By Josh Templeman, Co-Deputy Music Editor
It's December, Christmas is just around the corner, the days are getting colder and the nights gloomier and 2022 is nearing its conclusion. However, as is always the case in Bristol, we've got an electric selection of gigs to present to you this month. Here, we've curated a list of just some of our highlights before the year draws to a close. We don't recommend missing these.
clipping. – 5th December – The Lanes
Harsh, abrasive and industrial, clipping. are one of experimental hip-hop’s biggest forces right now. They arrive off of the back of a busy year, in which the group released a series of four remix EPs to widespread acclaim. Fans of Death Grips shouldn’t skip this one.
Duckwrth – 7th December – Thekla
A growing force in both hip-hop and R&B, Duckwrth touches down on Bristol’s iconic Thekla for one of three UK dates this December. His 2022 project, Chrome Bull, sees the Los Angeles-based artist explore his love for dance music, with groovy beats and funky production at the forefront.
Yin Yin – 7th December – The Lanes
Dutch four-piece Yin Yin bring their signature ‘cosmic disco-funk’ sound to The Lanes later this December. With synth-infused melodies and ethereal samples those heading to the show should expect to be immersed in their expertly crafted dreamworld of experimentation.
Soma Soma – 8th December – The Jam Jar
Curating an ingenious blend of Afro-Latin influences, let Bristol’s own Soma Soma ship you off to the beaches of Rio this December. Sure, by Rio we mean The Jam Jar, but we can assure you it won’t feel that way. With groovy horns, Brazilian percussion, and Portuguese vocals you’d be silly to miss this.
Ross From Friends – 8th December – Trinity Centre
British electronic producer and DJ, Ross from Friends, brings his vibrant and immersive live show to Bristol’s Trinity Centre later this month. Funnily enough, his stage name stems back to 2012, when a Friends DVD in a studio he was using found itself lodged inside a TV. Expect nothing less than dazzling melodies and good vibes.
BADBADNOTGOOD – 11th December – O2 Academy Bristol
BADBADNOTGOOD need little introduction. The Canadian jazz instrumentalists have been mainstay heavyweights in the genre for a long time now. Noted for their collaborations in hip-hop, the group have worked alongside legends of the genre such as Kendrick Lamar and Ghostface Killah. Remember that Adult Swim trend on TikTok last year? The track used for the trend was a remix of their brilliant track, ‘Time Moves Slow’.
The Game – 12th December – SWX
One of the biggest names in early 2000s rap, The Game brings his Drillmatic tour to Bristol this December in what is a long overdue return. He brings with him UK rap heavyweight Jay1 as well as Irish duo Versatile. This year has already been huge for the rap veteran, working with both Kanye West and Big Sean and we expect his Bristol date to be just as explosive.
Tara Clerkin Trio – 17th December – Strange Brew
Rounding off their European tour, Tara Clerkin Trio return to Strange Brew in what is a homecoming gig just before the festive period truly kicks in. Championing a quintessentially Bristol sound, the trio’s style sits somewhere between trip-hop and jazz whilst imposing their own experimental spin on the genres.
Pusha T – 18th December – O2 Academy Bristol
Hitting the road touring his fourth album, It’s Almost Dry, Pusha T needs no introduction to hip-hop enthusiasts. Rising to stardom as part of the hip-hop duo, Clipse, Pusha T has hit new heights in recent years with his latest effort alongside 2018’s Daytona hailed as classics of the genre.
Joey Bada$$ - 19th December – O2 Academy Bristol
Touring in celebration of the tenth anniversary of his critically acclaimed mixtape 1999, which he released aged just 17, Joey Bada$$ makes a long-awaited return to Bristol just before Christmas. Fast forward from that release and you have this year’s equally brilliant 2000, the rapper’s third album in five years. If you’re planning on skipping this one then I feel deeply sorry for you.
Featured image: Peter Albanese/Unsplash
Are you heading to any of these gigs?
