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COVER SHOT: DOMINIKA SCHEIBINGER
INFLUENTIAL VENUES // ESSENTIAL EVENTS AND PARTIES // MONTHLY GUIDE
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HIGHLIGHTS
best events this month 16-19
PROFILES
TYPESUN 21 AMBER RUN 21
INTERVIEW // LOCAL TALENT YOUNG ECHO 22-25
REWIND
beth rowley AT the lantern 26-27
PREVIEW
mr scruff 28-29
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH
FEBRUARY 2017
Jenna Knight 30-31
FEATURED VENUES
51 Stokes Croft 32 O2 Academy 33 BOOTLEGGER 34 Crofters Rights 35 exchange 36 The Fleece 37
The Full Moon 38 GALLIMAUFRY 39 The Golden Lion 40 lakota 41 Lanes 42 the lantern 43
The Love Inn 44 MArble Factory 45 MotherS’ Ruin 46 Mr Wolfs 47 THE OLD BOOKSHOP 48 Stag and Hounds 49
swx 50 THekla 51 Trinity 52
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Director Carlos Javier
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Features Abi Lewis / Sophie Jones
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Print Stephens & George
Distribution Javier Fox
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16 // HIGHLIGHTS
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4. YES MAN JELLY FISH
7. BLACKOUT: LABEL NIGHT
1. MOTTO: DRAKE PARTY
5. EVA LAZARUS + MOUNT NAKARA + CHRIS MUNKY + TRIVIAL PURSUITS
8. BEANS ON TOAST + LORI CAMPBELL + DJ DAD
HIGHLIGHTS A night dedicated to the guy who started from the bottom and brought us a whole lot of energy even on his worst behaviour. 1st Feb // 9pm – 3am // £3/£5 // The Lanes
2. MOTORCITY PRESENTS: THE BIG LEBOWSKI PARTY Motorcity presents The Lanes annual Big Lebowski Party night, dedicated to the iconic film. 3rd Feb // 9pm – 3am // £3adv // The Lanes
3. LIAM BAILEY
Liam is a bit of a connoisseur of classic soul and unique R&B. The kind of R&B that once meant something more than just today’s-quick-fixpop-filler. There’s a quality to Liam’s voice rare in music today, and you simply believe him when he sings. 3rd Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £9.90 inc.bf // Thekla
A night of live dance music, with Yes Man Jellyfishs’ powerful grooves of house, garage and drum and bass, fused with uplifting piano, vibrant synths and soulful vocals. Support from the kinetic energy of Ruckus Collective, and DJ sets from Dr Meaker and POV. 3rd Feb // 9pm- late // £4 otd // Mr Wolfs
Big voice. Big bass. Big afro. That’s what singer and MC Eva Lazarus is all about. Spanning across genres from reggae, hip hop, jungle and DnB. Plus support from Mount Nakara, Chris Munky and Trivial Pursuits. 3rd Feb // 8.30pm – 2am // £3 // Full Moon & Attic Bar
6. REDFACES
Fantastic hooks and melodies, a staggering live show and a healthy dose of organised chaos gives you just a glimpse into the world of RedFaces. With support from The Rumble and Socket. 4th Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £6.75 inc.bf // Crofters Rights
Black Sun Empire have gone global taking their unique brand of high-octane Drum & Bass to audiences worldwide. The BSE club night routinely invites highly respected names from across the DnB spectrum. Now it’s Bristol’s turn to experience Blackout, with the likes of Phace, Optical, Phythius and more. 4th Feb // 10pm – 4am // £14/£16/£18adv // Trinity Centre
Drunk folk singer, barefoot troubadour and cult legend Beans on Toast has been around the block more times than he cares to remember. With 8 studio albums in his back catalogue, Beans on Toast provokes thought on subjects from Prince Harry to Popcorn and Friendship to Fracking. 4th Feb // 8.30pm – 2am // £3 // Full Moon & Attic Bar
9. YASIIN BEY PERFORMING CLASSIC MOS DEF
Indisputably one of the greatest MCs ever, Yasiin Bey performs his seminal Mos Def back catalogue live at O2 Academy Bristol. Don’t miss out, grab your tickets now ahead of the show next month. 4th Feb // 9pm – 2am // £20adv // O2 Academy Bristol
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10. LADYHAWKE + ISLE
After the release of her acclaimed third album ‘Wild Things’ New Zealander synth-pop artist Pip Brown (aka Ladyhawke) is ready to get back to UK for a new full run of shows in February 2017. 7th Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £15.40 inc.bf // Marble Factory
11. KRS ONE + THE MOUSE OUTFIT SOUNDSYSTEM
Following the sold out July 2016 show, The Fleece are pleased to announce the return of KRS One. When it comes to Hip Hop, no one is as consistent and influential as KRS-One. His reputation as both a live performer and as Hip Hop’s resident “Teacha” has reached mythic proportions. 8th Feb // 7.30pm – 11pm // £18.50adv // The Fleece
12. JOSEPH + OLD SEA BRIGADE
American folk band Joseph consists of three sisters who have set the bar high for contemporary folk music. Their 2016 album ‘I’m Alone, No You’re Not’ will be showcased by the band this February at The Exchange, with support from indie folk singer-songwriter Old Sea Brigade. 8th Feb // 7.30pm – 11pm // £10 +bf // Exchange
13. FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS
Heralded for their generation-defining blend of styles and effortless New York cool, Fun Lovin’ Criminals return for a new string of shows with the band’s refreshing cocktail of rock ’n’ roll, funk, hip hop, jazz and Latin. 10th Feb // 6.30pm – 10pm // £24adv // O2 Academy Bristol
14. MALAVITA AND ELECTRIC SPANK
Get ready for Malavita, the seven-piece band serving up original latin-reggae-funk music, oven ready for the dancefloor. Joined by the 6 party makers from Electric Spank, who combine quirky funk and smooth soul with swing jazz, bebop and afrobeat. 10th Feb // 9pm- late // £4 otd // Mr Wolfs
15. DISCIPLES
London producer trio Disciples, are currently one of the UK’s most exciting house acts. After bursting on to the scene under Pete Tongs label, they have been part of major collaborations, including “How Deep is Your love” alongside none other than Calvin Harris. 11th Feb // 10.30pm – 4am // £6 +bf // SWX
16. DEPARTMENT S CLUB NIGHT: SPEAKING IN TONGUES (TALKING HEADS TRIBUTE)
For this instalment of Department S Club Night, top Talking Heads tribute ‘Speaking In Tongues’ will be playing all your favourite Talking Heads hits. Plus, John The Mod will be spinning indie, mod, soul and rock & roll till 3am. 11th Feb // 9pm – 3am // £3/£8 // The Lanes
17. JAZZ FUNK SOUL MUSICIANS + DJ NINO
Only the best from the infamous JFS society in Bristol. They’ll be bringing all their trumpeting and saxophone playing to your ears! Meanwhile you can munch down on our tasty and inventive pizza and burgers. Stokes Squash pizza anyone? 11th Feb // 9pm – late // Free before 11pm // No.51s
18. SK SHLOMO
To celebrate his new artist name, award winning beatboxer, producer and live looping technologist SK Shlomo will bring a whirlwind of beats, bass lines and bleeding edge technology to The Lantern, delivering the past, present and future of beatboxing, leaving audiences with their jaws on the floor. 11th Feb // 7.30pm – Late // £10.75 inc.bf // The Lantern
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HIGHLIGHTS 19. BPF PRESENTS: L.A. WITCH + TAOS HUMM + UMI
Bristol Psych Fest presents L.A. Witch, Taos Humm and Umi. L.A. Witch conjure demons with their pop sound. Echoing the sounds of ‘60s garage musicians like The Pleasure Seekers and ‘90s band The Breeders. Plus Bristol freak out garage n psych band Taos Humm and psych-pop inspired Umi. 15th Feb // 8pm – 11pm // £6/£7otd // Crofters Rights
20. WILKINSON
Coinciding with the release of his second album, Hypnotic, drum ’n’ bass DJ Wilkinson tours the UK once again with hit singles, ‘Need To Know’, ‘Heartbeat’, ‘Too Close’ and ‘Hit The Floor’. 16th Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £16adv // O2 Academy Bristol
21. DEMENTED ARE GO
Welcome back Demented Are Go. This band have inflicted their twisted version of rock ‘n’ roll on the world for 3 decades. From the legendary Klub Foot via clubs, squats and festivals, they have built up a loyal fan base who just can’t get enough of DAG’s sound. 16th Feb // 7.30pm – 11pm // £12adv // The Fleece
22. KING KURT + THE KINGS OF OUTER SPACE
London based psychobilly, rock n roll band King Kurt are set to deliver an explosive set at The Exchange this February. With support from the wacky sci-fi influenced rockabilly, Kings of Outer Space. 17th Feb // 7.30pm – 11pm // £15 +bf // Exchange
23. AFT & RECREO PRESENTS: BRYAN GEE + CRITICAL IMPACT B2B SINAI + MORE
Love is in the Air. It’s Valentines and who better to serenade our souls but the legendary Bryan Gee. To celebrate their next two releases, AFT have a huge roster of artists to support. Including Critical Impact, Octo Pi, Carasel MC and more. 17th Feb // 8.30pm – 2am // £3 // Full Moon & Attic Bar
24. FIRST DEGREE BURNS
Bristol’s pioneering head-nod hip hop/soul/reggae/ska crew return to their old stomping ground. A 7 headed horn blaring, bass thumping, foot stomping Bristol based monster blending a unique mix of Hip-Hop, Ska and Reggae. Armed with twin MC’s lyrical wit, punchy beats and unforgettable hooks. 17th Feb // 9pm – Late // £4 // The Golden Lion
25. NEIL COWLEY TRIO
Neil Cowley returns to Colston Hall following the highly acclaimed release of ‘Spacebound Apes’. Suitably cinematic, invitingly experimental and a thrilling junction of narrative, jazz and electronica, it’s Cowley and co at their most innovative. Expect this live show in The Lantern to be equally evocative. 17th Feb // 7.30pm – Late // £10.75 inc.bf // The Lantern
26. BLAIR DUNLOP
Blair Dunlop, the award-winning British singer-songwriter and guitarist, has now released 3 albums, 2 ep’s and toured widely around the globe. What sets Blair apart from his peers is the lyrical and musical maturity. Performing tracks from his latest album ‘Gilded’, this is a show not to be missed. 22nd Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £13.50 // The Fleece
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27. THE PIGSTY HILL BLUES CLUB
The Golden Lions new monthly Blues Jam kicks off this February. Hosted by The Lewis Creaven Band and Landlord Drew Bridges, this is an invitation to anyone who sings, plays or just has the blues to get involved. Check out the new facebook page to find out more. 23rd Feb // 8.30pm – Late // Free // The Golden Lion
28. OLIVER WILDE
Tread carefully in to Oliver Wilde’s bewitching world because you’ll need your wits about you. The Bristol-based artist’s extraordinary songs are as dark as they are uplifting, as unsettling as they are soothing and as harrowing as they are hauntingly beautiful. 24th Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £8.25 inc.bf // Thekla
29. AMBER RUN
To mark the release of their new album ‘For A Moment I Was Lost’ the brilliant Nottingham 5-piece Amber Run are coming to SWX, as part of their UK tour. Support comes from Bristol’s own Meadowlark. 24th Feb // 6.30pm – Late // £12 +bf // SWX
30. DOO-WOP: ROCK N ROLL PARTY
