings // venues

the lanes

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

Set within a ten-pin bowling lane, The Lanes is a popular club night venue – particularly for those with an emo streak, as the home of Fat Lip clubnights and festival. Bands also regularly grace The Lanes stage and the venue works closely with a number of great local promoters, including BLG and Gravy Train. The Lanes’ Saturday night Department S events offer a gig-to-club experience, with live music from local and touring bands precursing a night of indie, rock and roll, and soul from John the Mod. Not forgetting round the clock bowling, karaoke and pool tables.

October Highlights

THE COSMIC DEAD

ECSTATIC VISION

11 Oct // 7:30pm - 10pm // £10

28 Oct // 7pm - 11pm // £5 - £10

Gravy Train and BLG promotions invite the psychedelic Scotsmen to The Lanes to showcase their intense heavy sound. Expect to hear some tracks from their forthcoming album Scottish Space Race.

A heavy psych quartet from Philadelphia USA with a stage presence that is electrifying and intense. With support from Welsh outfit Lacertilia and Cybernetic Witch Cult.

Motion & Marble Factory

Live listings // venues

Instagram @motionbristol // facebook.com/motionbristol 74-78 Avon St, Bristol, BS2 0PX // motionbristol.com

Voted the world’s 11th Best Club, Motion has been the lifeblood of Bristol’s underground club scene since 2006. Encompassing the Motion warehouse and Marble Factory, the complex is a labyrinth of interconnecting indoor and outdoor spaces. This gives the Motion team a unique ability to offer intimate or immense shows. Bringing in the world’s biggest underground artists, as well as providing a platform for local and emerging talent; Motion offers a true, warehouse clubbing experience in a space that somehow feels as intimate as it is cavernous. A pilgrimage destination for music lovers across the globe.

October Highlights

IN:MOTION 2019 / MR SCRUFF ALL NIGHT LONG

IN:MOTION 2019 / HE.SHE.THEY HALLOWEEN

The veteran selector returns for another marathon of a set in this years In:Motion series. Known for his genre infusing mixes and mind-warping visuals, he will be sure to deliver another famous night in a city he knows so well.

He.She.They’s tagline is simple but powerful: to create, ‘a place without prejudice for people to be people’. The freespirited collective are coming to the South-West for their first Motion show, headlined by globally renowned artist within the house & techno sphere Maya Jane Coles.

11 Oct // 10pm - 4am // £12 - £18

26 Oct // 10pm - 6am // £13.50 - £23.50

Live listings // venues

mr wolfs

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

Open seven nights a week, Mr Wolf’s has one of the sweatiest dancefloors in town. With closing hours ranging from 2.30am up to 4am on weekends, Mr Wolf’s packs in a huge number of live music, open mic nights, live jams and DJs. An avid supporter of local talent, as well as from further afield, Mr Wolf’s is a great place to discover new bands and artists of every genre. The big brother of 51 Stokes Croft, this family-run venue has a dedicated team behind it, who are committed to furthering the local music scene.

October Highlights

FLIGHTBRIGADE

A band that performs with chemistry and harmony, with gigs at Glastonbury and Boomtown to boast, Flightbrigade are well worth your attention. Head down early for the support from exciting rock band Pretty Criminal.

17 Oct // 9pm - 4am // £3 - £4

RUN LOGAN RUN

An experimental, spiritual match made in heaven, Andrew Neil Hayes and Matt Brown have won local hearts with their pounding drums and screaming saxophone with their improvisational sound.

18 Oct // 9pm - 4am // £3 - £4

the old market assembly

Live listings // venues

Instagram @oldmarketassembly // facebook.com/oldmarketassembly 25 West Street, Old Market, Bristol, BS2 0DF // 0117 373 8199 // oldmarketassembly.co.uk

Situated in the heart of one of Bristol’s most up-and-coming nightlife hubs, The Old Market Assembly is an independent arts venue and restaurant hosting everything from local bands to wild parties with touring artists. Proudly associated with the LGBTQ+ scene, Old Market Assembly was the first venue in Bristol to sign up for the ‘Zero Tolerance’ campaign, committing to provide a safe, respectful space for anyone and everyone. With live music, DJs and cabaret every week, you can look to Old Market Assembly for some of the best in world music, hip hop and funk, ska, drag shows and more.

