B
R
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COVER SHOT: DOMINIKA SCHEIBINGER
INFLUENTIAL VENUES // ESSENTIAL EVENTS AND PARTIES // MONTHLY GUIDE
S
T
O
L MAY - 2018
9TH JUNE | 12-10PM | OUTSIDE MOTION
HOSPITALITY
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DAZEE JUNGLE JAM RESIDENTS
DEFACTO, JUNGLIST ALLIANCE & LUKE EP
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criminals
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2018
30th June –
MEAT, MUSIC
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HIGHLIGHTS
best events this month 20-23
COMPETITION
love saves the day 24
PROFILES
jay0117 25 avi buffalo 25
LOCAL TALENT dutchie 26-27
PREVIEW
mahalia 28-29
PREVIEW
Soom T 36-39
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH
MAY 2018
idle hands 40-41
FEATURED VENUES
51 Stokes Croft 42 O2 Academy 43 the canteen 44 colston hall 45 Crofters Rights 46 exchange 47
The Fleece 48 The Full Moon 49 GALLIMAUFRY 50 The Golden Lion 51 hy-brasil 52 the lanes 53
the lantern 54 MotherS’ Ruin 55 Mr Wolfs 56 THE OLD market assembly 57 swx 58 THekla 59
to the moon 60 Trinity 61
Photography: Dominika Scheibinger / Lukasz Kaminski / Martin Thompson / Ania Shrimpton / Khali Photography / Soul Media / Jessica Bartolini / shotaway.com / Dean Forrest www.nitelifeonline.com | facebook.com/nitelifebristol | info@nitelifeonline.com | Tel: 07590 993 523 Director Carlos Javier
Editor Rachel Morris Commercial Manager Jodie Guichard Art Director Steve Hughes Features Abi Lewis, Georgie Partington Photo Editor Dominika Scheibinger Print Stephens & George Distribution Javier Fox
10 // SELECTION
SELECTION // 11
12 // SELECTION
SELECTION // 13
14 // SELECTION
SELECTION // 15
16 // SELECTION
SELECTION // 17
U P C O M I N G
L I V E
E V E N T S
B R I S T O L KATIE VON MAY SCHLEICHER
TUE 01
THE LOUISIANA
FRI 04
MAY
SUN 06
MAY
WED 09
MAY
THU 10
MAY FRI 11
MAY SAT 12
MAY
OCEAN WISDOM MARBLE FACTORY
MOON HOOCH THEKLA
INK.
THE EXCHANGE
TOO MANY ZOOZ MARBLE FACTORY
BABYBIRD THE FLEECE
DEAD SWANS LOUISIANA
ADORE DELANO MAY THE WHATEVER TOUR
WED 16
SWX
ULTIMATE POP MAY REUNION FEATURING 5IVE + S CLUB SAT 19
THU 24
ROUGH TRADE
THU 24
THE LANTERN
REEF MAY THE WILDHEARTS TERRORVISION FRI 25
MOTION
WED 30
MAY
THU 31
MAY FRI 01
JUN WED 13
JUN FRI 22
GAZ COOMBES TRINITY CENTRE
0 87 1 2 2 0 0 2 6 0 ( 2 4 H R H OT L I N E )
THE FLEECE
THE MILK THE FLEECE
LOMA
ROUGH TRADE
LINDI ORTEGA THE FLEECE
ECHO & THE THE JESUS & MARY CHAIN PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT (SKYLINE SERIES)
CHARLES WATSON MAY (SLOW CLUB)
MAY
FRANKIE COSMOS
JUN BUNNYMEN
TUE 22
TUE 22
AN EVENING WITH
MAY AS IT IS
SWX
THE LOUISIANA
AIDAN MOFFAT
MAY AND RM HUBBERT
ST PHILLIP’S GATE SAT 23
UB40 (SKYLINE
JUN SERIES)
ST PHILIP’S GATE
S E E T I C K E T S .C O M
T H E M J R G R O U P.C O M
CROSSTOWW N CONCERTS
W
P R E S E N T S
★
EX DU ET O O A TRA VER D D WH DE AT ELM D E ING DE MA ND !
THE CAT EMPIRE EUROPEAN TOUR OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 UT DO SATURDAY NOVEMBER SOL17 ★ SUNDAY 18 NOVEMBER ★
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I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H AT C L I V E
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THE DOWNS * BRISTOL
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bristol
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BY ARRANGEMENT WITH X-RAY
18TH MAY
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30 | 05 | 18
UT DO | 18 O|L07 10 S
ROSE DIVE
SAM BROCKINGTON
THE BREEDERS
20 | 05 | 18
14 | 06 | 18
19 | 09 | 18
- HY-BRASIL -
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PEACE
FOSSETTE
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LOST HORIZONS - BRISTOL FLEECE -
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/CROSSTOWNCONCERTS -
@CROSSTOWNCONCERTS
20 // HIGHLIGHTS
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MAY
HIGHLIGHTS 1. TAP THE FEED FUNDRAISER
Tap The Feed are excited to announce their next showcase at HyBrasil. Featuring a night of great live music from Voyages, plus Pink Hotel, Stone Cold Fiction and a DJ set from Bite The Buffalo. Funds raised will go to Parkinson’s UK. 1 May // 8pm – 12am // Donation // Hy-Brasil
2. HEAVY LUNGS + YOUTH
Heavy Lungs and Youth will be teaming up for one night only to deliver electrifying loud sounds that’ll make you stand to attention. After having already supported the likes of Metz and Idles, Heavy Lungs promise to provide heavy material alongside alt-rock fourpiece, Youth. 1 May // 8pm – 10.30pm // £4 // The Crofters Rights
3. OFF ME NUT
7. VESSELS
4. ISHMAEL ENSEMBLE
8. ALMATIC
5. THE DBS MUSIC INNOVATION EXHIBITION 2018
9. MOON HOOCH
The Off Me Nut crew are back for another anticipated sell out event. Get ready to shout ‘beam me up Scotty!’ and get all Klingon for a party like no other. DJs on the night include Booda, Thorpey and Dr Oscillator to name a few. May the 4th be with you. 4 May // 10pm – 4am // £10 // Thekla
Ishmael Ensemble are set to perform their first Bristol show in over a year at The Lantern this May. With praise for their debut LP ‘Songs for Knotty’ from the likes of Gilles Peterson and Tom Ravenscroft, Ishmael Ensemble promise to deliver a live show of tripped-out jazz and hypnotic electronica. 4 May // 8pm – 11pm // £13.97 // The Lantern
Come down to dBs Music and get inspired. Witness a group show of immersive and interactive music, using multimedia installations and live performances from dBs Music final year degree students. 4 May // 11am – 2pm // Free // dBs Music
6. LLAMAGEDDON
The Llamageddon is coming. Get ready for the end of the world with three stages filled with awesome music from Crywank, False Advertising, Thom Weeks, Austeros and Happy Accidents. 5 May // 12pm – 2am // £12 // Exchange
Five-piece electronica outfit Vessels, are bringing one of the best dance albums of 2017 to The Lantern this May. Having performed on legendary stages including Berlin’s techno club Berghain, Glastonbuy and Simple Things, this is guaranteed to be a show to remember. 5 May // 8pm – 11pm // £12.90 // The Lantern
FatHat presents a night showcasing the crème de la crème of Bristol’s finest hip hop. Featuring Bristol’s favourite hip hop 5-piece Almatic, delivering captivating new soul, folk and breakbeat. Plus, cutting edge lyrists G00SE and Social Conscience, with DJ Sly Logic and Bhangra dance crazy Indian Man. 5 May // 9pm – 2am // £4 // Attic Bar
Explosive American horn and percussion trio Moon Hooch are ready to storm the Thekla stage this May and deliver their exhilarating blend of virtuosic jazz and pulse-pounding electronic music. Prepare for hammering low sax hooks. 6 May // 6.30pm – 10pm // £18.50 // Thekla
HIGHLIGHTS // 21
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10. PINKSHINYULTRABLAST
Pinkshinyultrablast are flying in all the way from Russia to showcase their influential shoegaze sound. Drawing from classic sources like My Bloody Valentine and Cocteau Twins, this critically acclaimed band deliver a sleek and modern approach to the iconic tones of shoegaze. Plus, support from Insomnichord. 8 May // 7pm – 10pm // £11 // Thekla
11. TOO MANY ZOOZ
New York based brass house trio, Too Many Zooz are stopping off at The Marble Factory as part of their UK tour to showcase their franticly energetic sound. Bringing covers of some of your favourite party anthems, to keep you dancing all night long. 10 May // 7.30pm – 11pm // £18.50 // The Marble Factory
12. ROSE DIVE + ROZELLE
Rose Dive offer a neat collection of indie rock tunes to please the ears. Whether you’re a fan of melodic riffs or their colourful stage presence, Rose Dive have it all. Plus, support from Bristol based experimental electronic band, Rozelle. 11 May // 7pm – 10pm // £6 // Hy-Brasil
13. ONE SOUL X MR PENFOLD
An illumination of the new amazing Mr Penfold outside wall piece, an exhibition of some of his work followed by One Soul featuring DJ Skint playing the finest in funk and soul all on vinyl. 11 May // 5pm – 12am // Free // To The Moon
14. RAISE THE DISCO
Get ready for the first Raise the Disco, in support the Bristol born charity Second Step. This night will be serving up the finest entertainment from the likes of Bristol duo Late Night Love Affair and shine a light on the leading mental health charity in the South West. 12 May // 9.30pm – 2am // Donation // The Canteen
15. DUB FROM ABOVE: SOOM T & BROTHER CULTURE
Dub From Above are returning to Basement 45, for another ceiling shaking line-up. With two heavy weight sound systems and veteran MCs including Soom T, Brother Culture, and contemporary sounds from Kreed X Gardna, this is set to be an unmissable night. 12 May // 10pm – 4am // £8.75 - £16.50 // Basement 45
16. THE BLAST: DARKZY PRESENTS DARK NIGHTZ
The Blast present a night of heavy drum n bass and dubstep from Nottingham based bass producer, Darkzy, accompanied by Shapes, Jakes, Window Kid and more. Get your tickets because you won’t want to miss this one. 12 May // 10pm – 5am // £12.50 - £15 // The Marble Factory
17. FFTP
FFTP folk duo present an attitude in their sound with a distinct edge. Whether they’re singing about love, life or death, this heart felt duo convey life experiences in their verses like no other. 13 May // 4pm – 9pm // Free // The Golden Lion
18. CARMODY
Alternative folk duo will take you away on a sensory experience with their original tunes and worldy sounds. Head down to Crofters to be transported to another dimension with Carmody. 16 May // 7.30pm – 11pm // £8 // The Crofters Rights
22 // HIGHLIGHTS
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HIGHLIGHTS 19. REVRT
Revrt will be taking charge behind the No.51 decks this May to deliver a live performance of scratching, beat juggling and the finest selection of hip hop, funk, rnb and soul that’ll make you bust a groove. 18 May // 10pm – 4am // £3 – £4 // No.51 Stokes Croft
20. TOWN OF CATS + ARKTET + LIL BO SELECTA
Mr. Wolf’s are proud to welcome Town of Cats, who’ll be serving up afrobeat, ska, a dash of latino and a side of funk. Plus, the wholesome sounds from Brighton based Arktet, delivering a selection of soulful, modern hip hop breaks and contrapuntal horn arrangements. 18 May // 9pm – 4am // £3 – £4 // Mr Wolf’s
21. MAD APPLE CIRCUS
The upbeat, engaging display from Mad Apple Circus is enough to make anybody want to get up and dance. Their distinctive fusion of sound will be taking centre stage at The Old Market Assembly this May. Grab your tickets now. 18 May // 10pm – 1am // £5 // The Old Market Assembly
22. RESONATORS
Resonators stand tall at the forefront of the UK dub scene, fusing together 70’s roots reggae and contemporary influences into a pioneering sound. Witness the soulful nine-piece and dual vocalists Faye Houston and Kassia Zermon for an impeccable evening of reimagined dub. 19 May // 10pm – 4am // £10 // Trinity
23. TO THE MOON 2ND BIRTHDAY
Join To The Moon for a Space Pirates special, celebrating its second birthday. Featuring two of our favourite Bristol DJs Bliss Zion & Octo Pi on the decks for a big party. Expect great music, rum offers, cocktail specials, lots of fun and the return of the rocket simulator. 19 May // 7pm – 12am // Free // To The Moon