Playing a heavy dose of rockabilly, garage, surf, rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm & blues, swing and vintage sounds. 24th Feb // 9pm – 3am // Free // The Lanes
31. THE DEARS
34. SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR + SPECIAL GUESTS
32. THE MORNING AFTER CLUB – MOVIE NIGHT
35. THE BRISTOL SESSIONS
33. JOE AND ASHANTI
36. WALDO’S GIFT
Critically acclaimed “orchestral-pop-noir-romantique” rock’n’roll band from Montréal, The Dears are shaped by nineties rock and a broad selection of gospel, soul, and pop music. The band who released their sixth album ‘Times Infinity Volume One’ in 2015 are set to play at The Fleece this February in support of their release. 25th Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £13adv // The Fleece
If you’re feeling a little vulnerable after the weekend, come and get cosy with us. Great films, comfy sofas, plus… The Cure - any pizza and a Bloody Mary for only £8. 26th Feb //4pm – late // Free // No.51s
Two mega US r&b icons of the ‘90’s and the early 2000’s, Joe and Ashanti, will come together for the first time in history for the first major R&B tour of 2017. 27th Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £35adv // O2 Academy Bristol
Former indie chick Sophie Ellis-Bextor reinvented herself to become a stylish, classy and successful disco diva, turned Strictly Come Dancing contestant. Her recent work has taken a new direction, with a Kate Bush/Tori Amos influence, and material co-written by pianist and singer-songwriter Ed Harcourt. 28th Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £20.50adv // Trinity Centre
Live soul, performed by some of Bristol’s finest musicians. Hosted by singer Ruth Royal, expect impressive all-star talent and weekly guests each week, including Nate James and Dale Davis. Every Sunday // 8pm – Late // Free // The Gallimaufry
Brand new residency with Waldo’s Gift bringing out-of-this-world musicianship, combining math, jazz, groove and electronic elements. With a shifting line-up of special guests and tribute sessions you can expect to hear something new and innovative every week. Every Wednesday // 8pm – Late // Free // The Gallimaufry
20 // COMPETITION
competition
WIN TICKETS • WIN TICKETS • WIN TICKETS competition
Win tickets to Quantic and Macy Gray Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival 2017
Next month sees the welcome return of Bristol’s Jazz and Blues Festival from 16-19 March for a long weekend of jazz and blues of all incarnations across Colston Hall, The Lantern, O2 Academy and Folk House. We’ve got tickets to give away to two of the weekend’s biggest shows, I Try singer and all-round legend Macy Gray on 19 March, and genre-bending producer Quantic who will be performing live with soul singer Alice Russell on 17 March.
View the full festival lineup on bristoljazzandbluesfest.com To enter: visit us on facebook.com/nitelifebristol and post: ‘Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival. Enter by 31 February. Winner will be selected by prize draw and notified via facebook.
PROFILES // 21
profile - incoming
Tom Campbell
Rob Skilton
profile - HOMEGROWN
Typesun
Amber Run
Well known in the Bristol music scene not just for his iconic productions, but as a hard working and creative drummer, band leader and DJ, Typesun aka Luke Harney has been paying dues from way before the recent attention garnered from his last few releases on Root Elevation. Along with Andy Mac and Jay-L he runs the underground club night FallingUp where the trio have been following their own unique line through the best in soul, hip hop, house, techno and dub. This February, get up close and personal as Typesun brings his unique brand of rugged underground soul music to the intimate Crofters Rights, where he will be joined by Romaine Smith (pictured) on vocals, who has been making his own waves on the growing Bristol R&B scene. This is one not to be missed!
Nottingham indie rockers Amber Run head to SWX this February as part of a UK tour of their new album For a Moment I Was Lost, which is released this month. It follows their 2015 effort 5am and comes with a newly slimmed-down lineup consisting of Joe Keogh, Will Jones, Tomas Sperring, and Henry Wyeth, and – from the songs we’ve heard from the new album so far – a more refined, albeit poppier sound. It’s little wonder that a few years have done the band good; their fourth ever show was to a Reading Festival crowd in the BBC introducing stage in 2013. To get you warmed up for the SWX show, frontman Joe Keogh takes us through his answers to our 10 questions.
Upcoming gigs: 3 February, Crofters Right
Upcoming gigs: 24 February, SWX
Producer
Band
THOSE QUESTIONS... 1. What have you learned today? There are people who campaign against sexual education in schools, and Funky Drummer is 96 bpm. 2. Favourite track of all time? Right now I’m coming up with Naima by John Coltrane, both the original recording and the Bill Evans version. 3. It’s 3am and the party is winding down, what track do you play to get everyone going again? Magnificent Seven by The Clash. 4. Who are your top three acts right now? I’ve been enjoying the tracks Joe Black (Adjowa) has been putting out on Happy Skull. Andy Mac has been recording with Cat again, so I’m excited to hear what comes out of those sessions, and Jay-L is on a roll and making the best music he’s ever made. 5. If you couldn’t work in music, what would you be doing instead? Working as a chef, writing short stories and mentoring with JourneymanUK. I’d probably take up electronics too. And keep koalas.
6. What was the last book you read? Entering the Heart of the Sun & Moon by Ngak’chang Rinpoche & Khandro Déchen 7. Favourite thing on TV? Enter the Battlefield: Life on the ‘Magic - The Gathering’ Pro Tour. Amazing to see people so passionate and dedicated. Went straight from that into a documentary about a guy in Brooklyn with a $2million Kickstarter campaign building tiny handcrafted models of mediaeval cities for Dungeons & Dragons. It was a deep one. 8. Are you afraid of anything? Yes, but I’m working on it. At my worst I tend to space out rather than cut through and act, which stems from a pretty fundamental fear of being and becoming anything. Remembering that things will go the way they go and that there is no single, universal purpose to anything helps when the space-out strikes.
THOSE QUESTIONS... 1. What have you learned today? That fretboards are expensive to replace.
6. What was the last book you read? The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova.
2. Favourite track of all time? Humiliation by The National
7. Favourite thing on TV? Taboo.
3. It’s 3am and the party is winding down, what track do you play to get everyone going again? Humilation by The National. I don’t get invited to that many parties...
8. Are you afraid of anything? Failure… or fascists.
4. Who are your top three acts right now? Radiohead, Foals, Arcade Fire. 5. If you couldn’t work in music, what would you be doing instead? I would be a chef.
9. Tell us something people don’t know about you… My favourite pizza is margherita and my favourite naan is garlic. 10. What are you doing tomorrow? Rehearsing and booking hotels in Cuba.
9. Tell us something people don’t know about you... I made pierogi for Wigilia this year. 10. What are you doing tomorrow? Building speakers stands, practicing and listening to Mé-tsal teach at Aro Ling.
soundcloud.com/type // fb.com/ typesun // typesun.com
soundcloud.com/amberrunofficial // fb.com/amberrun // amber-run.com
22 // LOCAL TALENT
INTERVIEW // LOCAL TALENT
YOUNG ECHO
Young Echo is the signature of an 11-strong collective of producers, vocalists and poets based in and around Bristol. Its members, including Kahn and Neek, and Peng Sound label owner Ossia, are all independently making waves on the underground with releases between them on Deep Medi, Tectonic and Fabric, to name a few. Now, they’re putting their best foot forward as a group, for the first time since loosely forming in 2010. They’ve just launched their own label, debuting in November last year with Rider Shafique’s outstanding I-Dentity, and are poised to release their second Young Echo album this year. We managed to get seven of the crew together to chat about the new label, the new album and expanding their regular Young Echo parties. Joining Kahn, Neek, Rider Shafique, Chester Giles, Alex Rendell and Amos Childs (who record together as Jabu), and Ishan Sound in their Old Market studio; we opened some beers and got started with a few questions about I-Dentity. It hasn’t gone unnoticed that their first track – introducing the fledgling label – bears a strong political message. Originally written as a social education piece and toured around schools and community groups, I-Dentity and its B-side Freedom Call
deal with themes of cultural identity and racism. Forgoing his usual MC style, Rider Shafique delivers two powerful spoken word soliloquies, set to dark, atmospheric soundscapes.
Young Echo has felt like a place to be experimental and free ‘Reggae music has always had a political message, hip hop as well,’ Rider explains. ‘That’s where I’m coming from. A lot of what I know about my identity and myself, I got through reggae and hip hop music. I-Dentity is something new because I’d never really written spoken word or poetry like that, I’ve always been beat driven, but it’s just the same.’ ‘When discussing what the first release should be, it stood out massively,’ says Amos. ‘Part of the reason I-Dentity is such a strong track is because of its political message, but I don’t think that the idea is to have an emphasis on a political agenda.
‘A lot of us come from musical backgrounds that are inherently political – Chester grew up with punk, me and Alex used to listen to hip hop, so it’s maybe not explicit a lot of the time, but it runs through a lot of the music that we all really like.’ As a group, the collective have a shared hunger for experimental, sometimes challenging production (their first album opens with a six-minute drone meditation), especially within the Young Echo setting, which seems to nurture a punk-ish attitude of doing whatever the hell you want. Kahn says: ‘It was important to us starting the label to be completely in control of it and not have to answer to anyone else about how we want to present it or what order you should do things, for example, that you sometimes come across with other labels.’ ‘Not following no rules – just making what we feel,’ Rider agrees. While the anti-establishment sentiment comes through crystal clear in Rider’s I-Dentity, it’s an attitude that transcends lyricism alone and seeps deep into the group’s productions as a whole. ‘As a producer I find that there’s a lot you can do with how
LOCAL TALENT // 23
your mindset is when you’re producing a track,’ says Ishan Sound. ‘But also the conversation you have with the vocalist you’re collaborating with. In that creative process together, there might be a context that you set with themes you are discussing.’
