NItelife November 2018 by NITELIFE

COVER SHOT: DOMINIKA SCHEIBINGER

INFLUENTIAL VENUES // LIVE MUSIC AND EVENTS // MONTHLY GUIDE

O NOVEMBER - 2018

MOTION: RUN X PLAYAZ

DJ HYPE HAZARD PROBLEM CENTRAL SUB ZERO b2b LIMITED ANNIX CRITICAL IMPACT TYKE SPECIAL GUESTS:

KINGS OF THE SHADOWS

(KINGS OF THE ROLLERS X SHADOW DEMON COALITION) HOSTED BY:

SATURDAY 1 DECEMBER

10PM - 6AM BRISTOL IN:MOTION MARBLE FACTORY: DIMENSION: UK TOUR

Tickets: RUNDNB.CO.UK (OVER 18â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ONLY)

HARRY SHOTTA / IC3 / CARASEL DIMENSION SPECIAL GUEST:

FRICTION TURNO CULTURE SHOCK 1991 D*MINDS BENNY L SKANKANDBASS HOSTED BY:

LINGUISTICS / VISIONOBI DREPS / JAKES TUNNEL: V RECORDINGS

BRYAN G NEED FOR MIRRORS JUMPIN JACK FROST HEIST SOCIAL MISFITS TS2W HOSTED BY:

STAMINA / DARRISON / TEXAS CAVE: DNB KITCHEN

KOHERRENT b2b SINIC b2b MARK DINIMAL STOKKA b2b MASS MASON b2b CORUS MOZZY

Untitled-2 1

12/09/2018 13:30

A BRAND NEW EVENT FROM THE MAKERS OF SHAMBALA FESTIVAL. 8-11 Nov 2018, Arnolfini, Bristol WHILE NATIONS FLOUNDER,

THE MEDIA GETS WEIRDER AND BIG BUSINESS GETS BIGGER,

KIN IS A GATHERING FOR THOSE YEARNING

FOR A KINDER WORLD.

JOIN US FOR A RIOTOUS WEEKEND OF:

ART, FILMS, ACTIVISM, MUSIC, TALKS, WORKSHOPS & PARTIES

CHIDERA EGGERUE THE SLUMFLOWER, KRUST, GRRRL, PAUL MASON, POLLY HIGGINS, MONIKA BULAJ, POST HUMAN PARTY, SARAH CORBETT, BIRDGIRL, MANU DELAGO, RAS G & THE AFRIKAN SPACE PROGRAMME, JOHN PAUL FLINTOFF, DONNA HARAWAY, MC XANDER, KID CARPET, DAVID FIRTH, EMMA DABIRI, TOM RAVENSCROFT, MARTIN & ELIZA CARTHY HAILU MERGIA, FAT PAUL, EBU, ISHMAEL ENSEMBLE, BLACK MOTHER FILM, THE QUIET ZONE, ALABASTER DEPLUME, DJ HARAM, HONEY HAHS, DRAG QUEEN STORY TIME, DJ DAD B2B WITH LEXXI, THE RULES, A VERY SPECIAL, SECRET COSMIC HEADLINER...

HM A N D M UC H , M UC M ore info

tickets avai rmation and

lable at

OR E .

www.kin.wor

FLYER WALL

tcols.design

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM HEADFIRST

BARBERS

by phone 01179 095438 or via facebook

JACOBSBARBERRISTA

VINTAGE CLOTHING

COFFEE

40 Park Street Bristol, BS1 5JG

@ JACOBSBARBER_RISTAS_

HIGHLIGHTS

best events this month 18-21

COMPETITION

Tid X deep medi 22

PROFILES

snazzback 24 J.Sparrow 23

LOCAL TALENT Chikaya 24-25

THE INFLUENCERS

jordan davies: blazey bodynod 28-29

PREVIEW

november

gogo penguin 36-37 kojey radical 38-39

FEATURED VENUES

51 Stokes Croft 40 O2 Academy 41 brisco 42 the Canteen 43 colston hall Presents 44

Crofters Rights 45 exchange 46 The Fleece 47 The Full Moon 48 GALLIMAUFRY 49

The Golden Lion 50 hy-brasil 51 lakota 52 the lanes 53 Mr Wolfs 54

the old market 55 swx 56 THekla 57 to the moon 58 Trinity 59

Photography: Dominika Scheibinger / Martin Thompson / Ania Shrimpton / Khali Photography / Soul Media / Paul Lippiatt / Connor Baker / shotaway.com / Dean Forrest / Darren Andrews nitelifeonline.com | facebook.com/nitelifebristol | info@nitelifeonline.com | Tel: 07590 993 523 Director Carlos Javier | Editor Rachel Morris | Commercial Manager Jodie Guichard | Art Director Steve Hughes adhesive-design.co.uk | Accounts Executive Luke Guest 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

The Best UK Stand Up Comedy in Bristol

promotes

Operating since 1994

STAND UP FOR THE WEEKEND TOP UK CIRCUIT STAND UP COMEDIANS IN BRISTOL'S BEST VENUE FOR LIVE COMEDY THE HEN & CHICKEN STUDIO, 210 North St, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1JF

FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER 8PM £15

PHIL

UK T OUR

NICHOL

YOUR WRONG

The wild and wonderful veteran performer Phil Nichol tours his latest acclaimed show. Your Wrong questions the nature of understanding and explores our modern day need to be right about everything. "Not just comedy but soul-quenching storytelling at its finest." EdFestMag

SAT 10 NOVEMBER 8.30PM £12 ADV/ £14 OTD*/ £15 DOOR

TEZ

ILYAS

with MICHAEL FABBRI

Armed with his trademark cheek and uncompromising approach, Tez Ilyas presents his slick, smart and typically subversive stand-up. As seen on BBC2's Mock The Week, Live at the BBC, Channel 4's The Last Leg. "Radiantly entertaining." The Times

SAT 17 NOVEMBER 8.30PM £12 ADV/ £14 OTD*/ £15 DOOR

STUART GOLDSMITH

with ANDREA HUBERT

Comedian's Comedian Podcast host and "expert stand-up" (The Times) Stuart Goldsmith, marries pitch-perfect audience repartee with cleverly woven tales of the everyday. A consummate comedian with charm to spare. "A master of the form" The Independent

SAT 24 NOVEMBER 8.30PM £12 ADV/ £14 OTD*/ £15 DOOR

RHYS JAMES

with ALISTAIR WILLIAMS

Rhys James is a sickeningly talented young stand-up. He's a super-sharp writer, with a ton of smart, intricately-written jokes and stories where you're never more than a few seconds away from another punchline. "Charismatic, clever and self-aware." The Guardian

SAT 3 NOVEMBER 8.30PM £12 ADV/ £14 OTD*/ £15 DOOR

JARRED CHRISTMAS

with SUZI RUFFELL

Jarred Christmas has a dynamic onstage persona and the ability to improvise and roll with anything that's thrown his way, making his comedy sizzle with originality. "Best of the crop... A fabulously boisterous Kiwi" London Evening Standard

FRIDAY 16 NOVEMBER 8PM £15

JOHN HEGLEY

UK T OUR

NEW & SELECTED

Legendary performance poet John Hegley returns to Bristol for another collection of marvellous poetry, songs and stories. "Scandalously talented" Sunday Times

FRIDAY 23 NOVEMBER 8PM £13

GEOFF NORCOTT

UK T OUR

TRADITIONALISM

The star of BBC2's The Mash Report takes to the road with his latest show. The world is changing at a dizzying rate, and Geoff Norcott is trying to hold modern views, but worries that tradition is becoming a dirty word. "Repeatedly and satirically incisive" The Scotsman

FRIDAY 30 NOVEMBER 8.30PM £15.50 UK TOUR

DANIEL SLOSS

SOLD OU X

Don't miss the stunning new show from Scotland's internationally acclaimed and award-winning comedy star, Daniel Sloss, who is fast becoming one of the world's biggest comedy names! Still just 27, this is his incredible 10th solo show. "Simply world classÖ hilarious" Herald Sun, Australia

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

See more / book online: THECOMEDYBOX.CO.UK

18 // HIGHLIGHTS

OCTOBER

HIGHLIGHTS Words: Abi Lewis

1. SNAZZBACK

Bristol’s favourite jazz collective return to their residential home at The Gallimaufry, for a month of jamming out your favourite sounds and the exploration of Caribbean, Scandinavian and Brazilian sounds in their live Global Groove Sessions. 1, 5 & 29 Nov // 9pm – 11pm // Free // The Gallimaufry

2. DR SYNTAX & PETE CANNON

Two of the best names in UK hip hop have come together again to create another banger of an album. Their new release ‘Let’s Talk’ combines Syntax’s witty lyricism and Cannon’s production finesse like no other. Check out their new material live on stage, plus support from Datkid and DJ Fingerfood. 2 Nov // 8.30pm – 2am // £4 // The Attic Bar

3. IN:MOTION / THE BLAST HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL OF THE DEAD 2018 Get your favourite Halloween costume ready and head down to Motion for a heavyweight line up you won’t want to miss out on. Featuring, ShyFX, Casisdead and Dynamite MC to name a few. Plus, special guests Children of Zeus. Let’s face it, The Blast know how to celebrate Halloween in style. 3 Nov // 10pm – 6am // £23.50 - £27.50 // Motion

4. CANTEEN JAZZ SESSION

If you fancy yourself some live jazz to kick off your week, then head on down to The Canteen for their lively open jazz jam session. Led by saxophone hero Craig Crofton and guests, the band explore classic jazz and Latin tunes, handpicked by the trio. 5 Nov // 9.30pm – 1am // Free // The Canteen

5. THE BETHS

Deadpunk Promotions presents the high-energy rock-pop four-piece The Beths to Exchange this month, all the way from Auckland, New Zealand. After being friends for many years, the sound this friendship group make will make you wish you were part of their friendship group too. Plus, support from Bedford Falls and Slagheap. 5 Nov // 8pm – 11pm // £8 // Exchange

6. ROCKIT SCIENCE

If you fancy a free boogie and a bar stocked with your favourite tipple then look no further. Rockit Science will be taking over No 51 this month for an evening of eclectic hip hop, funk and disco. 6 Nov // 10pm – 3am // Free // No 51 Stokes Croft

7. KIN

Introducing a brand new event from the makers of Shambala Festival, KIN. Jam packed with eclectic content across the four day period, including the premiere of Black Mother that explores cultural identity, glorious photography from Monika Bulaj, a wild art-house party and much more. 8-11 Nov // £15 - £25 per day or night // Arnolfini

