Dub FX

Here is the event page content for Dub FX at Thekla in Bristol:

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Dub FX Live at Thekla, Bristol – Friday 12th December 2025

Get ready for an unforgettable night as Bristol’s own legendary live electronic artist, Dub FX, returns to the iconic floating venue, Thekla, on Friday, 12th December 2025. This isn’t just another gig; it’s a return to his roots for an artist who has consistently pushed the boundaries of live performance, captivating audiences worldwide with his raw energy and innovative sound. Thekla, a staple of Bristol’s vibrant music scene, provides the perfect intimate and atmospheric setting for Dub FX to weave his sonic spell, promising a night of pulsating beats, intricate vocal loops, and a truly immersive experience. Expect a deep dive into his extensive catalogue, delivered with the passion and improvisation that has cemented his status as a true pioneer of the live-looping revolution. This is a homecoming celebration not to be missed, a chance to witness a master craftsman at work in one of Bristol’s most beloved venues.

About Dub FX

Benjamin Stanford, better known to the world as Dub FX, is a true phenomenon in the independent music scene. Emerging from the vibrant streets of Melbourne, Australia, Dub FX quickly established himself as a groundbreaking artist, renowned for his captivating live performances that eschew traditional studio production in favour of raw, on-the-spot improvisation. His unique approach involves using a loop station to build intricate layers of beats, basslines, and vocal samples in real-time, creating a dynamic and utterly engrossing sonic tapestry that has to be experienced to be believed.

Dub FX’s career took off in the late 2000s, with early videos of his street performances going viral, showcasing his incredible talent for crafting full-fledged tracks with nothing more than his voice, a microphone, and his trusty loop station. This organic rise to fame led to international tours and a dedicated global fanbase. His music seamlessly blends elements of drum and bass, reggae, hip-hop, and electronic music, all infused with his distinctive vocal delivery, which ranges from smooth melodic flows to gritty, powerful chants.

Over the years, Dub FX has released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including “Everythinks A Situation” (2009), “Theory of Harmony” (2010), “A Cross to Bear” (2013), and “Flow” (2016), each showcasing his artistic evolution while retaining the core elements that make his sound so distinctive. Notable hits and fan favourites that have soundtracked countless festival sets and club nights include the infectious energy of “So Much Trouble,” the anthemic “Flow,” the thought-provoking “Light Up Your Life,” and the driving rhythm of “Love Me Or Leave Me.” His live sets are legendary for their spontaneity, with Dub FX often interacting directly with his audience, feeding off their energy and creating a truly collaborative atmosphere. He has a remarkable ability to build a track from the ground up, adding elements with each pass of the loop station, creating a sonic journey that is both complex and accessible. His commitment to independent artistry and his unwavering dedication to his craft have earned him immense respect within the music community and a devoted following across continents. This Bristol performance at Thekla promises to be a testament to his enduring appeal and his unparalleled ability to connect with his audience on a visceral level.

Venue Information

Thekla is Bristol’s legendary live music venue, a boat moored in the heart of the city. This unique setting offers an intimate and atmospheric experience for music lovers, with its distinctive maritime charm and excellent acoustics. Thekla has been a cornerstone of Bristol’s music scene for decades, hosting a diverse range of artists and genres, and has cultivated a reputation for delivering unforgettable live performances. Its compact size ensures that every gig feels personal and engaging, allowing the audience to get up close and personal with the artists they love. Prepare for a night surrounded by the unique character of this beloved Bristol institution. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for a sonic adventure that transcends the ordinary when Dub FX takes the stage at Thekla. His live performances are not merely concerts; they are immersive journeys into the heart of electronic music, crafted in real-time before your very eyes and ears. Dub FX’s signature style is built around his masterful use of a loop station, a powerful tool that allows him to build complex sonic landscapes from scratch. He begins with a simple beat, then layers in basslines, vocal samples, and intricate melodic hooks, all generated live. The magic lies in witnessing this intricate construction unfold, a testament to his incredible musicality and technical prowess.

Expect a setlist that draws from the breadth of his impressive catalogue, a carefully curated selection of his most beloved tracks interwoven with spontaneous improvisations. You’ll undoubtedly hear anthems like the instantly recognisable “Flow,” with its uplifting message and infectious rhythm, and the more introspective yet equally captivating “Light Up Your Life.” The driving energy of “So Much Trouble” is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a track that embodies the raw power and relentless groove that Dub FX is famous for. Be ready for the pulsating basslines and intricate vocal rhythms that define his sound, seamlessly blending genres from drum and bass to reggae and hip-hop.

Dub FX’s performance style is characterized by its raw authenticity and undeniable charisma. He commands the stage with an electrifying presence, his energy infectious and his connection with the audience palpable. There’s a genuine sense of improvisation at play; while he has his fan favourites, no two Dub FX shows are ever the same. He’s known to experiment, to extend sections, to drop in new vocal ad-libs and beats, all guided by the energy of the crowd and his own creative impulse. This spontaneity is what makes his performances so exhilarating and unique, offering a fresh experience with every encounter. The duration of the set is typically a generous affair, often clocking in at around 90 minutes to two hours, allowing ample time for him to explore different sonic territories and for the audience to become fully immersed in his world. You’ll leave feeling not just entertained, but invigorated and inspired by the sheer talent and dedication on display.

FAQs

Q1: What is Dub FX’s primary performance style? Dub FX is renowned for his live-looping technique. He uses a loop station in real-time to build layers of beats, basslines, and vocal samples, creating complex electronic music performances entirely on the spot. This means every show is unique and improvised.

Q2: Can I expect to hear his most popular tracks like “Flow” or “So Much Trouble”? Absolutely. While Dub FX’s sets are improvisational, he consistently incorporates his most beloved and recognisable tracks into his performances. You can be sure that crowd favourites like “Flow” and “So Much Trouble” will feature, often with extended improvisational sections.

Q3: Does Dub FX collaborate with other artists during his live sets? While Dub FX’s core performance is built around his solo live-looping setup, he has been known to occasionally feature guest vocalists or instrumentalists if the tour or specific event calls for it. However, the primary focus of his shows is his individual, self-contained performance.

Q4: How long does a typical Dub FX live set last? A standard Dub FX performance usually lasts between 90 minutes and two hours. This extended duration allows him ample time to explore a variety of musical ideas, build intricate sonic landscapes, and engage deeply with the audience.

Q5: Is Dub FX’s music suitable for all ages? Dub FX’s music often contains mature lyrical themes and can be quite energetic. While he has a broad appeal, parental guidance is recommended for younger attendees. The venue’s age policy also applies.

Q6: What makes a Dub FX live show so special compared to listening to his albums? The live show is where Dub FX truly shines. The magic lies in witnessing the creation of music in real-time – the improvisation, the spontaneous vocal ad-libs, the way he interacts with the audience’s energy to build a track. His albums capture his sound, but the live performance is a visceral, dynamic, and utterly unique experience.

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