Drop the Mic! Confirmed for a second year

The Song School’s monthly open mic Drop the Mic! will continue for another year thanks to support from the Community Investment Board.

Over the past year, Drop the Mic! in partnership with community arts venue, Twenty-One has played host to over 50 young people from across Southend and beyond, interested in music performance. From vocalists, musicians, songwriters, rappers and bands; the event attracts young people interested in a cross section of genres, at various stages of their performance journey.

Young Musician Flo Evans assists with the organisation and heads up the events youth forum, where those who want to help drive the future direction of the event can get involved and have their say. Of the initiative, Flo says; “Drop the Mic! has given me more responsibility, helping in my transition to adulthood. It’s also helped me be much more confident in approaching and talking to people I don’t know, which is a major part of what I do at Drop The Mic!”

As a result of the forum, the event will soon play host to a number of music artists, excited to share their experience and tell their stories. Starting in August, confirmed artists include Tom Cunningham, lead singer of The Trusted - a four piece, punked-up indie band from Southend; Song School alumni HEIDI - a local singer/songwrier, signed to Universal Music and listed as one of this years’ ‘one to watch’ by the Grammy’s ; and Megan Rose - a British Country artist who spent 2023 taking her music out to Nashville and has performed at BBC Introducing Live at Tobacco Docks 2019, Millport Country Music Festival 2022, The Great Escape Festival 2022, Buckle and Boots Festival 2023, Buck N Bulls Country Cruise 2023, Country on The Coast 2023, West Country Music Festival 2023.

Of Drop the Mic! Founder of The Song School, Louisa Strachan says; “It’s so important to put the youth voice at the centre of the initiatives you are asking them to be part of. Drop the Mic! is designed by the young people taking part, giving them ownership and providing them with a place to learn all of the skills involved in being a music performer. Since launch, we’ve seen a number of young people find community and build on their skills and confidence - both in and outside of The Song School”

The next event takes place on 21st July. To find out more click here