October Highlights

PAPAYA FEST

LONDON AFROBEAT COLLECTIVE

A unique fusion of Latin American and British brings an array of theatre, live music and DJs making it one ferocious weekend, with performances from DJ hiphoppapotomus, The Fontanas, and Afro-Latin band WARA as well as guests.

In celebration of their 10th birthday with the release of their third album Humans, LAC head to Bristol for a night of infectious beats and brass. Don’t miss the support from DJ Ru Robinson who will provide a dish of tropical flavours.

11 & 12 Oct // 10pm - 3am // £13

18 Oct // 10pm - 2am // £10

Fri 4

Mad Apple Circus & DJ Chris Arnold

Mad Apple Circus will be joined by DJ Chris Arnold for a fun filled evening of ska!

Fri 18

London Afrobeat Collective & Ru Robinson

Fri 11: Papaya Fest: WARA

- Hypnotic grooves, pounding rhythms and soaring melodies coming to Old Market Assembly to celebrate the release of their new album “Humans”

Trailblazing Afro-Latin band WARA followed by fiery and fun tropical DJs Ivicore & Panther Panther!

Level Up! Re-animated!

DJs Ivicore & Panther Panther!

Sat 12

Papaya Fest: The Fontanas

DJs Booty Bass & Hiphoppapotamus - Feel-good funk band The Fontanas followed by global rhythm DJs Booty Bass & Hiphoppapotamus ft. Special Guests!

Sat 19

Ghosts and ghouls and creatures of the night! Come join in the fun and Halloween celebrations for a night of music, costumes, cabaret and cocktails!

Fri 25

Oh My God! It’s The Church & X Ray Ted

An international phenomenon, which combines music, comedy and dance; OMGITC have travelled the world, infecting the masses with undiluted, raucous joy. The Old Market Assembly, 25 West Street, Old Market, BS2 0DF bookings@oldmarketassembly.co.uk ; 0117 373 8199

Live listings // venues

SWX

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

SWX is Bristol’s largest city centre venue and hosts many of the biggest names coming through the city, from black metal bands to US rappers. With a state of the art sound and lighting system, the venue lives up to the high calibre of artists gracing its stage. SWX features an enclosed dancefloor for the more committed audience members, as well as raised platforms for those preferring a view over proximity. SWX is also home to two of the biggest student nights in Bristol. Codec and Farfetched integrate live performance from some of the industry’s biggest artists with three rooms of music and drinks deals.

October Highlights

NOT3S

The London born Nigerian singer/rapper is known for platinum singles alongside the likes AJ Tracey and Mabel. He rose to fame through the success of ‘Addison Lee’, taken from his debut tape Take Not3s.

12 Oct // 10:30pm - 4am // £11

SIMPLE THINGS

The multi-venue music and arts festival returns, with SWX being the venue of choice for Saturday. Headlined by Holly Herndon with her new album Proto, there will be an array of up-and-coming talent on show across multiple genres.

19 Oct // 12pm - 10pm // £25

Live listings // venues

thekla

Instagram @theklabris // facebook.com/theklabristol The Grove, Bristol, BS1 4RB // 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 toetapping Americana to hard-hitting house and techno, Thekla delivers an eclectic music programme covering all bases. As well as hosting major touring acts, Thekla is a champion of up and coming talent and has a knack for catching on to a good thing; with early shows from the likes of Mumford and Sons and Calvin Harris. With passionate crew members looking after both the live and club side of things, Thekla continues to be one of Bristol’s favourite venues, for nearly every genre.

October Highlights

BANDULU GANG + COMMODO

LITTLE SIMZ

4 Oct // 10pm - 4am // £5 - £9

28 Oct // 7pm - 11pm // £14

Kings of dubstep Bandulu gang take over Thekla with support from another giant in the dubstep scene: Commodo. Expect a night of the darkest beats and heaviest bass in the city known to be the mecca of 140.