It’s a much more realistic representation of a scene Ishan’s steppas might, on the surface, be very different to Kahn and Neek’s dark, dubby grime, but there’s no question of a common ground between Young Echo’s 11 members. ‘We work off in our different groups and different variations,’ says Kahn. ‘But it’s still very free and open. I think there’s just a naturally occurring something that binds it all together – in quite a loose way.’ Alex says, ‘I think it’s also a love of being creative and respecting each other’s creativity. That’s it for me, I just really up what everyone does.’ Kahn continues: ‘Young Echo is kind of about challenging ourselves. We’re not all necessarily into the same music – there are areas where we cross over – but that’s what’s been interesting. Young Echo, certainly for me, has felt like a place to be experimental and free, aside from club music or any other things that we’re involved with individually. And it’s important to us to try and keep it as open as we can. It can be chaotic, but it’s also very creative as well.’ Fortunately for long-time fans, the creation of a Young Echo label doesn’t mean that the group is trying to converge their sounds – they recognise that these differences are in many ways their strengths. For instance, you might go to a Young Echo night to see Jabu and be introduced to something new
entirely from the unseen Kahn catalogues, whether that’s a tune he’s working on or something he’s currently listening to. To put that into context – recent Young Echo nights have seen Alex playing Alexander O’Neal, Kahn has been spinning 50s middle eastern music and Bollywood soundtracks from Nigeria, Amos has been known to put on Barry White at 33RPM, and Ishan reveals he has a ‘secret alias’ which he uses to make grungy electronic music. ‘Often labels and collectives have a common output,’ says Ishan. ‘Which I don’t think we have in terms of a genre or an audience we’re each individually trying to reach with our own projects or our group projects. The common element is the input that we have, listening to each other, and the respect everyone shows each other. Which is why we couldn’t run a house label or a dubstep label… it just wouldn’t work.’ Chester adds: ‘I think it’s a much more realistic representation of a scene. We are all peers, we go to the same shows, we go to the same dances, and we did that before Young Echo. You go to any group of people, and they’re not all interested in the same thing. We are a group of friends and our output is different, so it becomes interesting because it’s varied.’ ‘We take a lot from each other, it is still a feedback loop between us all,’ says Amos. ‘There are different starting points for us – it’s not like we’re all making house tracks – but people might not realise what we’ve taken from each other.’ Historically, one of the most notable things about the Bristol music scene is its strong collaborative spirit; from the days of Fresh 4 to now, it’s much more commonplace to see an artist working across a number of different styles, projects and collectives, than to see someone pigeonholed into one genre. ‘There’s so much interesting stuff going on, you want to get involved in it even if you don’t necessarily want to make it the focus of your work,’ says Chester. ‘It’s so stimulating.’ ‘Bristol is a small place – everyone calls it a big village,’ says
Kahn. ‘A lot of us grew up together, and as Chester said, we’re a peer group first. Bristol is not as dog-eat-dog as somewhere like London is on the surface. You see the same faces around, so it’s naturally a friendly atmosphere.’ ‘If someone builds something good in Bristol, it doesn’t seem like anyone has ever held onto that and made it exclusive or made themselves get rich off it,’ says Ishan. ‘We’re happy to see each other do well in general,’ says Kahn. ‘There’s no bad feelings. Or if you are like that, you get exposed quite quickly because everyone else is so chilled out.’
We get so known for just one type of thing, it’s quite refreshing and fun for us to go completely in a different direction En masse, Young Echo could be seen as the poster boys for Bristol’s thriving DIY scene, where an independent artist can sell out the same size venue a major label-signed act does. Relying on pure hard work and word of mouth reputation, these boys are part a culture of booking, promoting and running your own shows. ‘You know if you’re going to start something in Bristol, it’s going to be supported,’ says Chester. ‘That’s what it’s all about – not just Young Echo, all of the other crews as well.’ ‘I think it helps that there is more than just people making music here,’ adds Rider. ‘There’s somewhere they can play their music, there are record stores, there are different creatives around. Where I live, in Gloucester, it’s much more difficult. There are lots of people, for example, who are MCs
24 // LOCAL TALENT
or vocalists, but it ends there – there are no real producers, there’s no club and there’s nowhere to perform, so you have to branch out.’
and bypass the bullshit,’ says Kahn. ‘And I think as Rider said, not everywhere is like that and that’s what makes Bristol so special.’
The beginnings of the Young Echo collective can be traced pretty cleanly back to the monthly radio shows they started
‘Here, there are people that are making videos, people who are making beats, there are lots of vocalists, photographers… People who are doing things,’ says Amos. ‘And they’re all trying to do it themselves as well. You want your friend who is a photographer to do well, so if you can give him photography work you give him work; you want your friend who is a graphic designer to do well so you give them work. Everyone is doing that all across the board, so it’s back and forth and it makes it a lot easier to do it yourself.’
‘Bristol’s beautiful because people gravitate towards it,’ says Ishan. ‘And so that kind of gives it a self-fulfilling prophecy.’
Bristol’s beautiful because people gravitate towards it
‘The whole point of it is to just make cool shit, put it out
‘Bristol is very welcoming,’ says Kahn. ‘In week or so, you can get into things in the city if you just go to the clubs or the record stores. There’s ways to get into the scene if you want to, it’s not very cliquey.’ Alex adds: ‘Bristol has a long standing tradition of people making music and putting themselves on and creating a scene that’s been here long before any of us.’
streaming in November 2010. Original Young Echo members Kahn, Ishan Sound, Amos Childs, Vessel and El Kid had previously just been swapping tracks on MySpace, until Neek, who has run the popular Sureskank nights since 2006, put on a night at Crash Mansion with all five of them on the bill. A
LOCAL TALENT // 25
world with nothing but their music for a week, Rider explains: ‘There was a few different houses, and we all stayed on the farm – away from the world so to speak – and made music for a week.’ He laughs: ‘And then didn’t do anything with it.’ ‘A large majority of the music was made for the record,’ says Ishan. ‘I think that shows in the fact that I’ve never released any music with Neek, but there are bits that me and him have done together on there, and other link ups that haven’t happened before – not necessarily with the express: “It’s going to be on the record.”’ ‘It’s all part of the creative process,’ says Kahn. ‘As you can imagine, with a crew of this size and trying to keep it completely democratic and everyone of equal status and everyone having the same input, it’s tough to make sense of sometimes. But those different studio combinations and people testing the limits of what they’ve tried doing creatively before – it’s all a process to the eventual product, which will be the album.
The whole point of it is to just make cool shit, put it out and bypass the bullshit ‘So even if there’s a lot of material that doesn’t make it out in this package, it will all be part of a journey toward getting more of a set sound for this record. I think it’s definitely a massive step up from the first album. I’m excited about it.’
week later, the first Young Echo radio show aired. ‘The radio show was about having somewhere – without the pressure of putting a club night on – to showcase all the different music we were working on. We didn’t know what it was going to be like, but it worked out really well,’ says Kahn. ‘Now that we’re older and have different commitments, they’re not very regular, but when we do get together to do them, it’s the same vibe – it’s just showcasing stuff that we’ve been working on and not really had a platform to play it on. I think we’re all writing music that the general people listening to us wouldn’t know about. Certainly for me and Sam (Neek), we get so known for just one type of thing that it’s quite refreshing and fun for us to go completely in a different direction and play completely different stuff.’ The monthly radio shows naturally grew into the Young Echo club nights we know today, Neek explains: ‘It evolved from being at Joe’s studio. We used to have a crowd there – it was on a Sunday but anyone could come. Ossia, who at the time wasn’t actually in the group, said
he wanted to start a night where we were playing more experimental music. It fit in with the same vibe as the radio show, so we just took the name and used it.’ ‘Some of those early radio shows were basically club nights anyway,’ says Alex. Many years on and with the group swollen in size, Young Echo are once again taking their sound outside the confines of the studio or club night, and finally putting out a second album. ‘We sleep on a lot of really good music,’ says Rider. ‘We do so much music together and a lot of it never gets released. So now that we do have a label, we can release tracks that the world hasn’t heard. The second release is going to be an album.’ Their debut 2013 album Nexus, while still a strong and coherent record, was more of a compilation of work from the individual members. However, this time round, they’ve created tracks especially for the new album. In fact, some of the tracks came from a trip a few years ago to Wales, in a Frank-esque tale, which saw the group shut away from the
With the album due for release some time this year (‘hopefully soon’, says Kahn), the crew aren’t going to leave us completely hanging and have planned some bumper Young Echo nights over the next few months. Starting with a party at The Island on 24 February and with something planned every three months thereafter in May and August. ‘They’re going to be similar to the usual nights, but there will be an announced lineup, special guests and a bit more of a show,’ says Neek. ‘They’re going to be sick,’ says Ishan. ‘Bigger, more capacity, everyone’s going to come with special bits, special guests and a bit more of a live element – everyone bringing their full A game, basically.’
24 February, The Island Words by Rachel Morris Photography by Khali Photography khaliphotography.com soundcloud.com/youngecho
26 // REWIND
REWIND
BETH ROWLEY, THE LANTERN
A sell-out show is never something to be sniffed at, especially in the free musical buffet that is Bristol. Therefore, a packedout Thursday night at The Lantern is credit to the love Bristol has for its own singer-soulstress Beth Rowley, as she returned to Colston Hall on her latest mini-tour of the UK. Supported by fellow Bristolian open-mic veteran, Katey Brook, the old and the new came crashing together in a soulful smorgasbord, with Katey’s haunting opening cover of Vera Hall’s Troubles So Hard. When Beth took to the stage, wild blond hair flying and a rock tee tucked into a high-waisted leather skirt, it was the first signal of a new era for the singer and her band. Beth’s new sound, heavier and darker than on her first album,
clearly takes influence from her love of country and blues music, with Joe Harvey White’s pedal steel guitar adding a haunting wail to ballads Hide From Your Love and Princess. It also brought a new depth to first album favourites, like Nobody’s Fault but Mine, which descended into a bluesy jam – Beth letting rip with a mellow harmonica solo, nailing a more mature, deep-South blues tone.
the stage, recalling their first meeting at her debut gig in Mr Wolf’s: ‘I was playing and then John got up and joined in on harmonica. I was like “who the hell is this guy?” I didn’t know then that we would become great friends.’ Their rendition of Only One Cloud, which ended with a plaintive vocal/ harmonica duet, sending ripples of pleasurable nostalgia through the spellbound audience.
During the gig, Beth announced that her next album was in the pipeline, and that a number of the songs were still in development – ‘They were different yesterday, and they may be different tomorrow’– which gave a freshness to the set that you don’t often see on the Lantern stage.
