Still 21
Inkspot, Cardiff
Fri 30 Aug + Sat 1 Sept
Two nights dedicated to celebrating everything south Wales has to offer in the realms of underground drum‘n’bass, trance, hip-hop, grime, trap and everything in between. There’s a gargantuan list of artists set to perform already with some still to be confirmed, with many names that are already well established especially in the Cardiff scene.
The event is purpose built to be multi-staged and therefore a multi-genre experience. There’s set to be three different stages: The Raw Stage, The Drum & Bass Stage and The Trance Stage. Raw will be dedicated to hip-hop, grime, trap and any subgenres that they may slip into. Hosted by Ez Rah and Prendy, of Cardiffian grime radio programmme The Raw Show, and expecting artists such as Razkid, Local, Luke RV and Murkage. Names that already bring certain expectations and that are well known in the Cardiff scene especially. Luke RV in particular is one to keep an eye on with his unique crooning flow combining nicely with the more traditional grime flows and methods of Local and Murkage.
It’s inevitable, at times, that there be a blurring of genres between the Raw Stage and the Drum & Bass Stage. But it’s also evident that the latter is going to move beyond the 140bpm styles of the former and taking the event into the uptempo, brash and abrasive ways of d’n’b. Prepare for more floor-wobbling basslines and ruffneck, gruff MCs when approaching this stage, with the likes of Kenetix, Apollo, Joe Blow and a lot more. There’s also said to be a third stage/genre shift, named Trance Dun Differently, if you prefer the more uplifting and decadent elements of electronic music.
A truly impressive aspect of this event is that the underlying ambition is fundraising – organised by Cardiffian photographer Simon O’Connor, in order to raise money to support host venue Inkspot. The organisers have made it clear that all the proceeds from the evening will be going straight to the venue, to enable it to continue to host events such as this. CAMPBELL PROSSER
Tickets: £10-£15. Info: 029 2049 0254 / www.inkspotartsandcrafts.com