01.10.19

RALPH PELLEYMOUNTER 02.10.19

EARTHGANG

21.10.19

STRIKING MATCHES & TENILLE TOWNES 22.10.19

PIERCE BROTHERS

DURAND JONES & THE INDICATIONS

09.10.19

24.10.19

04.10.19

KOVIC 11.10.19

HOLY MOLY AND THE CRACKERS 12.10.19

WHENYOUNG 13.10.19

CHASTITY BELT 14.10.19

PIP BLOM 17.10.19

REAL FRIENDS 18.10.19

ROZI PLAIN 19.10.19

K.FLAY 20.10.19

ADAM GREEN

SOUP OF JURASSIC 5 PRESENTS: FULLEE LOVE COLLECTIVE

21.11.19

03.11.19

22.11.19

04.11.19

23.11.19

COCO AND THE BUTTERFIELDS OSCAR JEROME KIESZA 05.11.19

THE REGRETTES 08.11.19

ELLES BAILEY 09.11.19

L DEVINE

25.10.19

11.11.19

GRACE PETRIE

JAMIE LENMAN

26.10.19

13.11.19

CASSIA

BLANCO WHITE

27.10.19

14.11.19

HAELOS

WILDWOOD KIN

28.10.19

15.11.19

LITTLE SIMZ 29.10.19

HONEYBLOOD 30.10.19

WSTRN 31.10.19

BEARDYMAN 01.11.19

THE ICICLE WORKS

THE GROVE EAST MUD DOCK BRISTOL BS1 4RB

02.11.19

THEKLABRISTOL.CO.UK THEKLA.CLUB FT THEKLABRISTOL IY THEKLABRIS

BLOOD RED SHOES

TOO MANY T’S & GRIEVES RHYS LEWIS STONE FOUNDATION 25.11.19

PUMAROSA 26.11.19

TOKIO MYERS 27.11.19

BC CAMPLIGHT 30.11.19

SHIHAD 02.12.19

BAND OF SKULLS 04.12.19

JINJER 05.12.19

SAN HOLO

16.11.19

07.12.19

17.11.19

08.12.19

18.11.19

10.12.19

HEAVY LUNGS SPORTS TEAM ORLA GARTLAND 20.11.19

SUNSET SONS

WASUREMONO ANGEL HAZE RA RA RIOT

Her meteoric rise has been breath-taking to watch, at 25 she already has 2 critically acclaimed albums, including one released this year in GREY Area and has toured with Gorrilaz and Ms. Lauryn Hill.

Live listings // venues

to the moon

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

To The Moon is a superb little venue that can feel like a friends house with their chilled, friendly atmosphere. To The Moon takes great care in their drinks offer which includes local beers, classic cocktails and high quality spirits. They now proudly host Grano Kitchen who supply delicious proper Italian food. With an open-minded approach to music and events, the focus is on creating a fun, safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Events through the month can range from dub to disco and rum tastings to open decks nights.

October Highlights

MOONLIGHT SESSIONS

DO-IY COLLECTIVE

5 Oct // 8pm - 12am // Free

19 Oct // 8pm - 12am // Free

Emerging minimal techno DJ Eksish and Ambient house producer Kevin Cristo join the Moonlight residents for a night of deep underground music, make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the guest list to gain entry to this intimate affair.

A new bi-monthly event from a Bristol based collective who fuse together music, art and technology. Join them on thier opening night and catch their residents play a diverse collection of tracks in an intimate, welcoming and creative space.

PLAYING ALL YOUR GUILTY POP PLEASURES EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT

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spotlight // The Downs festival Photos by Dominika Scheibinger

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DRINKS GUIDE VENUES CROFT ALES 78 FILTHY XIII 78 THE GALLIMAUFRY 79 THE GRAIN BARGE 79 HER MAJESTYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SECRET SERVICE 80 LEFT HANDED GIANT 80 THE MILK THISTLE 81 NOCHE NEGRA 81 THE OLD BOOKSHOP 82 SMALL BAR 82 THE SOCIAL 83 THE SPOTTED COW 83 STEAM 84 THE TOBACCO FACTORY 84

Words: Rachel Morris Photos: Dominika Scheibinger Location: Left Handed Giant Brewpub, Bristol

drinks

with

Metronomy

FOR TWO DECADES, ACROSS SIX ALBUMS, MULTI-SKILLED MUSICIAN AND PRODUCER JOSEPH MOUNT HAS BEEN DOCUMENTING HIS INWARD-LOOKING, GLOBALLYAPPRECIATED SOUND AS METRONOMY.

drinks with

Metronomy visited Bristol last month for an intimate instore signing and performance of their sixth studio album, Metronomy Forever at Rough Trade Bristol.

