What Does Not redefine the landscape of live music in London with RAW

A unique and inclusive event with a "Pay What You Can" scheme

London’s social landscape, often defined by its diversity yet divided by niche subcultures, finds a unifying thread in RAW by event company What Does Not. Dubbed the cities first “listening night,” RAW is a unique event blending uncensored storytelling, live music, and grassroots art to create a space where differences dissolve and humanity shines. This bold initiative, founded by Christine Charitonos, has drawn over 6,000 attendees since its inception, offering a refreshing antidote to the loneliness and division pervading modern life. Christine explains that "Joy is so important in sustaining us through hard times. As is belonging. RAW listening nights cut across social silos, succeeding in building an organic and authentic community. By combining the rawness of human experience with the vibey coolness of a quintessential London night out, we’ve managed to create a cathartic, new format. In many ways, RAWs are a source of hope, closing the loneliness & division gap one night at a time.”

The magic of RAW lies in its inclusivity. With a “pay-what-you-can” ticketing model, it ensures that cost isn’t a barrier to participation. Attendees from all walks of life gather monthly at iconic venues like The Ministry and Soho House to engage with stories and performances that reveal shared struggles, joys, and perspectives. Themes like resilience, masculinity, and stigma encourage participants to challenge biases and reflect deeply.

RAW also amplifies emerging voices, giving grassroots artists and musicians a platform to showcase their work. This commitment has birthed initiatives like NOISE, which champions undiscovered talent and highlights their journeys within an often unforgiving creative industry.

The next RAW event, on November 29th at The Ministry, dives into the theme of SECRETS, featuring an immersive secret rave and interactive activations.