OneCab Acoustic Night at Dubrek Studios: A Stripped-Back Celebration of Derby’s Grassroots Music Scene

On 5 March 2026, Dubrek Studios in Derby hosted a different kind of evening from the OneCab team. Known for energetic gigs and eclectic line-ups, OneCab decided to slow things down for this show, presenting a laid-back acoustic night that highlighted the songwriting and musicianship at the heart of Derby’s grassroots music scene.

The tables were left out, the lights felt a little softer, and the atmosphere was noticeably more intimate than the usual standing-room gigs. Instead of roaring amps and packed mosh pits, the room was treated to stripped-back sets, acoustic arrangements and heartfelt performances from three local acts. It proved that Derby’s live music culture does not always need volume to captivate an audience.

The night featured sets from Graveyard Cop, Lara Elsie Grant and headliners Skattabox, each bringing their own interpretation of what an acoustic evening could be.

A Gentle Start with Graveyard Cop

Opening the night was Graveyard Cop, the ambient folk solo project of Tino Martin. Many people in Derby know Martin as the frontman of louder, heavier bands, but Graveyard Cop reveals a completely different side of his musical personality.

The project has been around for some time, with several releases already available to stream, and it continues to evolve into something deeply atmospheric and emotionally rich.

Martin began his set with the beautifully written original track Aphrodite. Soft, soulful vocals floated over gentle ambient chords, instantly setting the tone for the evening. It was a calm, reflective opening that encouraged the audience to settle into the stripped-back mood of the night.

One of the highlights came when he performed an acoustic version of Scare, a song originally written and performed with his former band Skeeve, who recently disbanded. Hearing the track in this intimate setting offered a new perspective on the song. It was rawer, more fragile, and a reminder of the songwriting talent that had been present in Skeeve’s heavier catalogue.

The set also included a number of carefully chosen covers, each reinterpreted with Martin’s distinctive ambient folk style. I Found Two Dead Swans and Filled Their Bodies with Roses by Teen Suicide was delivered with haunting sensitivity. The Things I’ll Miss by Last Whole Earth Catalogue followed, retaining the melancholic beauty of the original while adding Martin’s signature atmospheric touch.

Perhaps the most striking cover of the evening was All I Need by Radiohead. The performance showcased Martin’s full vocal range, shifting effortlessly from soft and soulful passages to powerful, emotionally charged moments.

Alongside these covers were more original compositions. Ghost Part 2 featured a particularly memorable chorus, while Earth, an unreleased track, hinted at future material that fans will hopefully see released soon.

The set closed with the Graveyard Cop version of Whiskey, another track we have heard played by Skeeve but began life as a very different song. The original version of Whiskey in its stripped-back form it felt haunting and deeply personal.

It was a beautifully performed opening set, full of atmosphere and emotional depth.

Lara Elsie Grant’s Dreamy Folk Songwriting

Next up was Lara Elsie Grant, bringing a collection of original songs that leaned into dreamy folk with subtle country influences.

Grant’s songwriting has been steadily gaining attention within the Derby grassroots scene, and much of her material is already available through her EP releases on streaming platforms. Her performance at Dubrek Studios demonstrated exactly why her music resonates with listeners.

The song, I Never Liked You More, taken from her first EP. The arrangement was simple and effective. Soft guitar accompanied Grant’s warm, breathy vocals, allowing the emotion in the lyrics to take centre stage.

Her voice carried the performance effortlessly, filling the room without needing volume or theatrics.

Next came Mr Sour Face, which she introduced with the simple comment that “the song explains itself”. Built around delicate finger-picked guitar lines, the track had a twinkling quality that complemented her dreamy vocal delivery. The chorus in particular proved memorable, lingering long after the song ended.

Throughout the set there were moments where her folk style leaned slightly toward country influences, especially in the phrasing of her melodies and storytelling lyrics. The songs felt personal and reflective, drawing the audience quietly into her world.

Grant closed her set with See You Around, an emotional tribute written about her uncle who passed away last year. The performance was heartfelt and deeply sincere, capturing the feeling of loss while still maintaining the gentle beauty that defines her songwriting.

It was a touching finale to a strong set, and one that left many in the room clearly moved.

Skattabox Bring Acoustic Energy to the Headline Slot

Headlining the night were Skattabox, a band known in Derby for their energetic live performances blending funk, punk, rap and groove-driven chaos.

Those who have seen them before are used to loud, electrified sets packed with frantic energy. This performance, however, was different.

In their own words, it was “as acoustic as we go”.

While the instrumentation was more stripped back than usual, the band managed to retain the playful energy and stage presence that make their shows so entertaining.

They opened with Skatterbrain, launching straight into groove-driven rhythms. The song featured scatting at the beginning before sliding into funk-infused grooves supported by slap bass, synth textures, rhythm guitar and lively percussion.

Even without the full electric set-up, the band maintained the infectious energy that keeps audiences engaged.

The fun continued with Where Are You Going, a track that translated particularly well into the semi-acoustic format. The mix of rapped verses, shouted chants and layered instrumentation gave the performance a unique character.

Between songs the band joked about the time they managed to clear a festival stage, showing their usual sense of humour and relaxed stage presence.

One of the standout moments came with Of Mice and Men, a track that was recently featured on BBC Introducing. The song’s funky groove, driven by expressive slap bass, piano and synth flourishes, had the audience tapping their feet throughout.

Despite the stripped-back format, Skattabox proved they could adapt their sound without losing any of their personality. The set remained energetic, entertaining and musically tight from start to finish.

OneCab Continue Supporting Derby’s Grassroots Music

The OneCab acoustic night at Dubrek Studios demonstrated the strength and diversity of Derby’s grassroots music community. By shifting the focus toward acoustic and stripped-back performances, the event highlighted the songwriting and musicianship that sit beneath the louder side of the city’s gig scene.

Each act brought something unique to the evening.

Graveyard Cop offered atmospheric folk with haunting emotion. Lara Elsie Grant delivered intimate storytelling through dreamy acoustic songwriting. Skattabox closed the night with a playful and energetic twist on their usual funk-punk style.

Dubrek Studios once again proved why it remains one of the most important grassroots music venues in Derby, providing a space where local artists can experiment, perform and connect with audiences.

And thanks to the efforts of the OneCab team, the evening was another reminder that Derby’s music scene continues to thrive through collaboration, creativity and community.

For those who attended, it was a relaxed but memorable night of live music that showed just how powerful stripped-back performances can be.

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