Onyda

Name, where are you from?
Onyda, I’m from Stoke-on-Trent.

What do you do?
I’m first and foremost a musician but I also work closely with visual arts such as film and fashion.

Describe your style in three words?
Fluid, thrifted, ill-fitting.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I saw Aldous Harding at Green Man Festival 2019, that was pretty special. She has such a strong sense of self and you could just feel it pour out of her, she’s a true original. I love 'Fixture Picture' and the music video is one of my favourites from recent years.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Beach Boys would be the first, they created something so special in a moment in time that could never be repeated, there will never be a comparison. 'In My Room' lyrically and melodically is so beautiful to me. Tame Impala would be a top pick from a current band, I’m deeply in love with the soundscapes, 'Mind Mischief' is so sexy.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
The counterculture of the '60s/'70s had a huge effect on my development as a young person but I’ve been through a lot of different influences really. At the moment I’m really inspired by the '80s new wave/new romantic aesthetic.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Anthony Bourdain. I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is but I’ve always felt a kinship with him like he’d give me answers to some unknown question. In his later years, his eyes and face had a depth like he knew something I don’t and I want to know what it is.

Of all the independent venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Definitely The Sugarmill in my hometown, Stoke. It’s been a constant throughout my life and it’s run by some incredible people that do so much for our city and the artists themselves, the love is real.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Definitely Scott Walker. His praises aren’t entirely unsung but it took me until last year to hear his name as he flies under the radar. The voice, the orchestration, the ingenuity, he really blows me away. 'The Old Man’s Back Again' is hard to top.