Before the gig, Nitelife snatched Beth away from being her own tour manager (‘You have control over everything, but small things end up taking a lot longer than you think’) to a magically empty Colston Hall, where we sat down for a chat about the tour, her life and her new sound.
The most touching moment of the night came in the encore, when Beth called up Bristol harmonica legend John Fenlon to
Born in Peru, but growing up in Knowle, Beth cut her teeth on a blooming Bristol music scene, which saw her rubbing
REWIND // 27 shoulders with the likes of Massive Attack and Portishead – sometimes literally. ‘I remember it was the first year I moved to Montpelier and we had loads of street parties. Grant from Massive Attack was suddenly in our kitchen and I was totally starstruck. I didn’t even speak to him! ‘I love Bristol. It’s a great place to grow up and be a musician. I played a lot of open mic nights in the early 2000s in Mr Wolf’s and the Old Duke. Now it is still a huge scene, and with BIMM opening here, it’s completely exploded.’
I don’t want to put something out for the sake of it just so I can make a quick buck After a move to London, she burst onto the international music scene when her 2008 debut album Little Dreamer went straight into the charts at number 6. The following year, Beth was nominated for Best Female Vocalist in the Brit Awards, alongside Duffy and Adele. Signed by Universal, she landed an appearance in 2009 movie by Danish Dogme 95 director Lone Scherfig, An Education, and sang on the soundtrack for Dylan Thomas semi-biopic The Edge of Love, the music of which was penned by Twin Peaks’ composer Angelo Badalamenti, and for the second time in her life, she was starstruck. ‘At the time I was watching the whole box set of Twin Peaks with my then boyfriend and then suddenly I was doing the music for this film! When I met Angelo, it was the highpoint of my life. Like, the top of my musical career.’ Though some may question the decision following these career-defining moments, Beth split from the label in 2010 – for reasons that many young musicians thrown into the music industry machine would recognise. ‘Being with Universal was definitely a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it was great, having all these opportunities and resources at my fingertips, but the pressure was crazy. I was still working out what I wanted to do, who I was and what I wanted to say. ‘Basically that year I just stopped everything. I needed a total life overhaul. I went from this intense steep uphill climb to just nothing.’ Giving herself some space as a person and musician, she says, was the key to her new sound and she has never been happier. ‘I always wanted it to sound like this but it’s been a bit of a journey getting here. I’ve always loved blues and gospel music, but its hard to know what aspects of the music are what you love – is it the lyrics? The style? Is it the form of the song? The bass line? We had to break down exactly what it was about those songs that I loved. I guess that’s why it’s taken so long to come about.’
Everyone’s got it in them to be creative and to be expressive Things have suddenly started moving quickly again for Beth. Along with playing with and supporting Jools Holland’s band (‘He’s been really supportive and encouraging’), moving back to Bristol and getting engaged to her boyfriend of six years, her eight-year hiatus from recording is coming to an end as Beth gears up to release her second album in the autumn later this year. ‘We’ve recorded just over half of it already. I’m not doing it with a big label this time, so it’s really important for me to find people who are willing to invest but not put any pressure on because they understand that the creative process takes time.’ This is something that Beth is particularly passionate about and speaks with fervour about the importance of stepping off the treadmill and finding your feet. ‘The best thing in the world was just to stop for a little while and take my time. I don’t want to put something out for the sake of it just so I can make a quick buck. ‘It’s such precious thing for me to know that I’m never going to stop singing, so I no longer worry about how long it takes. Making music should be fun – it should definitely be more fun than not fun!’
Words by Sophie Jones Photography by Dominika Scheibinger Bethrowley.com
28 // PREVIEW
PREVIEW
MR. SCRUFF 18 FEBRUARY, THE OLD FIRE STATION
In the wake of his brilliant 2014 album Friendly Bacteria, Manchester-based electronic producer Mr. Scruff, AKA Andy Carthy has been busy in the studio creating some of the finest remixes of 2016, whilst touring his famous all-night DJ sets across the globe. Ahead of his six-hour set at Bristol’s Old Fire Station this February, Nitelife caught up with the Get A Move On producer to find out what’s in store for his sold-out gig. ‘There will be loads of really weird and wonderful tunes, put together in a way that makes sense. ‘I enjoy playing with the mood and energy of the room. I like to bring a mixture of old and new to try and create a really engaging mix of music. You’ll get loads of “what on earth is that?” and get excited about a piece of music you might not have heard before.
‘It all depends on the atmosphere, acoustics and the mood in the room, and I go from there. ‘Once you set the tone and people come in and respond to it, you’ve got a conversation going. For me that is the most engaging thing about DJing. Every night will be very different
It’s definitely high time I made another album to the last, even if you’re playing in the same venue week in, week out. You’ve got to make sure you achieve that high level of energy and reach a point where everyone’s going nuts… But how you get there is the fun part.’
The DJ who’s famous for knocking back cups of tea mid-mix might have a laid back exterior behind the decks, but admits that a lot of work goes into the set up for each gig. ‘I believe it’s important to arrive at a venue with plenty of time to set up before a gig to give time to deal with any technical issues. For instance, with the Bristol show we will probably get to the venue about 4pm and spend three or four hours setting up, because it’s important not to rush. I’ve even been known to go out and buy a soldering iron before a gig before! It’s good because it means you can relax and enjoy the night when the doors open.’ With several high profile remixes under his belt in 2016, including Local Talk Records’ Lay-Far remix of Lock and Rock and Submotion Orchestra’s Needs, the iconic producer runs through what he thinks makes a good remix: ‘A good remix has got to have a spark and make sense as a
PREVIEW // 29
finished piece of work. Generally in a remix, you tend to take a song and keep the basic elements, but extend some parts using tape editing and the decks to push and pull certain sounds. ‘I think it’s important to listen to the original tune and give it a level of respect. It’s like saying you appreciate what they’ve done, but you have a slightly different vision for it and then you tackle it from there. Some remixes are barely recognisable but really I think it’s only polite to use some elements of the original track. ‘One of the things I really like about remixes is that you are given a set of elements you might not have necessarily chosen yourself. It kind of pushes you outside your comfort zone. You can open your ears to the way other people create music in the studio as well.’
have someone come into the studio where you’ve already got a list of things you could try. She’s got tonnes of energy and is really open to new ideas as well.
for the Decca Classics Re:Works compilation in the summer last year. I was really grateful to be part of that. Aside from that, I’ve had a really nice year touring around the world, meeting really nice people and being able to play the music I love.’
You’ve got to make sure you achieve that high level of energy and reach a point where everyone’s going nuts… But how you get there is the fun part
It’s a fresh new year and we couldn’t finish up without asking what’s in store for 2017.
Along with producing a number of remixes across the year, Mr. Scruff also found himself in the studio with the Tru Thoughts-signed soul singer, Harleighblu.
‘We’ve done about four or five tunes together so far, but it’s best with things like this to just carry on working on them and when they’re ready, release them into the wild.’
‘I first met Harleighblu at one of her gigs in Manchester a few years ago. It was one of those where we just swapped numbers and started working together. I love the music she’s done already, but I can hear loads of other directions her music could go off in with her vocal delivery. It’s really nice to
Looking back on the past year, Mr. Scruff shares his highlights of 2016: ‘I’m really bad at picking highlights because I really enjoy what I do, so it’s difficult to cherry pick… ‘I remixed a piece of music by American composer Steve Reich
‘There’s a lot of unfinished bits and bobs I need to sort out first. It’s the beginning of the year so it’s time for a spring clean. But after that I will roll my sleeves up, get back in the studio and have some fun making new music, because it’s definitely high time I made another album.’ Catch Mr. Scruff at The Old Fire Station on 18 February for a six-hour DJ set you will never forget.
18 February, The Old Fire Station Words by Abi Lewis Photography by Shaun Bloodworth Mrscruff.com
30 // THE INFLUENCERS
THE INFLUENCERS // BEHIND THE SCENES WITH
JENNA KNIGHT Jenna Knight Age: 32 Job title: Music & Entertainment Publicist and Director at Bristol Women in Music
department. My first campaign was working on the DVD release of The Dark Knight. I did that for about six months and then told them I really wanted to work on the music team, and it went from there really.’ Now, after a stint in London, she’s back in Bristol and working independently with a variety of artists across the board, including Kojey Radical, Bristol’s Elder Island, Radio 1Xtra presenter Jamz Supernova, and DJ Mustard, as well as focusing a lot of her energy on Bristol Women in Music.
Jenna Knight has over 10 years experience in the music industry, working with brands from Vevo to Ella Henderson to increase their digital publicity.
‘Between the 11 of us, we all work in different fields of music, from PR to bookings to running record labels, radio presenters and more…
‘It can range from anything to setting up video premieres, arranging interviews, through to wide brand partnerships,’ she says.
‘Our ethos is to provide a safe and welcome space for females to come and learn about the music industry and learn about the different routes into the industry.
Now she’s channeling all that experience into the Bristol music industry. She is a regular guest lecturer at BIMM, and is one of 11 directors of community interest company Bristol Women in Music, who have just announced a major industry conference to take place at Colston Hall at the end of March, Sound Industry.
‘I’m very much of the opinion that it’s our responsibility to nurture the next generation of creative talent. I think anyone that works in a creative industry – that’s kind of on us! Essentially it’s not really an academic subject, so you go into it and there are really no formal qualifications, so I’ve always been involved in mentoring and youth work – here and in London.’
Jenna explains how she first got into music publicity: ‘I studied marketing at UWE. I’d always been into music growing up, but without realising I was as passionate about it as I was. I started working with a Bristol Agency called Hyperlaunch, who are no longer, but I actually started working in the film and books
It was partly this shared sense of responsibility that inspired Bristol Women in Music to launch their women’s Mix Night sessions, which sees participants partnered up with local DJ mentors over six weeks, with a live showcase at the end.
‘You can be a complete beginner! The mentors have taught varied levels of experience,’ says Jenna. ‘There’s a massive hotbed of talent in Bristol and it’s great to see some female producers coming through, because electronic dance music has been predominantly male. What we aren’t doing is damning men – it’s not rage against the machine – it’s very much celebrating and empowering women.’ Looking forward to the Sound Industry conference at Colston Hall, the same ethos applies – to empower not divide. Guest speakers, panelists and performers so far announced include: Danielle Moore (Crazy P), Eva Lazarus, Antonia Odunlami (gal-dem), Jamz Supernova, Annie Mentor (WOMAD), Eats Everything and BAFTA-nominated composer Tony Briscoe. ‘It’s not all women, because the conference itself is for everyone – students, professionals, male, female, it’s about bringing together the Bristol music community. ‘There will be workshops and panels, as well as performances through the day from local artists. We’re looking at doing an evening performance and an after party as well.’