24. NICK MULVEY
Nick Mulvey and his band will be performing flawless West-African rhythms from his new album ‘Wake Up Now’ at Colston Hall this May. After scooping a Mercury Prize nomination three years ago, the songwriter and former Portico Quartet member continues to deliver electronic production and irresistible grooves. Support from TT. 19 May // 7pm – 11pm // £20.96 // Colston Hall
25. ULTIMATE POP REUNION: 5IVE + S CLUB
Fancy re-living your childhood and taking a trip down nostalgia lane? SWX are proud to welcome the Ultimate Pop Reunion, featuring original members from bands 5ive and S Club. Brush up on your dance moves to your favourite pop classics and grab your tickets now. 19 May // 7pm – 10.30pm // £26 // SWX
26. AN EVENING WITH GARY LUCAS: FROM BEEFHEART TO BUCKLEY AND BEYOND
The Fleece are proud to present the award winning, world class guitar hero, songwriter and composer Gary Lucas. With over 30 acclaimed solo albums under his belt, join this international recording artist in celebration of his impressive back catalogue. 20 May // 7.30pm – 11pm // £15 // The Fleece
HIGHLIGHTS // 23
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27. PEACE
31. AWATE
35. HOME
28. PEACE UNOFFICIAL AFTER PARTY
32 YUKON ERA + WYCH ELM + SANS
36. LOVE SAVES THE DAY
29. DMA’S
33. YODELLING SHEEP
30. MAYA LAW + THE OFF-KILTER TRIO
34 UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA
Peace are back with a brand-new album ‘Kindness Is The New Rock And Roll’ and are ready to take it on the road. Midland’s based four-piece will wow the crowds with their romantic riffs and dancing drum beats. 20 May // 7pm – 11pm // £15 // SWX
Following their showcase at SWX and to celebrate their latest album release, The Lanes will be hosting an unofficial Peace after party, with free entry all night long. 20 May // 10pm – 1am // Free // The Lanes
Indie trio DMA’s are taking their uplifting sound from the new album ‘For Now’ to the stage, as part of their UK headline tour. DMA’s will wow the crowds once again with fresh indie-rock anthems, plus favourites from their 2016 debut ‘Hills End’. 21 May // 7pm – 11pm // £17.40 // O2 Academy Bristol
Maya Law is returning to Bristol for the first time, since her Springboard Live tour back in 2017. Be sure to check out the signature ‘non-bullshit’ lyricism from the upcoming singer songwriter, with support from the Off Kilter Trio. 22 May // 9pm – 12am // Free // The Gallimaufry
London rapper and activist Awate will be taking over Exchange this May with his sensational hip hop sounds. Named as one of the seven most inspiring people by London’s Evening Standard, Awate’s stage presence and integrity is like no other. 23 May // 7.30pm – 11pm // £8.50 // Exchange
Breakfast presents, New Zealand based psych Yukon Era, for a night of blended post-punk and garage rock. Plus, local support from Wych Elm and Sans. 23 May // 7.30pm – 11pm // £3 // Mothers Ruin
Wild and savage beast, Yodelling Sheep will be emerging from the wild hillsides and pastures in Bristol, to bring some of the swingiest and funkiest music around. Prepare to lose yourself on the dancefloor. 24 May // 10pm – 2am // Free // No.51 Stokes Croft
The psychedelic, kaleidoscopic sounds from Unknown Mortal Orchestra share a rare quality that make the New Zealand based rock band stand out from the rest. Get ready for a memorable evening with singer songwriter Ruban Nielson and bassist Jake Portrait. 25 May // 6.30pm – 10pm // £16.50 // SWX
Home are ready to take over their new stomping ground at Basement 45 once again, for their monthly resident club night filled with alternative genres and vinyl only sets. Featuring carefully selected residents, Nico Luss, Darren C, Terry Bird, Sly Logic and more. 26 May // 10pm – 4am // Free // Basement 45
Love Saves The Day never fails to disappoint and this year’s line is no exception. Get ready for the likes of Fatboy Slim, Bicep and Four Tet take over Bristol’s humble Eastville Park, for a bank holiday weekend filled with love-fuelled shenanigans. 26 – 27 May // 11am – 11pm // £49.50 – £85 // Eastville Park
24 // COMPETITION
competition
LOVE SAVES THE DAY 2018 WIN 4 x WEEKEND TICKETS + AFTERPARTY ENTRY competition We’ve teamed up with Love Saves The Day to give you the chance to win entry for you and three mates to Bristol’s biggest music festival, plus guest list entry to the afterparty for both days. Love Saves the Day returns to Eastville Park this May bank holiday weekend with Fatboy Slim and Mercury Prize-winner Sampha topping the bill. Taking place across 12 stages – each with its own distinct flavour – this year’s festival offers up over 300 acts including UK hip hop favourite Loyle Carner, house heroes Bicep, David Rodigan with the 25-piece Outlook Orchestra, drum and bass titan Andy C, Bristol bass heads My Nu Leng and soulful Renaissance man Tom Misch.
Brought to us by Team Love with the help of a few friends, this year’s stage hosts include Andy C, Artwork, Just Jack, Crack Magazine, Teachings in Dub and Shambarber. For the full weekend lineup, head over to lovesavestheday.org. And when the sun goes down over Eastville Park, the party continues at Motion until 5am, with sets from Jackmaster, My Nu Leng, Artwork and Paranoid London on Saturday and Hot Since 82 and High Contrast on Sunday. For your chance to win, head over to nitelifeonline.com/win/ lovesavestheday2018. Winner selected 18 May.
PROFILES // 25
profile - HOMEGROWN
profile - incoming
Jay0117
Avi Buffalo
While Bristol’s grime scene has long been fit and healthy thanks to a slew of talented producers including Bandulu Gang, OH91, LUCY and Sir Hiss; Jay0117 is helping lead a pack of talented local grime MCs into the long-overdue spotlight. He’s a regular guest on Radar Radio (including a recent show with Joker and Dread MC), premiered tracks on GRM Daily and shelled down at several Red Bull Music and Culture events, bringing Bristol through to the Grime-a-Side semi-finals last year. It’s not been without hard work; the prolific MC released a 16-track digital album on his own Cheese and Bread Records in 2016, followed up with a seven-track mixtape with fellow Bristol grime MC Dimpson last year. With plenty of singles and features in between, his latest track with Sir Hiss, Welcome, is getting national attention – establishing Jay0117 as a serious MC talent and earning him a Main Stage performance at this year’s Love Saves the Day.
Bristol’s 1% of One are bringing LA-based Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg AKA Avi Buffalo to the South West for a rare solo show at the intimate Grain Barge. After releasing two albums with his namesake band via Sub Pop Records, the indie darling called it quits back in 2015. But last year he surprised fans by self-releasing an introspective new solo project called 2017. With all songs written, recorded and produced by Avi himself, the 13-track digital album takes a vastly different direction from the indie-pop soothers of the band he’d started at just 15 years old. With tracks ranging from around six minutes to over 16, minutes, his trademark summer-soaked vocals are entirely absent; instead, he puts forward a project that blends glitching guitar, synthesizer, effects and piano. As part of a very rare run of UK shows, Avi will be performing a few gems from earlier albums alongside some of his new material.
Upcoming shows: 26 May, Love Saves the Day – Eastville Park
Upcoming shows: 23 May, The Grain Barge
MC
Singer and producer
THOSE QUESTIONS... 1. What have you learned today? When the sun is out everybody, including myself, is in a much better mood. I spend most of the year locked in my studio, so it makes a change to step out in shorts and soak up some rays. 2. Favourite track of all time? My favourite track of all time is probably Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay. I have a lot of favourite tracks, but to be honest I can’t listen to grime all day long or I’ll go mad. 3. It’s 3am and the party is winding down, what track do you play to get everyone going again? I feel this question is a no brainier, anybody that doesn’t play Toploader – Dancing in the Moonlight when the party is dying down probably has no social life and lacks any sort of fun in their life. Just know, if i was to be at a party and it happened to be 3am and the party was dying down and I couldn’t hear Toploader anywhere, I’m looking to grab a quick 4/10, head back to mine, turn the lights off, and regret it in the morning. 4. Who are your top three acts right now? Dimpson, a grime artist from Bristol who will turn your nan’s third wedding into an early 2000s garage dance. A stand up comedian from Bristol called Harry Pugh. And Sir Hiss, my DJ/ producer and the wickedest man around right now – don’t sleep on the team. 5. If you couldn’t work in music, what would you be doing instead? I would probably go back to filming music videos and take that more serious. Or just scrap off the whole creative thing completely and go open a bar in Spain, wife a wicked European 10/10 and settle down with two kids and a dog named Blazey.
6. What was the last book you read? Probably an instruction manual to erect an Ikea bed light for my yard. Before that, probably a Biff and Chip. I’m more of a learn by doing type of person. Hold tight all my book worms, I respect you but can’t relate. 7. Favourite thing on TV? Homes Under the Hammer. I like to watch the current state of the property market, so it annoys me when I watch old episodes. Then again, the new episodes include Dion Dublin pretending like he’s Ocean estate agents’ employee of the year, when really, you couldn’t even slap top corner from the six-yard box, let alone sell a house at auction. 8. Are you afraid of anything? Going a few pennies over at the petrol station and not having the appropriate change so then either needing to break a note or try and blag a few pennies off – nightmare. 9. Tell us something people don’t know about you... Something you lot don’t know about me is that I don’t actually enjoy writing bars any-more… And my dad once replaced my dead fish with a new one and didn’t tell me till I was old enough not to care.
THOSE QUESTIONS... 1. What have you learned today? Today so far I’ve been watching a YouTube documentary on Ernest Hemingway, so I’ve been learning a little about his life. 2. Favourite track of all time? No way for me to have a favourite of all time, but lately I love the song It’s A Wonderful Life by Henry Kaiser from his album of the same name. 3. It’s 3am and the party is winding down, what track do you play to get everyone going again? I’d want them to just be able to get some rest and let the party go in the direction it is. A lot of us gotta get rest and have a good day tomorrow, and I’m a fan of circadian rhythms. I’d play something from Karen Dalton’s album 1966. 4. Who are your top three acts right now? Robert Ashley, Pauline Oliveros and Bob Dylan. 5. If you couldn’t work in music, what would you be doing instead? I think I’d be a writer, or some sort of creative job.