8. COLSTON HALL PRESENTS: GEORGIA ANNE MULDROW

Avant-garde and jazz MC, Georgia Anne Muldrow deserves your full attention. Taking the two worlds hip hop and psychedelic-jazz to fuse into one, Georgia’s ‘woke’ verses will provide food for thought and a whole lot more. 8 Nov // 8pm – 11pm // £17.44 // Fiddlers

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9. IMMIGRANT SWING

Bristol’s much-loved band Immigrant Swing are back at The Golden Lion to deliver a right old knee’s up for you and your friends. Grab yourself a drink and hit the dancefloor for an evening of fun and good vibes. 9 Nov // 10pm – 1am // Free // The Golden Lion

10. HOLY MOLY & THE CRACKERS

Travelling all the way from Newcastle to charm the socks off Bristol, Holy Moly & The Crackers are a treat for the ears you won’t want to miss. In just two years this band has managed to write and release a critically acclaimed album, earning the title ‘hardest working band’. 9 Nov // 10pm – 1am // £8 // Old Market Assembly

11. SALUTE THE SUN + NEPO TEMKO + MR FITZ

Bristol based alternative band Salute the Sun will be taking centre stage at Mr Wolfs this month for an evening of foot tapping entertainment from the local treasures. Plus, support from Nepo Temko and Mr Fitz on the decks ‘til late. 9 Nov // 7.30pm – 11pm // £3 - 4 // Mr Wolfs

12. PSYCHED PRESENTS: STAND HIGH PATROL

The Stand High Patrol are set to take over this month’s highly anticipated Psyched night at Lakota. Featuring Pupajim, Rootystep, Mac Gyver this collective are some of the finest names in the French dub scene. 10 Nov // 10pm – 5am // £12 - £15 // Lakota

13. FAUX FURR & BIG KNICKERS: DRAG QUEEN KARAOKE

Grab your heels and your sparkly gown and head on down to Brisco for drag queen karaoke, performance and games. Hosted by the sassy Sally Savage, this brand spanking new event aims to showcase lip syncs, alternative art, burlesque and more! 11 Nov // 8pm – 12am // Free // Brisco

14. MACMILLAN FEST 2018

Macmillan Fest is set to return to Bristol for its fourth year this month, this time taking over some of Bristol’s most treasured music venues. Join in the fundraising festivities at The Fleece, with a line up featuring Bleed from Within, Vola, Valis Ablaze and more. 11 Nov // 12.30pm – 10pm // £16.50 // The Fleece

15. EZRA COLLECTIVE

Ezra Collective sounds give the gentle nod to classic jazz, whilst celebrating the contemporary and vigorous sound coming out of the UK today. Witness their stunning live show at The Fleece this November to warm your heart and musical soul. 13 Nov // 7pm – 10pm // £13 // Thekla

16. GOGO PENGUIN

Manchester-based leftfield piano trio GoGo Penguin are heading to SWX this month to showcase their hypnotic sounds of rock infused jazz and minimalism. Music that’s truly for the heart. Plus, support from Andreya Triana. 14 Nov // 7.30pm – 10.30pm // £18.50 // SWX

17. COLSTON HALL PRESENTS: MADELINE KENNEY

Singer songwriter Madeline Kenney brings a certain sparkle to her eclectic shoe-gazer style. With her compelling humour and beautiful energy, this Pacific Northwest raised performer will captivate you with her emotive lyricism. 14 Nov // 7.30pm – 11pm // £8.18 // Rough Trade

18. KURUPT FM: THE LAST TOUR EVER (PROBABLY)

Coinciding with the final series of the critically acclaimed tv sensation ‘People Just Do Nothing’, the boys will be hitting the road one last time for their last ever tour… probably. Come and witness the mayhem live before it’s too late. 16 Nov // 6.30pm – 10pm // £23 // O2 Academy Bristol

20 // HIGHLIGHTS

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OCTOBER

HIGHLIGHTS 19. ALFRESCO DISCO: ULTRAVIOLET

Temple has proven to be a huge success and the next instalment of Alfresco Disco’s latest series will be just as mesmeric. Come and explore their new temporary venue and engage in rhythmic rituals. 17 Nov // 3pm – 12am // £22.50 // Temple

20. BANG

Bang is back at To The Moon this month to bring a vinyl only set of all things indie, northern soul, ska, punk and a whole lot more. Get ready to hit the dancefloor. 17 Nov // 8pm – 12am // Free // To The Moon

21. 1985 MUSIC

1985 Music is the beautifully niche event set up by Alix Perez for anyone who loves the forward-thinking electronic music ranging from 170 / 85 BPM. This platform is set to deliver sets from some of the finest names in electronic music, including SpectraSoul and Monty. 17 Nov // 10pm – 4am // £17.50 // Trinity

22. CHARMPIT + WOLF GIRL + CAT APOSTROPHE + MORE

Head on down to Exchange for an evening of great live music and disco tunes til the early hours. Featuring sets from lo-fi punk group Charmpit, melodic queer bangers from Wolf Girl and much more. 17 Nov // 8pm – 2am // £6 // Exchange

23. THE CAT EMPIRE

Witness the vibrant energy from one of the greatest party bands live at O2 Academy this November. After travelling the world for over a decade with their blend of ska meets jazz, the Melbourne based band know how to deliver a good show. 18 Nov // 7pm – 10pm // £28 // O2 Academy Bristol

24. BABII

BABii delivers the bitter-sweet tone of playful beats accompanied by her sincere verses about brutal reality of relationships and the world. Her electronic music is infectiously thought-provoking and will be beauty to see live. 19 Nov //8pm – 10.30pm // £4 // Crofters Rights

25. NUALA HONAN + LORI CAMPBELL

Nuala Honan has returned back to the spotlight to deliver new material. Her voice still captures that same charm you first fell in love with, but this singer is ready to take it to the next level with a little less string and a little more noise. Plus, Lori Campbell. 20 Nov // 9pm – 11pm // Free // The Gallimaufry

26. ONLY GIRL

The warm, velvety vocals from Only Girl will raise the hairs on the back of your neck and lure you in for more. Witness a truly special and better yet free performance from Only Girl as she celebrates the release of her latest EP on Lemon Records. 22 Nov // 7pm – 10pm // Free // Hy-Brasil

27. NATTY: 10TH ANNIVERSARY

As if it’s been ten years since Natty hit the music scene with his first album ‘Man Like I’?! To celebrate the iconic artists success, Natty and his live band will be performing some of his old classics with a remixed twist to accompany his limited-edition release. 22 Nov // 7pm – 11pm // £15 // Trinity

HIGHLIGHTS // 21

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28. THE LEVELLERS

30 years on and folk-punk legends The Levellers still know how to deliver a phenomenal live show. To celebrate their 30th anniversary, the band are touring around to perform electric classics from the past three decades. 23 Nov // 6.30pm – 10pm // £31.45 // O2 Academy Bristol

29. KENNY DOPE GONZALES

Get ready to welcome Brooklyn’s very own legend, Kenny ‘Dope’ Gonzalez as part of Christmas at the Spiegeltent. This is a rare opportunity to party with the four-time Grammy nominated legend and dance to a huge line-up featuring Deli G and Ben Daley, Adres Cervero and more. 23 Nov // 8pm – 2am // £22.50 // Christmas at the Spiegeltent

30. HOUSE OF DISCO: INCLUSION

Get ready for an evening of glitz and sparkle from the House of Disco family. With drag, crowd interaction and even glitter cannons, expect a feast for your eyes and ears. Line up includes Jon Pleased Wimmin, Paul Bleasdale, Btch Please, Disco Stu and more. 24 Nov // 10am – 4am // £10-£12 // Basement 45

31. MEDICINE BOY + BLACK DOLDRUMS

Lysergic Limes are teaming up with BLG Promotions this month to present psychedelic South African duo Medicine Boy as part of their new series of freebies. Joined by Black Doldrums. 25 Nov // 8pm – 12am // Free // The Lanes

32. KOJAQUE

The name Kojaque is on a lot of people’s tongues at the moment and now is your chance to find out why. This Dublin based artist has been on the hip hop scene for the past three years, and now he is ready to share his music nationwide on his first UK tour. 27 Nov // 9pm – 12.30am // £6 // Crofters Rights

33. BIRDLAND KISSA

On The Corner Records very own Charles Vaughan is set to give Bristol a memorable evening of jazz, soul and funk DJs where beautiful sounds are shared to like-minded people who truly appreciate music. 27 Nov // 10pm – 3am // Free // No 51 Stokes Croft

34. SUNFLOWER BEAN

After riding the wave of success after their debut album, Sunflower Bean return with their second album ‘Made For Today’. To celebrate the release, the rock-pop infused band are taking to the SWX stage to showcase new material. 29 Nov // 7pm – 11pm // £13.50 // SWX

35. THE KENDRICK LAMAR ENSEMBLE

After touring their sell-out Daft Punk Reworks show, Beyond Collective are back to bring you The Kendrick Lamar Ensemble. Any Kendrick Lamar fan should be grabbing their tickets for this one, as the show promises to deliver all of the hip hop icons greatest hits with a complete live horn section. 30 Nov // 7pm – 10pm // Trinity Centre

36. SIEGFRIED TRANSLATOR

Now this is going to be special. To The Moon welcome Siegfried Translator for an evening of Asian, middle eastern, African records, with a hint of psychedelic oddities thrown in to the mix. 30 Nov // 8pm - // Free // To The Moon

22 // COMPETITION

Khali photography

Win tickets • Win tickets • Win tickets

competition

TiD x Deep Medi: The Weekender MALA • J.SPARROW • TIPPA IRIE • DUBKASM • KAHN • KAIJU competition To celebrate the biggest sound system night of the year, we’re giving away two pairs of tickets to Teachings in Dub x Deep Medi: The Weekender.

Khali photography

Deep Medi and Bristol sound system institution Teachings in Dub will be coming together under one roof once again at Trinity on 23 and 24 November, powered by the mighty Mungo’s Hi Fi.

Bringing together the chest rattling worlds of dub and dubstep, the two-night lineup includes J.Sparrow, Kahn, Compa, Kaiju, Tippa Irie, Mungo’s Hi Fi, and many more – plus, of course, a double helping from Deep Medi boss Mala and TiD founder Stryda with Dubkasm. For your chance to win a pair of tickets, head to nitelifeonline.com/win/theweekender2018 before 16 November.

