A Guide to the London Music Scene

London’s music scene is bustling with life, with gigs and events filling the calendar practically every day. From successful titans on the scene to up and coming artists, there is something to suit everyone in the English capital. What’s fantastic about London’s music scene is that each borough has a different aesthetic that will guide you through the night. To make your next London music adventure easier, we’ve gathered together the most popular boroughs, all renowned for their fantastic music scenes.

Dalston

Extremely popular with the Afro-Caribbean and LGBTQ+ communities, Dalston has been a raver’s paradise since the 80s. Step out in the evening to find no end of nightclubs cranking up the volume with electro music and quirky jazz clubs bringing the funk into the early hours. Dalston is such an iconic place that the likes of music sensation Harry Styles, and Prince Harry, have both been out partying here.

Our favourite spot to visit in Dalston is The Shacklewell Arms, which can easily have you losing track of time. Their calendar is packed full of interesting artists to keep anyone entertained. Arguably one of the most exciting feats is the enormous smoking area, which almost makes up a separate venue.

As well as the live music events, there is plenty of opportunity for practising musicians at a studio space, Dalston. You can see if there’s space in this location at pirate.com, where your band can jam to your heart’s content. If you need to borrow equipment, you will find no shortage of quality gear to hire.

Hammersmith

Although not the most renowned London borough on this list, Hammersmith is considered the music hub of west London. If musicals are your vibe, Hammersmith is the perfect area for you. More recently, the Shepherd’s Bush area has become intrinsically linked with music fanatics. You will find many small venues and large concert halls playing host to a range of artists.

If you’re looking for a music event in Hammersmith, then we suggest visiting the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. This theatre turned gig venue is intimate and elegant while bringing in excellent top artists. Icons including Prince, Elton John, Muse, and Coldplay have all played at this venue.

Camden

If there’s a devil’s beacon in London, you will find it held in Camden, which has been the centre of rock ‘n’ roll since the 1960s. Rock icons including Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and Blur have all played performances here during their early careers. Paired with neighbouring Kentish Town, this area thrives on rock, metal, and alternative hardcore genres. An evening in Camden will find you at small venues, underground stages, and sizable O2 buildings.

If you ever get the opportunity, we recommend enjoying the intimacy of Camden Underworld, which adjoins The World’s End pub. You will find a bustling events list and a crowd of like-minded people relaxing with a delicious pint of Staropramen, which is served fresh from a specialist tank.

Soho

Soho is a bustling area full of shops, bars, and plenty of music venues to keep you busy. No matter what your favourite genre is, Soho will have something for you. Whether you want to dance the night away to smoke-pumping DJs or hit the mosh pits during metal breakdowns, Soho will take care of you. With Soho as your base, you will be within walking distance of many of the other nightclubs, bars, and restaurants that London has to offer.

In Soho, Ronnie Scott’s is our favourite place to enjoy a drink. You will need to put aside some cash because it is pricey, but this venue is the oldest and most renowned jazz venue in the entire UK. Even if you’re not a massive jazz fan, you should check out what this small venue manages to achieve.

Brixton

Brixton is the go-to place for anyone that enjoys hip-hop, urban, R&B, and afrobeat. However, the fun doesn’t stop there because there’s a venue to tick the box in every genre. If quirky and unique music sounds like an enjoyable night to you, then make sure Brixton is on your London bucket list. As well as being full of fantastic music venues, Brixton is home to an incredible clubbing scene.

Plan B is our go-to spot for music in Brixton. The venue has been on the scene since 2009 after having a major makeover. Inside you will find warehouse stylings and bright neon lights. Bringing you the sound for every gig is the highly boasted Funktion 1 system. The party never stops at this Brixton venue because it has a 24-hour music licence.

Shoreditch

Shoreditch is known for being an incredible night out, and it is home to a thriving alternative scene. Music venues in this borough cover reggae, ska, house, dubstep, drum and bass, and nu-jazz. Working in conjunction with this incredible music scene, there is a dedicated independent music shop, which you can find in Spitalfields.

If live DJs inside an incredible warehouse-like music venue sounds like the start to an amazing night, you should check out XOYO. Not only is this a renowned club, but it’s also home to fantastic upcoming and established DJs.

Angel and Islington

Indie rockers, don’t fear, we haven’t forgotten about you; Angel and Islington is your music home in London. A night in this London borough will find you enjoying music’s forgotten genres. As well as indie music, you will find a roster of acoustic artists and successful bands playing here.

The Lexington pub is the place to be for indie lovers out there. This Pentonville Road venue, which specialises in US imported craft beers, brings in an incredible crowd that covers all walks of life. Artists hitting the stage won’t be to everyone’s taste, but if you want to enjoy a drink and hear your friends talk – this should be high on your list.

London has an incredible music scene that is steeped in history. Each borough has a different aesthetic to offer, which means anyone can find music to enjoy here.