6. What was the last book you read? I’ve been reading Bed by Tao Lin, a book of short stories, Bob Dylan’s Chronicles and I read an old, pretty short book about Teotihuacan recently. I’m currently trying to read too many books and I need to focus in on one or two so that I can actually finish more of them. 7. Favourite thing on TV? I’m not much of a TV person, but I guess I’m kinda into Vice News. I’m more of a YouTube binger. 8. Are you afraid of anything? I try not to be. 9. Tell us something people don’t know about you... I was a C-section birth. 10. What are you doing tomorrow? Gonna visit a musician friend and show them some recordings, and otherwise I’ve got a lot of work to do on practicing, writing, etc.
10.) What are you doing tomorrow? Tomorrow I will wake up, go gym, sauna and steam room, because recently I’ve decided to start my days right, then I’m flying up to Brum to link Deadly to finish off the last mix of the six-track EP we have coming.
cheeseandbread.bandcamp.com // soundcloud.com/shellingtonvillage // @jay0117bristol
avibuffalo2018.bandcamp.com // soundcloud.com/avizahnerambientworks // @avibuffalomusic
26 // LOCAL TALENT
DBS MUSIC PRESENTS LOCAL TALENT
DUTCHIE
Chances are, you’ve probably seen the name Dutchie plastered on a lineup poster down Stokes Croft, or caught a DJ set from Dutchie herself at one of Bristol’s communitybased Revinyl Sessions. But with her new EP Dutchie & Friends dropping this May, you’re about to hear this name a whole lot more. The Devon-born, Bristol-based DJ, producer and singersongwriter is currently taking Bristol by storm. If she’s not on the lineup for some local event, she’s performing her weekly residency slot at Revinyl Sessions, dishing up a selection of reggae, electronic, jazz and hip hop. For this month’s Local Talent feature, Nitelife sat down with Dutchie AKA Ellie Holland, to talk about her musical influences, her involvement within Bristol’s music scene and to celebrate the release of her new EP, Dutchie & Friends. ‘I’ve been writing music from a young age,’ Dutchie explains as we sat down for a drink. ‘I used to play around with a lot of instruments and play a lot of classical music and jazz with my dad when I was growing up. But then I fell into the production side of it and that opened up a whole can of worms that’s continuing to spill out. ‘I was listening to a lot of Bonobo and DJ Shadow when I first started producing, so naturally I ended up making a lot of instrumental music. I’ve always had a taste for jungle as well, so people like Boxcutter and Aphrodite have been a huge influence, along with the reggae and sound system culture.’ Since moving to Bristol three years ago, Dutchie has successfully managed to plant some roots within the city’s
LOCAL TALENT // 27
vibrant music scene, whilst appreciating the continuous string of new projects to spring out of the city. ‘Down in Devon there isn’t really much of a music scene. In Bristol I’m finding there’s a huge, diverse range of different things going on all the time. There’s a big interconnected network of people who all love what they’re doing and all encourage each other. ‘There’s always new events and projects coming out of the woodworks. People’s attitude tends to be “fuck it, let’s just do it”. There’s a really good amount of enthusiasm from everyone and it’s contagious. ‘When I was younger everyone told me the music industry was cutthroat, but in my experience of living in Bristol, it hasn’t been like that at all. It’s more of a shared project from a wider community.’ One of the biggest turning points for Dutchie since moving to Bristol has been becoming director of the fortnightly, strictly-vinyl Revinyl Sessions. Recognised as one of the best nights in Bristol for people just starting out behind the decks, Revinyl encourages DJs of all capabilities to have a go at mixing their favourite wax, including Dutchie herself. ‘I actually played my first DJ set at Revinyl Sessions. My friend Jack started Revinyl and I signed up to one on a whim and went down on my own. I had never played a vinyl set up until that point, but after that, I got infected by the good communal vibes and now they are all my best friends and I’ve been helping them run the nights ever since.’
People’s attitude tends to be “fuck it, let’s just do it” Not only is Dutchie heavily involved in the local vinyl spinning night, but she is also signed to Bristol-born, roots-inspired Hold Tight Records, releasing her debut EP Easy through the label last year. ‘Easy was actually the first bit of music I’d ever put out, even though I had already been producing music for seven years. I was just building up a steady collection of various beats but I didn’t feel like they were quite ready for release. ‘It took some time for me to reach a point where I actually felt confident enough to put my music out there and sell it to
people. Hold Tight Records were really encouraging though, so when I finally came around to releasing my EP, they were really helpful and supportive throughout the whole process.’ Looking forward, Dutchie is excited to unveil her latest self-release collaborative EP, Dutchie & Friends on Bandcamp this May. The multi-skilled DJ and producer explains how her new EP first came about: ‘I was feeling inspired by the diverse music scenes in Bristol and the range of different people working together on various stuff, so I wanted to create something that was a reflection of that, with all the genres loosely included in the EP that are known to be popular in Bristol. ‘The collaboration side of things was important because I wanted to do a lot of recording for it and you can’t really be an engineer and a musician at the same time! It’s very hard to record yourself properly. I am not a drummer and I’m not a bassist, so I naturally got other people involved. ‘Most of the people I worked with on this release I kind of already knew. I just put a shout out on social media and I ended up having way too many responses. It was quite hard actually – I might have to make another one with the people I didn’t get chance to collaborate with the first-time round. ‘I already had a rough idea of what the tracks were going to be, so I chose people I thought would work well with that idea. ‘One of the producers I’ve collaborated with on the EP is Charla Green from Sheffield who makes a lot of old school jungle. I wanted to do this 140bpm jungle remix of one of my dad’s tunes, so I sent her the original song and asked her if she wanted to make a 140 jungle version and she was super up for it. ‘I’ve also worked with quite a few musicians on this EP too. The track Shadow Boss is completely live, for instance. I wrote the vocals for it over a year ago and I was really keen to make a live recorded version of it. I ended up having the likes of Josh Dean from The Inexplicables come down to play bass on the track. He plays perfect fretless bass in a Bonobo-esque, slide guitar style. I’m really looking forward to people hearing that one.’ Despite sounding very much like a woman with a plan, Dutchie says she doesn’t have a particular ‘formula’ to follow when it comes to making new beats. ‘I’m still trying to work out the best way to produce on each track I make. It depends on what the track is. For Shadow
I was feeling inspired by the diverse music scenes in Bristol (…) so I wanted to create something that was a reflection of that Boss I wrote the vocals first, played guitar after and built the rest of the track around that. Some other tracks started with just a sample that I chopped up and put everything else on top. ‘I kind of wish I had a writing formula I could follow each time though, only because it can be a bit tricky sometimes – especially when you don’t know what to do next or what to to do first.’ As we wrap up the interview, Dutchie talks us through what she’s got up her sleeve for the rest of the year on top of her EP release. ‘I’ve recently worked on a vocal feature with Bukkha and Subtle Mind on their upcoming EP that’ll be released on vinyl later this year. I’ve not had a vinyl release before, so this will be the first vocal of mine cut to vinyl. It’s pretty exciting. ‘I’ve also got a couple of DJ sets coming up too, including Loves Saves the Day’s Hold Tight Records takeover on the Brouhaha Stage, with Indra MC on the mic. Indra actually features on my new EP too, so we will definitely be doing that track live. ‘After that we’ve got the festival season, so you’ll find me in various fields across the summer DJing and sound engineering. I’ve even got my first international booking at a festival in Italy to look forward to.’ Be sure to grab your copy of Dutchie’s latest EP Dutchie & Friends on Bandcamp from 1 May, and you can check out this month’s Revinyl Sessions on the 2 and 16 May to catch the rising resident DJ, live in action.
Words: Abi Lewis Photos: Dominika Scheibinger 26 May – Love Saves the Day, Eastville Park dutchiebristol.bandcamp.com
28 // PREVIEW
PREVIEW
MAHALIA Leicester-born R&B singer Mahalia’s breakthrough arrived last summer with her Maths Time Joy-produced track, Sober. Fusing hip hop beats with forward thinking R&B grooves and Mahalia’s distinctive soul-drenched vocals, it’s a significant departure from her 2016 debut album Diary of Me, a collection of songs written between the age of 13 and 18 that centre around Mahalia and her acoustic guitar. Though we shouldn’t be too surprised, as she’s already demonstrated an easy aptitude to different styles, channelling her hero Erykah Badu on a feature for Rudimental in 2015 and touching on the gospellic chorus’ of Lauryn Hill for Jay Prince last year. Mahalia followed up with the upbeat R&B jam Hold On featuring Compton rapper Buddy, offering up a fresh take on the industry-typical girl-meets-boy trope; then No Pressure, another Maths Time Joy production that once again marries R&B grooves and cool, boom bap beats with Mahalia’s slick songwriting and vocals. 2018 has so far seen the release of her soulful Proud of Me, a beautiful ode to her parents featuring London MC Little Simz, as well as the hook-heavy, grooving R&B number, No Reply. She’s just finished up a largely sold-out headline European tour and is one of the acts we’re most excited to see at this year’s Dot-to-Dot festival, taking over Bristol’s city centre on 26 May. At just 20 years old, her writing exudes an unexpected confidence and maturity, but the rising star, born Mahalia Burkmar, has been a long time in the game. Picking up an acoustic guitar at the age of 12, a year later she had signed to Atlantic Records. ‘I was this just-turned-13-year-old kid in Leicester writing songs and putting them on SoundCloud,’ she recalls. ‘I was doing open mics and I did a thing called Milly’s World at The Monarch in London and there were loads of industry people there. I remember thinking, “what the hell is going on?”’
Alice Fisher
at the beginning of last year, Mahalia was ready to call it quits For an artist that spent her formative years in the clutches of a mega label, Mahalia gives a strong sense of creative independence. This is in part thanks to the support of her musician parents – a recurring theme in her songwriting – but also, she says, from the label allowing her the freedom to develop. By all accounts, Mahalia is doing things her own way. The influences that come through in her music are clear and consistent, and there’s no sense of trying to cram a bright young talent into whichever shoe currently fits the market. Her lyrics are deeply personal, written in and for her own voice, and on whether an album is coming out this year, she’s able to honestly say, ‘I don’t know. I’m just working it out – how these songs are going to go together. ‘I wanted to stay in school and when I said I wanted to do that, Atlantic were really supportive. So I’d be at school doing all the normal things that teenagers were doing, but I was still focussed on music and that was what everybody wanted. The growth was really natural and I’ve got a really great team at Atlantic. I’m definitely one of those artists that loves to bitch about my label, I think we all have that in common, but there is a point where you also have to understand what they do for you. I don’t tell them enough, but they’re good!’ That’s not to say that she hasn’t felt the pressure, which is another recurring theme in her songwriting. In fact, at the beginning of last year, Mahalia was ready to call it quits. ‘When you’ve been in something for long and, on paper, nothing’s happening, you do feel like, “what am I doing? Why am I doing this?” It’s like working a normal job and never truly feeling like you’re doing well at it. ‘Last year, before I put Sober out, I just felt mounds and mounds of pressure because I felt like, “I don’t think I’m going to do this and that really upsets me”. Then sometimes the stars align and I felt like they did for me last year. It’s a
PREVIEW // 29
really amazing thing to be a part of, but until you feel that moment when the stars are aligning, it’s very stressful. But now, I’m so happy and so calm and comfortable. ‘I remember a time when I felt like I had nothing apart from music. After I turned 18, I moved to London really quickly. I thought if I moved to London everything was going to be better. Then I realised, I’m an 18-year-old girl with no friends here, on my own in a new city, and I just got so lost and so confused and I had no money and no mates and it was just this big concoction of shit. ‘I was doing shows and talking to my friends at home after, and they would say, “oh my god you’re famous now, you’re so lucky, I bet you’ve got stacks of money.” It’s so funny how people look at you and assume it’s the best thing in the world. And honestly, when I’m on stage and I’ve got 200 people looking at me and smiling, it is the best thing in the world, but everything else – you have to work really fucking hard and then after that, you have to work harder. ‘At the start of last year, I was fully ready to stop. But if you don’t have those moments, how are you supposed to recover and then move on? It’s because of that moment that I’m in such a positive place now. Oh my god, I was so done – I was over it. It had been six years and I was really
tired, then one day your stamina goes, “actually, I want to go again”.
it’s a blend of a lot of the music I’ve always listened to and always wanted to make Whether it comes this year or next, a new album is on its way, assures Mahalia, who has been spending a lot of time in the studio over the past six months. The singles we’ve heard in the past year are a good indication of where Mahalia is at now, with her cutesier acoustic songs left well in the past. ‘The stuff I’m doing now is leaps and bounds away from Diary of Me. The guitar and all the acoustic elements are still there, but then you have that ‘sonic psycho’ thing I always talk about (which is how she refers to her ‘odd way of talking about things’), and everything is a bit more soulful. It’s a blend of a lot of the music I’ve always listened to and always wanted to make.