PROFILES // 23

profile - incoming

Helen Maycock

profile - HOMEGROWN

Snazzback

J.Sparrow

One of the best things about Bristol’s music scene is its beautifully collaborative spirit. 2018 has delivered us another synergetic project from some familiar faces across Bristol’s jazz, soul, hip hop and funk scenes: Snazzback. Featuring the mesmerising vocals of China Bowls, eight-piece band Snazzback meld together their talents and influences with free improv sensibilities and natural stage chemistry to create something truly special. Formed in 2016, busking on the streets of Bristol, Snazzback have already racked up some serious support slots and a residency at Gallimaufry, not to mention two album releases and a UK tour. Following the release of their second album Hedge via Astral Tusk last month, we asked Snazzback to answer our 10 questions. Always striving to be more than the sum of their parts, they answered collaboratively, to give us a snapshot of who Snazzback are collectively...

Leeds-based producer Ryan Wild AKA J.Sparrow (formerly Jack Sparrow) creates deeply atmospheric dubstep with intelligent forays across the spectrum of sound system music, from techno to reggae. He’s also one half of jazz-inflected dubstep project Author, with Submotion Orchestra’s Dom Howard AKA Ruckspin. J.Sparrow’s excellent debut album Circadian, released on Pinch’s Tectonic in 2010, gave us an early insight into the darker, experimentalist nature of the relatively new-on-thescene producer. He’s since notched up two releases on Mala’s benchmark dubstep label Deep Medi, as well as his dub-laden This is a Sound for ZamZam Sounds last year. J.Sparrow will be representing Deep Medi at Trinity this month, alongside a slew of dubstep and reggae all stars in the fourth annual edition of Teachings in Dub x Deep Medi: The Weekender.

Band

Producer

Upcoming shows: 23 & 24 November – TiD x Deep Medi: The Weekender, Trinity Centre

THOSE QUESTIONS...

1. What have you learned today? J Dilla IS the greatest.

6. What was the last book you read? The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami.

1. What have you learned today? A group of cats is called a ‘clowder’.

2. Favourite track of all time? Ruins by Portico Quartet.

7. Favourite thing on TV? How It’s Made, Tiny Desk and Bowjack Horseman.

3. It’s 3am and the party is winding down, what track do you play to get everyone going again? Too many answers for everyone to agree!

8. Are you afraid of anything? Falling over and breaking a leg, knee or neck.

2. Favorite track of all time? It’s really not possible for me to name one. Highlights include Gustav Holst – The Planets, The Prodigy – Music for the Jilted Generation and Leftfield – Rhythm and Stealth.

4. Who are your top three acts right now? Hippo, 5K HD, Waldo’s Gift and Holysseus Fly. 5. If you couldn’t work in music, what would you be doing instead? Making short films about a really cute hunchback granny and her walking stick’s adventures.

9. Tell us something people don’t know about you... We use the word ‘shrimp’ as a verb. 10. What are you doing tomorrow? Driving to Bournemouth to play at 60 Million Postcards and busk on the seafront.

3. It’s 3am and the party is winding down, what track do you play to get everyone going again? At the last night I played in Leeds at around 3.30am I went into a little soul and funk section, starting with Curtis Mayfield – Pusherman and people went crazy. It’s nice to play for real appreciators of music 4. Who are your top three acts right now? My recent most played are Monolake, Floating Points and Osunlade.. It changes every week! 5. If you couldn’t work in music, what would you be doing instead? Archeologist, Psychologist or Historian (Civilization and Architecture).

snazzback.com // @snazzback

6. What was the last book you read? David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell – all about the underdogs and misfits. 7. Favourite thing on TV? I don’t watch much TV, but I really enjoy the Joe Rogan podcast series on YouTube. I watched Love Island with my mum when she stayed once and kept on watching it... I was interested in the dynamic between general public and the contestants. 8. Are you afraid of anything? I used to be terrified of flying, so I learnt to fly a plane so I knew what procedures the pilot was doing and statistics of flying, etc.. It went away. Other than that, I really don’t like spiders. 9. Tell us something people don’t know about you... I am vegetarian, have three cats and have applied to be on Countdown three times. 10. What are you doing tomorrow? I need to do something nice for the Mrs... She’s been really an absolute queen recently. Something food related.

soundcloud.com/j-sparrow // @JackSparrowDubstep

24 // LOCAL TALENT

LOCAL TALENT

CHIKAYA

Bristol-based vocalist Chiyaka dropped her stunning Descend EP this summer. The six-track EP creates a unique depth of space with floating ballads that Chikaya calls ‘cosmic trap’. The EP been receiving love from Bristol and beyond, with Instagram support from Tricky and getting the top spot on Jamz Supernova’s Top 5 EPs on Radio 1Xtra. Working with a ghost producer, who remains anonymous by choice, Chikaya’s vocals intertwine so harmoniously with the production that it’s hard to separate the two, with both elements giving each other plenty of room to breathe, whilst simultaneously enhancing the other. This is not a vocalist singing over a prescribed track, this is poetry.

This is not a vocalist singing over a prescribed track, this is poetry ‘I love the word cosmic, because it’s a limitless word and it gives me the freedom to explore’ says Chikaya. ‘Maybe in the future it will be cosmic soul or cosmic R&B, but at the moment I’m really loving the dynamic. The relationship me and my producer have is so perfect. We work really well together and it’s so easy. ‘ Chikaya actually comes from an acoustic background, although the cosmic element has always been a huge part of her sound. Turning to piano first as a way to relieve the boredom of being grounded, Chikaya later picked up a guitar (which she calls Bertie) and began developing the sound that

she would later refine with the help of a producer. ‘I struggled for a long time because I did not know how to play. I went to a couple of lessons but I wasn’t interested in learning Wonderwall, so I just struggled on until I could come up with something that sounded good. I would always just play in this weird way where everything would sound quite big and atmospheric – I never did plucking or anything. I’ve always like the idea of music sounding quite floaty and twinkly. ‘I started to feel the limitations of acoustic music, so when I was about 18 I started venturing into different genres and seeking different styles of music that I could sing on. I actually worked with Bristol producer Notion and he introduced me to lots of different underground music that I hadn’t been exposed to. I started getting into that scene, but I reverted back to acoustic, because I knew inside that it wasn’t quite me – and it had to be me, even if it was just crummy guitar playing, otherwise it didn’t feel right. People do music for different reasons, but my reason is that this is how I express myself.’ However, Chikaya is happy to have been able to put the guitar down again, after finally hitting her stride with her current producer and their take on trap. Although they still do every part of the process side by side, they’ve developed a near psychic connection when it comes to the work they do together. ‘I love bass music, Bristol is full of it’ she says. ‘Trap is a good place for me. It’s really upbeat, you can let go to it, I love performing it, I can dance around and I love when people

are dancing with me. And then adding my own elements – atmospheric, floaty music – on top of this quite heavy bass music, it works perfectly for me. It just sounds like me, it sounds like Chikaya. ‘I used to get my keyboard out and come up with ideas, so my producer got an idea of what I really, really liked. Eventually it got to the point where he would be doing a couple of of keys on the keyboard and I could say “yep, that’s it” or “nah, change it up”. We work so well and move so quickly together because he just grasps completely what I envisioned for myself.

we’re building together and that’s really important because support is everything ‘In the past, I’ve been sent samples and we’ve kept it in the virtual world and that’s meant that creatively it’s not really there for me. With the relationship I have with my producer now, he sits next to me and we work it all out together. He’s got his laptop, I’ve got mine. I’ll usually come up with the hook quite quickly and we’ll get that down after a few chords have been written on the keyboard.’ Although Chikaya began experimenting in the local music scene when she moved to Bristol over four years ago, she says that she really struggled to find her footing here. She took some time away and moved to London for a change of scene,

LOCAL TALENT // 25

but luckily Chikaya returned to the South West and this time, things were different. ‘I needed to get away from Bristol for a bit, because I was struggling to find my sound. I needed to go to a different place, be in a different scene and see what I could do there. But I decided to come back and it was a really, really wise decision, because that’s when things started to really change for me. ‘I think it was getting a little bit older and realising I hadn’t really immersed myself in the city as much as I could have done. I also hadn’t really found my girlfriends and they’re the best thing that’s come out of being in Bristol. My two girls Tiff and Sasha, who started the Concrete Jungyals collective, I met them when I came back from London and everything started to change after that. We started to grow together; we’re building together and that’s really important, because support is everything.’ A combination of meeting the right people and a synergetic

working relationship have allowed Chikaya to not just find her sound, but to amplify it. She’s been playing more live shows, with a gig coming up this month at Corner 77 on Stokes Croft, and she’s proud to have Descend out there.

you’ve got to just let go at some point and say, this is good. I believe in this ‘I can’t speak for everyone, but I know a lot of artists, myself included, are just super microanalytical about these little details and it can prevent you from actually just going ahead and clicking the upload button. It’s a real tragedy because a lot of music doesn’t get heard because of it. I know musicians who have got some amazing music that will never see the

light of day, because for whatever reason, that person or those people have gone too into themselves or decided that it doesn’t deserve to be shared – and it’s absolutely not the case. ‘I was terrified to start uploading music, but you’ve got to just let go at some point and say, this is good. I believe in this. I sound like this. This is my thing, this is my art, this is my creation. People might like this, people might resonate with this and it needs to be shared. You’re only going to get better if you actively put your stuff out there. I’ve got a lot better in the last year, my music, my voice – everything. I know I’ve improved and I know I’ll keep improving.’

Words: Rachel Morris Photos: Dominika Scheibinger 29 November – Chikaya, Corner 77 soundcloud.com/chikayaofficial @ChikayaOfficial

T H E B E ST I N JA Z Z, ELECTRONICA, H I P H O P A N D B E YO N D

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28 // THE INFLUENCERS

THE INFLUENCERS // BEHIND THE SCENES WITH

JORDAN DAVIES: BLAZEY BODYNOD Jordan Davies AKA Blazey Bodynod has been behind the decks pioneering the local grime scene for almost two decades. He was one of the very first in the city to fly the flag for grime and garage sounds, both as a DJ and promoter, and it’s easy to trace the influence he’s had on today’s increasingly healthy grime scene. Despite the vast changes within the scene over the years, Blazey has always had his finger firmly on the pulse. He had a hand in Bristol’s first large-scale, sell-out grime event back in 2014. Now that the music has a solid footing here in Bristol, his eyes are turned inwardly, doing what he can to make sure that Bristol grime talent is getting their fair share of the noise. Bristol born and bred, Blazey is widely acknowledged for his dedication to the local music scene. From cofounding the now-legendary Subloaded with Pinch, which became one of the most influential club nights in Bristol’s history, to his infamous Bodynod nights, this DJ and promoter is a bonified grime scene heavyweight.

