Forget trying to fit in—this monthly listening night is all about being real, being kind, and connecting with other humans. Started by Christine Charitonos, RAW isn’t your average “event”—it’s a night where strangers turn into storytellers, live music makes you feel something, and art leaves you questioning how you see the world.
London’s diversity is its superpower. Subcultures thrive, but they can feel isolating. RAW is a space that says, “Come as you are.” No gatekeeping, no niche cliques—just people showing up to listen and connect. “Even at underground sex parties, are people really connecting—or just leaning into the same loneliness? Christine asks. “RAW says, ‘f*ck niche.’ You don’t need latex, a scene, or a label. Just be human, be kind, and show up.”
RAW has welcomed 6,000+ people into its inclusive spaces, creating a vibe that’s equal parts soulful and electric. It’s about real stories told by real people—300+ storytellers to date—cutting across backgrounds, religions, and socioeconomic lines. The format hits hard: stories, music, and art that push people to rethink the way they see themselves and others.
Each night combines deep storytelling, live music from emerging artists, and art that forces you to think. Past themes like resilience, masculinity, and stigma have pushed people to confront their unconscious biases and question the barriers we build between ourselves and others. It’s heavy in the best way—like therapy, but cooler.
RAW also puts a spotlight on grassroots talent. The event is a launchpad for creatives who don’t get enough shine in an industry obsessed with clout and stats. This commitment led to the creation of NOISE, a music initiative by RAW’s parent company, What Does Not (WDN). NOISE has already joined the Mayor of London’s London Creates campaign and is giving emerging artists a mic—and an audience.
“RAW is all about connection,” Christine says. “For artists, it’s a rare chance to be seen for their work, not their follower count. For everyone else, it’s about realising you might have more in common with strangers than you think.”