‘I’ve also got a tune coming out with Kojey Radical in May. We’ve done a couple of tunes, which is really exciting and I just think he’s a genius. Sitting and being with him in a studio and being able to absorb his energy – I think he’s a total voice for, one, my generation, but two, the UK.’ Looking forward to her performance at Dot-to-Dot festival this month, Mahalia hopes to be able to bring some of the new material with her. ‘The second that summer hits, time is non existent. A lot it is down rehearsal and all the nitty gritty bits, but hopefully I’ll bring some new stuff which will be really nice to play. Me and my bassist Charlie will be on stage together, we have these pads that trigger sounds and all that stuff. I love it, it’s small and it works.’
Words: Rachel Morris 26 May – Dot-to-Dot Festival, Across Bristol mahaliamusic.co.uk dottodotfestival.co.uk
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36 // PREVIEW
PREVIEW
SOOM T
PREVIEW // 37
After escaping a restrictive contract with French major label Wagram, Glasgow-born MC, singer and activist Sumati Bhardwa AKA Soom T is back with her new album Born Again. Seamlessly traversing the worlds of hip hop, soul and reggae, Soom T has been a voice for the people for 25 years. She’s not an artist afraid to nail her colours to the mast. Tiny in stature but mighty in her message, Soom T began rapping in her teens as a way to harness her inner voice. At 15, she was a founding member of Glasgow youth group the Y Network, a political group set up to act as a direct link of communication to local councillors and MPs. For the past two years, she’s been living in Bristol and her desire to connect people for the greater good is as resolute as ever. Recently helping to launch Bristol’s newest reggae night, Dub From Above, whose deeply refreshing MO is to bring big artists to an intimate setting and create a space to celebrate the true people-uniting roots of reggae music that’s often lost on the big stage – for artists and audiences.
‘I was a bit of a rude girl when I was a teenager. Totally off the rails,’ she says. ‘I think rapping is a way to reclaim your power a little bit. I always saw all the big, tough guys rapping and there was something powerful and untouchable about them, and I wanted to be like that. It was a way to share my poetry as well.’
I’ve found a home in reggae, because my lyrics have always been very conscious Today, she’s known almost as much for her singing abilities as her flow, although she admits that she started singing by accident. Originally singing the choruses she’d written
for tracks as a demonstration of how the song would come together, her friends and bandmates encouraged her to sing them herself. ‘I would probably say that singing is closer to my heart now because I do it in reggae, but the rhythm and poetry of hip hop and rap is definitely my first love. I’ve found a home in reggae, because my lyrics have always been very conscious – it’s always been about opposing what I find to be the savage, debauched aspects of society and trying to promote more of the conscious, spiritual, being good to your neighbour message. As a Christian as well, I was more drawn to reggae because it’s predominantly conscious. Reggae is known for being a black form for spiritual voices, so it’s definitely where I feel I belong. The new album Born Again is actually an exploration of her own journey as a born-again Christian. It’s on the more soulful end of the Soom T spectrum with clear nods to her other loves reggae and hip hop, but as the album plays
38 // PREVIEW
PREVIEW // 39 out it’s unmistakably Soom. Thematically, it’s a departure from her 2017 reggae album Ode to a Karrot on indie label Khanti Records, a 19-track commentary on her views toward legalising cannabis, although she explains that this is a cause she still feels strongly about. ‘Writing about ganja is probably what I’m known best for, which is mildly annoying - especially for the people in my church, but that’s the reality of being an artist. And it’s your honesty that allows people to really relate to you. ‘Yeah, I’m a stoner, yeah I had a bit of an addictive lifestyle, but I’m older and wiser now. I’m looking to the young generations that I’m now performing to and I realise I’ve got a responsibility to try and tell them the truth. When you tell the truth, you’re not hiding anything, you’re guilt free and most importantly, you’re taking responsibility for your own actions and how you’re going to redeem yourself from those actions. ‘I believe that the Lord is actually using me to open up a new denomination of Christianity that agrees with cannabis. I’m from an Indian Hindu background and ganja is very much a part of the Hindu path. We believe it’s a plant given to us by God to destroy your evil, because it relaxes your muscles and allows more blood to flow to the brain. We believe it treats the symptoms of schizophrenia because it allows more activity in the brain. I do believe it’s got so many medicinal properties that are far superior to anything you’ll buy in pharmaceutical companies and it has no side effects. For the government to try and ban a plant, it’s like the government trying to ban spinach because they don’t like the fact that it makes us healthy and they’d rather keep us sick because then we spend more money on medication – I believe there’s a big conspiracy going on. So I’m going to keep promoting cannabis, but I’ve got to a stage now where I want to tell young people, use it responsibly.
budget, I had a team around me of about 20 people, I even had a stylist – it’s embarrassing. It’s embarrassing because it’s as if they’re trying to make you feel like you’re somehow more special than other people. ‘After a while it made me cringe, this is what I’ve sung about my whole life – don’t take their dirty money – and here I am taking their dirty money. At first I thought I could use this platform to promote my own message, but in the end, they didn’t release the best tracks on the album or make videos for them. They chose the most commercial tracks like Broken Robots, and even though the message in it is intact, I sadly feel like people don’t listen to the message so much if the sound quality is more commercial – it sounds like a dance track. ‘It’s not really a conversation for now, it’s more like a book, but if I was to explain what it’s like to end up with a commercial label, how you’re treated and the expectations there are of you and the level of control there is, it’s an absolute nightmare, especially for someone like myself – a real artist whose always been free to do what they want; I come from the punk scene from 25 years ago. ‘There was a part of me that wanted to see what it would take, how good you need to be to get signed to a major like that. I did it, I experienced it and I thought: excellent, I now know all the secrets, I know how it works. And knowing how much money these guys spend, you realise that the majority of your fan base is actually bought for you. ‘After three years, after the first album, I did everything in my power to get out of there. I still had another album to do and
the launch of Dub From Above. Working with two Bristol UWE students with no promotions experience and a fervent love of dub, the whole concept derails the traditional way of putting on nights, with the team bringing in huge acts, including Soom T herself, who acts as resident, that would pack out any stage and then putting some of Bristol’s most intimate spaces. After a hugely successful launch with Solo Banton in January, they’re back with their second instalment at Basement 45 this month, with sets from Brother Culture, Empress Shema with Dub Judah, Kreed x Gardna, Parly B, Fat Stash and Dub Boy, powered by Lionpulse Sound System and Headsessions Sound System. The night itself is a result of a chance meeting on North Street in Bedminster; a ‘divine appointment’ says Soom. ‘I was walking down the street with two of my Brazilian brothers and we bumped into Beth and Tom, who were good friends of theirs. We decided to all go and get some Jamaican food and that’s where it started. I think I just mentioned my dream of having a residency one day, it was just fantasy, and Beth and Tom said, “Why don’t you just do it?” At the time, Beth was just finishing her last year of university with Tom in the year below. Combining their passion for live reggae music with Soom T’s industry clout and decades’ worth of industry contacts, they’ve managed to create something truly special for Bristol reggae heads and artists alike. ‘I’ve always felt far more real and my happiest days have been as an underground artist’ says Soom. ‘I find it difficult touring Europe now, even though it’s good fun and you get to play big stages, the reality is that the best gigs, and the ones
‘Why would the lord give us something that grows out of the ground that can be used unmodified and have the effect that it has, if it was not meant to be? We all have to take personal responsibility for our beliefs, so now I’m going head to head with people that believe you shouldn’t be promoting anything like that to young people, despite the fact that it’s okay to promote drinking alcohol. That’s hypocrisy, so don’t tell me what to do. ‘I’ve got conviction in what I believe, to promote cannabis as a medication to be used in moderation. If that’s the medication you choose and you’re using it in moderation and not detracting from your health in any way, then I don’t believe it’s a sin. I believe as soon as you abuse anything, including spinach, including apples, and it’s having a detrimental effect on your body and mind, then it becomes a problem. But if you’re using it in the right doses I think it’s something to be promoted. I think cannabis is a wonderful thing, I think it needs to be legalised and I will continue to push for the legalisation of it.’ Taking such a staunch standpoint, whether that’s about cannabis, politics or her views on Syria via her contribution No More War on Vaticaen Production’s Dubs for Syria compilation, is something that’s not often seen by any commercially successful artist in the UK. Although Soom T says she believes this is a product of the system and not something that’s missing from British music as a whole. ‘A lot of underground artists like Amy True, Congo Natty, Top Cat and Charlie P – very established, very highly respected artists in the scene – they’re all singing about the legalisation of cannabis. You’re just less likely to find us on the commercial platform. Because the corporate hierarchy would rather promote some young girl flashing her plastic surgery to young people, than somebody who is promoting to young women to treat themselves and others with respect and promoting free thinking – because that’s not easy to control. They’d rather promote the message that you should be nice and controlled, do what the system asks you to do and do what the standard commercial world asks you to do, because that’s what makes money for them.
After a while it made me cringe, this is what I’ve sung about my whole life – don’t take their dirty money – and here I am taking their dirty money
an option, but in the end I said it wasn’t for me. I could have been stuck there another five or six years and all that would have happened is they would have promoted me to a commercial audience, while my old audience was being alienated. ‘All the songs that I felt were more activist didn’t make the album and that was their choice. Politik Man, easily the best track and to this day the most popular track on the whole album, they didn’t make a music video for it, they didn’t release it as a single, there was no fanfare, they didn’t even want to put it on YouTube. They want to put out there what’s palatable and what they think young kids are going to like for a certain period of time, and then you as an artist are in danger of suffering the karma for your selling out.
While the arguments over potential medical benefits or harms of cannabis will continue to rage on between scientists, doctors, policy makers, cannabis users and anti-cannabis campaigners, when it comes to the sinister side of the commercial music industry, it’s something Soom has witnessed first hand, fighting to escape a major label that wilfully watered down her message to promote it to the masses.
‘So I’ve come back to do my underground thing. I’m back with Born Again to redeem myself from that and I feel like I’m stronger now and even more activist. After experiencing that and seeing what you are fighting against, you realise you really are up against a machine. These people have all the power, they have all the backing of all the commercial outlets, they have all the money.’