Putting out 17-track album could be seen as quite a bold statement. Can you talk us through the thinking behind it and how did your record label feel about the decision?

At 17 tracks long, it shows a rounded glimpse into the inner mind of creative force Joseph Mount, who started the solo project from his bedroom in Devon in 1999. Although we’ve come to know the full band from live performances, Metronomy remains at its heart a solo project – with everything happening offstage being the sole creation of Joseph Mount.

The first version of the album I have them had maybe 24 songs on. To me, it seems like you have to be a bit provocative. If you keep doing the same thing and not feel like you’re challenging yourself, I think that’s when you’re in danger of losing touch or losing interest, or people losing interest in you.

The album spans upbeat pop songs to sad guitar ballads to electronic noise, all tied together with Joseph’s familiar yet always innovating lyrics, instrumentation and production. Following the show, we stole Joseph away for a chat at Left Handed Giant Brewpub about the new record, Metronomy’s enduring sound and embracing everything. If you missed out on the live show this time, they’re headed back this way next month, bringing their album tour to O2 Academy Bristol. Metronomy was from the beginning, Joseph Mount – is it still a solo-led project in terms of writing, or does Metronomy’s sound now incorporate all five members? Basically, no. It’s still just me. I think for a while I felt like I should be more open to bringing other people into it, but what I realised, especially now after six records, is that – for better or worse – part of what makes it so unique is the fact that it’s a very closed little thing. Ultimately, the recording and writing is me and the live thing is the group – and it’s quite transparent. You get lots of bands you might see who have the appearance of being like equal shareholders in a thing, when in fact it’s quite normal that it’s just one or two people who are writing.

I think the label themselves realised that it’s not the normal stuff that gets noticed. 24 tracks, they felt was too long! But they’re cool, they were up for it. I don’t think every record label would be like that – I think they’re quite unusually up for that type of thing. Artists often talk about an album as taking the listener on a journey, is that something you sought to do with Metronomy Forever - or on the other end of the spectrum, actively resisted? For me that is what they should be like. If you’re going to make an album, then there should be some sort of idea of immersion. When you’re making a record, you think about everything – you think about the artwork, the songs, the lyrics. It’s a very four dimensional thing and all of that stuff is part of this idea of taking you somewhere. If there’s an instrumental track, where not much happens and it goes on for four minutes, that’s intentional. That’s part of you entering into this thing and coming out the other side. So yeah, I feel like, certainly for what I do, it should put you in a different place, it should feel like a little trip.

I suppose the whole thing comes across as being elsewhere, rather than the more-typical start with one mood and move through to another. It’s a very mixed bag and the closing track Ur Mixtape, along with the length of the album, got us thinking about structure... I wanted it to be about displaying the fact that I really like trying to make quite poppy stuff and I also like making more indulgent things – and putting them together on a record isn’t the most obvious thing to do. It’s something that’s a bit self-aware and is also not necessarily even saying anything about it. Part of the thinking was, what I think, is the false idea that people listen to music in a totally different way suddenly nowadays. People have always made compilations and mixtapes and playlists, so it’s my version of that type of thing. You’ve said yourself that Metronomy’s sound hasn’t changed all that much. But as a writer and producer in general, you’ve worked across quite different projects, recently co-writing with Robyn and Jessie Ware, for example. Why have you stuck with the Metronomy sound all these years? It has changed and it has developed, but it does still have this thing that’s the same. Objectively, whether it’s good or not, you can’t really say. But the fact is, it’s a specific thing and if you stick to it, it’s like looking at pictures of yourself over time. You might not like the look of it, but it’s a document of you and how you change. The more idiosyncratic it is, the more the six albums and length of time becomes this unusual document of me making music. It’s probably super grating to some people, but I realise that its a strength and something that’s kind of cool about it. That being said, some tracks like Salted Caramel Ice Cream and Wedding Bells on Metronomy Forever are more upbeat and more poppy than previous releases, and tracks Upset My Girlfriend also feel like quite a departure in style. Did you have any framework in mind during the writing process? To me, a framework can be something quite different from the kind of framework that just involves the music. So whereas with an older record like The English Riveria, the framework was this idea of a sound. Whereas the framework for this one was more the idea of an object – the idea this record can contain all of that stuff. An early, shorter, version of the record was all kind of poppy songs and it was good, but it didn’t go far enough into the other side of the stuff that I like. So I extended the framework, I rebuilt it. I changed what I thought was acceptable, in a way, to include all that stuff.

