By Josh Templeman, Co-Deputy Music Editor
New month, new gigs – you know the drill at this point. With 2023 now in full flow and the bleakness of January behind us again for another year, Bristol’s selection of gigs is only getting more exciting. Here, we break just a fraction of what the city has to offer this February.
t l k & Barney Sage – February 8th – The Gallimaufry
If t l k isn’t already on your radar, then that needs to be changed quickly. One of the most exciting experimental artists in the South West, the Bristol local is rapidly evolving from one of the city’s hidden gems to one of its worst-kept secrets. Later this February she’ll be performing alongside producer and multi-instrumentalist Barney Sage at Gloucester Road's Gallimaufry. Head down this month for an ethereal night of music that pushes boundaries and defies genre. Did we mention it's free entry?
Sainté – February 16th – Trinity Centre
Since scoring his first viral hit with 2021's ‘Champagne Shots’, Sainté’s ascendance to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. Since then, the Leicester-based rapper has carved out his own lane within UK rap, consolidating a distinctive sound that is doused in an effortless swagger. Catch him at Bristol’s Trinity Centre later this month.
Caroline Polachek – February 16th – Marble Factory
Caroline Polachek is a name that should need little introduction. The American singer-songwriter has been making serious waves in music in recent years with her signature brand of art-pop receiving widespread critical acclaim. She heads to Bristol’s Marble Factory this February following the release of her 2022 EP Welcome to my Island.
Ezra Collective – February 18th – O2 Academy Bristol
Spearheading the revival of London’s jazz scene, Ezra Collective have quickly become one of the genre’s most acclaimed groups. Modern yet sophisticated, the quintet have crafted a unique sound, which is deftly demonstrated through their stellar 2022 effort: Where I’m Meant to Be. The track ‘No Confusion’ from the project, which features UK rapper Kojey Radical, can only be defined as a certified banger. This one is not to be missed.
Young Fathers – February 26th - SWX
Mercury Prize winning group Young Fathers make their long-awaited return to Bristol this February. Blending soul, pop and hip-hop, the Scottish band can often be hard to pin down, but what is unmistakable is their infectious energy that they bring to their music and indeed their live performances. With their latest album, Heavy Heavy, released just this month, expect to see many of their brand-new tracks in full force.
Kerala Dust – February 28th – Strange Brew
Since their formation in 2016, Kerala Dust have created a unique sound that combines the member’s shared history within indie-rock alongside their deep adoration for club music. Returning to Bristol this month with a show at Strange Brew, attendees should expect a night of experimental yet chilled-out tunes that wouldn’t go amiss at your next afters.
Featured image: Hello I'm Nik, Unsplash
What gigs are you looking forward to most this month?