She explains: ‘In 2015, I signed to a major in France called Wagram. They’re a significant label and suddenly I had a
Alongside a return to her independent stance as an artist, she’s putting her money (or lack of) where her mouth is with
where I feel that the audience is most effected is when it’s in close quarters. They’re far more like to come and chat to you afterwards and you’re way more connected. ‘I’ve played with Solo Banton literally hundreds of times over the years, and I swear on my life it was one of the happiest I’ve ever seen him. He looked so relaxed and that’s what we want to achieve.’ There’s no doubt we’re going to see extraordinary things from the Dub From Above team in the coming years and they’ve already got something major in the works for a special Soom T birthday party this June. While they’ll be temporarily moving to a bigger venue, taking over three rooms at The Black Swan for a guaranteed roadblock until 6am, when they unveil the utterly ridiculous lineup later this month, you’ll see why. But family vibes, high pressure sound systems, quality music and piles of samosas will prevail.
Words: Rachel Morris 26 May – Dot-to-Dot Festival, Across Bristol mahaliamusic.co.uk dottodotfestival.co.uk
40 // THE INFLUENCERS
THE INFLUENCERS // BEHIND THE SCENES WITH
IDLE HANDS Chris Farrell has been an integral part of Bristol’s music scene for many years now, working alongside his fellow music-heads to help shape the sound of the city. Chris has his fingers in many pies, though most of us will associate him with local record label Idle Hands that he co-founded with Tom Ford, aka Peverelist, whilst working together at the now defunct Rooted Records. The vinyl-based electronic label was established in order to represent experimental dance tracks being born out of the city’s underground touching on house, techno and bass music. Its early releases consisted of tunes from Peverelist himself, as well as artists like Kowton, Headhunter and Shanti Celeste. Towards the end of 2010, vinyl collectors had to sadly wave goodbye to Rooted Records despite its establishment as one of the city’s favourites. Along with Imperial Music and Replay, Rooted was another record store in the depressingly long list forced to close during a troubled decade. In their wake, Bristol was left with a void desperate to be filled by its music community.
With encouragement from his friends, Chris resisted the vinyl downturn prominent in the noughties by deciding to open his own record shop which he named after his burgeoning record label. Idle Hands opened its doors to the world in 2011, initially situated in Bristol’s creative hub Stokes Croft. Since the store’s inception, Chris’ label has fast and furiously become one of the city’s most trusted platforms, with releases from artists close to home as well as from far afield such as Kahn, Om Unit, Strategy and Kevin McPhee, to name a few. With such a killer reputation, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Chris’ record collection is in constant demand by both locals and visitors alike. Idle Hands is now located just around the corner from its original premise on City Road in St Pauls, resulting in more of a calm and relaxed feel as locals are provided with an inviting space away from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy Chris’ record collection at their own leisure. Nitelife paid the store a visit to hear about Chris’
passion, drive and taste for music, as well as the unique magnetism of his adopted hometown. When it comes to record shops, Chris has been around the block a fair bit since his entry into the industry, having worked at Imperial, Replay and Rooted. Now, not only does he have a store of his own, Idle Hands is viewed as the city’s leading vinyl emporia with a worldwide reputation.
The aim of the shop has always been to represent good dance music in Bristol with a local focus but an international perspective ‘I’ve worked in record shops for a long time now. By the time Rooted closed down in 2010 I thought maybe that was the end of records shops, though a few of my friends that were running labels and the like suggested that maybe I should have a go at doing it myself. As the record industry was so bleak, it was a good time to start really as there was no competition. ‘I look back now and there was this one afternoon where I just walked into Imperial and there was someone standing at the counter asking if there were any jobs going’, continues Chris, ‘and they said that there were actually. I thought this guy didn’t really sound like he knew what he was talking about, so when he left I went up to the counter and my friend Ralph was working at the time. I said that I think I can do that and he was like, “okay, well tell me what you know”. I gave him a bit of chat and the boss was really happy to take me on. I wouldn’t be doing what I do now if it wasn’t for that one fateful day. You know there’s that phrase, chance favours the prepared mind – I quite like that.’ Coming from a musical family, Chris explains that getting into music was never discouraged. Following in his dad’s footsteps after getting into dance music and the rave scene, Chris also took his turn on the decks and has become a credible DJ that can dish out an incredibly diverse range of music. It takes a bucket-load of talent for a DJ to seamlessly move between house, disco, soul and techno, and it is evident that Chris’ time spent handling vinyl has had a glowing effect. ‘The idea of the shop was to represent stuff that was going on because there was so much music coming out of Bristol’, Chris explains, ‘it felt wrong that there wasn’t a record shop to represent it. The aim of the shop has always been to represent good dance music in Bristol with a local focus but an international perspective.’ Chris certainly didn’t expect to still be doing it seven years down the line, however, as he explains, back then he was more of a pessimist. These days, with a successful record shop alongside two records labels (Idle Hands and Brstl, which he runs with Celeste) to his name, Chris explains that he has naturally become more of an optimist.
there was so much music coming out of Bristol, it felt wrong that there wasn’t a record shop to represent it ‘As time has gone on, I’ve admitted to myself that yeah, we have actually had quite a positive impact. I’ve had people meeting in here that have gone on to do other things and that’s been really positive. I’m glad to have a hand in that.”’ Named as one of the UK’s most creative cities, Bristol is well known for its vibrant music scene with a plethora of prominent producers bubbling to its surface such as
THE INFLUENCERS // 41 Julio Bashmore, Eats Everything and Phaeleh. With such a fervent music culture and countless up-andcoming artists being born, it’s vital that it’s supported and encouraged by record shops like Idle Hands as they provide an outlet for musical talent and creativity, playing a crucial role in the city’s musical development whilst providing the city’s music heads with a community base. ‘It’s just nice to have a place for us all to meet and to have a focal point, but also, somewhere that represents some of the labels that are putting records out. That’s what I think is the most important. My motivation here has never been completely profit, it’s been about bringing people together’. With such a diverse range of music coming out of the city, I asked Chris how he goes about selecting his stock whilst catering to everyone’s needs, and whether he considers it as sharing his own personal collection with the world. ‘I have a pretty wide music taste, but I don’t think my taste is better than anyone else’s. When you’ve been doing this for a long time you get a feel for what people want and, as time goes on, you can see people’s taste change or certain things come in and out of fashion, and I respond to that. We don’t take everything that come out as that would be impossible. I try and select things that are relatively obvious, like the big dance tunes of the time, and then I try and find things that other shops haven’t necessarily stumbled upon yet. ‘I’m really into the idea of discovering younger artists or people who are putting out their first release and getting behind them’, continues Chris. ‘I guess that’s one of the supportive things that we like to do. If I hear something really good from a brand-new artist and I know that I can sell 30/40/50 copies, my ear is definitely tuned-in.’ With the rise of global online music services like iTunes and Spotify providing users with the instant gratification of digital downloads, I asked Chris how that fairs in terms of his competition.
When drum and bass was on the wane there were a few years that were like a barren wasteland ‘There is so much competition in terms of music, but then there is also a lot of space for everyone. Say 15 years ago, there would be five to ten shops all selling dance music, whereas these days there isn’t really that. I’m lucky to not have any direct competition in what I do. There is a number of really good record shops around town but we all specialise in slightly different things. One of the nice things about Bristol is that they’re all complimentary to each other and I would happily recommend Friendly Records or Wanted Records or Rough Trade – we don’t tend to tread on each other’s toes. ‘Also, what I’ve found is you’ll have certain things that just belong on vinyl’, Chris continues, ‘so, say like Burial, people really want that on vinyl or MF Doom. There just seems to be certain artists that people want on record.’ Currently, vinyl sales have reached a 25-year high as consumers of all ages have once again embraced music as a physical medium. Chris explains how that has played out in his own experience: ‘We’ve definitely noticed over the last few years a younger generation of people coming in, whereas when I first opened the shop it was very much me selling records to my friends. These days, one of the nice things is that we get people from abroad that come to us as their first port of call. Also, there are a couple of music colleges in Bristol now, so students come and see us and again, they’ll mostly be DJing off digital but there are always a few things that they want on record. Increasingly you’ll have labels that will do a limited amount of stuff and they’ll have a desire to buy something like that.’ ‘A lot of the younger people coming in actually end up being artists’, Chris continues, ‘they might be buying records and then in a few years time they’re putting out the records. The shop here makes it seem a lot more realistic that people can put records out. Or when they come in there might be some of the older heads here like Pinch or Pev, so it’s accessible as people are around. One of the nice things about being in Bristol is that it’s a small city, so you can have a tangible connection to people and having a shop like this means there is some kind of connection between people.”
Not only is the shop a hangout for local artists, Idle Hands also hosts EP launch parties for some of the city’s best underground talents, including Sir Hiss, OH91, Jabu and Boofy over the past year. However, despite an undeniable coolness surrounding the establishment, Chris doesn’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable coming into the shop, whether you’re Bristol’s next best producer or not.
sure that Bristol remains on the musical map where it belongs.
Tackling a deep-rooted and pervasive suspicion that record shops are elitist and stand-off entities, Chris says, ‘There’s definitely the old-school culture of it. But I mean, Dene over there works in a record shop and he’ll always be really nice to you when you walk in. I kind of think that culture has died a bit because the shops that were like that, then when the internet hit and the rest of it, who wants to buy records of an asshole?
‘If I can help with that in any way then that’s great. I’m old enough to remember when Bristol was seen as a little bit of a backwater for stuff. When drum and bass was on the wane there were a few years that were like a barren wasteland. Not to say that things weren’t happening, things weren’t necessarily getting recognised outside of the city. So that’s where the international perspective comes in, I’ve always wanted to shout about what happens in this city and let people know that great music happens here, whether its grime, dubstep, techno, reggae or whatever, and people are going out and partying. All these things happen in the West Country and that’s – even though I’m increasingly getting older – something I find really exciting.’
‘One of the nice things about it is meeting new people and I wouldn’t want people to feel uncomfortable coming in here’, continues Chris, ‘something that I drill into anyone that works here is that we’re not better than anyone that comes in, our music taste isn’t any better – it’s not about that. If someone is coming in they are taking their time to come and see us and buy records, so let them get stuck in.’ There’s no doubting that Bristol is in the midst of another golden era for electronic music with many of the city’s artists getting respect all over the world, however, Chris isn’t willing to sit back and enjoy the ride. Through the shop, his labels and other projects, Chris wants to make
‘I was talking earlier about how we want to have an international perspective; I run a label too and am involved in a few other things and what I want to do is to make sure Bristol continues to be known as a great place for electronic music in its different forms.
Words: Georgie Partington Photos: Martin Thompson // @thefacecollective idlehandsbristol.com
51 stokes croft
42 // VENUES
51 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QP | @51StokesCroft | facebook.com/51stokescroft | 01179 148 048 | 51stokescroft.com
Located in the heart of Stokes Croft, No.51 offers cosy dining, late night dancing as well as community minded events like charity fundraisers and quiz nights. Here you can grab a tasty woodfired pizza, sip on a delicious cocktail, listen to great music and chill out with friends in their spacious garden.
REVRT
Revrt will be taking charge behind the No.51 decks this May, to deliver a live performance of scratching, beat juggling and the finest selection of hip hop, funk, rnb and soul that’ll make you bust a groove.
18 May // 10pm – 4am // £3 – £4
YODELLING SHEEP
Wild and savage beast, Yodelling Sheep will be emerging from the wild hillsides and pastures in Bristol, to bring some of the swingiest and funkiest music around. Prepare to lose yourself on the dancefloor.
