From Brighton's underground to festival stalwarts, SNAYX are on a charge with their explosive blend of genre-alchemy, all while navigating engine failures on the way. Dive in with our DORK x THE GATHERING SOUNDS festival guide cover feature.

Words: Stephen Ackroyd.
Photos: Jennifer McCord.

In the dimly lit confines of an Airbnb somewhere between Oslo and Germany, SNAYX are huddled around a screen, watching their drummer, Lainey, navigate the virtual world of Roblox. It's an oddly serene moment for a band whose reputation has been built on explosive live performances and politically charged lyrics. But SNAYX have always been full of surprises.

It's a rare bit of downtime for the Brighton-based trio, who have been riding a wave of success that's seen them share stages with some of rock's biggest names. Their summer has been a whirlwind of activity, including stints supporting Billy Talent and Royal Blood. "We've played some of our biggest shows to date," they explain, "Crazy experience for us. Absolute dons, the lot of them."

SNAYX, aka original duo Charlie Herridge, Ollie Horner, and the more recent addition of drummer Lainey Loops, have quickly established themselves as one of the UK's most electrifying new live acts. Their music, a potent blend of punk, grime, hip-hop, and dance, has been drawing comparisons to some of the more incendiary names of recent years, but SNAYX are carving out their own unique space in the British music scene, their sound evolving at a pace that's turning heads as it goes.

As they prepare for their upcoming appearance at The Gathering Sounds Festival in Stockton-on-Tees, SNAYX find themselves returning to a familiar part of the world. "[We've been] twice, actually, for Twisterella and Stockton Calling - two incredible new music discovery festivals," they recall of their previous visits to the North East. "We've always been well looked after there and well received by the locals. Bring on Gathering Sounds!"