The framework for this album was more the idea of an object – the idea this record can contain all of that stuff Do you listen to or take influence from any music you think would surprise people? I used to listen to a lot of rap. There was a period of time where that was exclusively what I would listen to. I still enjoy it, but recently there’s nothing coming from the world of hip hop that I that find particularly exciting. But for a long time, I almost felt like I was making backing tracks for rappers. Danny Brown sampled a Metronomy song, which was the first time an actual rapper has done it. Every time I made a record, I always threaten to rap! But I’d like to maybe one day produce beats for other people. Historically, you’ve been known for putting on an entertaining live show and your music videos have won awards. How importance is the performance aspect of music to you and do you consider it while writing? It’s really important. When I’m writing and recording, I try not to think about it too much. Sometimes with bands, you see their writing change when they start to imagine playing in stadiums, for example. And I think if you’re thinking about that, quite often it doesn’t make very good music. But I think the actual act of performing is almost like a separate thing that is enjoyed and cultivated in its own world. Today, for example when we did this Rough Trade in-store, it was the first time in quite a long time playing in a small venue. It’s like how it used to be and you’re aware that people can watch and scrutinise your performance in a much more up-close way than they normally do. And today, I was thinking, we’re actually quite good at what we do, in a technical way as well. So it doesn’t affect the songwriting, but it’s something I take a lot of pleasure in doing. You’ve been doing this 20 years now. Do you see another 20 for Metronomy? 20 years, fuck. I would be 57 – that’s not too bad, is it? Probably a few years ago, I would have said no. I would have said I’ll still be doing music, but I’ll probably call it something else. But the more I think about it, the more I think that what I do on my own should always be called Metronomy. Because at that point, you’d have these albums that range from the very first one through to whatever it is I make when I’m 57, which could be literally anything, but it would still be me. So I like to imagine there’s another 20 years in it.

croft ales

Instagram @croftales // facebook.com/croftales 32 Upper York Street, Bristol, BS2 8QN // 0117 214 1990 // croftales.com

Based in the heart of the city in the hub of creativity that is Stokes Croft, Croft Ales proudly takes traditional beer and mixes it with local creativity and the right amount of water, malt, yeast and hops to find the perfect flavoured beer. Offering a small, but comprehensive menu filled with a selection of beers designed with everyone in mind. Whether you’re on the hunt for an American light pale ale called Westside, or the Deep Red IPA to quench your

thirst, this award-winning brewer can offer something to all beer lovers. If you’re looking to learn more about Croft Ales stunning beer collection, then head over to Croft Ales tap room. Open every Friday and Saturday the Croft Ales team invite you to take a tour around their brewery and to try one of their latest beers. Witness the craft and dedication that goes into the flavoursome taste of their beers before your very eyes.

Filthy xiii

Instagram @filthyxiii // facebook.com/filthyxiii 208 Cheltenham Rd, Bristol BS6 5QU // hello@filthyxiii.com // filthyxiii.com

Filthy XIII is the next step and brainchild from Ben Alcock – founder, bartender and owner of Her Majesty’s Secret Service (HMSS). HMSS’ more rough around the edges cousin, Filthy XIII takes its name from the real-life WW2 demolition unit, whose disregard for rules in favour of getting the job done earned them lasting

notoriety (and inspired the Dirty Dozen novel and film). Filthy XIII takes the same attitude with their no-nonsense cocktails, using time-honoured techniques the bar team has acquired over years of experience between them to achieve the besttasting cocktail – whether it looks fancy or not.

The Gallimaufry

grain barge

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

Step inside The Galli and prepare to be dazzled by the colourful paper shapes framing the venue and its welcoming bar as soon as you walk through the door. This independent establishment is not only one of the most understated, picturesque bars in Bristol, but its drinks, food and live music selection are also top of the league. Praised as one of Gloucester Roads most cherished bars, The Gallimaufry serve a wide assortment of locally sourced

Instagram @grainbarge // facebook.com/grainbarge Hotwell Rd, Bristol, BS8 4RU // 0117 929 9347 // grainbarge.com

beers, both bottled and on tap, whilst keeping a selection of beers on rotation each week. Their wine list is filled with premium flavours that will quench your thirst, along with their selection of locally distilled gin. Whilst serving a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, The Gallimaufry also serve Clifton’s Coffee EQ blend and a great selection of British food with a curious twist.