24 May // 10pm – 2am // Free
02 academy
VENUES // 43
Frogmore Street, Bristol, BS1 5NA | @o2academybris | facebook.com/o2academybristol | 0905 5020 3999 | o2academybristol.co.uk
The o2 Academy is one of Bristol’s busiest music venues playing host to major touring acts as well as up and coming artists. They’ve established themselves as one of the best venues to catch your favourite bands in the Southwest, while also being home to Ramshackle - Bristol’s Notorious Weekly Rave: A fine selection of all thats good in music mixed by Patrick Nazemi, Chezney & Guests.
JUNGLE
facebook.com/o2academybristol twitter.com/o2academybris instagram.com/o2academybris facebook.com/o2academybristol youtube.com/o2academytv
Mesmeric seven-piece band Jungle are taking a break from the studio to embark on a UK tour. This is the perfect opportunity for fans to experience Jungle’s thrilling live show. Plus, support from Rae Morris.
twitter.com/o2academybris instagram.com/o2academybris youtube.com/o2academytv
9 May // 7pm – 11pm // £25.25 Wed 2nd May • SOLD OUT
Fri 1st Jun
Tue 2nd Oct
Gomez + John Smith
Broken Social Scene
Glenn Hughes
Sat 5th May
Tue 5th Jun
performs classic Deep Purple Live
Je Suis Disco ft Jocelyn Brown, Nicky Siano, Red Greg, Jamie 3:26
Courtney Barnett
Fri 5th Oct • SOLD OUT
Sun 17th Jun
Jorja Smith
D’Angelo
Sun 14th Oct
Tue 10th Jul • SOLD OUT
The Breeders
Tom Grennan
Mon 7th May
Brothers Osbourne Wed 9th May
Jungle Sat 12th May • 10pm - 3am • over 18s
The Festival Of Light Mon 14th May
Nadine Coyle Tue 15th May
Machine Head
Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana
Tue 24th Jul
Thu 25th Oct
Goo Goo Dolls Mon 20th Aug
Skid Row Mon 27th Aug
The Used Sun 2nd Sep
Fri 18th May • RESCHEDULED DATE
Oh Sees
Cash
Fri 7th Sep
A tribute to the Man in Black Sat 19th May • SOLD OUT
Rita Ora Mon 21st May
DMA’S Fri 25th May
BA1 Records Showcase
Fri 19th Oct
Steve Earle
Wed 18th May
Guns 2 Roses Fri 14th Sep
Darius Rucker Mon 5th Nov
Leon Bridges Thu 8th Nov
The Decemberists Sat 10th Nov
Killing Joke Sun 11th Nov
Blackberry Smoke
Xavier Rudd
Sat 17th Nov • SOLD OUT Sun 18th Nov
Fri 21st Sep
The Cat Empire
The Smyths Sun 23rd Sep
Jose Gonzalez & The String Theory
Sat 1st Dec
Heaven 17 35th Anniversary of The Luxury Gap
Sat 26th May
Sat 29th Sep • SOLD OUT
Tue 18th Dec
Dot To Dot 2018
Halestorm
Clutch
Wed 30th May
Mon 1st Oct
Wed 19th Dec
Public Image Ltd
The Magic Gang
Bjorn Again
O2 Academy Bristol ticketmaster.co.uk
Frogmore Street, Bristol BS1 5NA • Doors 7pm unless stated Venue box office opening hours: Mon - Sat 12pm - 4pm
ticketmaster.co.uk • seetickets.com • gigantic.com
o2academybristol.co.uk
May • 2018
EVIL B VS B LIVE - THE BIG BRISTOL SHOWDOWN Evil B returns to his favourite city for Evil B vs B Live show. Witness a dynamic performance and mind-blowing drum and bass, with support from some of the biggest names in the business.
27 May // 10pm – 6am // £11.75 - £23
the canteen
44 // VENUES
Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QY | Twitter – @IntheCanteen | facebook.com/thecanteenbristol | 0117 923 2017 | canteenbristol.co.uk
The Canteen emerged out of the creative inspiration and collective efforts of a bunch of Stokes Croft and Bristol brilliants. With free live music every night, expect gentler tones from Sunday – Wednesday spanning folk, jazz and acapella ensembles, then Thursday – Saturday sees things ramp up from 10pm, when the tables are cleared for the unavoidable rip-roaring dancing times.
RAISE THE DISCO
Get ready for the first Raise the Disco, in support the Bristol born charity Second Step. This night will be serving the finest entertainment and shining a light on the leading mental health charity.
12 May // 9.30pm – 2am // Suggested £3 donation
SAT 5TH
Dana Immanuel & The Stolen Band
Led by the formidable banjo-toting professional gambler Dana Immanuel, they make down and dirty gin-house blues that will grab the hairs on the back of your neck and shake you onto the dance floor
THU 10th sat 12th
MISS
Raise the Disco
mon 14th
(supported by D e C y p h e r s
MERCY
Second Step)
Are you ready for a prog/ psych mash-up exploration of dark sexuality and politics? The ambiguous Ms Mercy comes with a reputation for strong language and frank sexual themes while his/ her musical pedigree links to the great World Service Project via a fusion of ‘Frank Zappa, Mr Bungle, Muse and Mesguggah’.
Thur 24
Magnus Loo
m
The first awareness event brought to you by The Canteen, in support of the Bristol born charity Second Step. Raise the Disco is proud to present a stellar line up, opening the launch with Late Night Love Affair, French Kiss and Ere Wax.
Hip Hop Session
MCs Goose and Social Conscience put out their lyrics but they openly welcome all MC and vocal styles from around the city (and beyond) for a burnin’ freestyle jam. The hard-nosed hip-hop beats come courtesy of piano man Dorian Childs-Prophet with Chris Jones on bass and James Vine’s drumming.
Magnus Loom’s avant-glam-punk world is only a little bit like everybody elses and he cunningly conceals that bit under heaps of ‘gilded bumf’ and ‘meretricious trash’ (his words). He probably won’t thank us for saying he’s actually one of those thoroughly entertaining and original performers that you really have to see to get the point. So why don’t you?
canteenbristol.co.uk * The Canteen, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QY
RUM BUFFALO
Eclectic London based collective Rum Buffalo bring a melting pot of hip hop, and prog to the table, with a swing twist. Come down to The Canteen this May and witness their explosive sound.
18 May // 10pm – 2am // Free
colston hall
VENUES // 45
Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR | @Colston_Hall | facebook.com/ColstonHall | 0117 203 4040 | colstonhall.org
Colston Hall is Bristol’s largest concert hall, presenting major names in rock, pop, jazz, folk, world and classical music such as Laura Marling, John Grant, Richard Hawley, Robert Plant and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. It houses world-class comedy, film screenings and light entertainment, as well as local choirs, orchestras and schools.
NICK MULVEY
Nick Mulvey and his band will be performing flawless West-African rhythms from his new album ‘Wake Up Now’ at Colston Hall this May. Expect electronic production, irresistible grooves and support from TT (AKA Theresa Wayman from Warpaint).
colston hall highlights 0117 203 4040 colstonhall.org
19 May // 7pm – 11pm // £20.96
tue 1 may rumours of fleetwood mac
sat 12 may hannah williams & the affirmations
tue 1 may freya ridings
sun 13 may shazia mirza
wed 2 may plan b
wed 16 may the shires
fri 4 may jon boden & the remnant kings
wed 16 may scott matthews
fri 4 may ishmael ensemble
fri 18 may paul chowdhry: live innit
sat 5 may vessels
fri 18 may os mutantes
sun 6 may kitty, daisy & lewis
sat 19 may nick mulvey
thu 10 may jon allen
mon 21 may roo panes
fri 11 may don mclean
tue 22 may sam lee's singing with nightingales
sat 12 may jason manford: muddle class
wed 23 may joan baez
thu 24 may ezra furman thu 24 may an evening with as it is fri 25 may live at colston hall: james acaster, gary delaney, abandoman and ed gamble fri 25 may craig campbell sun 27 may justin hayward mon 28 may tracyanne & danny thu 31 may marti pellow fri 1 jun soul ii soul sat 2 jun james bay sun 3 jun the gruffalo & room on the broom
EZRA FURMAN
Ezra Furman returns to Colston Hall, following the release of his latest album ‘Transangelic Exodus’. Prepare to immerse yourself in heartfelt rock ‘n’ roll and empowering sounds. Support from Du Blonde.
24 May // 7pm – 11pm // £19.35
the crofters XX rights
46 // VENUES
117-119 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RW | @Crofters_Rights | Facebook.com/croftersrights | 0117 2310079 | croftersrights.co.uk
Situated in the heart of Stokes Croft, The Crofters Rights has an ever changing list of 17 keg and cask, draught beers and ciders. Ray’s Neapolitanstyle pizzas are served every day and the back room hosts everything from punk gigs to storytelling, comedy to experimental noise.
OTZEKI
Cousins and band members Mike and Joel will be taking centre stage as Otzeki at Crofters this May, to deliver the visceral power of rock guitar and the defining attention to precision in their sound.
12 May // 6.30pm – 10pm // £7
CARMODY
Alternative folk duo will take you away on a sensory experience with their original tunes and worldy sounds. Head down to Crofters to be transported to another dimension with Carmody.
16 May // 7.30pm – 11pm // £8
exchange XX
VENUES // 47
72 - 73 Old Market, Bristol, BS2 0EJ | @exchangebristol | facebook.com/exchangebristol | 0117 930 4538 | exchangebristol.com
Exchange plays host to both gigs most nights of the week with Club Nights most weekends. Having opened in September 2012, Exchange has already hosted performances from a varied array of internally revered artists including The 1975, Four Tet, (the) Melvins, Jungle, Diplo, Haim and Sick Of It All to name but a few.
LLAMAGEDDON
The Llamageddon is coming. Get ready for the end of the world with three stages filled with awesome music from Crywank, False Advertising, Thom Weeks, Austeros and Happy Accidents to name a few.
5 May // 12pm – 2am // £12
AWATE
Named as one of the seven most inspiring people by London’s Evening Standard, Awate’s stage presence and integrity is like no other, prepare for the London rapper to take over the Exchange this May.
23 May // 7.30pm – 11pm // £8.50
the fleece
48 // VENUES
12 St. Thomas Street, Bristol, BS1 6JJ | @FleeceBristol | facebook.com/fleecebristol | 0117 945 0996 | thefleece.co.uk
The legendary live music venue has previously hosted the likes of Oasis, The Strokes, Goldfrapp and Bloc Party. Live music 7 nights a week and massive club nights like Propaganda, The Fleece is a must for music lovers and students. The in-house promotions team are also responsible for promoting many gigs across the city in other venues, so follow them all on Twitter and Facebook to receive updates on their upcoming gigs.
THE RUTLES
The satirical band famed for mirroring The Beatles are coming to Bristol to showcase their hilarious, yet catchy interpretation on their Major Happy tour. Come and sing along to the melodies of Monstrous Mendacity and more.
13 May // 6pm – 10pm // £20
AN EVENING WITH GARY LUCAS: FROM BEEFHEART TO BUCKLEY AND BEYOND Award winning, songwriter and composer Gary Lucas. With over 30 acclaimed solo albums under his belt, join this international recording artist in celebration of his impressive back catalogue.
20 May // 7.30pm – 11pm // £15
THE FULL MOON / ATTIC BAR
VENUES // 49
1 North Street, Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3PR | Twitter - Coming soon | facebook.com/pages/The-Full-Moon-and-Attic-Bar | 01179 245 007 | fmbristol.co.uk
The Full Moon 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?
