By Lucy Bevan, Music Editor
Welcome back to university! Whether you're a fresher, a returner, or a Bristol local, Epigram Music is here to provide you with all the hidden gems, Bristol classics, and student no-brainers you need to make your first half term at university extra special. Packed with music new and old, local and afar, and for the most part, on a student-friendly budget, we've got your back.
Gig Society- Weekly Socials at The Apple
Every Monday - 19:00-23:00
For any gig-loving freshers coming to Bristol with no clue where to start, you’re in for a treat. Bristol’s Gig society not only provides a community of concert lovers alike, but also hosts socials every Monday at none other than The Apple Cider Boat. Here, you can talk all things niche, new, old, popular, live, recorded… you get the gist. Head down to the bottom of King Street this Freshers’ Week; bring your mates or come alone, this music-led community is very excited to welcome you.
The Jam Jar- Streets of Soul Present: FUNK ADDICT
Saturday 19th of September - 23:00-03:00
Blending deep funk, disco, african funk, jazz funk, gospel and more, The Jam Jar promises a night of community, electric dance moves, and most importantly, pure vinyl tracks. Located in the often underappreciated BS2 area of the city, The Jam Jar never fails to connect Bristol’s local community with international artists, and with impeccable sound and visuals, this is not one to miss; they even claim to be ‘the finest deep funk clubnight in the world’.
Rough Trade- Album Wine Tasting
Saturday 26th of September - 15:00
Partnering with Tapps Wine Bar, Rough Trade’s immersive wine-tasting experience accompanied by none other than Fiona Apple's first album, Tidal, is the perfect way to wind down after a presumably long first week back at university. The album won’t just be background music, but a chance to fully appreciate this seminal masterpiece with low lighting and a glass of something you likely won’t be able to say the name of.
Lakota- Lost Track of Time Presents: The Enchanted Forest
Saturday 9th of October - 21:00
Weave your way through the plants and leaves to find yourself eyes closed, hips moving and with your best mates - new or old - in what I think is Lakota’s best night of the year. This completely immersive experience not only offers visuals close to the likes of Boomtown, but also an extensive array of DJs ranging from feel-good disco to deep minimal house. Head to Gloucester Road and explore the multitude of pubs and bars on offer to start the night right, and make sure you grab yourself a can of something strong for the queue; it’s a non-negotiable.
Lost Horizon- The Scratch Café
Second Wednesday of every month at 19:00
Looking to get into DJing but have no idea where to start? On the second Wednesday of every month, head down to Lost Horizon HQ in St Jude’s for an evening of learning and jamming, and become part of a very special community, no matter whether you’ve never touched a vinyl before or if you want to improve your current skills. For anyone inexperienced, host Dan invites complete beginners to join him an hour early (18:00) to get to grips with the equipment before the regulars arrive. The tickets are completely free, and we have no doubt you’ll leave counting down the days until the next one.
The Prospect Building - Arlo Parks
Sunday 25th of October- 19:00
Following the release of her newest album ‘Ambiguous Desire’, Parks is set to tour the UK to show off what she describes as her ‘soundtrack to unguarded self-expression’. If her name feels somewhat unfamiliar, her 2020 single ‘Eugene’ may ring a bell, with almost 100,000,000 streams on Spotify. A comforting intimacy is to be expected from this show- in Bristol’s most versatile concert venue.
Lucy Bevan
Want more? Here’s where to look...
Headfirst
As a local, not-for-profit organisation that has already raised almost £40,000 for multiple charities this year from booking fees alone, Headfirst is the ticket site to trust.
Based entirely on events in Bristol, Headfirst covers music, arts and nightlife across the city, including student club nights and bigger gigs in more diverse venues.
It feels good to buy a ticket from an independent retailer who’s also putting your money to good use.
Featured image: Epigram / Romina Trevino, Head of Illustration
What events will you be attending this month?
