This, That & The Other
Described as “one of the best outings in London,” RAW listening nights are the cure for the common disconnect – blending culture, connection and cool in some of London’s hottest venues
Borne from one woman’s itch for collecting stories and speaking to strangers, today RAW is a first-of-its-kind event, and the flagship format of What Does Not. It’s also the first listening night in London.
RAW listening nights are the most London thing to come out of city in the past 20 years. Diverse, vibey, dynamic and cool, RAWs combine vibes for miles in the coolest venues, the serendipitous connecting with incredible humans from all backgrounds, thought provoking art and great music. All of this is bound together by the highs, lows and diversity of true stories by everyday people – through the lens of a theme. To top it off, the RAW has a noble vision underpinning its sass: to move the dial on the status quo of division and disconnection. And create togetherness in a splintered world.
We adapt RAWs to each space and can be intimate affairs of 100 people, to a microfestival of 350 people – with food pop ups, makers’ markets, screenings etc. Why the theme? It helps discover our shared humanity through that particular lens.
Themes are hard-hitting topics, central to human happiness
Designed for curious minds looking to squeeze meaning out of everything they do, RAWs are curated around a theme – and use it as a lens on human experience. Past themes have included, resilience, masculinity, stigma, home, acceptance, deviance, mind, bodies, hustle, addiction, and desire. We’re just getting started on exploring the full gamut of what it means to be a human. Join us as we bring together people from all walks of society to celebrate the power and nuance of every theme.
Expect storytelling paired with music and art around the chosen theme
This night is the cure to loneliness, on a plate. In this way, your average night masquerades as changemaking. Our intention with the RAWs has always been to move the dial on the status quo of loneliness and a culture of fear and disconnection.
Named after the famous aphorism by Nietzsche, ‘What does not kill us, makes us stronger’, (a mindset proven by science to be essential for success in life and business), we’re kneading together the most brilliant and marginalized minds to create a starter culture of badasses and hustlers who can kickstart the social fermentation process needed for real change.
THE RAW ORIGIN STORY
RAW started life among inner circles & word of mouth. An “if you know you know” sorta vibe, before going public. But the origin story of this first of its kind event goes back even further, stemming from one woman’s insatiable curiosity and search for relatable, human experiences.
Today, RAWs have come off the streets and away from kitchen tables – and take place monthly in some of the coolest venues across the city. The night brings together people from all walks of life for a night of immersive experiences and curated storytelling on a theme – featuring uncensored true stories by everyday humans – paired with music, art and other creative expressions.
RAW IS:
- An immersive & uncensored storytelling night, curated around a theme. It pairs true stories by everyday people, with music, art & other creative expressions. RAW is an experience for humans by humans.
- De-stigmatising struggle and eradicating loneliness. Because whatever sh*t life throws at you, it’s probably thrown it at someone else too. An authentic talking point between strangers, dates and mates.
- A great night out, community meet up & “networking” - all in one. By broadening conversations around human experience, raw evolves perceptions & cuts across social silos. It's a safe space of belonging, where all walks of life find common ground & shared values.
- A remedy for loneliness during an era of division & disconnection. RAW Redefines a night out, where genuine human connection is the hallmark of a good time. What if you have more in common with people you didn't think you have anything in common with?
RAW IS NOT:
- Rehearsed. No two RAWs are the same and you never know what might happen.
- Like any other night you’ve experienced.
- Censored. We don’t tell speakers what to say or how to say it. But we do ask everyone not to offend.
- A workshop or educational talk
ABOUT PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN
RAWs are nights that feed your soul, not drain your bank account. That’s why tickets are PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN.
It’s like an honesty system, with tickets ‘from free’, and further tiers. The highest priced tickets mean those who can afford to, can support those who are feeling the pinch – and make sure RAW is a vibrant event where everyone can find belonging, regardless of circumstances. This ticketing structure helps us stay completely independent (and boot-strapped) to preserve the intention and integrity of the event.
In the world What Does Not is creating there is no price tag on joy, pleasure, and belonging. For us, quality of life is a birthright. Not a privilege. So releasing free tickets to RAWs has always been a form of revolution for us – not an indication of something thrown together. In fact, no two RAWs are ever the same. They are highly curated and tailored to the host space. So you see, if we’re going to kick the status quo’s ass and tear down barriers to access, a pay-what-you-can ticketing model feels like the only way.
I’m excited to be part of this and to feel safe and welcome to be able to tell my truth.”
