Music / electronic music
Bristol’s most unique jam night
Bristol, the land of creativity and collaboration in the grassroots.
With large swathes of the population involved in fine tuning their own personal practices hidden away from everyday life, it’s no wonder that these creatives share their practice with others through jam nights.
Jams are gigs in their most democratic form. A crowd member can become a band member for the length of a couple of songs and then disappear back into the crowd for the next performer to… well, perform.
is needed now More than ever
Many of the jam nights in Bristol fit into our pre-conceived bracket of what an onstage performance looks like, jazz jams being one of the most popular in the format.
But one jam is inviting those whose performance is often confined to private spaces producers, video makers, DJ’s and VJ’s. That night is Bleep Klub, and it’s a novel experience for any electronic music lover.
Here Marcus, one of the Klub’s founders, shares what makes Bristol’s most unique jam night special.
How did Bleep Klub begin?
One of the first Bleep Klub gatherings in Easton’s All Hallows Hall, a now sadly defunct community space
“It began at All Hallows Hall in Easton in the summer of 2022.
“A mate ran a little get together session for performers to try stuff out, as a pre-festival season hang out for like-minded people, and I was struck that the hall would be a great space for electronic musicians, visual/makers and VJ’s.
“I asked the guys who were running the place and they were keen – and liked my very loose plan. I did a social media post with my £10 laser, a smoke machine and a few weird bleeper sounds, and by the third or so session we had a solid crew of like-minded folks.
“Unfortunately the amazing hall was sold and we had to move on, but luckily Strange Brew very kindly offered us some space monthly, which we share now with another brilliant session called Escher Music Connection which happens in the back room when we are in the front.
“Alot of the momentum is generated by the people, the community which is its own entity. It sounds cheesy as hell but people power is a brilliant thing.”
How much has the community grown since you started?
“We have a mailing list of about 150+ people now which is growing slowly and steadily.
“There’s usually about 15 people at least plugging in and five-to-ten who come and check it out. It’s a friendly, bubbling space to hang out, chat oscillators, drink beer, listen to weird stuff and watch amazing visuals.”
Do you think it’s growing in popularity?
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“Absolutely, but it’s not for everyone: some people come back, some people don’t, but it’s certainly growing, just like this whole Bristol synth and noise makers scene.
“On a national level the wider scene of EMOM (Electronic Music Open Mic) is really taking off, especially in the last year.
“We have regulars who come into Bristol from Worcester, Radstock, Swansea (and further than Swansea in fact).
“We are also a rare mix of seasoned professional musicians and absolute beginners. Where else does this happen in the creative industries in a public space? It’s a special thing.”
What’s special to you about modular synths?
Marcus says all types of kit are welcome at Bleep Klub and that money, tech and know-how should not be a barrier to people getting involved
“Ok let’s get one thing straight right now! We are a bunch of sound makers, some of whom use modular synths of various sizes, but that’s about one third of our regulars.
“Many people bring a range of all sorts. I often just bring my Casio keyboard that cost me £12 on eBay and a reverb pedal.
“I wouldn’t want tech, money or know-how to be a barrier.”
How should a novice approach getting into synths?
- Come to Bleep Klub?!
- Start something cheap, it doesn’t need to be expensive
- Visit elevator sound- one of the best shops in Bristol
- Watch A LOT of youtube synth content
- Have an open mind
- Get into sounds and not gear for the sake of gear. Follow your ears….what do you like? do that
- Remember…….there’s no wrong way to do anything creative
“Bleep Klub participants aim to be in the moment / melt into a beautiful bubbling audioscape surrounded by trippy visuals. On a weekday.”
What’s the benefits of coming together to create collectively?
‘There aren’t any wrongs when you’re being creative’ says Marcus
“Human connection is priceless and is great for your mental health, especially in these times.
“Having a common interest is a universal bond that transcends age, race and orientation. You come away from Bleep Klub with ideas and inspiration for your own projects, its like an every evolving gallery of sound.
“It’s just generally inspiring.”
If your curiosity is piqued Bleep Klub’s next session is at Strange Brew on April 23.
All images: Bleep Klub
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