RIYA (D&B Vocalist/DJ)

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For me, drum and bass was the first place I truly felt I belonged. The energy lifted me when I felt flat, it gave me focus when my mind was racing, release when life felt heavy, and joy when I needed it most. I’ve also often wondered whether the fast tempo, momentum, and emotional intensity of it is part of why it resonates so deeply with those of us who’ve experienced anxiety, low mood, ADHD traits or just that feeling of never quite fitting in elsewhere. Maybe that’s why so many of us feel so connected to this scene. A beautiful bunch of misfits united by the same sound 😌 Tell me - what drew you to D&B in the first place, and does it feel like home to you?

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My second solo album has been years in the making and I’d love you to come celebrate it with me. Tickets are free before midnight, but you’ll have to book soon as there’s limited space. For anyone that is there, there will be some album exclusives, only available on the night! #dnb #drumandbass

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After reading a lot about it, I’ve realised it’s not just about the music - there’s a lot more going on: 1 - there’s the bass, which you can feel in your body. These low frequencies travel through us and help release built-up tension & pain. 2 - there’s the drums/ repetitive rhythm - creating a sense of stability and safety that shifts your whole state. 3 - then there’s the dancing - one of the most natural ways to release and let go. 4 - and the people. It feels so good to be with so many that just get it, and get you. But there’s something much deeper too that I discovered recently. In ancient cultures, people would gather to step out of every day life and enter a shared space of connection, dancing and rhythm. A sort of threshold. You cross it, reset, release and come back slightly different. Raves may be the modern version of that. I’ve left feeling like a different person every time and never fully knew why. Tell me - have you felt this too? Or is it something else for you? (And yes I’m waiting for some of you to say booze, drugs, or the dopamine rush 😝 but even without that, there’s still something in it 😌) Ps wherever you are this weekend, I hope you get a moment to really let loose, let go and enjoy it 💃 #drumandbass #dnb