I’m very much of the opinion that it’s our responsibility to nurture the next generation of creative talent The event is geared towards: ‘Anyone that wants to learn more about the industry and talk to other people in the industry. It’s also a massive networking tool – we want to help people set up partnerships.’ Talking more about her day-to-day role, Jenna says that her to-do-list can vary massively: ‘A typical day can really vary,’ says Jenna. ‘It can be talking to managers to understand what the next release from their artist might be; it can be talking to media to set up photoshoots and interviews. It can be looking for new business as well, so perhaps talking to my contacts in the industry to find out what they might have coming up on their radar. ‘There is a glamorous side to it, but it’s also a lot of really, really hard work. I spend a lot of time reporting, analysing, tracking and seeing where my coverage has gone. ‘It’s very hard to give yourself an off switch. When you’re working with artists in the US, it becomes a 24-hour cycle, but it’s important to be able to say, hang on a minute, work is done now and this is my time. Because there is always more stuff you could do, if you’re really passionate about something, you’ll constantly want to strive to do more, and more, and more.’ However, Jenna’s list of reasons to love her job seems to far outweigh any negatives: ‘I love being creative and coming up with ideas. The landscape is ever changing – what digital means now is very different to what it meant ten years ago, so the opportunities are endless. ‘Anyone that’s involved with the music industry, there has to be a streak of passion for what you do, because otherwise you’d be mad to do it. ‘I love working with likeminded people. You connect with some great people and you work with some artists who are so talented, and it’s quite humbling to be part of that process.’ But Jenna’s most important bit of advice to give anyone gearing themselves up to enter the music management industry is: ‘Work hard and help each other out; introduce great people to other great people.’
Photography by Martin Thompson FB: Thefacecollective bristolwomeninmusic.com
THE INFLUENCERS // 31
51 stokes croft
32 // VENUES
51 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QP | Twitter - Coming soon | facebook.com/51stokescroft | 01179 148 048 | 51stokescroft.com
A vibrant and welcoming venue with traditional and historic roots, being one of the oldest Public Houses in Stokes Croft. Our space is versatile and creative, blending homemade, locally sourced food with livemusic, art and late night party DJs. Our beautiful garden offers a sunny sanctuary amongst the hustle and bustle of Stokes Croft.
JAZZ FUNK SOUL MUSICIANS + DJ NINO
Only the best from the infamous JFS society in Bristol. They’ll be bringing all their trumpeting and saxophone playing to your ears! Meanwhile you can munch down on our tasty and inventive pizza and burgers.
11th Feb // 9pm – Late // Free before 11pm
THE MORNING AFTER CLUB – MOVIE NIGHT
If you’re feeling a little vulnerable after the weekend, come and get cosy with us. Great films, comfy sofas, plus… The Cure - any pizza and a Bloody Mary for only £8.
26th Feb //4pm – Late // Free
02 academy
VENUES // 33
Frogmore Street, Bristol, BS1 5NA | @o2academybris | facebook.com/o2academybristol | 0905 5020 3999 | o2academybristol.co.uk
The o2 Academy is one of Bristol’s busiest music venues playing host to major touring acts as well as up and coming artists. We’ve established ourselves as one of the best venues to catch your favourite bands in the Southwest. We’re also home to Ramshackle - Bristol’s Notorious Weekly Rave: A fine selection of all thats good in music mixed by Patrick Nazemi, Chezney & Guests.
WILKINSON
facebook.com/o2academybristol twitter.com/o2academybris instagram.com/o2academybris facebook.com/o2academybristol youtube.com/o2academytv
Coinciding with the release of his second album, Hypnotic, drum ’n’ bass DJ Wilkinson tours the UK once again with hit singles, ‘Need To Know’, ‘Heartbeat’, ‘Too Close’ and ‘Hit The Floor’.
twitter.com/o2academybris instagram.com/o2academybris youtube.com/o2academytv
16th Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £16 adv Sat 4th Feb • From £20 adv
Yasiin Bey performing Classic Mos Def + Children Of Zeus
Tue 7th Feb • SOLD OUT
Wed 8th Mar • £21 adv Rescheduled date
The Wailers
+ By The Rivers + Solo Banton with Upper cut band
Two Door Cinema Club
Fri 10th Mar • £14 adv
Fri 10th Feb • £24 adv
+ As It Is + Northbound
Fun Lovin’ Criminals
State Champs
Sun 12th Mar • £18.50 adv
Sat 11th Feb • SOLD OUT
Stiff Little Fingers
+ The Raven Age
Wed 15th Mar • £16 adv
Anthrax
Sun 12th Feb • SOLD OUT
Busted + Natives
Wed 15th Feb • £21 adv
Tegan & Sara
+ Alex Lahey + Ria Mae
Thu 16th Feb • £16 adv
Wilkinson
+ Fred V & Graphix + TC
+ Theatre of Hate
Glass Animals
Thu 16th Mar • £24 adv
Black Star Riders + Backyard Babies + GUN
Fri 17th Mar • £22 adv
Quantic Live with Alice Russell + Pete Josef Band
Sat 18th Mar • £22.50 adv
Tue 28th Mar • £17.50 adv
Sampha
Wed 29th Mar • £27.50 adv
The Jesus and Mary Chain Thu 30th Mar • £25 adv
The Stranglers Thu 6th Apr • £20 adv
Blackberry Smoke Fri 7th Apr • £12 adv
The Amy Winehouse Experience A.K.A Lioness Tue 18th Apr • SOLD OUT
Rag ‘n’ Bone Man Wed 19th Apr • £25 adv Rescheduled date
The Saw Doctors Sat 8th Apr • £25 adv
The Selecter / The Beat feat. Ranking Roger
Gojira
Wed 10th May • £16.50 adv
+ Code Orange + Car Bomb
Protoje & The Indiggnation
Mon 20th Feb • £16.50 adv
Sun 19th Mar • £32 adv
Thu 11th May • £20 adv
+ Dinosaur Pile Up + Dead!
Mon 20th Mar • £16 adv
Fri 12th May • £3 adv
+ Lonely The Brave + Fatherson
Port Erin + Chokobo + Summoned By Ash + Escapade
Sat 18th Feb • £15 adv
Sigala
Deaf Havana
Tue 21st Feb • £22.50 adv
Band Of Horses Thu 23rd Feb • £20 adv
Agnieszka Chylinska Mallory Knox
Wed 22nd Mar • SOLD OUT
Me First & The Gimme Gimmes
All Time Low
Fri 24th Feb • £11 adv
Fri 24th Mar • SOLD OUT
+ Masked Intruder
Cash
Thu 23rd Mar • SOLD OUT
James Arthur
VO5 NME Awards Tour 2017
Underoath
BA1 Records Showcase Thu 25th May • £25adv
Skunk Anansie Sat 10th Jun • £19.50 adv
2-Tone Tribute Tour Thu 15th Jun • £18 adv
Blossoms
The Wedding Present: playing “George Best”
Sat 25th Mar • From £5 adv 10pm-4am • over 18s only
Fri 22nd Sep • £13 adv
Fri 3rd Mar • SOLD OUT
Sum 41
Garage Nation
Fri 3rd Mar • £5 adv
Sun 26th Mar • £25 adv
+ Hope
Mon 27th Feb • £35 adv
Joe & Ashanti
The Pogues Irish Whiskey present: A Shot At Discovery
+ Cabbage + Rory Wynne
Hey
Mon 27th Mar • £15 adv
Circa Waves
The Smyths
Wed 13th Dec • £27.50 adv
Fish
Fri 15th Dec • £19.50 adv
Purple Rain A Celebration of Prince
O2 Academy Bristol Frogmore Street, Bristol BS1 5NA • Doors 7pm unless stated Venue box office opening hours: Mon - Sat 12pm - 4pm
ticketweb.co.uk • seetickets.com • gigantic.com • ticketmaster.co.uk
o2academybristol.co.uk
JOE AND ASHANTI
Feb • 2017
Two mega US r&b icons of the ‘90’s and the early 2000’s, Joe and Ashanti, will come together for the first time in history for the first major R&B tour of 2017.
27th Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £35 adv
the bootlegger XX
34 // VENUES
233 Cheltenham Road, Bristol, BS6 5QP | @Brstlbootlegger | facebook.com/BristolBootlegger | 0117 942 2700 | bristolbootlegger.co.uk
The Bootlegger, an independent, family run business welcoming all who look for a friendly company, good conversation, and an amazing selection of Liquor. Our liquor, our service and our music are inspired by Prohibition-era traditions but also offer the very best of contemporary modern America. Live Music and a great atmosphere are at the heart of the Bootlegger.
AWESOME WELLS
DJ Awesome Wells will take you from swing to electro swing, making stops at rock ‘n’ roll, blues and ska.
Every Saturday // 11pm – 2am // Free
LEARN TO BE A BOOTLEGGER COCKTAIL MASTER ShAKE IT, STRAIN IT, BuILd IT, dRINK IT!
Learn 3 different cocktaiL techniques with your own personaL bootLegger, then choose your two favourite drinks you’ve seen being made,
to make and enjoy for yourseLf! THE DELICIOUS CHOICES
MOJITO • Old fashioned • LONG ISLAND ESPRESSO MARTINI • Cosmopolitan • martini £20 per person. Free Glass oF prosecco on arrival. Groups oF up to 16 welcome. Book Your slots everYdaY Between 5 - 7 pm & 7:30 - 930 pm At Info@Bristolbootlegger.co.uk
WHY NOT TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT THIS FESTIVE SEASON? BOOK NOW FOR YOUR XMAS PARTY ON 0117 9422700
HAPPY HOUR
Our Happy Hour features old classics as well as some of our own inhouse creations. In more of a “Happy Night” fashion, it runs all night from Sunday to Thursday and until 9pm on Friday’s and Saturday’s.
Sunday – Thursday all night//Friday & Saturday 4pm – 9pm// 2 for £10
crofters rights
VENUES // 35
117-119 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RW | @Crofters_Rights | Facebook.com/croftersrights | 0117 2310079 | croftersrights.co.uk
Situated in the heart of Stokes Croft, Crofters Rights brings you fine craft beer, exciting street food and a big versatile arts space for the local community. Passionate about beer, we are dedicated to seeking out the finest beers the UK craft beer scene has to offer. Our carefully selected list includes some lovely local beers from Bristol as well as some interesting international beers.
