On Thursday 19 September we hosted a special night exploring the music history of Knowle West and its influence on the Bristol Sound. The event was programmed in collaboration with Gary Thompson, filmmaker, creative and founder of Cables&Cameras, who grew up in Knowle West and got in touch with us to suggest hosting this event as part of the Homes for Heroes 100 programme.
HOMECOMING was an evening of music, film and conversation, charting the lineage of pioneering musicians from Knowle West and their contributions to the city and beyond. In September 1989, Fresh Four released top ten hit ‘Wishing On A Star’, an example of the bass-driven and female vocal-led sounds bubbling up from Bristol’s underground at the time. From here, DJ Krust developed an internationally renowned electronic music career. Trip-hop forefather Tricky was a Knowle West Boy, and new talent continues to develop today in bedrooms, back gardens and the music studios of Knowle West Media Centre.
How has growing up in the neighbourhood shaped these artists? What local venues and community champions have supported them on their way? What would Bristol’s music history look like without the cultivating grounds of council estates across the city? HOMECOMING provided a powerful line up of DJs, musicians and filmmakers to discuss these questions and share their stories.
Over 60 people from across Bristol and Knowle West came to enjoy the night, and we hope it will spark many more events where the unique music talent of Knowle West can be widely celebrated.
Special thanks to Cables&Cameras, artists: DJ Krust, Gary Thompson, Kala Chng, 3 Culture, DJ Bunjy and music journalist and host Joe Muggs.
The event was part of KWMC’s creative programme 100 Years of Knowle West Style. 100 Years is part of the wider Homes For Heroes 100, city-wide projects marking a century of council housing coordinated by Bristol Cultural Development Partnership.Homes For Heroes 100 is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Bristol City Council.
Photos by Ibolya Feher
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