New East and South East Asian club night coming to Bristol

A new club night that aims to platform East and South East Asian (ESEA) DJs and artists is coming to Bristol next month.  

Half East West, which will cover house, techno, breakbeat and trance music, will be held at the Art Club on Bond Street in Broadmead on May 11. 

Organisers Half East Records, a London-based collective, say they want to share their passion with Bristol after a number of successful club nights in the capital. 

There is currently no club night that specifically focuses on celebrating ESEA artists in Bristol, the organisers say.

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Hannah Suharto, whose DJ name is TIRTA, from the collective, said: “Representation of ESEA DJs and Musicians is very slim; with our events we want to celebrate, inspire and bring people together.  

“Half East Records uplift ESEA folk, yet welcomes all. We want everyone to come and immerse themselves in our culture, joining us in celebration.”

She added: “Bristol's music scene often lacks diversity and we see this as an opportunity to introduce people to a world of new sounds and possibilities; breaking down and challenging unconscious and conscious biases that people may have, by bridging the gap. 

“As a DJ in the Bristol music scene, I have seen first hand the an imbalance of ethnically diverse line up and thus fostering environments where the attendees reflect that.

“As an event goer myself, it is extremely rare to see an ESEA person behind the decks; yet when I do, the feeling of exhilaration and inspiration is unrivalled.”

Alongside TIRTA, DJs due to perform at the event are Stella Z, Raindrogyny, Deejay Nye and Vince Lam.   Half East West takes place at The Art Club on May 11, from 8pm to 1am. Tickets start at £7 on first release, increasing to £10 on second release. Visit https://hdfst.uk/e105887