BPF PRESENTS: L.A. WITCH + TAOS HUMM + UMI Bristol Psych Fest presents L.A. Witch, Taos Humm and Umi. L.A. Witch conjure demons with their pop sound. Echoing the sounds of ‘60s garage musicians like The Pleasure Seekers and ‘90s band The Breeders.
15th Feb // 8pm – 11pm // £6/£7 otd
REDFACES
Fantastic hooks and melodies, a staggering live show and a healthy dose of organised chaos gives you just a glimpse into the world of RedFaces. With support from The Rumble and Socket.
4th Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £6.75 inc.bf
exchange XX
36 // VENUES
72 - 73 Old Market, Bristol, BS2 0EJ | @exchangebristol | facebook.com/exchangebristol | 0117 930 4538 | exchangebristol.com
Exchange plays host to both gigs most nights of the week with Club Nights most weekends. Having opened in September 2012, Exchange has already hosted performances from a varied array of internally revered artists including The 1975, Four Tet, (the) Melvins, Jungle, Diplo, Haim and Sick Of It All to name but a few.
JOSEPH + OLD SEA BRIGADE
American folk band Joseph, consists of three sisters who have set the bar high for contemporary folk music. Plus support from Old Sea Brigade.
8th Feb // 7.30pm – 11pm // £10 +bf
KING KURT + THE KINGS OF OUTER SPACE
London based psychobilly, rock n roll band King Kurt are set to deliver an explosive set at The Exchange this February. With support from the wacky sci-fi influenced rockabilly, Kings of Outer Space.
17th Feb // 7.30pm – 11pm // £15 +bf
the fleece XX
VENUES // 37
12 St. Thomas Street, Bristol, BS1 6JJ | @FleeceBristol | facebook.com/fleecebristol | 0117 945 0996 | thefleece.co.uk
Legendary live music venue previously hosting the likes of Oasis, The Strokes, Goldfrapp and Bloc Party. Live music 7 nights a week and new club nights coming soon The Fleece is a must for music lovers and students. The in-house promotions team are also responsible for promoting many gigs across the city in other venues so follow us on Twitter and Facebook to receive updates on our upcoming gigs
KRS ONE + THE MOUSE OUTFIT SOUNDSYSTEM
Following the sold out July 2016 show, The Fleece are pleased to announce the return of KRS One. When it comes to Hip Hop, no one is as consistent and influential as this MC.
8th Feb // 7.30pm – 11pm // £18.50 adv
BLAIR DUNLOP
Blair Dunlop, the award-winning British singer-songwriter and guitarist, has now released 3 albums, 2 ep’s and toured widely around the globe. Performing tracks from his latest album ‘Gilded’, this is a show not to be missed.
22nd Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £13.50
THE FULL MOON XX / ATTIC BAR
38 // VENUES
1 North Street, Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3PR | Twitter - Coming soon | facebook.com/pages/The-Full-Moon-and-Attic-Bar | 01179 245 007 | fmbristol.co.uk
The Full moon pub, Attic bar, with its Moonshine bar and Shisha bar are all the on the same grounds. This really is a hub for all nightime activities from events, parties, drink and food. To add to this there is also a backpackers hotel which adds an international vibe to a great night out. What more could you ask for?
EVA LAZARUS + MOUNT NAKARA + CHRIS MUNKY + TRIVIAL PURSUITS Big voice. Big bass. Big afro. Singer and MC Eva Lazarus delivers music spanning across genres from reggae, hip hop, junge and DnB. Plus support from Mount Nakara, Chris Munky and Trivial Persuits.
3rd Feb // 8.30pm – 2am // £3
BEANS ON TOAST + LORI CAMPBELL + DJ DAD
With 8 studio albums in his back catalogue, Beans on Toast provokes thought on subjects from Prince Harry to Popcorn and Friendship to Fracking.
4th Feb // 8.30pm – 2am // £3
the gallimaufry XX
VENUES // 39
26-28 The Promenade, Gloucester Road, BS7 8AL | @thegallibristol | facebook.com/TheGallimaufryBristol | 01179 42 7 319 | thegallimaufry.co.uk
An independent bar, restaurant and music venue on the Gloucester Rd. A relaxed coffee shop vibe in the day, ‘The Galli’ serves food and drinks all day with live music and DJs 7 nights a week (always free entry). Working with local suppliers, artists & artisans wherever possible. Check www. thegallimaufry.co.uk for up-todate info on menus and events.
THE BRISTOL SESSIONS
Live soul, performed by some of Bristol’s finest musicians. Hosted by singer Ruth Royal, expect impressive all-star talent and weekly guests each week, including Nate James and Dale Davis.
february
mondays
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Every Sunday // 8pm – Late // Free
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3 new talents fro m the Galli’s open mi c
21st From The Forest presents Jausme (duo) + Althea
28th Crosstown Conce rts presents Chay Snowdon
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WALDO’S GIFT
Brand new residency with Waldo’s Gift bringing out-of-this-world musicianship. With a shifting line-up of special guests and tribute sessions you can expect to hear something new and innovative every week.
Every Wednesday // 8pm – Late // Free
the golden XX lion
40 // VENUES
244 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8NZ | @goldenlionbriz | facebook.com/goldenlionbristol | 0117 924 6449 | goldenlionbristol.co.uk
Live music 6 nights a week! Mondays - Open Mic Night. Tuesdays - A live evening of Folk music hosted my Nuala Honan. Wednesays Uberphonic: A surprise mix bag encompassing the whole music spectrum. Keep up to date on our Social Media pages for full listings and details. Bar open ‘til 1am Friday and Saturday, and midnight on Sunday -Thursday.
FIRST DEGREE BURNS
Bristol’s pioneering head-nod Hip-Hop/Reggae/Ska crew return to their old stomping ground. A 7 headed horn blaring, bass thumping, foot stomping Bristol based monster blending a unique mix of HipHop, Ska and Reggae.
17th Feb // 9pm – Late // £4
GOLDEN LION LIVE MUSIC - FEBRUARY 2017 EVERY MON @ 9PM: BIG FAT MUSIC QUIZ - £1 Per Person EVERY WED @ 9PM: ROCK N ROLL BINGO! - £1 Per Game THU 2nd JAZZ & BLUES NITE With Milbone & Co. FRI 3rd MANGO FACTORY + Funk From the Trunk DJ’s £3 SAT 4th DAPPA DON & THE PLAYAZ Rock Steady & Roots SUN 5th ROSE TINTED SPECTACULARS Mellow Blues 4pm THU 9th ENTER THE LION Songwriters Showcase FRI 10th IMMIGRANT SWING Bristol Riot Swingers SAT 11th THE BON TEMPS PLAYBOYS Cajun & Zydeco SUN 12th KID CALICO & THE ASTRAL PONIES 4pm Plus ALEX TAYLOR Allotment Rock n Biscuit Stomp THU 16th ONE DROP REGGAE JAM Led by Hotsteppas FRI 17th FIRST DEGREE BURNS Hip-Hop/Reggae/Ska £4 SAT 18st THE BAD LOSERS 60’s Garage & Freak Beat SUN 19th MEDICINE CREEK Foot Stomping Old Time 3pm CRH Present LEWIS & LEIGH Celtic Americana 8pm £10 THU 23rd PIGSTY HILL BLUES CLUB New Blues Jam FRI 24th THE GIN BOWLERS Up Tempo Swing & Vulgar Beats SAT 25th EASTPOLE ORCHESTRA Euro Jazz/Reggae/Klezmer SUN 26th JOLI BLON Cajun & Mardi Gras 4pm FREE ENTRY UNLESS STATED - BAND DONATIONS GRATEFULLY RECEIVED
THE PIGSTY HILL BLUES CLUB
Hosted by The Lewis Creaven Band and Landlord Drew Bridges, The Golden Lions new monthly Blues Jam this is an invitation to anyone who sings, plays or just has the blues to get involved.
23rd Feb // 8.30pm – Late // Free
lakota XX
VENUES // 41
6 Upper York St, Bristol, BS2 8QN | @LakotaBristol | facebook.com/lakotabristol | 01179 232 225 | lakota.co.uk
Situated in a converted warehouse, hosting a wide range of underground events. It now welcomes a larger crowd of people owing to the mix in music styles on show. The club covers 3 storeys, 4 dance areas, a huge balcony. Lakota also boasts a massive outside smoking area. Lakota remains one of Bristol’s big players.
PARALLEL DIMENSIONS
Parallel Dimensions are proud to announce they will be hosting a monthly residency at Lakota in celebration of it’s 25th anniversary. First up it’s the return of Jozef K and FACTA.
3rd Feb // 10pm – 4am // £2/£3/£4/£5 motd
DR MEAKER: DIRT AND SOUL UK TOUR
Bristol hero Dr Meaker bring their Dirt and Soul Tour to their hometown with this stonker of a lineup. Featuring other Bristol local legends such as Tribe Steppaz, this is set to be a great party.
10th Feb // 10pm – 4am // £5/£8 motd
theXX lanes
42 // VENUES
22 Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE | @thelanesbristol | facebook.com/lanes.bristol | 01173 251 979 | thelanesbristol.co.uk
Rapidly establishing itself amongst the ranks of city’s most respected music venues. As well as playing host to both international and local live music and clubnights, The Lanes also offers round the clock bowling, an Italian style pizzeria, karaoke, a vintage shop and even a bed for the night. All in a genuinely laid back atmosphere.
DEPARTMENT S CLUB NIGHT: SPEAKING IN TONGUES (TALKING HEADS TRIBUTE) For this instalment of Department S Club Night, top Talking Heads tribute ‘Speaking In Tongues’ will be playing all your favourite Talking Heads hits.
11th Feb // 9pm – 3am // £3/£8
DOO-WOP: ROCK N ROLL PARTY
Playing a heavy dose of rockabilly, garage, surf, rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm & blues, swing and vintage sounds.
24th Feb // 9pm – 3am // Free
the lantern
VENUES // 43
Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR | @Colston_Hall | facebook.com/ColstonHall | 0844 887 1500 | colstonhall.org
The Lantern at Colston Hall presents a packed programme of cutting edge artists playing everything from jazz, electronica and pop, to folk, world and hip hop. Recent visitors include Kamasi Washington, Julia Holter, Slum Village, This Is The Kit and Saul Williams. Grab a bite to eat at Beerd and relax in Colston Hall’s stylish modern foyer before you head to the show.
SK SHLOMO
Award winning beatboxer, producer and live looping technologist SK Shlomo will bring a whirlwind of beats, bass lines and bleeding edge technology to The Lantern, delivering the past, present and future of beatboxing.
