OneDa + Vispera + Kyber + Dylan Purser B2B Lauren Walton- Saturday 1st February 2025 | Sunbird Records, Darwen

As part of our celebrations for Independent Venue Week 2025 we are delighted to be welcoming Oneda.

An artist who refuses to be boxed in, OneDa’s music speaks for itself. Always beginning with her own intrepid demeanour and dexterous wordplay, her tracks incorporate elements from the hip-hop and drum and bass scenes of her home city of Manchester before adding an eclectic mix of afro-trap and tinges of afrobeats that lean into her Nigerian heritage.Oneda’s expertise transcends mere lyrical skill; it involves effortlessly merging her chicaning poetic verses with the ever-changing rhythm of shifting beats. Her boundless linguistic talent distinguishes her as a unique force of nature and a master craftswoman. Named by The Face as one of the key MC’s at the forefront of the drum ‘n’ bass renaissance, OneDa is a multihyphenate who has long focused on empowering others. Now, she is speeding off the starting grid on her own with her self-produced debut album, ‘Formula OneDa’, released in October 2024 on Heavenly Recordings.

On the ethos behind the album, OneDa adds: “In early 2023, while listening to my mixtape demos, the line ‘had to step away, get the levels up fast, Formula OneDa never come last’ from my song ‘Off My Light’ stood out. We decided to name my album ‘Formula Oneda’. Coincidentally, I discovered that the F1 Academy had just started, aligning perfectly with my album’s vision. For the first time in over 30 years, Formula 1 has created a platform to inspire and support young girls and women. Previously indifferent to Formula 1, I am now excited by the progress these women are making in the male-dominated racing circuit. While becoming a racing driver was never my goal, the F1 Academy metaphor fits my journey from a backmarker to a leader. This year, I plan to support these inspiring women as they drive with Pussy Power to take pole position in motorsports.”

“OneDa’s story is so clearly mirrored in her music: a sprightly flow preaching a message of empowerment, enveloped in a dark, raucous soundscape…interlacing vibrant, punchy lyrics with that classic drum & bass sound has given OneDa a new lease of life.” – DJ Magazine

Support comes from an absolute homegrown set of talent with Vispera, Kyber, Dylan Purser and Lauren Walton

Vispera

Vispera has been performing words since her mid teens. Hailing from Manchester, she developed her voice through spoken word, slam poetry and creative writing. More recent years have seen her emerge into the Drum and Bass scene to narrate the rave space with her visceral, poetic MCing style, bringing deep layers of meaning and empowering women in the process.

Kyber

Kyber is a DnB DJ based out of Manchester who has skyrocketed since her debut of DJing 2 years prior.  She has landed club residencies at some of the biggest clubs in Manchester playing a variety of DnB from Rock fusion to Dancefloor and everything in between. On top of this she has a weekly radio residency on Pure FM London Radio.  Best known to us as part of the best sound system in the North West and an essential member of the DropJaw Audio Crew

Dylan Purser

A songwriter, producer and DJ living in Birmingham, UK. As well as creating beautiful liquid and melodic drum & bass tracks under his same named alias, Dylan has also written and produced for many acts under the pop and indie genres.

Coming off the back of his debut EP City In Lights, Dylan has had an incredible 2024, debuting at his first major multi-day festival (Liquicity 2024), and launching his own events brand Saturate. To round of the year, his track Earth with Lauren Walton is due to make an appearance on the upcoming Liquicity Lunar compilation, an homage to their festivals sound. The gears are still rolling strong and the next 12 months are set to be an exciting road for this up & coming DNB star.

Lauren Walton
A vocalist exploring all things bass. Born in the North West, she is now based in Leeds after graduating from Leeds Conservatoire in 2021. Inspired by the likes of Charli Brix, Zara Kershaw and Sydney Bryce, Lauren has been working alongside producers from all corners of the world who share her love for drum and bass.