Headstock’s new event series, The Drop, is a dynamic initiative that blends the power of house music with a mission to support mental health in the music industry. Created in partnership with Skiddle and renowned Manchester-based duo Solardo, The Drop aims to celebrate the positive impact electronic dance music can have on mental and emotional well-being. The event series focuses on raising awareness around the mental health crisis within the industry, while also donating proceeds to key charities supporting those affected by it. UNCLE have partnered with them to bring their posters to the streets of Manchester, spreading the word about The Drop, a free event set to take place on October 10th, in celebration of World Mental Health Day.
‘The Drop’ emphasizes the significant role music plays in combating the mental health crisis, especially within an industry that faces high levels of stress and anxiety. Headstock’s team highlights how house music, much like exercise, has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and symptoms of depression. With the support of high-profile artists and music communities, the event focuses on the therapeutic benefits of electronic dance music through a shared and immersive experience. The Drop offers a unique, early-evening rave experience, providing an opportunity for people to dance, unwind, and engage in the positive effects without the pressures of a traditional night out.
In this interview, Headstock reflects on the inspiration behind The Drop, its potential to expand, and the significance of launching in Manchester—a city with a storied history in electronic music. They dive into how the event offers support to the music industry and shines a light on the importance of mental health awareness. Be sure to catch The Drop’s debut and follow their journey as they aim to make a lasting impact through music and community.
CAN YOU SHARE MORE ABOUT THE INSPIRATION BEHIND ‘THE DROP’ AND HOW IT CAME TO LIFE?
We’re big fans of house music and believe in its power to lift our mood. To that end, we were keen to develop an event format that focuses on the positive impact that electronic dance music can have on our mental health, whilst shining a light on the transformative ability the genre can have on our mental & emotional wellbeing. We also wanted to create an event that supports people working across the music industry. With that in mind, we’re delighted that all proceeds from ticket sales will go to support a number of music industry mental health charities and causes.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LAUNCH THIS EVENT SERIES ON WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY?
Without question, World Mental Health Day is the biggest moment in the global mental health calendar, so we decided to launch the series on this date to try and make as big a statement as possible.
WHAT ROLE DO YOU SEE MUSIC PLAYING IN COMBATING THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS, ESPECIALLY WITHIN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
Headstock believes firmly in the power of music and shared experience to positively impact our mental and emotional health. In a similar way that exercise has the ability to lift our mood, house music has been scientifically proven to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety, whilst also reducing feelings of depression through the climactic release of dopamine and endorphins. Music has a vitality important role to play when it comes to helping us maintain good mental health.
WHAT HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN LIKE FROM ARTISTS AND THE MUSIC COMMUNITY TOWARD HEADSTOCK’S INITIATIVES?
We have been very lucky over the past few years with regards to talent, and the music community as a whole has really got behind what we’re trying to do. Over the past few years, we’ve worked with artists ranging from New Order and James Bay, through to the likes of Becky Hill, Faithless and Nothing But Thieves. We even managed to get The Killers’ Brandon Flowers to support one of our initiatives which was a ‘pinch me’ moment.
HOW DID THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN HEADSTOCK, SKIDDLE AND SOLARDO COME ABOUT?
We have been collaborating with Skiddle for the past few years on various mental health initiatives and they are one of the founding partners of MUSIC 85258 – the music industry mental health text support service Headstock launched in partnership with Shout earlier in 2024. When we first floated the idea of The Drop to the team at Skiddle, they were very eager to be involved. With regards to Solardo, we wanted to launch the new event series with Manchester talent given our Manchester roots and Solardo seemed like the perfect choice to kick things off – especially given their uplifting style!
WHAT DO YOU HOPE THIS EVENT SERIES WILL ACHIEVE IN TERMS OF BOTH RAISING AWARENESS AND SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH CHARITIES?
Ultimately, we want to shine a light on the brilliant charities that exist to support the mental health of anyone working within the music industry. People who work within music and live events are far more susceptible to mental issues than the broader population, so it’s vitality important that we do all we can to raise awareness of the support and services on offer. In some small way, we hope that The Drop is able to support the life-saving work these charities are doing.
ARE THERE PLANS TO EXPAND ‘THE DROP’ TO MORE CITIES OR TAKE IT TO A LARGER SCALE IN THE FUTURE?
In the first instance, the plan is to establish The Drop in Manchester over the next 12 months, championing talent from the North-West as well as further afield. Whilst we don’t have any concrete plans to expand the event series to other cities at the time being, we’d love to eventually take the event to other regions throughout the UK.
WHAT CAN ATTENDEES EXPECT FROM THE UNIQUE FORMAT OF AN EARLY EVENING RAVE THAT ENDS BY 9PM?
We wanted to create an intimate rave experience for people that love to dance, but without the pressures of a big night out. The Drop isn’t positioned as a sober rave but is perfect for anyone looking to unwind – with or without at drink – after a hard day at work. And with a 9pm finish, people can decide whether they want to continue their night elsewhere – or head home where they can be tucked up in bed by 10pm!
WHY WAS MANCHESTER CHOSEN AS THE CITY TO LAUNCH THIS EVENT SERIES, AND WHAT MAKES IT AN IDEAL LOCATION FOR SUCH INITIATIVES?
Our roots are in Manchester – as are Skiddle’s – so it made perfect sense to kick things off in our home city. Add to that the fact that Manchester is widely regarded as the music capital of the UK, then we couldn’t really launch the series anywhere else!
HOW IS THE EVENT IMPORTANT TO THE CITY?
Manchester has an incredible history when it comes to electronic music, boasting globally recognized brands such as the Hacienda, Sankeys and the Warehouse Project. In time, we hope that The Drop can make its own mark on the city, whilst helping to shift the needle when it comes to the positive role that music has to play with regards to our mental health.
