For The Locals: Manc grime and bass inbound as -140 win SOUP Thursday Initiative

For over 14 years, SOUP has been a pillar of Manchester’s underground music scene, giving a platform to emerging DJs and promoters while maintaining a fiercely independent, community-driven ethos. Such an ethos was laid bare in the back end of 2024 as they launched their Thursday Initiative, where the venue launched a competition for the next generation of Mancunian club promoters, offering three the chance to curate their own night for SOUP's formidable Thursday slot. 

At the end of last month, the winning nights were announced, and we will be looking into each of them to get a feel for what SOUP patrons can expect. The first of which is -140, a night that traverses through dubstep and grime flavours, culminating in head-to-head cyphers, and packed with Manchester's top MCs

Curated by founder Warren, heavy bass, dark energy, and creative chaos will be championed at their Thursday nights at SOUP, and with grime on its second resurgence, -140 presents a night that brings grime music back to its roots in the dance.

“We’re gonna be trying to do cypher bass nights, getting loads of MCs and DJs involved,” Warren explains. “It’ll have elements of everything you’d experience at a classic club night, but also clashing, dark heavy bass sounds, and a big shove of a million different influences all in one.”

As a young promoter, Warren describes the daunting challenge of breaking into the industry, balancing passion with the fear of failure. But his approach is simple: take risks and make sure you get the right people involved.

“It’s all just so much fear that I guess you just have to overcome and be like, ‘You know what, fuck it, I’m just gonna try my best and put in all my effort.’” he says. “Anything that I think will work, I’m just gonna do it. Anyone who I think can get involved, I’ll do it.”

“I just want to be able to give everyone the opportunity to become a better person or a better version of themselves, and to express themselves in a way,” he adds. “That’s the best thing about Manchester to me—it’s a city where I feel I can express myself in so many different ways.”

“It’ll have elements of everything you’d experience at a classic club night, but also clashing, dark heavy bass sounds, and a big shove of a million different influences all in one.”

One of the most exciting things about Minus 140 is the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from Manchester’s underground scene. Something that has evidently resonated with SOUP and the ethos behind their Thursday Initiative. Warren has made it a priority to connect with local artists, DJs, and MCs who are making waves in the city, ensuring that the night is deeply rooted in the culture.

“The reaction to the night has been really interesting,” he says. “I’d say I’ve done a few projects, but this one’s been the most exciting because everyone wants to be involved.”

“I’ve reached out to people who I’ve noticed have been doing bits in Manchester,” he continues. “Again, the emphasis is on community—the amount of people who can be involved is what I think is so beautiful about it.”

With -140, SOUP’s Thursday Initiative is proving its commitment to championing the next wave of underground talent. Warren’s night promises to be a raw, high-energy celebration of bass culture, driven by passion, risk-taking, and a deep love for Manchester’s DIY scene.

If you’re ready for a night of heavy clashes, swaths of serious bass, and a lineup packed with Manchester's finest underground MCs, keep your eyes on -140 - It’s not 2-step, it’s not urban, it’s grime.

Grab tickets to the first edition of -140 at SOUP on Thursday 13th February below:

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Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header image credit: SOUP on Facebook

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