My Bristol Favourites: IdleGod

IdleGod is a Bristol-based artist who was born and raised in Suffolk.

His music is inspired by Kanye West, Radiohead and Deftones, as well as filmmakers such as David Lynch and Nicolas Winding.

He writes songs with an alternative electronic rock and experimental edge, but which are also anthemic and pop influenced. IdleGod’s new single, Power Play, is released on August 20.

These are IdleGod’s top-five Bristol favourites:

Crofters Rights

“Crofters Rights is just cool. It’s got that raw, intimate and independent feel which I love. The band and the audience feel very much like they’re in an intense conversation at shows due to the stage not being much higher than the audience and just the overall authentic vibe the place gives off. I’ve been to some great gigs here and I also played my first proper gig as IdleGod here for the launch of my first EP (OGs’ know). It also has a killer selection of ales and drinks and I’m a sucker for all the different kinds of drinks you can try in the many bars and venues of Bristol.”

Chance & Counters

Chance & Counters now has more than 850 games to choose from – photo: Chance & Counters

“Who doesn’t love a bit of a niche? Chance & Counters on Christmas Steps is a cafe with great vegan food, drinks and coffee with a crazy large selection of board games that go way beyond your Cluedo and Monopoly (I love Monopoly; I’m sorry, Hasbro). You could go there weekly and for a very considerable amount of time and still discover a board game you’ve never heard of and get absolutely addicted to it I bet. Great atmosphere in there too as everyone is definitely there for the unique thing is on offer.”

Pirate Studios

Pirate Studios offer rehearsal spaces available to hire 24 hours a day – photo: Pirate Studios

“Yeah, this is a bias but Pirate Studios in Lawrence Hill holds many simultaneously fantastic and awful memories. Hours of rehearsing for either my music, someone else’s or my uni work whilst I was at BIMM Bristol. You end up leaving the place either feeling like you’ve tapped into the magic and you’re the next big thing or considering quitting and burning your instruments. There’s no in-between; gotta love it.”

Brandon Hill

“Okay alright, we all watched Skins and Googled where Cassie was sitting down on that bench. It’s a breath-taking spot regardless, the cityscape and the countryside that surrounds it is quite something. I’ve gone out of my way many times on trips to shops etc to walk this way and catch the beautiful view. Also, people watching here can be hilarious. People failing to walk on slacklines they’ve set up and whatever random business people get up to in a green space never fails to make you laugh whilst you’ve got your headphones on walking through the park.”

Marlings Fish Bar

Marlings Fish serves fish and chips, as well as Chinese, Thai and Malaysian cuisine – photo: Google

“As possibly guessed from my earlier answer, I’m a vegan. Marlings Fish Bar in St George is the best takeaway in the city and if I had the money I would invest in a Marlings Fish Bar chain. Order as if you aren’t a vegan, and ask them to make the food suitable for you. It’s incredible. I’ve actually had to ring up in the past just to double-check that the chicken in my food wasn’t real chicken. All of their ‘fake’ meat is delicious and I’ve asked in the past to purchase some for my own cooking from them, which they’ve amazingly done for me a few times. I love that it’s still presented as a traditional Chinese takeaway, even down to the menu and fonts. Superb stuff. Now I want to order some.”

Main photo: IdleGod

Read more: New music programme will help women and non-binary people get into the music scene

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