Wherever the hype, Blazey was always in the eye of the storm As time moves forward, so does Jordan’s ambitions. These days, Blazey has found his feet in the new role of artist management to a generation of upcoming South West grime stars, including rising Danny Uzi Vert producer Sir Hiss and prolific Bristol MC Jay0117, who just dropped his new Slix EP last month. Nitelife sat down with the local legend to learn about his new management role away from his decks and get his view on Bristol’s current grime scene. Blazey first began DJing as a late teen after falling in love with raves, but little did he know the impact this would make on the local music scene. In 2004, he cofounded Subloaded, a ‘pinnacle event that changed Bristol’ and the subject of countless documentaries and articles that trace Bristol’s evolution of sound and its influence on the UK music scene as a whole. The concept was to celebrate the chest-ratting sound of grime and dubstep, and outdates London’s worldfamous DMZ nights. His own Bodynod nights followed from 2013, with the unforgettable sell-out Bodynod x Tropical event with JME, Skepta and Plastician at Motion back in 2014. Wherever the hype, Blazey was always in the eye of the storm. After taking some time out to play dad, Blazey has returned to his passion, but this time working behind the scenes to push a new generation forward. Taking on the role of artist management, Blazey hopes to channel his goal-driven energy to the next crop of South West grime artists. ‘Jay and Sir Hiss roped me into it initially’ he says. ‘They both came to me at the same time asking for my help. I’ve always had a vision for Jay and Sir Hiss though, so it’s nice to see them going in the right direction. ‘I want Sir Hiss to be making beats for some of the biggest artists in the UK. He laughs when I talk about it, but I think it’s possible. He’s just released an EP with Manga and his monthly listeners on Spotify went from 3,000 up to 30,000 in two weeks. The momentum’s already there, I’m just here to seek out opportunities

for the artist and grab them. I’m not babysitting these artists, I’m just giving them creative ideas on where they could go.’ Recognising how tough it is for younger artists to break through, Blazey has adopted the wise-man role and decided to lend a helping hand to artists who are looking for the support and encouragement they deserve. ‘There’s a certain section of the Bristol underground scene who find it hard to break through. There’s no one really out there offering support and I know if I was a 19-year-old producer I’d feel intimidated by the whole situation. I just feel like there should be more of us out there offering support. It’s good to help each other and help build the local industry. ‘I’m not just offering out support for my crew either, this is an open source thing for anyone to get involved in. There are no barriers in music.’ A year in to his new role and the Bristol grime guru has taken on a mission to not only help artists under his wing, but to change the perception of Bristol’s music scene outside of our creative microcosm. ‘Let me ask you this, how is it that an artist from Birmingham can come to Bristol and put on a sell-out

positives coming out of Bristol’s creative community at the moment, including the growing number of femaleled music collectives and artists crossing boundaries to create something totally original.

We need new people to come through. If people ask what the Bristol sound is, I want to hear people say Jay0117 or Sir Hiss ‘Big respect to the women’s movement in Bristol, like SisterWorks and Concrete Jungyals. Women are just doing their thing right now. The reason why I think it’s all so sick is because people are taking them seriously – like they should. ‘There is so much exciting stuff going on in Bristol and so many unturned rocks that need to be celebrated. Just the other day, for instance, I met a group who fuse together metal and trap music. How mad is that?

how is it that an artist from Birmingham can come to Bristol and put on a sell-out show at O2 Academy, but there hasn’t been a single Bristol artist involved in the local urban music industry to sell out a show at O2 Academy in Birmingham? Everybody is selling us their music, so why aren’t we selling them ours? show at O2 Academy, but there hasn’t been a single Bristol artist involved in the local urban music industry to sell out a show at O2 Academy in Birmingham? Everybody is selling us their music, so why aren’t we selling them ours? ‘I want people to look at Bristol and think there’s actually stuff going on. We need to start thinking locally, but start acting globally to make that happen.’ As we continue to talk, Jordan mentions ‘that’ infamous TV interview with Tricky when the artist controversially called Bristol’s music scene a ‘fairy tale’. ‘I messaged Tricky shortly after that interview came out. I showed him Jay and Sir Hiss’ music and he was blown away. He realised there was something happening in Bristol after all, it’s just not talked about enough. I don’t think it was a bad thing what he originally said in the interview, he was basically saying we could be doing so much better. ‘Whenever the press mention the “Bristol sound”, chances are they will be talking about Massive Attack, Tricky and Portishead. I can’t be telling a 20-year-old grime fan to go and listen to Massive Attack. ‘We need new people to come through. If people ask what the Bristol sound is, I want to hear people say Jay0117 or Sir Hiss. I don’t want people to say it’s Massive Attack anymore, it’s just boring and dated.’ It’s not just the local grime scene that Blazey wants to shout about, going on to talk about some of the huge

‘There is so much to be commemorated in Bristol’s music scene and we need to be shouting it from the rooftops. Bristol has what it takes, we just need to make Bristol’s urban music scene relevant again.’ Things are certainly stirring for the two main acts currently under Blazey’s wing, Sir Hiss and Jay0117, who are getting slots on massive lineups around the country and whose releases are starting to get the attention they deserve. From his sell-out Danny Uzi Vert / Taj Mahal release on Infernal Sounds last year, to recently playing in Manchester amongst 140bpm royal blood: Mala and Coki, Loefah, Sir Spyro, Commodo, Joker and Bukez Finezt; Sir Hiss has already been earmarked as one of his generation’s best. Jay0117 is fast becoming one of Bristol’s best-known MCs, now into his fifth release on his own CheeseAndBread imprint. It’s reassuring for musicians and fans alike to have someone like Blazey at the helm of what he hopes will be a golden era for local grime talent. He was here at the beginning to help push it through, and you only have to look at Blazey’s track record to know that he’s got an ear for big things to come.

Words: Abi Lewis Tintype photography: Martin Thompson //@thefacecollective @Bodynod

THE INFLUENCERS // 29

A proper party for proper party people - Jazzie B (Soul II Soul)

That gig is one I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be forgetting, bloody hell that was good! - Mark Archer (Altern8)

Good Times in the Somerset countryside - Norman Jay MBE

This is without doubt our favourite boutique festival - Stanton Warriors

May 23-26, 2019. Gilcombe Farm, Bruton, Somerset. Tickets from ÂŁ115. www.shindigfestival.co.uk

36 // PREVIEW

PREVIEW

Emily Dennison

GOGO PENGUIN

Manchester-based trio GoGo Penguin have been plotting an uncharted course through new musical territory since the release of their debut album Fanfares via Gondwana Records in 2013. Toying with people’s musical expectations ever since, the band have been making waves in the contemporary British jazz scene as they continue to effortlessly transcend the boundaries of genre by seamlessly fusing the traditions of modern jazz with those of contemporary classical and electronic compositions. Their unique and innovative sound flirts with a myriad of influences ranging from rock and jazz to minimalism, game soundtracks and glitchy electronica. Clearly doing something right, the band’s second album v2.0 was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2014, which led to them being signed to iconic jazz label Blue Note Records, famous for its groundbreaking recordings by artists such as John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Joe Henderson, Herbie Hancock and Sonny Rollins, to name but a few. To say this was a huge breakthrough for the band is an understatement, as they began to gain recognition from some big names in the business such as Gilles Peterson and Jamie Cullum, earning them a level of popularity that few of their contemporaries have achieved. Rapturous responses hailed from all four corners of the globe, including The New York Times who named them as one of the 12 best bands at SXSW festival in 2017, proving that they’re just at home performing to muddy festival goers as jazz fans.

Brimming with sonic ambition, the trio released their hotly anticipated fourth album A Humdrum Star earlier this year, alongside a UK tour that stops into Bristol’s SWX on 14 November. Nitelife had the pleasure of chatting to pianist Chris about the album and its influences, as well as what’s in store for 2019. With its predecessors having set the bar pretty damn high, we were nothing but excited to hear what this new release had to offer. The album’s title takes inspiration from American astrophysicist Carl Sagan’s TV Series Cosmos, the quote reads:

One track on the album (...) was inspired by a dream that I kept having a few years ago about playing chess against a raisin ‘We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people.’ Sagan illustrates just how vast our universe is and, by extension, how insignificant our daily trials and tribulations seem to be. Taking inspiration from this deeper perspective

on life, the album’s trance-like state induced by fast-paced rhythms, syncopated piano lines and cosmic atmospheric sounds guides the listener into a music-led journey like no other. ‘We thought it was really beautiful how he talked about this huge, powerful immense thing’, Chris explains, ‘that can give light to the planet and means so much to us, yet at the same time, it’s just a tiny dot in the sky like any other star. Depending on where you are and where you’re looking from it can be two completely different things. So, it was kind of that idea that overarches the album, with each track having its own individual background and story. ‘One track on the album called Raven’, Chris continues, ‘was inspired by a dream that I kept having a few years ago about playing chess against a raisin. No idea where it came from or what it really means’ he says laughing, ‘but it was just really vivid and really spoke to me, so I wrote this little sketch using lots of synths and electric drums and we started the track from there. ‘Transient State is based on an experience that I had in Tokyo a few years ago when we travelled with the band’, says Chris. ‘It was just a completely new experience for me, somewhere totally different to anywhere I’d been before. We barely have any time on tour to do any sightseeing, but I had one day where I tried to pack as much as I could in and it was about those experiences. It’s about never being in one place very long, a transient state, you’re always changing, always moving.

PREVIEW // 37 I think that really represents how we are on tour. It’s very exciting and fun but at the same time it’s very tiring and you miss home and your family. So, there is a flip side to it and, again, this ties in with dual perspectives and Carl Sagan’s quote about the humdrum star.’ With the album rooted in this idea of dual perspectives, Chris explains that during its process the band explored how two different people might perceive or interpret the same situation in different ways and how this can be affected by factors such as your background, culture, opinions, experiences; ‘You know, an argument can happen because two people have different opinions about the same thing and people can have different views and beliefs and cultures even though they exist in the same space in the country or the world. We love the fact that people can interpret music how they want, so we experience this multiple perspective concept all the time. There might be someone who experiences a track that makes them feel happy, whereas someone else may feel tense or anxious.’ Consisting of pianist Chris, bassist Nick and drummer Rob, the band is an eclectic cocktail of varying musical interests, yet, similar to their previous albums, they make sure everything is written together. Chris comes from more of a classical background, whereas Rob has done quite a lot of jazz and is very much into his electronica. Nick also draws upon a jazz background, but is also very into hip hop.