Bristol’s love for a boat knows no bounds and Grain Barge feeds that thirst dutifully. Moored at Hotwells, the large converted barge offers views of the harbour from an open-air top deck, a main bar with panoramic windows, a below decks event space, and a great selection of food and drink – sourcing much of their menu from South West suppliers. Their alfresco Can Bar (open on sunny weekends) serves craft beers, ales and ciders in tin form, from independent

breweries including Siren, Arbor and Moor; while the main bar offers a carefully-curated roster of guest taps, including IPAs and wheat beers, plus plenty of tasty top-shelf spirits. The intimate Hold Bar downstairs hosts live music across a variety of genres, as well as open mic nights, poetry, exhibitions and one-off food and drinks specials, such as beer and cheese evenings or tap takeovers, and is a great space for private parties.

A L W AY S

AP NT

Every day from 4-7pm

Local cask and keg ales

+ Award-winning South West ciders

Cocktails £5

Floating bar & restaurant with three decks & panoramic views of the harbour from every table.

Elderflower Collins

Gin, elderflower, lemon & soda

Aperol Spritz

Aperol, Prosecco & soda

Jamaican Mule

Rum, bitters, lime & ginger beer

Great choice of craft beers Seasonally inspired menu Alfresco top deck with Can Bar on sunny days Sunday Roasts Seasonal menu Below decks Hold Bar with live music and more

La Paloma

Tequila, lime, grapefruit bitters & Ting

Horse’s Neck

Bourbon, bitters & ginger ale

White wine 175ml £4 Red wine 175ml £4 Prosecco 125ml

£4.25 thegallimaufrybristol @thegallibristol

Her Majesty’s Secret Service Left Handed Giant Instagram @hmss_bristol // facebook.com/HMSSbar Whiteladies Gate, Whiteladies Rd, Bristol, BS8 2PH // 0117 973 3926 // hmssbristol.com

Tucked away near the entrance to Clifton Down station, prohibition-style cocktail bar Her Majesty’s Secret Service is one of Bristol’s best-kept secrets. It might look like nothing from the outside, but that’s the point. Discerning cocktail drinkers can step through a traditional red phone box to find a cosy, hangout and a highlyskilled bar team. The low lighting, chesterfield-style sofas and snug space all add to the authentic feel of a 1940s speakeasy.Bringing things

up to date, however, is their disco and funk inspired playlists and off-the-wall cocktails. The creative cocktail menu is currently inspired by the iconic sights and traditions of Britain, from the MI6inspired Careless Vespa martini to the Loch Ness Mobster, which lists 9g laughing gas as part of its recipe. The presentation of their cocktail is an art in itself, with drinks served in anything from an ink pot to a terrarium.

Instagram @lefthandedgiantbrewing // facebook.com/lefthandedgiant Wadehurst Industrial Park, St Philips Rd, Bristol, BS2 0JE // 0117 318 2102 // lefthandedgiant.co.uk

Accompanied by a backdrop of water just across the beautifully lit Fenzel’s Reach bridge in Castle Park, Left Handed Giant is a brand-new brewpub to crop up in Bristol after a successful crowdfunding campaign. Offering up a great atmosphere with its unique openspace architecture situated next to the water in Wadehurst Industrial Park, this independent brewery tap room knows a thing or two when it comes to producing a top range of homegrown beers, including favourites ‘Spitting Image and

‘New Best Friend’. In the short time LHG has been open, it has been given many five-star reviews and tipped as a great city brewery that will tickle your beer loving taste buds along with a mouthwatering selection of pizzas. On top of that, Left Handed Giant also understands that a dog is the human’s best friend, so you can bring along your four-legged furry companion and enjoy LHG’s great drinks selection at the dog

the milk thistle

Instagram @themilkthistlebristol // facebook.com/themilkthistle Quay Head House, Colston Ave, Bristol BS1 1EB // 0117 929 4429 // milkthistlebristol.com

Part of the Hyde & Co family, prohibitionstyle bar The Milk Thistle is hidden in plain site on Colston Avenue. Set within a historic building, the four-story cocktail bar, lounge and private function rooms can be found behind unmarked, double black doors. With an opulent, art deco style interior throughout and plenty of space for sitting or dancing, The Milk Thistle is open till 1am Monday through to