11th Feb // 7.30pm – Late // £10.75 inc.bf
Highlights Wed 1 Feb Matthew & The Atlas Thu 2 Feb Paul Foot Fri 3 Feb Mik Artistik’s Ego Trip Tue 7 Feb Paolo Angeli & Derek Gripper Thu 9 Feb Mary Spender
Sun 12 Feb The Noise Next Door: Really Really Good Afternoon Show Thu 16 Feb HEXA: Factory Photographs Fri 17 Feb Neil Cowley Trio Sat 18 Feb Onallee presents Futurism 3.0
Wed 22 Feb Sat 11 Feb Richard Herring: SK Shlomo’s The Best Beatbox Adventure for Kids Mon 27 Feb Justin Moorhouse: Sat 11 Feb People & Feelings SK Shlomo Fri 3 Mar Sun 12 Feb Lack of Afro The Noise Next Door: Uproar! Sat 4 Mar Amp Fiddler
Sun 5 Mar The Grahams Mon 6 Mar Oddisee & Good Compny
Thu 16 – Sun 19 Mar Bristol Jazz & Blues Festival
Tue 7 Mar Albert Lee
Thu 16 Mar Northsyde // Sari Schorr & The Engine Room
Wed 8 Mar The Bill Laurance Group
Fri 17 Mar Dakhla // Remi Harris Trio
Thu 9 Mar Hamilton Leithauser
Fri 17 Mar Alec Dankworth Spanish Accents
Sat 11 Mar Rodigan: My Life in Reggae
Fri 17 Mar Bristol Bluesmen
Sun 12 Mar An Evening with Hazel O’Connor Tue 14 Mar Jonwayne Wed 15 Mar Flats & Sharps
www.facebook.com/colstonhall @colston_hall instagram.com/colstonhall
Sat 18 Mar Moscow Drug Club Sat 18 Mar Gilad Atzmon & Alan Barnes Sat 18 Mar Dinosaur
New music in The Lantern sponsored by
Box Office: 0117 203 4040 www.colstonhall.org/the-lantern
NEIL COWLEY TRIO
Neil Cowley returns to Colston Hall following the highly acclaimed release of ‘Spacebound Apes’. Suitably cinematic, invitingly experimental and a thrilling junction of narrative, jazz and electronica, it’s Cowley and co at their most innovative.
17th Feb // 7.30pm – Late // £10.75 inc.bf
the love inn
44 // VENUES
84 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY | @TheLoveInn | facebook.com/theloveinnbristol | 0117 923 2565 | theloveinn.com
The Love Inn is a brand new neighbourhood bar with a healthy emphasis on quality food and drink brought to you by Team Love, the minds behind Love saves the Day. The spacious and slicklyoutfitted venue offers a tasty selection of dishes during the day, whilst evenings are given over to exotic cocktails and soundtracked by visiting DJs from Bristol and beyond.
ONE RECORDS: ADAM SHELTON + TRISTAN DA CUHNA Record collector for 20 years and promotor for 10 years, Adam Shelton definetly knows a thing or two about house music. Plus an almighty set from house DJ Tristan Da Cuhna.
18th Feb // 10pm – Late // £3
February: Thursday 02. Fractal Ft Joe Farr Friday 03. Fantastic Voyage Saturday 04. Situation Thursday 09. Love Inn Birthday Ft Craig Richards & Dave Harvey Friday 10. Love Inn Birthday Pt 2 TBC Saturday 11. Fate + Fiction Ft Ishmael, Thrilogy, Remotif Thursday 16. Gutterfunk Friday 17th: Dba Records Ft Jon K Saturday 18. One Records Ft Adam Shelton & Tristan Da Cuhna Thursday 23. Futureboogie Birthday Ft Solar Friday 24. Slix Disco Ft Johnny Rock Saturday 25. Percolate
84 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QY T: 0117 923 2565 www.theloveinn.com
SLIX DISCO: JONNY ROCK
Slix Disco presents another unforgettable night with guest Jonny Rock, a DJ famous for holding down some of London’s most iconic parties.
24th Feb // 10pm – Late // £3
Marble Factory
VENUES // 45
74-78 Avon Street, Bristol | 0117 972 3111 | @MarbleFactoryUK | facebook.com/marblefactorybristol | marblefactorybristol.com
Set in what was formerly a skate park, Bristol’s newest live venue The Marble Factory has been completely re-developed and re-configured to host live music, club nights and much more. The philosophy applied throughout the process of developing the venue was to offer artists and promoters an enjoyable and affordable option with the emphasis on having everything needed in-house and ready to go.
LADYHAWKE + ISLE
After the release of her acclaimed third album ‘Wild Things’ New Zealander synth-pop artist Pip Brown (aka Ladyhawke) is ready to get back to UK for a new full run of shows in February 2017.
7th Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £15.40 inc.bf
HOPSIN
Los Angeles based rapper, producer and actor Hopsin is coming to Bristol as part of his Savageville UK tour.
24th Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £19.25 inc.bf
mother’s XX ruin
46 // VENUES
7-9 St Nicholas Street, Bristol, BS1 1UE | @TheMothersRuin | facebook.com/The-Mothers-Ruin | 07546 082 009 | mothersruinbristol.co.uk
Bright Red, behind the market on St Nicks street, a three floor mad funhouse that specialises in super sweaty aural delights of Rock n Roll, Pop and Disco. We pride ourselves on being Free to enter nearly every night, without compromising on our entertainment. Upstairs or downstairs you won’t be going anywhere quite like here!
REJECTED
Welcome to the new club night Rejected. With the DJ taking requests, you’ll witness everything from old skool punk, rock, goth, rockabilly and more. Why? Because they can.
9th Feb // 10pm – 3am // Free
MOTHERS RUIN QUIZ! FREE FOOD AND BONUS ROUNDS Join Aled and co as they take you through the latest in music, news and general knowledge in the Ruin’s very own test of skill and endurance. Winning team takes pot. Genius.
Every Tuesday // 9pm – Late // £1 per player
mr wolfs XX
VENUES // 47
32 St Nicholas Street, Bristol, BS1 1TG | @MrWolfsBristol | facebook.com/MrWolfs | 0117 923 2565 | mrwolfs.com
Wolfies is the place for live music and late night party. It’s the place you’ll get the opportunity to see up and coming bands, to bust some moves on the dance floor, to watch talented artists paint live, to hear some quality musicians come together and jam their hearts out. We are open 7 nights a week and look forward to seeing you soon....
YES MAN JELLY FISH
A night of live dance music, with Yes Man Jellyfishs’ powerful grooves of house, garage and drum and bass, fused with uplifting piano, vibrant synths and soulful vocals. Support from Ruckus Collective, Dr Meaker and POV.
3rd Feb // 9pm – late // £4 otd
MALAVITA AND ELECTRIC SPANK
A lot of people in the house tonight with Malavita - a 7 piece band, serving up original latin-reggae-funk music, oven ready for the dancefloor. Joined by the 6 party makers from Electric Spank.
10th Feb // 9pm – late // £4 otd
the oldXX bookshop
48 // VENUES
65 North Street, Bristol, BS3 1ES | @theoldbookshop | The Old Bookshop | 0117 953 5222 | theoldbookshop.co.uk
The Old Bookshop is an informal, sociable café-bar located on North Street. With its eclectic decor, homemade food, unique cocktail bar, boatyard beer garden, and famous Sunday roasts, The Old Bookshop is known for doing things its own way. The bar showcases guest ales and local craft beers week-by-week, and the ever-changing menu from guest chefs, pop-ups and street food vendors.
GOPAL’S CURRY SHACK KITCHEN TAKEOVER + PUB QUIZ curry shack
A welcoming new edition to Monday’s at The Old Bookshop, Gopal’s Curry Shack Indian street food menu accompanied by a pub quiz is the perfect way to start your week.
Every Monday // 7pm – Late
DOCKYARD STUDIO SPACE The same team behind The Old Bookshop are now offering creative studio space. With fast wifi, 24hr access, cafe and shop in a central location
Studio space from £117 a month
stag and XXhounds
VENUES // 49
74 Old Market Street, Bristol, BS2 0EJ | @Stagandhounds | facebook.com/The Stag and Hounds | 0117 329 2141 | stagandhoundsbristol.co.uk
A well-established pub dating back to the 15th century, with friendly staff serving real ales and a great selection of pub classics until 8pm. The downstairs stage hosts some of Bristol’s best live bands and international artists, including jazz, punk, folk, and indie rock. “The Stag” is one of Bristol’s most eclectic live venues. Another reason to head into Old Market.
MARE
Rooted in metal, jazz and classical, Canadian two-piece Mare are often heralded for both an ability to express their art with a rare technical proficiency, and to achieve an uncanny emotional connection with their audience.
1st Feb // 7.30pm – Late // £5 adv
AK/DK + POLYMATH + MEMORY OF ELEPHANTS
Welcome to the wonderful world of AK/DK, where musical structure has been joyfully shattered, with an ever-changing barrage of highenergy sound and melody. Plus support from Polymath and Memory of Elephants.
18th Feb // 8pm – Late // £5 adv
SWX XX
50 // VENUES
15 Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2JY | @swxbristol | facebook.com/swxbristol | 0117 945 0325 | swxbristol.com
SWX is a new Live Music venue and Event Space in Bristol city centre. Equipped with a state of the art sound & lighting system, we’ll be playing host to some of the best gigs the city has to offer, as well as being home to two of Bristols most loved Club Nights; Far Fetched every Friday and CODEC every Saturday night. Head to SWXBristol.com for our latest listings
DISCIPLES
London producer trio Disciples, are currently one of the UK’s most exciting house acts. After bursting on to the scene under Pete Tongs label, they have been part of major collaborations, including “How Deep is Your love” alongside none other than Calvin Harris.