Their unique and innovative sound flirts with a myriad of influences ranging from rock and jazz to minimalism, game soundtracks and glitchy electronica ‘We tend to argue’, says Chris, ‘they’re not really arguments – that’s the wrong word – disputes is better. We are very different people and we’ve come from very different backgrounds, so it’s inevitable that at times we’ll agree and other times we’ll disagree. Also, as there is three of us you get that weird time where two people will like an idea and the other person won’t. It can be tricky one, but it seems to come together quite naturally.

In contrast to their previous albums’ recording process, the outfit ensured that for their fourth studio album they would be recorded solely in their hometown of Manchester. Normally, the trio would venture to a recording studio in Wales, but for A Humdrum Star, the trio were able to stay in their homes with their family and were able to stay in the studio for as long as they liked. This enabled the band to have more of an organic approach to the album, as they gained more autonomy. ‘We were definitely more liberated with this album, for sure, which enabled us to make it as organic as possible. v2.0 was exciting because Nick had just joined, but it felt more like a practice run to us all really, it was the first one we made and we were still learning how to play together. v2.0 felt quite fun and easy in comparison to Man Made Objects when we had just signed with Blue Note, and were putting a lot of pressure on ourselves. They were very encouraging and really positive about having us as part of their team, but obviously it was such a big deal for us, three guys from the North of England having the opportunity to be a part of a label like that was quite a shock and we were massively humbled.’ Not only do GoGo Penguin have four impressive studio albums to their name, they are also well known for their truly compelling live shows and it’s fair to say that they’re up there with some of the best music projects in the contemporary scene. Though unlike many live bands, the trio don’t have a frontman and play collectively on stage. I asked Chris if this impacted their ability to connect to their audience; ‘We’ve heard a lot of people say that they love the fact that their attention is drawn constantly to different points within the band when we perform live. We make sure that everything that we’ve included tries to create this bigger thing, rather than being about one person. People say it’s more exciting having your attention pulled in so many different directions and not necessarily knowing where some of the sound is coming from.’ GoGo Penguin might not have a leading man or lady, but they certainly make up for this in other areas. They work closely with their light engineer Lewis Howell, who travels with them on tour to create stunning light shows that enhance the trio’s performances, making the whole experience completely mesmerising.

Yvonne Schmedemann

‘One person might bring an idea to the table, but we’ll then develop that idea together,’ Chris continues, ‘we want to make sure that our music is the sum of what we can do together as three individuals and three very different people – this unique thing that sounds like GoGo Penguin.’

‘It’s a big part of our live shows and really adds something to the performance,’ Chris explains, ‘because we know that we’re not the most exciting three people to look at on stage – it’s about the music that we play.’ A Humdrum Star could scarcely come at a more opportune time for British jazz. Countless press inches have been afforded to the scene’s so-called resurgence, with new prominence given to a fresh generation of musicians, with the likes of Yussef Kamaal, Alfa Mist and Ezra Collective.

we want to make sure that our music is the sum of what we can do together as three individuals and three very different people ‘I think it’s great that people are starting to explore a little bit more musically’, says Chris, ‘we’ve been asked a lot about the genre and what we class ourselves as and how we feel about being classed as jazz and things like that. To be honest, we’ve never thought of ourselves as a jazz band, we obviously know that there are elements of jazz in there, but we’re just a band. ‘I think it’s great that all these acts are coming along that are breaking down those boundaries that were created by genre and we definitely have people coming to our gigs that say they don’t really like jazz, but they like what we are playing

and that’s great. Alternatively there are people who are into all kinds off jazz that also enjoy what we do, so it’s meaning that more people can listen to more music and I think that’s a healthy thing – exploring more and trying more things and not being too limited in what they experience in terms of any kind of art.’ The band will be stopping into Bristol’s SWX on 14 November to perform the new album, alongside some previous material and, of course, their infamous light show courtesy of Lewis Howell. ‘We’ll be playing plenty of the new album, but also some of the old stuff. We’ve been digging out things that we’ve even forgotten about ourselves. I had to dig out a YouTube video of us to remember how to play one of the tunes, it was so long since we’d played it! It was a bonus track on a Japanese edition, so there are a few things that people probably won’t have heard or expect. ‘We take each gig as it comes, we feed off the audience, which really changes the way that the performance is, as well as the venue. We’re really looking forward to the Bristol show as we’ve had a great time every time we’ve been down there, so it’ll be really cool to come back.’

Words: Georgie Partington Photos: Emily Dennison & Yvonne Schmedemann 14 November – GoGo Penguin, SWX gogopenguin.co.uk

38 // PREVIEW

PREVIEW

KOJEY RADICAL

‘You don’t want the truth, then why you ask me?’ rasps 360-degree artist Kojey Radical’s If Only, the first single release since his incredible 2017 album In God’s Body. With an astonishing gift for music, poetry, visual arts and fashion, the unsigned, MOBO-nominated artist is one of the most exciting talents to enter the British music scene in a long time. Combining potent lyricism and chill-inducing vocals with genre-fluid beats, truth-telling is at the core of everything Kojey Radical does. Raised in Hoxton, the British-Ghanaian first reached our ears in 2016 with his breakthrough album 23Winters, which earned him two MOBO Award nominations, including Best Newcomer. After losing out to WSTRN and Nadia Rose, Kojey Radical took a small step back to recalibrate. Fortunately, not for too long, however, the false allure of the music industry and all that it promises to an act on the rise is a recurring theme in his music. The latter half of his recent double single release, ’97 / Pure, hones in on this particular event and the song’s overriding message ‘The pure hearted will always prosper’ emblazons the official t-shirts for his Can I Speak tour, coming to Bristol this November. ‘Can I Speak reflects how I’ve been feeling for the last year since I dropped In God’s Body’ Kojey explains. ‘I’ll put something out to the universe and instead of just getting a response for what I’ve said or the actions that I’ve put out into the world, I have to battle against people’s perception of where I’m meant to be or what I’m meant to be doing.

‘It’s people’s opinions constantly, when really it’s just this honest moment, so I’m saying, can I not just do what I’m doing? It’s my voice. Can I not be the person I want to be without having to think about what a million people think – or if a million people are thinking about it?’

you can’t come to school every day trying to be liked or your life will be miserable It’s important to note that Kojey Radical speaks his truth; his lyrics aren’t political, they aren’t telling you what to think. They speak his experiences as a black man, human and artist. An irony is that his words aren’t, or at least shouldn’t be, radical. Though he deals heavily in themes of racism, exoticism and exploitation, Kojey doesn’t see his work as social or political; as he reminds us often with his lyrics, he isn’t here to preach, he’s here to be heard. His name is, in fact, taken from a comic book cover he drew as a child, portraying himself as the eponymous superhero Kojey Radical. Returning to the idea of an exploitative music industry, Kojey explains how he came to terms with being part of a world

that, by nature, commodifies people: ‘I feel like some of it was real, some of it was in my head – the negativity that I felt towards the industry. For a long time, when you’re on the come up and you have so much self belief, hearing no almost feels personal. ‘Though, actually, the way I developed, where I went off and did my own thing and cared about my own space, I realised half the things I thought were industry cosigns or check points that I had to get would come anyway. ‘To be honest, they don’t read as authentic unless they are authentic. So I stopped looking for validation in any way and just did what I wanted to do. If people like it, they’re gonna like it and if they don’t, they’re not going to like it. It is what it is. The industry is the same, they’re either going to like you or not, but you can’t come to school every day trying to be liked or your life will be miserable.’ However he feels about the industry as a whole, Kojey creates a world of like-minded artists where he can exist freely. As well as striking up meaningful music relationships with artists including Ghetts, Mahalia and Poté, who collaborate back and forth on music, Kojey also heads up London media collective PUSHCRAYONS. The creative collective direct most of his music videos, in which they extend a part of this world to those who are paying attention. ‘From our earliest videos, we’ve been building one specific world, one universe’ he explains. ‘I’ve always left Easter eggs in each video that tie with another.’

PREVIEW // 39 Explaining the concept behind their latest video for ’97, he says: ‘We wanted to pair it with, visually, what we see as the polar opposite, which would be 700 Pennies, and take some of the themes from there and further develop them. I’ve always spoken in my music about battling with demons and having my own personal voices in my head, so we wanted a video where it seems like everything in every scene is fine, but it’s not fine. At the end you realise why it’s not fine. It’s taking the most simple concepts sometimes and figuring out the best way to articulate it in a way that allows the audience to fill in certain blanks that, actually, I might not even have discovered yet myself. ‘Even though the song came out a minute ago now, I knew that people were keeping the song alive for me, where I hadn’t necessarily dropped any music of my own because I was doing so many features. So I wanted to give something back to those people who would still message me saying, “yo, coach I play this song every day”. Well I’m like, “if you play it every day I’m going to make a video then, fuck it. It’s coming. Just bear with me.” ‘I like to thank my supporters for being patient, ‘cause lord knows they have been. It’s been a minute since my last anything. I’m surprised every time they do stick with me, but when they do it’s lit. That’s why I can’t wait for the tour.’ He’s not been completely off radar, with four releases in the last year including If Only and 97 / Pure, as well as Water with Mahalia and Swindle in May, and Soak it Up with MJ Cole in July, on top of features for Mahalia, Ghetts, Wretch 32 and more. Kojey has also been announced on a track alongside Maverick Sabre and Kabaka Pyramid on Rudimental’s forthcoming album, Toast to Our Differences. The incredibly successful drum and bass group have achieved nothing less than UK Number One with their first two albums, and signs for a hat trick look promising, with the album’s second single, These Days with Jess Glynne, Macklemore and Dan Caplen, reaching number one in the singles chart. Although he hasn’t dropped much new music himself, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been making any. When we ask hopefully whether a new album is on its way, Kojey says excitedly, ‘Do you feel like it’s album time? Almost, innit, almost. That’s the best way to answer that, it’s almost album time – we’re getting there.’ Fans can definitely expect to hear some new music when Kojey Radical brings his Can I Speak tour to Thekla this November, but more importantly, Kojey’s music takes on a whole other dimension heard live. The emotion and personal experience poured into his music is laid bare in front of your eyes and delivered by a true performer.

you’re not coming to hear me yell over a song you could have played in your bedroom, you’re getting a real show, you’re getting moments you can’t recreate ‘I know what feeling I get from seeing my favourite performers do their thing, people like André 3000, Black Thoughts, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Q-Tip – just real legends of hip hop that perform. When they perform, they put on a show. ‘There is new acts, too, where I love their live show, but I know that they were inspired by their forefathers. It’s about doing the research and reflecting the people that came before us. I guess the future generation know what a good live show is; we grew up watching Michael Jackson do his thing, I want to be that for the younger generation. I’d love to get to the point where my shit’s like Thriller. It’s coming though, it’s coming. ‘Every tour or show we always ring off some new music. I feel like there are some records I’ll have for so long and I don’t know about them until I see what it does to a crowd. So sometimes we like to draw for the ones where it’s like, I love this record, but let me just see... ‘I think that’s what makes the ticket worth it. You know you’re not coming to hear me yell over a song you could have played in your bedroom, you’re getting a real show, you’re getting moments you can’t recreate.’

