SXSW 2023: Drum 'n' bass raconteur Venbee is a ball of energy

“I heard Jesus did cocaine on a night out.” It’s a memorable opening lyric to Venbee’s drum ‘n’ bass hit, ‘Messy In Heaven’ - an eerily catchy and cautionary tale inspired by a friend with addiction issues.

The 22-year-old is as captivating as she is charming, throwing in plenty of self-deprecating comments before every track. Three songs in cursing how unfit she has become. “I’m sweating, I used to be a personal trainer, this is embarrassing man,” she laments, with a wink.

@sxswmusic Venbee SXSW 2023 #SXSW ♬ original sound - SXSWmusic

This wit is intertwined with real life trauma, exploring issues of suicide, depression and drugs without a sheen of insincerity. Though the subject matter is dark, the Kent native doesn’t stop moving for her entire performance. Her set is filled with danceable, infectious tunes. Each one graced with an angelic voice that’s soothing and embraces the listener.

Regardless of her complaints about being covered in sweat, Venbee is a relentless ball of energy that hooks in everybody in the crowd. With her debut album imminent, and her penchant for creating an addictive hook, there’s no limit to how far her songwriting talent can take her.

Listen to Venbee's new single 'gutter' below.