Thursday, with late night parties on weekends. Serving up the classics as well as their own creative concoctions; an experienced bar team and a wellstocked bar, including top shelf spirits and liquors, means customers are also welcome to order off menu. The top scoring bar in Bristol, Milk Thistle was recently voted number 16 in the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list.

noche negra

Instagram @patanegrabristol // facebook.com/patanegrabristol 30 Clare Street, Bristol, BS1 1YH // 0117 927 6762 // patanegrabristol.com

Late-night cocktail bar Noche Negra hides in plain sight above the Pata Negra tapas bar on Clare Street (look upwards for the black pig). The creative bar team concoct Latin-inspired, fruity cocktails with a kick – take their Absinth-inspired take on a piña colada, for example, or their padron pepper-infused Top Noche. With plush, lounge-style decor and resident DJs – Khadaru, Marcus (Speakerboxx) and Rodney (Soultrain) – playing till 3am on weekends, Noche

Negra provides an unexpectedly tasteful club experience, while overlooking one of Bristol’s busiest streets. Entry is free if you’re coming up from downstairs, or sister venues The Ox, Milk Thistle or Hyde & Co. Look out for special events incorporating food, drink, live music and DJs too.

NOCHE NEGRA ABSINTHE PINA COLADA - £9

P I N E A P P L E , C O C O N U T , M O U N T G AY E C L I P S E R U M , P E R N O D A B S I N T H E

SHERRY COBLER - £9 M A N G O , S H E R R Y , B E E F E AT E R G I N

PICK-ME-UP - £9

LILLET BLANC, ST GERMAIN, SUZE, TONIC

BUBBLE TROUBLE - £9

G R A P E F R U I T , L E M O N , B E E F E AT E R G I N , A P E R O L , C AV A

CLOVER CLUB - £9

R AS P B E R R Y , L E M O N , P LY M O U T H G I N , D R Y V E R M O U T H , E G G W H I T E

TOP NOCHE - £9

P A D R O N P E P P E R , A G AV E , L I M E , E L J I M A D O R T E Q U I L A , D E L M A G U E Y V I D A M E Z C A L

TORO BRAVO - £9

Y E L L O W P E P P E R , A P R I C OT , L I M E , E L J I M A D O R T E Q U I L A , L I L L E T B L A N C

CARAJILLO - £9

E S P R E S S O , M O U N T G AY E C L I P S E R U M , L I C O R 4 3

SMOKEY COKEY - £9

C H E R R Y , C O K E , C H I V AS 1 2 , L A P H R O A I G 1 0

PROSPECTOR - £9

HONEY, LEMON, VIOLET, BUFFALO TRACE BOURBON

JAZZ HANDS - £9

C U C U M B E R , S T R AW B E R R Y , L E M O N , B E E F E AT E R G I N , S W E E T V E R M O U T H

OLD MEXICO - £9

E L J I M A D O R T E Q U I L A , D E L M A G U E Y V I D A M E Z C A L , S H E R R Y , C H O C O L AT E

MAMACITA - £9

ORANGE, LIME, BLOOD ORANGE COINTREAU, EL JIMADOR TEQUILA

RASCAL - £9

M E TA X A , S H E R R Y , L A P H R O A I G 1 0 , B A N A N A

PLEASE TELL YOUR SERVER IF YOU HAVE ANY ALLERGIES.

The Old Bookshop

Instagram @the0ldbookshop // facebook.com/theoldbookshop 65 North St, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 1ES // 0117 953 5222 // theoldbookshop.co.uk

It’s hard to miss The Old Bookshop on Bedminster’s North Street. With its colourfully inviting signage and windows, this cosy bar with vintage décor stands proud as being one of Bedminster’s humble treasures. The Old Bookshop offers a quirky atmosphere and friendly staff with a superb selection of drinks, from cocktails,

pints and spirits that can be enjoyed in the company of taxidermy creatures and curious trinkets that decorate the entire bar and walls. With its ever-evolving kitchen, award winning roast dinners and a unique selection of live entertainment. This bar is a feast for all the senses and is one of Bristol’s best family ran establishments.

