Do you prefer live or underground music?

‘It depends if I want to get smashed or chill’


Bristol’s famous music scene deserves its burgeoning reputation, with performances by some of the best artists around appearing in our town every week.

But more and more live venues are closing down as people choose to flood to underground gigs in dingy sweatboxes.

Where does this leave the live music scene? And does anyone really care?

We asked a bunch of music lovers if they prefer live or underground music, and where like to get their fix.

Aleksandra Bafeltowska, Fine Art, Third Year

Live or underground: “Both, I like a bit of everything. It depends what mood I’m in but I really like both. It depends if I wanna get smashed or chill.

Favourite artist: “There’s so much out there, it’s hard! I’ve been listening to Fat Freddy’s Drop a lot recently though.”

Favourite venue: “I like Cosies, Trinity Centre is pretty cool. Lakota is also good – especially when Coroner’s Court is open, you can just walk through and lose yourself.”

Cameron Sutherland, Journalism and Public Relations, Third Year

Indie or underground: “I enjoy live music.”

Favourite artist: “I don’t have a favourite artist really. When I first heard The Drums I didn’t like them, but then I saw them live and thought they’re actually pretty good. I’ve seen them twice now.”

Favourite venue: “I don’t know. I haven’t been to many to be honest – maybe The Louisiana but it gets boiling in there.”

Sophie Mason, Drama, First Year

Indie or underground: “Er, Underground!”

Favourite artist: “Lady Gaga, I love her.”

Favourite music venue: “Motion.”

Delana Luken, Drama and Creative Writing, First Year

Indie or underground: “Underground.”

Favourite artist: “Silkie.”

Favourite venue: “Cosies, it’s so small!”

Jess Musgrove, Journalism, Second Year

Live or underground: “Live.”

Favourite artist: “I don’t know – I went and saw Akua Naru at Colton Hall Recently, that was amazing.

Favourite venue: “Crofters Rights in Stokes Croft.”

Oliver Bishop, Journalism, Second Year

Live or underground: “Live.”

Favourite artist: “I struggle when someone asks me this. I just saw Major Lazer at Ally Pally, it was good but I wouldn’t say they’re my favourite.”

Favourite venue: “O2 Academy.”

Samuel Botting, Illustration, Second Year

Live or underground: “Probably live.”

Favourite artist: “I don’t really have one, The Crooks were the last band I saw.”

Favourite venue: “The Exchange.”

Michael Cabot, Journalism and Public Relations, Third Year

Live or underground: “Live probably.”

Favourite artist: “Fuck that’s difficult – probably right now either Traviss Scott or Logic.”

Favourite Venue: “I don’t have one, thought I quite like Motion sometimes.”

Nathan Kelly, Film Making, Third Year

Live or underground: “Underground I’d say.”

Favourite artist: “Probably Break, D’n’B DJ.”

Favourite venue: “I’m gonna be different and say Dojo’s.”