By Eluned Darwin Goss, Second Year Law and French
January and February are financially tough enough and getting back to the library on the daily isn’t exactly a walk in the park either. Fortunately, Bristol’s myriads of music venues are offering plenty of opportunities to get out and dance this second semester without the added burden of financial weight.
- Soma Soma, 31st January @ The Canteen
The first must-see is the Afro-Brazilian Soma Soma. The group are based in Bristol where their vibe fits in perfectly with the city's "'vibrant music scene". Their amalgamation of instruments and Portuguese lyrics create an intimate listening atmosphere and has led to extensive festival touring of 2022 album, Àgua Viva.
Being part of Bristol's music scene remains a true privilege...we're continually welcomed to share our music with an audience that has always been open and enthusiastic - regardless of the language in which we sing.
Soma Soma describe their style as a "progressive ... melting pot of styles", influenced by samba, bossa nova and hi-life.
The band is currently working on their third album and dream to tour Europe and Brazil. Currently their outlook focuses on "going with the flow" with the "trust that everything will fall into place naturally". Visit The Canteen at the end of the month to experience the magic of this blossoming band - but make sure to get there before 21.30.
- Paladin, Break Check and Walby, 31st January @ Mother’s Ruin
For something a little different to Stokes Croft's jazzy events, Mother's Ruin is offering dance music aplenty. ‘EDM superstar’ Paladin will get you on your feet with his upbeat tracks and recent EP. Described as 'a mix of digital sounds and something more real and human', all of Paladin's music is written, produced and sung by himself.
"My new stuff really sounds like Basshunter and Cascada's lovechild!"
Support acts Break Check and Walby will top off the launch of 'Reel Raver', promising to be 'faster, bigger and a bit more chaotic' than Paladin's previous tracks.
The Rathouse beneath Mother’s Ruin is a treasure cave and was Paladin's go-to spot when he studied Music Production at dBs Bristol. Pursuing his childhood dreams and ;working with some amazing artists', stay tuned, Paladin is only just getting started.
- Deems Experiment x Dur Brain, 18th February @ The Gallimaufry
Deems Experiment, the Bristol-based experts of music fusion meet talented Jack Wisdom, from both Binbag Wisdom and Deyu, to collaboratively create a spectacle of jazz, hip-hop, rap and classical music.
These artists polarised takes on the same music genres can only offer the expectation of an excitingly unconventional performance and where better placed to perform than a venue renowned for its bottomless supply of low-cost events.
Your body will benefit from coming along - not only will you be dancing, but you will be much warmer inside the effortlessly cool and cozy Gallimaufry than in your chilly student house.
- Mossfellow + Luna Kali, 4th February @ The Gallimaufry
Indie-folk artist Mossfellow offers melodic, easy-going tracks which will calm your mind after a day of studying, with favourite ‘Laissez La’ encouraging full relaxation.
Joined by singer-songwriter-DJ Luna Kali's on vocals and guitar, the evening promises to be ethereal in atmosphere. Together the pair are bound to produce a swaying, gentle and beautiful set and with no damage done to your bank account either, it's truly not one to miss.
- The Allergies (DJ Set) w/ Bigfoot Brass Band, 15th February @ The Full Moon & Attic Bar
This one isn’t quite free, but is worth more than the £5 ticket - if the above events have saved you enough cash.
Funky duo The Allergies recently released their album Freak the Speaker and will definitely have you moving. Hosted at The Full Moon & Attic Bar, where else would you rather be than Stokes Croft's notorious groove hot-spot.
Together with Bristolian Bigfoot Brass Band, this duo is providing a hearty, soulful night of hip-hop and boogying for a post-Valentine's outing - whether that's blues or bliss.
So, save the date! Not only do low spend/no spend events offer an opportunity to discover some fantastic budding artists that you don't want to miss out on, but you're also supporting some of Bristol's best loved independent venues.
In a city alive with vibrant and unique sound, enjoying live music doesn't have to cost the world.
Featured Image: The CanteenHow much do you spend on live music in Bristol each month?
