FUNCTION:AL | CLUB PREVIEW
The Vaults, Cardiff Bay, Fri 8 Nov
Function:al returns to Cardiff with a unique event, this time teaming up with Ladies Of Rage Cardiff and EQ50 to bring a gender balanced line up to the city’s drum’n’bass scene for the first time. The diverse showcase, spanning over both rooms of the Vaults, will be headlined by Storm and Randall, alongside Djinn and Digital, four figureheads of d’n’b and jungle.
Shifting away from the norm of male-dominated d’n’b nights, Function:al’s equal balance of male and female artists reflects the inclusiveness that has often characterised the dance floors of the underground club scene, but rarely its lineups. This progressive step towards gender equality within the music industry, particularly where women are most underrepresented, is hopefully the first of many for Cardiff.
Dubbed the “First Lady of drum’n’bass”, Storm is a pioneer of the underground scene and has been an influential advocate for gender equality since the very beginning of her musical career. She’ll be playing alongside Randall, head of Mac2 Recordings, and equally celebrated for his tight mixing and exclusive selections. Headlining with them are Manchester’s Djinn, a regular player on the UK underground scene since the early 2000s, and Function Records founding father Digital.
Local support comes from the likes of Lubi J & Ransom [pictured], two of Cardiff’s most well known and loved DJs, and new talent Electra and Double A Side, with Cardiff’s own Missy G and Function:al favourite, Blackeye MC on mic duties.
Lubi J, Electra and Missy G are also part of Ladies Of Rage, a Cardiff based platform for womxn working in genres where they’re historically underrepresented. LOR will be taking over Room 2 at the Vaults with an extensive selection of old skool hardcore, jungle, grime, dubstep, and drum’n’bass provided by Effigy, Elianne, Roxie Webb, Silk Cut and Shanny Shan. The room will be hosted by Bambi Clare, Becky Cee, Ess Louise and Miss.HD.
Tickets: £15. Info: Facebook event
words FRANCESCA GARDNER