11th Feb // 10.30pm – 4am // £6 +bf
FRI 27TH JAN
FRI 5TH MARCH
DOORS 11PM / CURFEW 4AM
DOORS 6PM
FARFETCHED PRESENTS:
JONAS BLUE £4 + BF
FRI 3RD FEB DOORS 11PM / CURFEW 4AM
FARFETCHED PRESENTS:
TOM ZANETTI £4 + BF
SAT 4TH FEB DOORS 10:30PM / CURFEW 4AM
CODEC PRESENTS:
KIDEKO From £6 + BF
FRI 10TH FEB DOORS 11PM / CURFEW 4AM
FARFETCHED PRESENTS:
DEAN MAC £4 + BF
SAT 11TH FEB DOORS 10:30PM / CURFEW 4AM
DISCIPLES From £6 + BF
SAT 18TH FEB DOORS 10:30PM / CURFEW 4AM
CODEC PRESENTS:
LUCAS & STEVE From £6 + BF
A NIGHT OF BOXING &KICKBOXING
BEST OF THE BEST 5 From + £25 BF
FRI 10TH MARCH DOORS 11PM / CURFEW 4AM
FARFETCHED PRESENTS:
FATMAN SCOOP £5 + BF
SAT 1ST APRIL DOORS 10:30PM / CURFEW 4AM
CODEC PRESENTS:
HOWARD DONALD & SON OF 8 From £6 + BF
SAT 8TH APRIL DOORS 10:30PM / CURFEW 4AM
CODEC PRESENTS:
SICK INDIVIDUALS + THOMAS NEWSOM From £6 + BF
FRI 14TH APRIL DOORS 9:30PM / CURFEW 4:00AM
SOULTRAIN EASTER SPECIAL From £7.50 + BF
FRI 24TH FEB
SUN 16TH APRIL
DOORS 6:30PM / CURFEW 10PM
DOORS 9:30PM / CURFEW 4:00AM
AMBER RUN
KISSTORY BANK HOLIDAY
£12 + BF
SAT 4TH MARCH
From £7.50 + BF
DOORS 10:30PM / CURFEW 4AM
SAT 24TH JUNE
CODEC PRESENTS:
DOORS 4:30PM / CURFEW 10:30PM
DANNIC & KYDER From £6 + BF
CLUB & LIVE EVENTS GUIDE
LEGENDS OF DARTS From £18.50 + BF
AMBER RUN
To mark the release of their new album ‘For A Moment I Was Lost’ - the brilliant Nottingham 5-piece Amber Run are coming to SWX, as part of their UK tour. Support comes from Bristol’s own Meadowlark.
24th Feb // 6.30pm – Late // £12 +bf
thekla XX
VENUES // 51
The Grove, Bristol, BS1 4RB | @theklabristol | facebook.com/theklabristol | 0117 929 3301 | theklabristol.co.uk
Bristol’s only music venue and club on a boat! From live toe-tapping Americana to the dirtiest Dubstep this side of London and everything in between, we have all your musical needs covered. We play host to the cream of the city’s weekly club nights as well as national and international touring live acts every week. Welcome aboard!
LIAM BAILEY
THEKLA
Liam is a bit of a connoisseur of classic soulful, unique R&B. The kind of R&B that once meant something more than just today’s-quick-fixpop-filler. There’s a quality to Liam’s voice rare in music today.
LIVE LISTINGS
The Grove East Mud Dock Bristol BS1 4RB theklabristol.co.uk | thekla.club F L theklabristol | I X theklabris
3rd Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £9.90 inc.bf
alttickets.com • gigantic.com • bristolticketshop.co.uk
TUESDAY 7TH MARCH
WEDNESDAY 1ST FEBRUARY
C DUNCAN
MITSKI
+ STEVIE PARKER
WEDNESDAY 8TH MARCH
THURSDAY 2ND FEBRUARY
VANT
BOXED IN
MONDAY 13TH MARCH
FRIDAY 3RD FEBRUARY
THE PIGEON DETECTIVES
LIAM BAILEY
TUESDAY 14TH MARCH
SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY
BEN HAENOW
EVIL SCARECROW
+ CHRISTIAN BURROWS
+ ENDEAVOUR
THURSDAY 16TH MARCH
MONDAY 6TH FEBRUARY
CLOUD NOTHINGS
AMARAL
MONDAY 17TH MARCH
FRIDAY 10TH FEBRUARY
DAVE HAUSE AND THE MERMAID
TURNPIKE TROUBADORS + ROBERT VINCENT BAND
+ DEAD HEAVENS: INTRODUCING ROBYN G. SHIELS
SATURDAY 11TH FEBRUARY
UNION J
+ IAN ERIX + THE SCHEME + TAKEN TUESDAY 14TH FEBRUARY
KATE NASH
WEDNESDAY 22ND MARCH
THUNDERCAT
SOLD OUT
THURSDAY 23TH MARCH
THE LEMON TWIGS
FRIDAY 17TH FEBRUARY
+ SHOCK MACHINE
THE SHERLOCKS
FRIDAY 24TH MARCH
LEWIS WATSON
SATURDAY 18TH FEBRUARY
CABBAGE
+ THE SHIMMER BAND + APRIL
SATURDAY 25TH MARCH
SLAVES (US)
FRIDAY 24TH FEBRUARY
OLIVER WILDE + RHAIN + NUGGET
SUNDAY 26TH MARCH
GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV
MONDAY 27TH FEBRUARY
TUESDAY 28TH MARCH
FENECH-SOLER
FRANCOIS AND THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS
THURSDAY 2ND MARCH
WEDNESDAY 13
WEDNESDAY 29TH MARCH
+ BOURBON CROW
PULLED APART BY HORSES
SATURDAY 4TH MARCH
THE ORWELLS
Thekla Listing Jan 2017.indd 1
20/01/2017 14:35
OLIVER WILDE
Tread carefully in to Oliver Wilde’s bewitching world. The Bristolbased artist’s extraordinary songs are as dark as they are uplifting, as unsettling as they are soothing and as harrowing as they are hauntingly beautiful.
24th Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £8.25 inc.bf
trinity XX
52 // VENUES
The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW | @trinitybristol | facebook.com/trinitybristol | 0117 935 1200 | 3ca.org.uk Xxxxxxxxx
One of the few truly independent venues with performances from the likes of Gorillaz, Daniel Johnston, Roni Size and Animal Collective as well as a venue for great club nights like Teachings in Dub and now Bump Rollerdisco. Famous for hosting some legendary band names such as U2, Massive Attack, Portishead, Public Enemy and The Specials. Trinity can rightly claim to be the birthplace of the Bristol sound.
BLACKOUT: LABEL NIGHT
Black Sun Empire have truly gone global taking their unique brand of high-octane Drum & Bass to audiences worldwide. Now it’s Bristol’s turn to experience Blackout, with the likes of Phace, Optical, Phythius and more.
4th Feb // 10pm – 4am // £14/£16/£18 adv
SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR + SPECIAL GUESTS
Former indie chick Sophie Ellis-Bextor reinvented herself to become a stylish, classy and successful disco diva, turned Strictly Come Dancing contestant. Her recent work has taken a new direction, with a Kate Bush/Tori Amos influence.
28th Feb // 7pm – 11pm // £20.50 adv
spring at colston hall 0117 203 4040 colstonhall.org
wed 1 feb matthew & the atlas thu 2 feb paul foot thu 2 feb st paul & the broken bones
tue 21 feb ram lunchtime concert: grove quintet wed 22 feb richard herring: the best tue 21 - thu 23 feb ricky gervais: humanity
fri 3 feb ycat lunchtime concert: amy harman and castalian quartet
fri 24 feb de la soul
fri 3 feb mik artistik’s ego trip
sat 25 - sun 26 feb stages
sat 4 feb record and cd fair
mon 27 feb justin moorhouse: people and feelings
tue 7 feb paolo angeli & derek gripper
mon 27 feb i’m sorry i haven’t a clue
tue 7 feb there will be blood: live with london contemporary orchestra
tue 28 feb stornoway: the farewell tour
tue 7 feb ram lunchtime concert: angharad thomas
tue 28 feb ram lunchtime concert: halcyon quartet
thu 9 feb mary spender
wed 1 mar mike and the mechanics
sat 11 feb sk shlomo’s beatbox adventure for kids
thu 2 mar ycat lunchtime concert: savitri grier and richard uttley
sat 11 feb sk shlomo
fri 3 mar lack of afro
sat 11 feb shirley collins presents lodestar live
sat 4 mar henning wehn
sun 12 feb the noise next door: uproar! sun 12 feb the noise next door: really really good afternoon show tue 14 feb alexander o’neal: 30 years of hearsay tue 14 feb ram lunchtime concert: djumash durasiliev and zuzanna basinska tue 14 feb springboard live thu 16 feb leann rimes thu 16 feb hexa: factory photographs
sat 4 mar amp fiddler sun 5 mar the grahams mon 6 mar brit floyd mon 6 mar oddisee & good compny tue 7 mar albert lee tue 7 mar sue perkins: live! in spectacles tue 7 mar ram lunchtime concert: cameron johnson wed 8 mar the bill laurance group
fri 17 feb neil cowley trio
thu 9 mar hamilton leithauser
sat 18 feb onallee presents futurism 3.0
thu 9 mar laura marling
fri 10 mar heroes and legends fri 10 mar free foyer performance: jp3 sat 11 mar rodigan: my life in reggae sun 12 mar devin townsend project
sun 19 mar ‘praise!’ featuring the london community gospel choir sun 19 mar the bobby shew big band: my friend dizzy sun 19 mar robin nolan trio
sun 12 mar an evening with hazel o’connor
sun 19 mar pee wee ellis & roger biwandu quartet
tue 14 mar jonwayne
sun 19 mar macy gray
tue 14 mar ram lunchtime concert: ariel lanyi
sun 19 mar yazz ahmed
wed 15 mar flats & sharps thu 16 - sun 19 mar bristol jazz and blues festival thu 16 mar metropolis with andy sheppard thu 16 mar northsyde // sari schorr & the engine room
sun 19 mar jasper hoiby’s fellow creatures mon 20 mar scott bradlee’s postmodern jukebox tue 21 mar ram lunchtime concert: noemi gyori and katalin csillagh tue 21 mar alexis taylor
fri 17 mar dakhla // remi harris trio
wed 22 mar martin harley & daniel kimbro
fri 17 mar alec dankworth spanish accents
thu 23 mar sean lock: keep it light
fri 17 mar bristol bluesmen fri 17 mar the big swing sat 18 mar robben ford sat 18 mar kirk fletcher // mud morganfield sat 18 mar moscow drug club sat 18 mar sound for spies and private eyes sat 18 mar gilad atzmon & alan barnes sat 18 mar dinosaur sat 18 mar ricky riccardi: louis armstrong lecture
fri 24 mar theatre ballads: horse & bamboo theatre sat 25 mar bristol choral society & bristol ensemble: mendelssohn and mozart sat 25 mar devon sproule sun 26 mar uwe singers and symphony orchestra tue 28 mar sklamberg & the shepherds tue 28 mar amy macdonald tue 28 mar oscar caravaca fri 31 mar ycat lunchtime concert: alexander ullman
sat 18 mar jason rebello
fri 31 mar grandaddy
sun 19 mar jimi hendrix (slight return)
fri 31 mar ibibio sound machine