Live music in Brighton is spread across a few key districts. Brighton City Centre has a mix of stylish cocktail bars, full-scale nightclubs, and dedicated performance spaces like The Grand Central Brighton. North Laine is packed with independent music venues that showcase everything from indie rock to electronic music like Dead Wax Social. Kemptown offers a blend of alternative music venues and LGBTQIA+ friendly spaces known for eclectic live acts. Hove is home to beachfront venues like Rockwater with live jazz, standup comedy, and other live entertainment.
Most venues include PA systems, mixing desks, stage lighting, and soundproofing to ensure high-quality performances. Larger venues often have LED screens, DJ booths, and full AV setups, while smaller venues may require you to bring in your own sound engineer. Some venues also provide on-site tech support and event coordination to help with staging and setup.
Brighton is a haven for musicians, with record shops like Resident Brighton and Wax Factor offering everything from rare vinyl to new indie releases. GAK (Guitar, Amp & Keyboard Centre) is a must-visit for anyone looking to buy or rent instruments. For a more immersive experience, check out The Great Escape Festival, which turns the entire city into a showcase of new music, with hundreds of gigs happening across multiple venues.