Words: Rachel Morris 18 November – Kojey Radical, Thekla soundcloud.com/kojeyradical @kojradical

51 stokes croft

40 // 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.

ROCKIT SCIENCE

If you fancy a free boogie and a bar stocked with your favourite tipple then look no further. Rockit Science will be taking over No 51 this month for an evening of eclectic funk and disco.

6 Nov // 10pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3am // Free

BIRDLAND KISSA

27 Nov // 10pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3am // Free

02 academy

VENUES // 41

Frogmore Street, Bristol, BS1 5NA | @o2academybris | facebook.com/o2academybristol | 0905 5020 3999 | o2academybristol.co.uk

The O2 Academy is one of Bristol’s busiest music venues playing host to major touring acts as well as up and coming artists. They’ve established themselves as one of the best venues to catch your favourite bands in the Southwest, while also being home to some of Bristol’s most Notorious Weekly club nights.

KURUPT FM: THE LAST TOUR EVER (PROBABLY)

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

Coinciding with the final series of the critically acclaimed ‘People Just Do Nothing’, the boys will be hitting the road for their last ever tour… probably. Come and witness the mayhem before it’s too late.

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

16 Nov // 6.30pm – 10pm // £23 Thur 1st Nov

Sat 24th Nov • 10pm

Sat 15th Dec

State Champs Fri 2nd Nov • 6.30pm

Foreverland Enchanted Forest

Bugzy Malone

Tue 27th Nov • SOLD OUT

The London African Mayday Parade Gospel Choir Present: & The Wonder Years Graceland Wed 27th Feb

Sat 3rd Nov • 10pm

Courteeners

DJ Soda

Wed 28th Nov

Sun 4th Nov • SOLD OUT

Bowling for Soup

Less Than Jake & Reel Big Fish Mon 5th Nov • SOLD OUT

Leon Bridges Tue 6th Nov • SOLD OUT

Shinedown Thur 8th Nov

The Decemberists Fri 9th Nov

MC50 Sat 10th Nov

Killing Joke Sun 11th Nov

Blackberry Smoke Tue 13th Nov

Rat Boy Wed 14th Nov

Jessie J Fri 16th Nov • 6.30pm

Kurupt FM Sat 17th Nov • SOLD OUT Sun 18th Nov • SOLD OUT

The Cat Empire Mon 19th Nov • SOLD OUT

Orbital

P.O.D. & Alien Ant Farm

Tue 18th Dec • SOLD OUT

Thur 28th Feb

Sun 16th Dec

Thur 29th Nov

Shaun Ryder’s Black Grape

Clutch Wed 19th Dec

Bjorn Again Fri 18th Jan • 6.30pm

Fri 30th Nov

Enter Shikari

Cast

Tue 22nd Jan

Hobo Johnson & The Lovemakers

Sat 1st Dec

Heaven 17

Fri 25th Jan • 6pm

Sun 2nd Dec

Skid Row

Tremonti

Tue 29th Jan

Inglorious

Mon 3rd Dec

Miles Kane

Fri 22nd Feb • 5.30pm

Wed 30th Jan

Ward Thomas Thur 7th Mar

U.F.O. Fri 8th Mar • 6.30pm

Maribou State Sun 10th Mar

Stiff Little Fingers Mon 11th Mar

Embrace Wed 13th Mar

Dodie Wed 20th Mar

Wed 5th Dec

Death Cab for Cutie The Wailers

Young Fathers

Fri 1st Feb • 6.30pm

Fri 7th Dec

Fireball – Fuelling The Fire Tour ft. Flogging Molly, Face To Face, Lost In Stereo Sat 8th Dec • 10pm

NAO

Wed 6th Feb • 6.30pm

Thur 28th Mar

Buckcherry & Hoobastank

Sat 13th Apr • 10pm

Fri 8th Feb • 6.30pm

Fun Lovin’ Criminals

Nicky Blackmarket & Fatman D Birthday Sat 9th Feb Gorgon City Live Bash - Casino 2 Mon 10th Dec

Lil Pump

Mabel

Tue 20th Nov • SOLD OUT

Tue 11th Dec

Slaves

Christmas Queens

Fri 23rd Nov • 6.30pm

Wed 12th Dec • SOLD OUT

Levellers

Blossoms

Tue 26th Mar

Dodgy

The Stranglers Party With The Greatest Showman Fri 19th Apr • 6pm

Sun 10th Feb

Love From Stourbridge 2019

The Dead South

Wed 24th Apr

Tue 12th Feb

Hollywood Undead

White Denim

Fri 31st May • 6.30pm

Cash Scott Bradlee’s Thu 28th Nov Postmodern Jukebox Electric Six Wed 20th Feb

O2 Academy Bristol Frogmore Street, Bristol BS1 5NA • Doors 7pm unless stated

ticketmaster.co.uk

Venue box office opening hours: Mon - Sat 12pm - 4pm

ticketmaster.co.uk • seetickets.com • gigantic.com

o2academybristol.co.uk

November • 2018

THE LEVELLERS

23 Nov // 6.30pm – 10pm // £31.45

brisco

42 // VENUES

16 West Street, Bristol, BS2 0DF | @briscobristol | facebook.com/briscobristol | 0117 239 3742 | briscobristol@gmail.com

New kid on the block Brisco brings something special to Old Market, with a penchant for funk, soul, disco and drag – with Drag Queen Karaoke on Sundays. Open six nights a week, Brisco is brought to us by the team behind Gloucester Rd’s Golden Lion. As well putting on their own great events, Brisco is working with some local favourites, including Sip the Juice and Bitch, Please!

SIP THE JUICE

Bristol’s favourite hip hop DJs are set to return to Brisco for another evening of dance floor fillers and hip hop classics. Expect to hear your favourite bangers and take advantage of the great Brisco drinks deals.

9 Nov // 10pm – 2am // Free

Fri 2: brisco beans cool beans deliver an epic mash up of funk hip hop, pop, reggae, house, disco, rock

sat 3: IT: night ride Imagine That present bangers of all forms! Rock ‘n’ Roll // Funk ‘n’ Soul Reggae ‘n’ Hip Hop // Dance ‘n’ Disco

KITCHEN OPENS

THIS MONTH

students!

FRI 9: sip the juice Hip Hop and Rap yeah that's where our heart's at!

Every thursday

Fri 16: BODYGURN Expect to hear the finest tunes as some of

£4.50 Hse Double & Mixer £3.50 pints & £2.50 shots

bristol’s finest party starters get rolling

sat 17: brisco disco dj tom riley brings energy to brisco with his brand Every sunday night new residency. old school Disco to 90’s Hip Hop fri 23: bitch, please! the best LGBTQ+ talent Bristol has to offer. these guys are truly amazing in all they do

Faux furr &

big knickers

fri 30: naughty box drag queen karaoke The Gumbo Show presents a new night of funk, soul and lots of house n free party related dance music

NOV 2018

Caberet, games, prizes

16 WEST ST - OLD MARKET - BRISTOL - BS2 0DF 0117 239 3742 briscobristol@gmail.com FAUX FURR & BIG KNICKERS: DRAG QUEEN KARAOKE Grab your heels and your sparkly gown and head on down to Brisco for drag queen karaoke, performance and games. Hosted by the sassy Sally Savage, expect lip syncs, alternative art, burlesque and more.

11 Nov // 8pm – 12am // Free

the canteen XX

VENUES // 43

Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QY | @IntheCanteen | facebook.com/thecanteenbristol | 0117 923 2017 | canteenbristol.co.uk

The Canteen emerged out of the creative inspiration and collective efforts of a bunch of Stokes Croft and Bristol brilliants. With free live music every night, expect gentler tones from Sunday – Wednesday spanning folk, jazz and acapella ensembles, then Thursday – Saturday sees things ramp up from 10pm, when the tables are cleared for the unavoidable rip-roaring dancing times.

CANTEEN JAZZ SESSION

If you fancy yourself some live jazz to kick off your week, then head on down to Canteen for their lively open jazz jam session. Led by saxophone hero Craig Crofton and guests.

5 Nov // 9.30pm – 1am // Free

Sat 3rd

Binbag Wisdom

This Bristol rap crew are on a mission to keep the golden age of hip hop alive and well in the times we live in today, courtesy of their acoustic quartet take on things. MC Binbag claims to be delivering 100 Years of Binbag Wisdom, so they’ve got a lot to cram into their setlist.

Tue 6th Chiminyo Mon D e c y p h e r s

You won’t have heard a drum kit sound like Mister Chiminyo’s before. Thanks to some nifty gizmology he’s linked it into a laptop so that, as well as making clever dubstep-style beats each snap of a drumstick also triggers electronic sound. No loops or backing tracks just supersmart playing that grooves like crazy.

Fri 16th

Batch Gueye There’s a contemporary electronic shine to Batch Gueye’s songs but the eloquent yearning of his Saharan dusted voice is still the same as are the Senegalese M’balax roots underpinning everything he does.

12th 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.

It’s been a good year for up and coming local soul-jazz collective Laimu, with a debut single snapped up by Jazz FM and some corking festival sets behind them. They’ve pitched their sound in the 70s jazz funk zone - think Crusaders, maybe - but with some of the production smarts that makes Bristol what it is.

Wed 21st

Laimu

Thur 22nd

PYJAEN

Fronted by Ezra Collective Trumpeter, Dylan Jones, PYJAEN’s cleverly arranged original jazz has a real ear for the beat, whether it be electro, hip hop or afrobeat, while making the most of the super-impressive talents of all five members of the band. It can be urgent stuff, moody at times, and then uproariously joyful, too.

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

DECYPHERS HIP HOP SESSION

Roll up, roll up. Are you an aspiring MC or spoken word artist? Head on down to the Canteen to grab the mic and showcase your talent, accompanied by some of the finest breaks and grooves.