ALMATIC
VP PRODUCTIONS PRESENT
FatHat presents the crème de la crème of Bristol’s finest hip hop. Featuring Almatic, plus, cutting edge lyrists G00SE and Social Conscience, with DJ Sly Logic and Bhangra dance crazy Indian Man.
5 May // 9pm – 2am // £4
2018 4TH
KAOTIC KARTEL LIVE:
5TH
FATHAT Present:
6TH
YARD PARTY 2018
FRI
SAT
SUN
JMAN / MISTAFIRE / RANKIN SNOOPY PAPAMOOMIN (Full Moon) ALMATIC / GOOSE & SOCIAL CONSCIOUS / INDIAN MAN HIPHOPPAPOTAMUS (Full Moon) K.O.G & THE ZONGO BRIGADE BABY BAM (JUNGLE BROTHERS) & CHRIS MUNKY CELESTINE / BAILA LA CUMBIA / MOST TRIO Plus More... Doors 12pm – 2am / Tickets £8/£10 available from Bristol Ticket shop
11TH
SWING N TINGZ Present:
12TH
TEMWA Present: ART FOR AFRICA
18TH
FULL LINE TBC
19TH
TUN UP Present:
25TH
45 LIVE Present:
26TH
FULL LINE TBC
FRI
SAT
FRI
SAT
FRI
SAT
DUTTY MOONSHINE DJ Set / BINBAG WISDOM STEVIE BEAR (Full Moon) STREET ART AUCTION See www.temwa.org for further details. MR WOODNOTE & LIL RHYS CHRIS MUNKY (Full Moon) DJ DAD (Full Moon)
TC4 / DISTRO / DUB BOY / RUKUS / JONESY WALES LITTLE BO SELECTA (Full Moon) MARK HYPE (Berlin) / DJ SUSPECT (PARIS) / BOCA 45 ANDRES & CHANGO (Full Moon) TRIVIAL PURSUITS (Full Moon)
DESIGN: INKIE x CHEBA
SWING N TINGZ 20: BINBAG WISDOM
The festival season may be fast approaching, but Swing n Tingz couldn’t resist throwing a final soiree before hitting the fields. Including Binbag Wisdom, Dutty Moon (DJ Set), Extra Medium and more.
11 May // 8.30pm – 2am // £4
the gallimaufry
50 // VENUES
26-28 The Promenade, Gloucester Road, BS7 8AL | @thegallibristol | facebook.com/TheGallimaufryBristol | 01179 42 7 319 | thegallimaufry.co.uk
An independent bar, restaurant and music venue on the Gloucester Rd. A relaxed coffee shop vibe in the day, ‘The Galli’ serves food and drinks all day with live music and DJs 7 nights a week (always free entry). Working with local suppliers, artists & artisans wherever possible. Check www. thegallimaufry.co.uk for up-todate info on menus and events.
SNAZZBACK
Snazzback are fast becoming ones to watch out for. Whether it’s completely original afro-funk and psych jazz, or a fully improvised set, Snazzback have it all. Witness their groove driven jazz at The Gallimaufry this May.
May
Monday
Open Mic
3/17/31 May // 9pm – 12am // Free
Hosted by Mike Dennis
k
aufry.co.u
Wednesday
thegallim
Waldo’s Gift
Tuesday 1st Lewis Creave n’s Dhar ma Blue s 8th TBC 15th From the Fo rest presents Toddler + Homme 22nd OFF-KILTER 001 presents Maya Law + the Of f-Kilter Trio 29th True Strays (full band show)
Hip-hop, Math, Jazz, Groove & Electronica
2nd feat. Miguel Andrews 9th Reworks: Aphex Twin
ucer Paying tribute to the prod
16th Waldo’s Gift Trio 23rd feat. Holly Wellington
ael Ensemble) (Feelgood Experiment, Ishm
30th feat. Adam Betts
ped Tigers) (Squarepusher, Three Trap
Friday
he Sun ren ofortks Childby lw Sou Hosted
eak)
(T 4th Seka k ja o 11th C N T X R 18th p) L (Falling U y a J th 25
Sunday
ack Forth & Bdly Hosted by Ma
Thursday 3rd Snazzbac k 10th Freesoul Familia 17th Global Gr oove Scandinavian Peninsula
Doing works by Esbjorn Svenss on Trio, Jaga Jazzist, To rd Gustavsen
24th Soma 31st Snazzbac k
Scrapbook
Saturday
Satta Lit es
Whitey’s
on th
e moon Withdraw n, play beats VMO$ + guests , bumps & bass 5th Gues t (Jabu / Yo un g Echo) 12th Jiin x (Noods) 19th And y Payback 26th Dan ielle (NTS / Ph onica)
m) 13th & 27th (1a rs & originals cove , m ja p Ho pHi Strutters 6th (1am) Soul 20th TBC
MAYA LAW + THE OFF-KILTER TRIO
Maya Law is returning to Bristol since her Springboard Live tour back in 2017. Be sure to check out the signature ‘non-bullshit’ lyricism from the upcoming singer songwriter, with support from the Off Kilter Trio.
22 May // 9pm – 12am // Free
the golden lion
VENUES // 51
244 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8NZ | @goldenlionbriz | facebook.com/goldenlionbristol | 0117 924 6449 | goldenlionbristol.co.uk
The Golden Lion is a renowned Bristol Music venue offering live music on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday Afternoon. A surprise mix bag encompassing the whole music spectrum. Keep up to date on their social media pages for full listings and details. Bar open ‘til 1am Friday and Saturday, and midnight Sunday to Thursday.
THE RELAY LIPS
GOLDEN LION
This band’s hyperactive, new wave, country-soul is upbeat enough to get anyone on the dance floor. The Relay Lips will bring you 50’s and 60’s rock n roll, new wave punk and everything else in between.
11 May // 10pm – 12am // Free
MAY 2018
BIG FAT MOSTLY MUSIC QUIZ - MONDAY @ 9pm OPEN MIC NIGHT - WEDS @ 8pm THU FRI SAT SUN
3rd 4th 5th 6th
LATIN DESCARGA Latino Live Jam Night SUPA & Da KRYPTONITES Ska Funk & Grime LIVE MUSIC TBC PALMERGEDDON Rockin Blues n Rock n Roll 4pm
THU FRI SAT SUN
10th 11th 12th 13th
ENTER THE LION Songwriters Showcase THE RELAY RIPS New wave, soul and rock'n'roll DIY PUNKS MARKET / STEVE STRONG TripHop FFTP Well Travelled Folk Duo with an Edge 4pm
THU FRI SAT SUN
17th 18th 19th 20th
GROOVE RIFT LIVE Hip Hop Jam - Get Involved! CLUMSY Bristol’s own 7 Piece Reggae Fusion RED RAY & THE REPROBATES Outlaw Soul TWO MAN TING Superb Afro-Roots Duo 4pm
FRI SAT SUN
25th BORN INA BARN Live Hip Hop plus late DJ Set £4 26th 3 AMIGOS Spinning Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae 27th LIVE MUSIC TBC
THU
31st
PIGSTY HILL BLUES CLUB
Open Blues Jam
FREE ENTRY UNLESS STATED - PLEASE DONATE TO THE HAT FFTP
FFTP folk duo present an attitude in their sound with a distinct edge. Whether they’re singing about love, life or death, this heart felt duo convey life experiences in their verses like no other.
13 May // 4pm – 9pm // Free
Hy-Brasil XX
52 // VENUES
7-9 Baldwin St, Bristol BS1 1RU | @hybrasilmusicclub | facebook.com/HyBrasilMusicClub | 0117 930 4370 | hybrasilmusicclub.com
Named after a mythical island off the coast of Ireland, Hy-Brasil is a late night music venue located in the heart of Bristol. Join them for 2-4-1 burgers on Tuesdays, awesome drink deals and an array of live and electronic events throughout the week.
TAP THE FEED FUNDRAISER
Tap The Feed are excited to announce their next showcase at HyBrasil. Featuring a night of great live music from Voyages and a DJ set from Bite The Buffalo. Funds raised will go to Parkinson’s UK.
MAY
1 May // 8pm – 12am // Donation
Tues 1st: Tap The Feed: Smash Parkinson's Disease Fundraiser Weds 2nd: The Belishas + Arcade Hearts Sat 5th: Deep Fried Sun 6th: Zero Mode Thurs 10th: Why We Love + support Fri 11th: Rose Dive + Rozelle Sat 12th: FRAU DJs Weds 16th: Kaputt + support Thurs 17th: BWiM Assemble Fri 18th: Skinny Pelembe + support Sat 19th: Crossed Wires Tues 22nd: BLISS + support Thurs 24th: Arts2Life Fri 25th: Slang Teacher Sat 26th: Dot to Dot Festival Thurs 31st: Disco Biscuits
DOT 2 DOT FESTIVAL
As one of the official venues at this year’s Dot 2 Dot Festival, Hy-Brasil are bringing a host of music. Head straight to the Dot 2 Dot Festival website to grab your ticket.
26 May // 11am – 4am // £14.50
the lanes
VENUES // 53
22 Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2LE | @thelanesbristol | facebook.com/lanes.bristol | 01173 251 979 | thelanesbristol.co.uk
Rapidly establishing itself amongst the ranks of 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.
PEACE UNOFFICIAL AFTER PARTY
Following their showcase at SWX and to celebrate their latest album release, The Lanes will be hosting an unofficial Peace after party, with free entry all night long.
20 May // 10pm – 1am // Free
RADAR MEN FROM THE MOON
Wizzarding Promotions proudly present the space-rock, electronic sounds from Radar Men From The Moon. Get ready for take-off with a night of experimental soundscapes and exploration from the instrumental rock band.
23 May // 10pm – 1am // £6.50
the lantern XX
54 // VENUES
Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR | @Colston_Hall | facebook.com/ColstonHall | 0117 203 4040 | 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.
ISHMAEL ENSEMBLE
Ishmael Ensemble are set to perform their first Bristol show in over a year at The Lantern this May, promising to deliver a tripped-out jazz and electronica show filled show.
4 May // 8pm – 11pm // £13.97
Highlights Tue 1 May Freya Ridings
Wed 16 May Scott Matthews
Fri 4 May Ishmael Ensemble Present an intro to Yellow Magic Orchestra
Fri 18 May Os Mutantes
Sat 5 May Vessels Sun 6 May Kitty, Daisy & Lewis Thu 10 May Jon Allen Sat 12 May Hannah Williams & The Affirmations Sun 13 May Shazia Mirza: With Love from St Tropez www.facebook.com/colstonhall @colston_hall instagram.com/colstonhall
Mon 21 May Roo Panes Tue 22 May Sam Lee’s Singing with Nightingales Thu 24 May An Evening With As It Is Fri 25 May Craig Campbell Mon 28 May Tracyanne & Danny
New music in The Lantern sponsored by
Box Office: 0117 203 4040 www.colstonhall.org/the-lantern
VESSELS
Five-piece electronica outfit Vessels, are coming to The Lantern this May. Having performed on legendary stages including Berlin’s techno club Berghain, Glastonbury and Simple Things, this is guaranteed to be a show to remember.
5 May // 8pm – 11pm // £12.90
mothers’ ruin
VENUES // 55
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. The Mothers’ Ruin pride themselves on being Free to enter most nights of the week, without compromising on entertainment. Upstairs or downstairs you won’t be going anywhere quite like here!
