5 must see gigs in your first term

1. B DOLAN – MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21ST – 8pm – THE FLEECE

“Fascism’s coming to the USA”. Dare we call him prophetic, but this underground genius from Rhode Island is bringing his novel indie hip-hop to Bristol, with vicious lyrics that could spark fear in the heart of any racist. Made famous in the UK by touring with the one and only Scroobius Pip on his Speech Development Records tour, B Dolan has proved himself time and time again to win over any crowd he is put in front of. There are famous tales of all of his sound cutting out halfway through a set supporting a hardcore punk band in the US, where he managed to pull off the next 20 minutes of the gig a capella. If that doesn’t impress you, then wait till you see him with sound – and for barely over a tenner, you don’t really have an excuse not to.

Ticket price: £11.50 from SeeTickets

2. LEON BRIDGES – SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH  – 7pm – ANSON ROOMS

Hailed by some as the reincarnation of Sam Cooke himself, Leon Bridges is certainly the definition of a rising star. With smooth rhythms and a lullaby voice that will send you into a romantic daze, this concert will help you to nurse your freshers hangover in style. With tickets going at an absolute bargain price, there’s no better time than now to jump on the Bridges bandwagon. Grab yourself a ticket to what is likely to be a landmark gig in this man’s career; a real “I was there” moment.

Ticket price: £15.40 from Ents24.com

3. HOT CHIP – TUESDAY OCTOBER 13TH – 7pm – 02 ACADEMY

They’ve been compared to a variety of bands, from Prince to The Beach Boys, but the truth is there is no comparison that can be made to this talented electronica-pop outfit. With their quirky melodies and beats that can cause you to jive without even realising, Hot Chip coming to Bristol is not an opportunity to passed up lightly. It can be a risk for some bands to play the 02, as its high ceilings can make it difficult to really fill the place with music, but Hot Chip have nothing to fear. The only person who has something to fear is you – grab yourself a ticket, as they won’t be around for long. 

Ticket price: £24.75 from Ents24.com

4. HOT 8 BRASS BAND – TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3RD – 8pm – COLSTON HALL

If funk and soul is your thing, then Bristol has so much to offer. But if you find yourself getting a little bored of The Big Chill’s weekly JazzFunkSoul nights (unlikely), then this gig will be the perfect way to revamp your soul. What soul is better than New Orleans soul? Straight from the birthplace of Jazz, Hot 8 Brass Band can satisfy everyone: from the part-time Jazz loving night-owls who prefer a more upbeat vibe, to the die-hards to just want to spend all day every day lying in the sun (or otherwise) jamming away to Jaco Pastorious. With one listen their famous cover of Marvin Gaye’s sexual healing, this band will leave you with a smile that just won’t go away. 

Ticket price: £18.93 (includes booking fee) from Ents24.com

5. JOEY BADA$$ – THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19TH – 7pm – O2 ACADEMY

“I don’t drink too much,  I know the bud-wiser” – My Yout by Joey Bada$$

Last, but by no means least: Joey Badass. Exploding on to the scene with his mixtape ‘1999’, which he dropped with help from fellow members of the  up and coming Pro Era crew, Joey Badass encapsulates what it really means to be an East Coast hip-hop artist. With his music becoming ever darker and heartfelt after the suicide of one of his fellow talented members of Pro Era and closest friend, Capital Steez, Joey has gone from strength to strength. Since Steez’s passing he has released two albums: ‘Summer Knights’ and most recently the self-titled ‘Bada$$’. And if he wasn’t already busy enough , he even grabbed himself a spot on the main stage of Reading 2015. This night is set to be full of heart break, inspiration, and die-hard fans screaming his witty verses until they lose their voices. Don’t miss out, tickets will sell, FAST.

Ticket price: From £20.90 (includes booking fee) from Ents24.com