12 Nov // 9.30pm – 1am // Free

Colston hall XX Presents

44 // VENUES

Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR | @Colston_Hall | facebook.com/ColstonHall | 0117 203 4040 | colstonhall.org

While Colston Hall undergoes a major redevelopment, Colston Hall Presents sees Bristol’s largest concert venue taking flight – loudly and proudly presenting great live music at independent music venues across Bristol. From the best emerging talent to international superstars, you can count on Colston Hall Presents to keep providing Bristol with eclectic and quality shows all year round.

COLSTON HALL PRESENTS: GEORGIA ANNE MULDROW Avant-garde and jazz MC, Georgia Anne Muldrow deserves your full attention. Taking the two worlds hip hop and psychedelic-jazz to fuse into one, Georgia’s ‘woke’ verses will provide food for thought and a whole lot more.

8 Nov // 8pm – 11pm // £17.44 // Fiddlers

book

0117 203 4040 colstonhall.org

Colston Hall loudly and proudly presents great shows in venues across the city Tue 2 Oct

Tue 20 Nov

Virginia Wing

Mary Lattimore

Federico Albanese

Rough Trade Bristol

Colston Hall Foyer

Sun 4 Nov

Tue 20 Nov

Sun 2 Dec

Jerron ‘Blind Boy’ Paxton

Alela Diane

Malcolm Middleton

The Folk House Thu 8 Nov

Georgia Anne Muldrow Fiddlers Wed 14 Nov

Seamus Fogarty The Crofters Rights

St George’s Bristol

Exchange

Wed 21 Nov

Mon 3 Dec

Fatoumata Diawara

Hidden Orchestra

Fiddlers

Trinity Centre

Wed 21 Nov

Wed 5 Dec

Jamie Isaac

Courtney Marie Andrews

The Crofters Rights Wed 21 Nov

Madeline Kenney

65daysofstatic: Decomposition Theory

Rough Trade Bristol

Band Film Studios

Fri 16 Nov

Fri 23 Nov

Wed 14 Nov

Phoria Rough Trade Bristol Fri 16 Nov

Marie Davidson + Not Waving Colston Hall Foyer

Thu 29 Nov

kraftwerk re:werk + Max Cooper Live AV Set The Marble Factory

Colston Hall Foyer Fri 7 Dec

Julia Holter Fiddlers Fri 14 Dec

Christmas Festiv-al ft. The Cuban Brothers Colston Hall Foyer Mon 31 Dec

Chris Wood

Guilty Pleasures Presents: NYEfeat. New York Brass Band

The Folk House

Colston Hall Foyer

Sun 25 Nov

COLSTON HALL PRESENTS: MADELINE KENNEY

14 Nov // 8pm – 11pm // £8.18 // Rough Trade

the crofters rights

VENUES // 45

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.

BABII

BABii delivers the bitter-sweet tone of playful beats accompanied by her sincere verses about the brutal reality of relationships and the world. Her electronic music is infectiously thought-provoking and will be a beauty to see live.

19 Nov //8pm – 11pm // £4

KOJAQUE

This Dublin based artist has been on the hip hop scene for the past three years, now he is ready to share his music nationwide on his first UK tour.

27 Nov // 9pm – 12.30am // £6

exchange

46 // VENUES

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

Exchange plays host to both gigs most nights of the week with Club Nights most weekends. Having opened in September 2012, Exchange has already hosted performances from a varied array of internally revered artists including The 1975, Four Tet, (the) Melvins, Jungle, Diplo, Haim and Sick Of It All to name but a few.

THE BETHS

Get ready for the high-energy rock-pop four-piece The Beths this month. After being friends for many years, the sound this friendship group make will make you wish you were part of their friendship group too.

5 Nov // 8pm – 11pm // £8

CHARMPIT + WOLF GIRL + CAT APOSTROPHE + MORE Head on down to Exchange for an evening of great live music and disco tunes til the early hours. Featuring sets from lo-fi punk group Charmpit, melodic queer bangers from Wolf Girl and much more.

17 Nov // 8pm – 2am // £6

the fleece XX

VENUES // 47

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.

JEHST

Seeing Jehst live is one thing, but seeing him perform with a full live band is a show any hip hop head doesn’t want to miss. Jehst delivers a live experience you’ll treasure forever.

6 Nov // 7.30pm – 11.30pm // £11.20-£13.44

LEE SCRATCH PERRY

All hail the original reggae producer Lee “Scratch” Perry and everything he has given to the music world that’s inspired reggae, dub and beyond. Witness his charmingly kooky ways live on stage this November.

22 Nov // 7.30pm – 11pm // £22.50

THE FULL MOON XX / ATTIC BAR

48 // VENUES

1 North Street, Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3PR | Twitter - Coming soon | facebook.com/pages/The-Full-Moon-and-Attic-Bar | 01179 245 007 | fmbristol.co.uk

The Full Moon pub & Attic bar, with its Moonshine bar and Shisha bar are all the on the same grounds. This really is a hub for all nightime activities from events, parties, drink and food. To add to this there is also a backpackers hotel which adds an international vibe to a great night out. What more could you ask for?

DR SYNTAX & PETE CANNON

VP PRODUCTIONS PRESENT

Dr Syntax and Pete Cannon’s new release ‘Let’s Talk’ combines witty lyricism and production finesse like no other. Check out their new material live on stage, plus support from Datkid and DJ Fingerfood.

2 Nov // 8.30pm – 2am // £4

2018

DESIGN: INKIE

ZION FLEX: QUEEN OF HERZ EP LAUNCH

Zion Flex has been busy cooking up a new release for our pleasure. Drawing on reggae, dub, bassline and electronica, this Bristol based artist is a delight for your ears.

29 Nov // 8pm – 11pm // £4

the gallimaufry XX

VENUES // 49

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

An independent bar, restaurant and music venue on the Gloucester Rd. A relaxed coffee shop vibe in the day, ‘The Galli’ serves food and drinks all day with live music and DJs 7 nights a week (always free entry). Working with local suppliers, artists & artisans wherever possible. Check their website for up-to date info on menus and events.

SNAZZBACK

November

Monday Tuesday

Open Mic

29 Nov // 9pm – 11pm // Free

Hosted by Mike Dennis

aufry.co.u

Wednesday

thegallim

6th Lewis Creave n’s Dhar ma Blues 13th Mike Dennis “Edge in Wordwa ys” LP tour 20th Nuala Hona n + Lori Campbell 27th Captain Jama & The Mellotones ica

ift Waldo’s GJa onica zz, Groove & Electr Hip-hop, Math,

o 7th Waldo’s Gift Tri dercat un Th s: ork Rew 14th h 21st Feat. Alex Veitc ck: Reaction ba azz Sn t. Fea th 28

Friday

n Children of thse Su Hosted by Soulwork

Thursday

1st Snazzback Jam 8th PYJÆN 15th Snazzback 6-Piece ‘Full Winter Ba nd’ 22nd Herondrone + Sublunary 29th Snazzback - Glo bal Groove

(Best Of) Caribbean, Scandinavia, West Africa & Brazil

Saturday

2nd Manami s 9th Casse Record 16th Sam Bhok 23rd Bodygurn in 30th Papa Moom

Satta Lites

Whitey’s on the moon

Withdrawn, VMO$ + guests play beats, bumps & bass 3rd Daniela Dyson 10th Andy Payback (NTS) & Frankie Downbeat (Downbeat Melody) 17th Jiinx (Noods) 24th Sunun (Bokeh Versions)

Sunday

ack Forth & Bdly Hosted by Ma

11th & 25th ls covers & origina Hip-Hop jam, unge twist on Lo rk Da A baret p. 4th Newave Ca days of Post Punk & Synth Po e early songs from th

tom Ensemble 18th The Phan

NUALA HONAN + LORI CAMPBELL

Nuala Honan has returned back to the spotlight to deliver new material. This singer is ready to take it to the next level with a little less string and a little more noise. Plus, Lori Campbell.

20 Nov // 9pm – 11pm // Free

the golden XX lion

50 // VENUES

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.

IMMIGRANT SWING

GOLDEN LION

Bristol’s much-loved band Immigrant Swing are back at The Golden Lion to deliver a right old knee’s up for you and your friends. Grab yourself a drink and hit the dancefloor.

9 Nov // 10pm – 1am // Free

NOVEMBER 2018

NEW - BUCKS QUIZZ - EVERY MON @ 8pm OPEN MIC NIGHT - EVERY WEDS @ 8pm THU FRI SAT SUN

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

LATIN DESCARGA Latino Live Jam Night JOHN FAIRHURST support: CW JONES Blues Rock £6 HOT TIN ROOFS Swingin’ Rhythm n Jump Blues LINDA JOY Alive on a Golden Sunday 4pm

THU FRI SAT SUN

8th 9th 10th 11th

ENTER THE LION Showcasing New Music IMMIGRANT SWING Riot Swingers Extraordinaire THE WEEDS Indie Originals from Pete Lane RUBY TWO SHOES Jazz Classics & Vintage Pop 4pm

THU 15th FRI 16th SAT 17th SUN 18th

HIP HOP JAM NIGHT LIVE Hip Hop Jam. Get Involved! THE RAILWAY SLEEPERS Pickled Swing £3 THE HOUDINIS Dance Ya Sox Off, Horn Heavy Ska I-SHA-VII (Full Band) Epic Blues Jazz 4pm

FRI 23rd THE SCIBES New Wave Hip Hop 3 Piece £2 SAT 24th CLUMSY Dynamic 7 Piece Reggae Fusion SUN 25th PIANO MAN A Man, A Piano, A Lot of Fun 4pm THU 29th PIGSTY HILL BLUES CLUB Open Blues Jam FRI 30th KOSMO SOUND Belgian Instrumental Dub Formation FREE ENTRY UNLESS STATED - PLEASE DONATE TO THE HAT THE HOUDINIS

The Houdinis are ready to hit the stage at The Golden Lion this month, with their mix of ska and rocksteady. Get ready for a brass heavy experience from this larger than life six-piece.

17 Nov // 9.30pm – 12am // Free

Hy-Brasil

VENUES // 51

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.

HOPSCOTCH WITH JACK SAUNDERS: KAWALA + APRE + SUN SILVA Radio 1’s very own Jack Saunders is bringing Hopskotch back to Hy-Brasil, to dish out some of the best live music from the indie-pop lovelies Kawala, plus the quirky duo Apre and Sun Silva.

9 Nov // 7pm – 11pm // £5.50

ONLY GIRL

The warm, velvety vocals from Only Girl will raise the hairs on the back of your neck and lure you in for more. Witness a truly special performance and celebration of the singer songwriters new EP.