F SHAKESPEARE + K KILYMIS + BEDRAGGLE
Electronic musician and composer Finlay Shakespeare’s latest project focuses on live, improvised, modular centric performances. Operated through battery powered drum machines and minimal editing, this will be a feast for the ears.
11 May // 8.30pm – 11pm // Free
YUKON ERA + WYCH ELM + SANS
Breakfast presents, New Zealand based psych Yukon Era, for a night of blended post-punk and garage rock. Plus, local support from Wych Elm and Sans.
23 May // 7.30pm – 11pm // £3
mr wolfs
56 // VENUES
32 St Nicholas Street, Bristol, BS1 1TG | @MrWolfsBristol | facebook.com/MrWolfs | 0117 923 2565 | mrwolfs.com
If your looking for a live music and a late night party then look no further than Mr Wolf’s. Open 7 day’s a week It’s the place you’ll get the opportunity to see up and coming bands, to bust some moves on the dance floor, watch talented artists paint live, hear some quality musicians come together and jam your heart out.
TOWN OF CATS + ARKTET + LIL BO SELECTA
Mr. Wolf’s are proud to welcome Town of Cats, serving up afrobeat, ska, a dash of latino and a side of funk. Plus, the wholesome sounds from Arktet, delivering a selection of soulful, modern hip hop.
18 May // 9pm – 4am // £3 – £4
NIGHTBUS PRESENTS: WASUREMONO + THE BLOOD CHOIR + THE CONDUCTOR A huge treat for you this month. Featuring four-piece indie dream-pop band, Wasuremono. Plus, support from alternative rock band The Blood Choir. Followed by The Conductor on the decks ‘til late.
19 May // 9pm - 4am // £3 – £4
the Old Market Assembly
VENUES // 57
25 West Street, Old Market Bristol | @oldmarketassembly | facebook.com/oldmarketassembly | 0117 373 8199 | oldmarketassembly.co.uk
The Old Market Assembly is a completely independent restaurant and arts venue situated in the heart of one of Bristol’s most up-andcoming nightlife hubs. Hosting everything from local bands to wild parties with touring artists. The Old Market Assembly perfectly combines locally sourced affordable food and hospitality with a wide array of live music and club nights.
MAD APPLE CIRCUS
The upbeat, engaging display from Mad Apple Circus is enough to make anybody want to get up and dance. Their distinctive fusion of sound will be taking centre stage at Old Market Assembly this May.
18 May // 10pm – 1am // £5
Sat 5
Fri 18
Seas of Mirth
Mad Apple Circus
Seas of Mirth are a sizeable crew with a varying sound marinated in maritime, causing a ruckus throughout the UK and mainland Europe over this decade. Think folk instruments, worldly rhythms, prog rock-esque adventurousness and sea-based song concepts. Expect plenty of nautical stupidity and theatrics at this high-energy live show! £6 - £8
6 Fri 11
Elephant Sessions
Elephant Sessions meld rich folk & trad influences with funk, rock and electronica in an instantly captivating, progressive, visceral blend. Since being named Up and Coming Artist of the Year at 2014 Trad Awards, in just a few short years the group have already become renowned for breathtaking live shows throughout the UK and Europe and we can’t wait to have their floor breaking live show at The Old Market Assembly. £8 - £10
6
Priding themselves as upbeat and what can only be described as an engaging display of jumping musical fusion, the thirst for the Apple’s juice never seems to quench. We are thrilled to have them back on our stage and bringing the circus. £5 - £7
Sat 19
Midnight Ritual
Our tropical bass night is BACK! A night where traditional and digital cultures meet, where global and local interact, young and new, familiar and unknown: a leveller where we all get to meet and dance. Bristol has a lot of heart for this kind of project and our audiences are the loveliest around! £5 - £7
6
Fri 25
Coco & The Butterfields
Since their inception in 2012, English indie-pop band CoCo and the Butterfields have spent much of their time on the road, touring the UK and Europe, selling out headline shows and featuring at many major festivals. Hitting upon a winning formula with their crowd pleasing live act, the band showcased music from their first four EPs, selling thousands of copies to audiences around the world. £8 - £10
The Old Market Assembly, 25 West Street, Old Market, BS2 0DF bookings@oldmarketassembly.co.uk ; 0117 373 8199
COCO AND THE BUTTERFIELDS
Join indie-pop band Coco and the Butterfields to celebrate the release of their new record. After taking a break to work on their new EP, the band are back and ready to showcase their new material.
25 May // 10pm – 1am // £8
SWX XX
58 // VENUES
15 Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2JY | @swxbristol | facebook.com/swxbristol | 0117 945 0325 | swxbristol.com
SWX is a live music venue and event space in Bristol city centre. Equipped with a state of the art sound & lighting system, they host some of the biggest gigs the city has to offer. It’s also home to two of Bristols most loved Club Nights; Far Fetched every Friday and CODEC every Saturday night. Head to SWXBristol.com for their latest listings.
PEACE
Peace are back with a brand-new album ‘Kindness Is The New Rock And Roll’ and are ready to take it on the road. Midland’s based fourpiece will wow the crowds with their romantic riffs and beats.
20 May // 7pm – 11pm // £15
UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA
The psychedelic, kaleidoscopic sounds from Unknown Mortal Orchestra share a rare quality that make this rock band stand out from the rest. Get ready for a memorable evening with New Zealand based band.
25 May // 6.30pm – 10pm // £16.50
thekla
VENUES // 59
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!
PINKSHINYULTRABLAST
Pinkshinyultrablast are flying in all the way from Russia to showcase their influential shoegaze sound, drawing from classic sources like My Bloody Valentine and Cocteau Twins. Plus, support from Insomnichord.
THEKLA
LIVE LISTINGS The Grove East Mud Dock Bristol BS1 4RB theklabristol.co.uk | thekla.club F L theklabristol | I X theklabris
8 May // 7pm – 10pm // £11
alt-tickets.co.uk • gigantic.com • bristolticketshop.co.uk
MONDAY 14TH MAY
TUESDAY 1ST MAY
ZEKE
CONAN & MONOLORD
+ THE HIP PRIESTS
WEDNESDAY 16TH MAY
WEDNESDAY 2ND MAY
SOLD OUT
WE ARE SCIENTISTS
JAPANESE BREAKFAST + FEAR OF MEN
+ THE PALE WHITE
FRIDAY 18TH MAY
THURSDAY 3RD MAY
WE CAME AS ROMANS + ALAZKA + POLARIS
THE RAILS + SUNNY OZELL
SATURDAY 19TH MAY
NINE BELOW ZERO
FRIDAY 4TH MAY
PROTOMARTYR
+ RATTLE
SUNDAY 20TH MAY
NECRO
SATURDAY 5TH MAY
SAM BROOKES
MONDAY 21ST MAY
ISLAND
+ CRISTOF VAN DER VEN
TUESDAY 22ND MAY
SUNDAY 6TH MAY
MOON HOOCH
SPECTOR
+ DIZRAELI
SATURDAY 26TH MAY
MONDAY 7TH MAY
SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80
DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL THURSDAY 31ST MAY
TUESDAY 8TH MAY
PINKSHINYULTRABLAST
WILDWOOD KIN
+ TVAM + INSOMNICHORD
SATURDAY 2ND JUNE
FANTASTIC NEGRITO
WEDNESDAY 9TH MAY
INME
+ TIGRESS + BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE THURSDAY 7TH MAY
THURSDAY 10TH MAY
GANG OF YOUTHS
+ KING NUN
TOM CLARKE (THE ENEMY)
FRIDAY 11TH MAY
WEEDEATER
SUNDAY 10TH JUNE
LAURA VEIRS
+ ASG
+ AMAROUN
SATURDAY 12TH MAY
CHALI 2NA & KRAFTY KUTS
SUNDAY 24TH JUNE
RICHIE KOTZEN WEDNESDAY 27TH JUNE
SUNDAY 13TH MAY
THE MAGIC NUMBERS
CW STONEKING
+ PENELOPE ISLES
OFF ME NUT
The Off Me Nut crew are back for another anticipated sell out event. Get ready to shout ‘beam me up Scotty!’ DJs on the night include the likes of Booda and Thorpey and Dr Oscillator.
4 May // 10pm – 4am // £10
to the moon
60 // VENUES
27-29 Midland Road, Old Market, St Philips, Bristol BS2 0JT | @tothemoonbris | facebook.com/pg/tothemoonbristol | 07845 700194 | tothemoon.cc
A superb little venue off the beaten track of Old Market’s main streets, To The Moon is a bar-comeboutique and vintage shop, serving up awesome cocktails, local beers and Pieminister pies, with a great spirit collection – particularly when it comes to rum, with over 20 top-notch rums to try. To The Moon also puts on a growing range of club nights and gigs and is currently on the lookout for more DJs and promoters to get involved.
ONE SOUL X MR PENFOLD
An illumination of the amazing Mr Penfold outside wall piece, an exhibition of some of his work followed by One Soul featuring DJ Skint, playing the finest in funk and soul all on vinyl.
11 May // 5pm – 12am // Free
TO THE MOON 2ND BIRTHDAY
Join To The Moon for a Space Pirates special, celebrating its second birthday. Featuring DJs Bliss Zion and Octo Pi, expect great music, rum offers, cocktail specials and the return of the rocket simulator.
19 May // 7pm – 12am // Free
trinity
VENUES // 61
The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW | @trinitybristol | facebook.com/trinitybristol | 0117 935 1200 | 3ca.org.uk
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.
BANDULU RECORDS
Teachings in Dub & Trinity present a night of straight up vibes with Bandulu Records. Featuring Commodo, Riz La Teef, Kahn & Neek, Boofy and many more.
11 May // 10pm – 5am // £7 – £15
RESONATORS
Resonators fuse together 70’s roots reggae and contemporary influences into a pioneering sound. Witness the soulful nine-piece and dual vocalists Faye and Kassia at Trinity this May.
19 May // 10pm – 4am // £10
www.facebook.com/ shotgunbarbers
1a Pitville Place, Cotham Hill Clifton, Bristol, BS6 6JZ
shotgunbarbers.co.uk
20 Bond Street Bristol. BS13LU
www.instagram.com/ shotgunbarbers
- OPPOSITE THE BEARPIT -
For student discounts and more visit www.shotgunbarbers.co.uk or call 0117 973 1130
21|07|18 AVON STREET — BRISTOL AREA 1
AREA 2
AREA 3
CRITICAL
THE BLAST
DEEP MEDI X BANDULU
NOISIA (DJ SET) HAZARD MEFJUS IVY LAB KASRA SAM BINGA HALOGENIX FOREIGN CONCEPT B2B QZB GQ 2SHY CHUNKY MANTMAST MAKSIM CARASEL
MIST REJJIE SNOW HOLY GOOF CONDUCTA & COCO CHIMPO MINA X BRYTE LUCY JAYDROP K STYLZ FIRE MAN SAM TS2W KOAST SPECIAL GUESTS: PROBLEM CENTRAL
MALA KAHN & NEEK SIR SPYRO COMMODO & ROCKS FOE DUBKASM (LIVE) EGOLESS (LIVE) HI5GHOST & BOOFY COMPA MUNGO’S HiFI (DJ SET) KILLA P IRAH SUN OF SELAH RIDER SHAFIQUE
SOUNDSYSTEM
SOUNDSYSTEM
SOUNDSYSTEM
TICKETS & INFO: WWW.SEQUENCES.CO.UK @SEQUENCESUK