We’re delighted to announce New Sounds Festival 2025; Bristol’s celebration of South Asian music will feature live performances, DJs and much more; a showcase of the best in emerging and established talent, over two weekends in November. 

On Sunday 2 November, St George’s Bristol hosts two exceptional music concerts featuring some of the most exciting South Asian artists in the UK; Sarathy Korwar & Roopa Panesar. 

These two performances are the result of music commissions by Asian Arts Agency over the past few years, during which both Roopa and Sarathy were offered residencies at Real World Studios to create and record new music. We are now delighted to host and present their completed projects at this year’s New Sounds Festival. 

Asian Arts Agency Director, Jaswinder Singh said “We are delighted to bring back the New Sounds Festival to Bristol this year, featuring multiple performances by leading British South Asian artists across various venues in the city. The festival will showcase newly commissioned work by the Asian Arts Agency and launch a brand-new music series, Bhangra Sounds, with more events planned for the future.” 

Roopa Panesar
The celebrated sitar player takes to the stage for an afternoon of delightful Indo-jazz fusion with her ATMA project, following her recent jam-packed concerts at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Diwali celebration at Leicester Cathedral.

“One of the most important musicians to have emerged in the British Asian diaspora over the past few years. She expresses a profound sense of calmness laced with an inexplicable exhilaration.”  (⭐⭐⭐⭐ Songlines) 

Embracing Indian classical as well as jazz and Western classical music, Roopa leaves audiences captivated; she was invited to perform at the VJ75 memorial in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales and has also collaborated with Mercury Prize winner Talvin Singh.
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Sarathy Korwar
Later the same evening, genre-breaking drummer, producer and composer Sarathy Korwar presents the UK premiere of his forthcoming album – the first release on his own new label – made up entirely of live drums, drum-triggered electronics and human voices.

“His rhythmically intense, entrancing vision adds a whole new spin to the Indo-jazz continuum.”  (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ MOJO) 

For this special launch show, the band will comprise multiple drummers and percussionists, playing an expansive version of the album. Expect hypnotic and trance-inducing cyclical drum patterns – futuristic folk music that draws from South Asian temple procession rituals, jazz percussion ensembles and contemporary minimalism. 

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On 14 November, we are excited to launch our new music series Bhangra Sounds at the Bristol Beacon, celebrating the rich and vibrant Bhangra culture; an integral part of contemporary and global South Asian music. This series will showcase the breadth of the genre’s artists, including live music, dancers, DJs, and much more. 

RSVP
Bristol’s longest-standing Bhangra band will set the space alight with their high-energy unique sound fusion & magnetic stage presence. Every show comes with an introduction to Bhangra dance – everyone’s included with the emphasis on partying Punjabi style; this is the ultimate celebratory Indian music.
“Combining exhilarating rhythms, virtuoso vocals and infectious dance movements, the contagious sounds grab the audience and never let go.” (4barsrest.com) 

Eternal Taal 
The all-female group bring the vibrant sounds of the dhol and the colourful spirit of Punjabi dance to the stage. The renowned team of talented Bhangra artists, led by award-winning Parv Kaur are successfully breaking the mould of the male-dominated industry. Known for their electrifying performances and crowd-engaging style, Eternal Taal don’t just perform – they will get audiences moving, clapping, and dancing along. 

Indian Man 
The Bristol-based DJ and producer takes his Punjabi Indian roots and blends them into a melting pot of melodic magic by merging the music of his childhood with UK dub, garage and jungle, drawing club and underground electronic influences into his rapidly evolving sound. Snapped up by Peter Gabriel’s RealWorld Recordings for his debut album, and a regular at WOMAD festivals across the world, Indian Man’s time on the decks will keep the party jumping.