22 Nov // 7pm – 10pm // Free

LAkota

52 // VENUES

6 Upper York St, Bristol, BS2 8QN | @LakotaBristol | facebook.com/lakotabristol | 01179 232 225 | lakota.co.uk

Situated in a converted warehouse, hosting a wide range of underground events. It now welcomes a larger crowd of people owing to the mix in music styles on show. The club covers 3 storey’s, 4 dance areas, a huge balcony. Lakota also boasts a massive outside smoking area and remains one of Bristol’s big players.

PSYCHED PRESENTS: STAND HIGH PATROL

The Stand High Patrol are set to take over this month’s highly anticipated Psyched night at Lakota. Featuring Pupajim, Rootystep and Mac Gyver, this collective are some of the finest names in the French dub scene.

10 Nov // 10pm – 5am // £12 - £15

MOTHERFUNKERS COSMIC DISCO

Motherfunkers are returning to Lakota this month for their Cosmic Disco. Grab your funkiest pair of dancing shoes and get your groove on under the disco ball to some of the best funk and disco.

16 Nov // 10pm – 5am // £8

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.

ZYLA + SUPPORT

BLG Promotions cannot wait to showcase Bristol’s soul infused ‘tea funk’ spectacular. Grab your dancing partner and head on down to The Lanes for an evening of pure entertainment and foot stomping fun.

9 Nov // 7pm – 10pm // Free

MEDICINE BOY + BLACK DOLDRUMS

Lysergic Limes are teaming up with BLG Promotions this month to present psychedelic South African duo Medicine Boy as part of their new series of freebies. Joined by Black Doldrums.

25 Nov // 8pm – 12am // Free

mr wolfs

54 // 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.

SALUTE THE SUN + NEPO TEMKO + MR FITZ

Bristol based alternative band Salute the Sun will be taking centre stage at Mr Wolfs for an evening of foot tapping entertainment from the local treasures. Plus, support from Nepo Temko and Mr Fitz.

9 Nov // 7.30pm – 11pm // £3 – £4

THE TIN PIGEONS

2-piece indie band The Tin Pigeons will be taking over Mr Wolfs with their energetic sound and presence as part of their ‘You’re No Fun’ UK tour. Plus, music from The Lasting Days and Asian Hawk.

24 Nov // 9pm – 4am // £4

the Old Market XX Assembly

VENUES // 55

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.

HOLY MOLY & THE CRACKERS

In just two years, Holy Moly & The Crackers have managed to write and release a critically acclaimed album, earning the title ‘hardest working band’. Check out their catchy sounds live on the Assembly stage.

9 Nov // 10pm – 1am // £8

Friday 2nd

Sat 10th

Henge

Category is… Divas of the World

Ravelings of earth, rebel! Absorb the mutated frequencies of cosmic dross. There are no earth words to describe these sounds. But you will learn how to love and dance again. £8 - £10

Featuring two of Manchester’s favourites, the stunning Miss Blair (Shane Blair Maunder) and Drag Idol 2018 finalist Vivienne Lynsey. Belfast’s first lady of drag the gorgeous Lady Portia Di’ Monte! London’s very own lipsync assassin Daniel Crystal Lubrikunt Turrell – androgynous move breaker Dale Moran and Bristol’s very own Dave Bear and Donna La Mode! All hosted by the pasta-tute herself Miss Alyssa Van Delle!! £10 - £15

4 Sat 3rd Don’t Tell Your Mother Takeover

It’s nearly bonfire night so come decked out in all your sparkliest attire! #DTYM is an LGBTQ+ friends night in Bristol! We say LGBTQ+Friends because everyone is welcome!! You can expect: indie jams, great pop, bum shakin’ rnb, disco, 80’s and 90’s bangers! £5

4 Fri 9th Holy Moly & The Crackers

£8 These folk rockers have been wowing their raucous and ever-expanding fan-base with instrumentswapping, squeezebox-growling, fiddle-shredding, brass-howling hoe-downs, the group have been able to hone a sound that is organic and invigorating – forged in the sweat and heat of the live show – one not to be missed.

4 Fri 23rd Camo Clave

A band known for transporting traditional Latin rhythms into the 21st century with synthesizers, effects and processors. Expect cumbia, rumba and reggae with strong hints of dub and electro. However, make no mistakes, this is a live band, you will see, feel and hear every beat. £5

4 Sat 24th

Trans Pride After Party

Join us at our Trans Pride South West Official AFTERPARTY! The night really begins at 10pm with live DJs! Including: DJ at Liverpool and Leeds Prides and Manchester Sparkle coming to Bristol for Trans Pride South West, DJ Katy Willow & our Friend From Don’t Tell Your Mother, LloydiTron

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

JUNIOR BILL

Junior Bill deliver their educated sound of reggae, latin, punk and rap with the Cardiff charm. Check out the eclectic performers and have a good old skank on the dancefloor.

16 Nov // 10pm – 1am // £5

SWX XX

56 // 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.

GOGO PENGUIN

14 Nov // 7pm – 11pm // £18.50

SUNFLOWER BEAN

After riding the wave of success after their debut album, Sunflower Bean return with their second album. To celebrate the release, the rock-pop infused band are taking to the SWX stage to showcase new material.

29 Nov // 7pm – 11pm // £13.50

thekla

VENUES // 57

The Grove, Bristol, BS1 4RB | @theklabristol | facebook.com/theklabristol | 0117 929 3301 | theklabristol.co.uk

Located on board a converted German cargo ship, Thekla is an award-winning live music and club space. From live toe-tapping Americana to banging house and techno, the crew have all musical tastes covered. Playing host to weekly club nights as well as major national and international touring live acts, Thekla is one of Bristol’s best loved venues.

KELLY LEE OWENS

Kelly Lee Owens sound bridges the gaps between techno and pop, giving it a whole new aesthetic of its own. Kelly will deliver a new perception of techno you didn’t realise you needed to hear.

THEKLA

LIVE LISTINGS The Grove East Mud Dock Bristol BS1 4RB theklabristol.co.uk | thekla.club F L theklabristol | I X theklabris

12 Nov // 7.30pm – 11pm // £10

alttickets.com • gigantic.com • bristolticketshop.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 21ST NOVEMBER

THURSDAY 1ST NOVEMBER

SKEGSS

IAN FELICE

+ DUMB PUNTS

THURSDAY 22ND NOVEMBER

SATURDAY 3RD NOVEMBER

THE JAPANESE HOUSE

SHE MAKES WAR + THE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

FRIDAY 23RD NOVEMBER

SOLD OUT

TANKUS THE HENGE

MONDAY 5TH NOVEMBER

RAYE

SUNDAY 25TH NOVEMBER

AS IT IS

TUESDAY 6TH NOVEMBER

+ TRASH BOAT + HOLDING ABSENCE + COURAGE MY LOVE

CURTIS HARDING SOLD OUT

WEDNESDAY 28TH NOVEMBER

WEDNESDAY 7TH NOVEMBER

TREVOR HALL

SAM FENDER

+ WILL EVANS

THURSDAY 29TH NOVEMBER

THURSDAY 8TH NOVEMBER

CHAINSKA BRASSIKA FRIDAY 9TH NOVEMBER

MARTIN STEPHENSON & THE DAINTEES

STONE FOUNDATION

FRIDAY 30TH NOVEMBER

MATT MALTESE

SATURDAY 11TH NOVEMBER

THE BLINDERS

+ FUR

MONDAY 3RD DECEMBER

SG LEWIS

+ WHITE ROOM + GUM SOUL MONDAY 12TH NOVEMBER

TUESDAY 4TH DECEMBER

KELLY LEE OWENS SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT

VON HERTZEN BROTHERS

TUESDAY 13TH NOVEMBER

EZRA COLLECTIVE

WEDNESDAY 5TH DECEMBER

PINEGROVE

FRIDAY 16TH NOVEMBER

THE HOUSE AND GARAGE ORCHESTRA

FRIDAY 7TH DECEMBER

THE WEDDING PRESENT

SATURDAY 17TH NOVEMBER

SOLD OUT

SATURDAY 8TH DECEMBER

LONDON CALLING PLAY THE CLASH

GRAVEYARD

SUNDAY 9TH DECEMBER

LUCERO

SUNDAY 18TH NOVEMBER

KOJEY RADICAL

TUESDAY 11TH DECEMBER

TUESDAY 20TH NOVEMBER

SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80

SKENGDO X AM

EZRA COLLECTIVE

Ezra Collective sounds give the gentle nod to classic jazz, whilst celebrating the contemporary sound coming out of the UK today. Witness their stunning live show at Thekla to warm your heart and musical soul.

13 Nov // 7pm – 10pm // £13

to the moon

58 // 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.

BANG

Bang is back at To The Moon this month to bring a vinyl only set of all things indie, northern soul, ska, punk and a whole lot more. Get ready to hit the dancefloor.

17 Nov // 8pm – 12am // Free

SIEGFRIED TRANSLATOR

Now this is going to be special. To The Moon welcome Siegfried Translator for an evening of Asian, middle eastern, African records, with a hint of psychedelic oddities thrown in to the mix.

30 Nov // 8pm - 12am // Free

trinity

VENUES // 59

The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW | @trinitybristol | facebook.com/trinitybristol | 0117 935 1200 | 3ca.org.uk

Penetrating Old Market’s skyline and ear drums, Trinity is home of the sound system in Bristol, with their monthly Teachings in Dub nights and regular showings from some of the world’s best underground artists. The Grade II listed converted church also make very good use of their natural acoustics with live performances from a mixture of huge and upcoming names.

1985 MUSIC

1985 Music is the beautifully niche event set up by Alix Perez for forward-thinking electronic music. This platform is set to deliver sets from some of the finest names in electronic music, including SpectraSoul and Monty.

17 Nov // 10pm – 4am // £17.50

NATTY: 10TH ANNIVERSARY

As if it’s been ten years since Natty released his first album ‘Man Like I’?! To celebrate, Natty and his live band will be performing a remix of some of his most-loved classics.

22 Nov // 7pm – 10.45pm // £15

o t p u g n Offeri

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(We charge by length of hair not gender!) Bearpit

Clifton

0117 930 0014

0117 973 1130

/shotgunbarbers

shotgunbarbers.co.uk

BRISTOL’S BIGGEST AND BEST INDIE A N D A LT E R N AT I V E C L U B N I G H T EVERY THURSDAY AT THEKLA BRISTOL

2 FOR 1 DRINKS DEALS ALL NIGHT    pressurebristol • www.thekla.club • www.pressureclub.co.uk Please drink responsibly