Music and mental health social enterprise, Headstock, has partnered with leading ticketing platform Skiddle, to create an exciting new event series, ‘The Drop’ – and local production duo Solardo are taking the stage for the launch night.
The DJ duo from Manchester, best known for pumping out irresistible house beats, have just announced their first Drop event, set to perform an intimate show at The Yard on Thursday, 10 October.
Known for igniting dancefloors wherever they go, Solardo has played in iconic clubs and wowed at festivals all over the world, including Glastonbury, Tomorrowland, Creamfields, Ultra and Burning Man.
For one night only, 300 lucky people will be able to experience the electric vibes of the duo at this new event in Manchester.
Credit: Press Images (supplied)
The Drop is a monthly house music event, designed to elevate the mood of partygoers and raise both awareness and funds for mental health charities.
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Aptly named, ‘The Drop’ obviously refers to the climactic moment in electronic dance music where a track’s crescendo releases a wave of euphoria – a really fitting metaphor for the event’s mission: to raise spirits and support mental well-being.
Each month, The Drop will welcome some of the world’s most renowned DJs for an early evening rave, with proceeds supporting the music industry and local mental health charities, chosen by the featured artists. This first one just happens to be Solardo and the cult favourite Cheetham Hill venue.
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The series will highlight house and electronic dance music’s ability to stimulate feelings of joy, and the 9pm finish gives you a chance to continue your night out or head home for a well-deserved rest.
The proceeds from Solardo’s gig will go to Music Minds Matters, a national charity that puts positive mental well-being, centre stage in the music industry and supports the UK music community’s mental health through a 24/7 confidential helpline, peer support and specialised online sessions.
Supporting Solardo are fellow Mancunian breakthrough double act: Shimrise.
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Yelena Lashimba and Latoya Reisner bring high-energy performances and take an electrifying twist on house music, infusing percussion, bass and nostalgia into their sets.
If you’ve heard even a little bit of their stuff, you’ll be just as excited to hear these two as Solardo.
Taking the stage from 6pm onwards, they’ll be getting things warmed up before the main event. It’s honestly going to be such a good party atmosphere.
Atheer Al-Salim, founder of Headstock, shared the inspiration behind the series:
“At Headstock, we believe passionately in the power of music and shared experience to positively impact our mental and emotional well-being. The Drop is an embodiment of this belief and an amazing shared experience for house music fans.
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“We are excited to partner with Skiddle to launch a new event series which exists to remind people just how powerful music can be to lift our mood and brighten our day.
“It’s very fitting that we’re kicking things off on World Mental Health Day with Solardo – raising money for Music Minds Matter. This forms part of Headstock’s long-term commitment to support the mental health of those working within the music industry.”
Get ready to grab your tickets HERE because it’s going to be an unforgettable night, especially if comes even remotely close to the Solardo sets we’ve grown accustomed to. That drop really is just the best feeling, isn’t it?
JD to host exclusive Josh Baker set at massive World Cup watch party in Manchester
Danny Jones
JD x JB: The well-known British and Manchester-founded sports fashion brand is teaming up with local artist Josh Baker for an exclusive pop-up set at a massive World Cup screening in the city centre tonight.
The two Manchester icons are teaming up at an otherwise sold-out Castlefield Bowl, getting the matchday vibes going ahead of the England vs Argentina game this evening.
With all eyes on the semi-final, keeping nerves steady will be a tall task, but Baker will be helping play his part in getting the energy up ahead of kick-off.
No matter what happens with the scoreline, it’s set to be a proper party atmosphere beforehand.
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Fresh off the plane from his White Isle residency over in Ibiza, the 30-year-old Manc musician will be taking to the stage from 6:15pm at none other than Castlefield Bowl, where nearly 9,000 people will be watching the big game.
In case you missed it, after wrapping up Sounds of the City ’26, the Bowl is now being taken over for Road to Victory’s outdoor fan zone.
