Bristol Live Music Highlights - February 2018
Posted on: 07 Feb 2018Here at 365Bristol, we're committed to making you aware of the best Bristol has to offer in terms of live music, great food and drink, days out and more. With the Live Music Highlights series, we'll be providing you with a list of the top live events at the beginning of every month, taking into account some of the city's favourite acts and venues as well as some you might never have heard of. Highlights in February 2018 include an acoustic set from Jake Bugg, renowned pianist Nils Frahm's All Melody show and a comeback for renowned indie-rockers Franz Ferdinand.
Fatima Yamaha (Live) @ The Marble Factory, Wednesday 7th February
Acclaimed techno producer and DJ Fatima Yamaha made a real name for himself back in 2016, the year his best-known track, What's A Girl To Do, really took off despite having initially been released way back in 2004. His 2016 album that the track featured on, Imaginary Lines, was celebrated among the underground music scene, and led to several high-profile festival performances, including Dekmantel Festival in Amsterdam. The live set on 7th February marks Fatima Yamaha's first return to Bristol since playing the now-closed Small Horse 18 months ago.
Belle Day @ Leftbank, POSTPONED CHECK FACEBOOK PAGE FOR NEW DATES.
Fronted by the immensely talented Belinda Lee, Belle Day is a Bristol-based band, showcasing the finest Soul, Rhythm and Blues music. Combining old school sounds with contemporary influences, they take inspiration from 50s Jazz, 60s Soul and Electric Blues. Crediting a huge variety of artists from Led Zeppelin to J Dilla as inspirations for their sound, expect accomplished musicianship and soulful vocals in a killer live show.
The Damned @ The O2 Academy Bristol, Saturday 10th February
.jpg "Goth Punk pioneers The Damned are all set to play Bristol's O2 Academy on Saturday 10th February.")
After a successful 40th-anniversary run and a captivating performance at the 2017 British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park, the Goth punk pioneers are set to embark on the Evil Spirits tour, taking place to coincide with the upcoming release of a new LP under the same name. Due for release on 13th April, the project will be the band's eleventh full-length release. Catch them at a special live show at The O2 Academy in Bristol this Saturday, part of a 17-date UK headline tour for 2018.
Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra @ Kuumba Centre, Friday 16th February
The UK's multiple-award-winning Afrobeat Ambassador, Dele Sosimi, has been consistently flying the flag for the genre in this country since 1995. His long and fruitful musical journey has seen him performing and making music for almost 40 years, having began under the supervision of the founder of the Afrobeat style, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Sosimi's pulsating live shows demonstrate his unique vision, expanding the horizons of the genre. Don't miss this special chance to see Dele Sosimi and his accomplished 7-piece Afrobeat Orchestra get down in Bristol for one night only!
Franz Ferdinand @ The O2 Academy Bristol, Wednesday 21st February
.png "Franz Ferdinand performing live in Spain, 2016. Photo: Leo Hidalgo")
Franz Ferdinand's upcoming Bristol show is part of a huge worldwide headline tour for the band in 2018, with dates across Europe and in North and Central America to follow 14 UK performances this month. The Glasgow four-piece will be touring a new album, Always Ascending, due for release on Friday 9th February. A very limited number of tickets are still available so book now to avoid disappointment!
Wiley @ Motion, Friday 23rd February
Ahead of the impending release of new album Godfather II, Wiley is due to perform at Bristol's Motion on Friday 23rd February as part of an eight-date UK tour. The Godfather of Grime quashed rumours he was hanging up the mic late last year, with the announcement of the new album back in November, leading to the 2018 tour he's about to embark on. This is another one that's close to selling out, with limited number of tickets for the show at Motion still available. Book yours now to avoid disappointment.
Jake Bugg (Solo Acoustic Set) @ Colston Hall, Saturday 24th February
.jpg "Jake Bugg's new album, Hearts That Strain, was released back in September last year.")
After bursting onto the scene at the tender age of 18, singer/songwriter Jake Bugg’s vivid storytelling and raw vocals sent the music world into a frenzy and marked him out as “a major talent” (Guardian). Raised on the Beatles, Oasis and Jimi Hendrix, Bugg blends “the primal, bluesy simplicity of the White Stripes with the wry, weathered romanticism of Jens Lekman” (AllMusic). Vibrant, urgent and constantly evolving, Bugg’s music is “the sound of rock and roll being newly discovered” (Rolling Stone). See him bring his unique acoustic set to Bristol at Colston Hall this month.
Daniel Avery All Night Long @ Motion, Saturday 24th February
Techno heavy-hitter Daniel Avery makes his return to Bristol to get the new Perpetual series underway on Saturday 24th February, following his celebrated sold-out show at Motion in 2016. Over the years Avery has mastered his craft, creating a name for himself with an instantly recognisable sound, transcending the dance floor with his unique mix of propelling techno and expertly interlaced house cuts. His 2013 album, Drone Logic, is one to check out if you haven't already.
Nils Frahm's All Melody @ Colston Hall, Sunday 25th February
German-born Nils Frahm grew up learning the piano, and it was from this early education that he immersed himself in the styles of the classical pianists as well as contemporary composers. This led Frahm to develop his unconventional approach to the age-old instrument, and his contemplative and intimate playing has since won him many fans around the world. His first releases ‘Wintermusik’ (2009) and ‘The Bells’ (2009) gained him some attention, but it was the release of his 2011 record ‘Felt’ that gained him critical acclaim. If you're not familiar with Nils Frahm, make sure he's at the top of your list of new artists to look into this year.
Have we missed any more of Bristol's top live music events in February? Let us know! Contact us directly through our website or via Facebook. Tickets for all the above events are available at the time of writing, but availability is subject to change.
Article by:
Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.