Small Bar

Instagram @smallbar_bristol // facebook.com/smallbarbristol 31 King Street, Bristol BS1 4DZ // bristol@smallbar.co.uk // smallbar.co.uk

Based on Bristol’s famous strip of bars on Kings Street, The Small Bar is one of Bristol’s hidden gems that deserve your attention. Grab yourself a pint of one of the finest craft ales Small Bar have to offer, and enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere that’ll give you a relaxing drinking experience where you can enjoy the quality of each sip. Ran by passionate bar staff who are on a mission to find the perfect beer, Small

Bar proudly represent the breweries nationwide, with particular support for the South West local ale trade. With the staff’s knowledge and beer expertise, they always keen to have the best of the best on tap. So, take a seat outside, or grab a chair and sit at one of the many barrel tables scattered around the rustic wooden finished bar and enjoy Small Bar’s executive collection of good quality beer.

The Social

Instagram @social_bristol // facebook.com/socialbarbristol 130 Cheltenham Road, Bristol, BS6 5RW // 0117 924 4500 // thesocialbarbristol.co.uk

With its central location on Cheltenham Road, The Social is recognised as part of the beating heart of Stokes Croft. Sit in the heated courtyard or curl up on one of the inviting red leather sofas by the window and watch the world go by with your favourite drink. Their friendly bar staff and sophisticated, yet relaxed atmosphere gives The Social a

NT E UD UNT T S SCO DI

unique charm, that lures you in for more. Boasting a great drinks menu, The Social know how to whip up anything from a frothy coffee to a succulent cocktail. Their wide variety of hot and cold drinks, including local beer, cider and ales and attractive wine list will help make this a favourite local hangout spot for almost any occasion.

the spotted cow Instagram @thespottedcowbristol // facebook.com/thespottedcowbristol 139 North St, Bristol, BS3 1ES // Â 0117 963 4433 // thespottedcowbristol.com

Transformed pub from a neglected old bar to one of the most popular hotspots in the community, the awardwinning Spotted Cow is a welcoming bar for locals and guests in the area. Based on North Street, this bar blends contemporary and traditional styles that provide all the elements for a perfect drinking spot; they even have one of Bedminsterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best beer gardens!

Quality pub food is at the heart of the operation, so be sure to try one of their many delicious dishes including their sensational Sunday roast. The Spotted Cow was one of the first pubs in Bristol to really champion local suppliers, working with local breweries and local farms for the meat and vegetables. Needless to say, their dedication to supporting local suppliers is reflected in every flavoursome taste.

steam

Instagram @steambristol // facebook.com/steambristol Clifton Down Station, Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2PN // 0117 317 9200 // steambristol.co.uk

Located behind Clifton Down Station, Steam stands proud as one of Bristol’s best loved beer halls. Serving a selection of locally produced beers, ales and ciders, they have even snatched a Cask Marque Award for their assortment of ales. With an always-buzzing atmosphere, Steam features a sprawling, steam punkinspired interior as well as a large heated,

covered outside decking area. Steam also has a games room, with pool, table tennis and more; as well as showing live sports on a big screen. On top of an impressive bar menu, Steam are proud to offer resident kitchen pop ups, as well as bottomless prosecco brunches, BBQs, street food festivals and more.

Tobacco factory Instagram @tobacco_factory // facebook.com/tobaccofactory Raleigh Rd, Bristol BS3 1TF // 0117 902 0060 // tobaccofactory.com

Tobacco Factory’s industrial interior reflects its history as one of the last remaining buildings from the old Imperial Tobacco site. The welcoming cafe bar hosts a varied programme of live music and occasional DJs. You can also find ongoing art exhibitions, board game events and more. Offering an ever-changing selection of craft beer, larger and cider, Tobacco Factory makes a conscious effort to support local breweries, including

Good Chemistry, Arbor Ales, Lost and Grounded, New Bristol Brewery and Wiper and True. An open kitchen serves a healthy inspired menu of bold British & European flavours – look out for pre-theatre deals for the visitors to the upstairs theatre. Outside, a covered terrace offers an additional bar with its own pizza menu (including vegan options), and the large courtyard hosts their popular Sunday Market, plus live music events through summer.

Located on bustling North Street, Tobacco Factory is a hub for great food, drink, music and art in the heart of the Bedminster & Southville community. Wide selection of craft beers and gins Flexitarian menu inspired by seasonal produce Sunday Roasts Live music Special events Art exhibitions