Doors will be open from 5:30pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off, and you’ll want to get down there with plenty of time to make sure you get a good view of the action – and by that, we mean both the game and Josh’s exciting set.
Better still, not only are those at the venue in for a night of amazing music and incredible vibes, but they’ll be cheering on Thomas Tuchel’s men straight after, in a crucial clash that could see England reach a second consecutive final in the last two major tournaments.
There’ll be plenty of entertainment before, during and after the breaks.
We will, of course, be keeping our fingers crossed for you and the boys tonight; the only thing we’re certain of is that the man himself will deliver on the night.
We had the honour of chatting with JB ahead of the BRITs back in February, and he’s only looking to bigger and better things this year.
For those looking to go along for this special one-off, once again, tickets to the event are already sold out, so your only chance is to sign up for the waiting list HERE. Fingers crossed for you and a result at full-time!
Last but not least, keep your eyes peeled on the JD Sports Instagram page and their other socials for all other updates ahead of the huge night. We can feel it: it’s coming home…
Featured Images — Press shots (supplied via JD Sports)
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A local Manc musician is taking on a Three Peaks challenge whilst carrying a full drum kit
Danny Jones
A local musician dubbed ‘The Manchester Drummer’ is set to face an incredible twist on the National Three Peaks Challenge this summer, as he’s set to carry a full drum kit the ENTIRE way.
This makes our weekly stairmaster workout look like a walk in the park.
Aaron Youd, a.k.a. ‘TMD’ is set to take on the incredible feat next month in the name of mental health, especially among men.
Having sadly seen half a dozen loved ones and peers take their own lives over the last three decades, he’s putting himself through the wringer to show that mountains are there to be climbed, and chip away at those still surviving stigmas, one step at a time.
Set to ascend Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike – Great Britain’s trio of tallest summits – all whilst carrying his trusty drum kit, he’ll be putting himself through 23 miles of walking and over 10,000 feet/3,000 metres of elevation all told.
When we first came across his story, we assumed he meant the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge (still staggering at more than 5,200 ft), but it turns out he does nothing by half measures.
Having spent the best part of 27 years touring and performing across the UK and Europe, Aaron’s personal connection to mental health awareness and wellbeing has only deepened over that time, choosing to represent another native charity this August.
Mandem Meetup, who also have a strong base across Greater Manchester, hold completely free group walks, along with talking events, hikes and other activities, like Dungeons and Dragons games, homeless outreach work, even gym sessions with fellow Manc community hero Javeno McLean.
Speaking ahead of starting his incredible journey, Aaron said: “This challenge is about much more than endurance. It’s about raising awareness for mental health, encouraging people to speak openly, and raising as much money as possible for a cause that affects so many lives every day.
Credit: Supplied
“I’ve lost six friends and colleagues to suicide, and I know how important it is that people feel able to talk and ask for support. At each peak, I’ll be performing with the drums to spread the message that no one should struggle alone.
“Every step, every climb, and every beat played is dedicated to raising awareness and making a positive difference.”
As well as embarking on his voyage on behalf of Mandem Meetup, Aaron is also now working with a big brand soon to make a splash here in the region (nudge nudge, wink wink) who are helping back him on his challenge.
Following a chance encounter here in the city centre, he happened to meet Professor David Russell, who came across him busking, but also just happens to be the CEO of the upcoming Therme Manchester.
The £500 spa and resort set to open over in Trafford may still be a way off, currently scheduled for late 2028, but as part of their promotion ahead of establishing a base here in the North West, the talented percussionist was invited to be part of the official groundbreaking ceremony last September.
As for Aaron, he signs off by adding: “Music has always been my outlet and my way of connecting with people. If this challenge encourages even one person to open up about how they’re feeling or seek help, then every difficult step will be worth it.”
We wish him all the best and good luck with this superhuman and inspiring fundraising activity, not that he needs it – we have every faith he’s going to smash it.
Whilst you’re here, we’re hoping the grassroots music community can also come together to support another locally-based artist who could do with some help.
Emily Johnson -
26th September 2024 
