Manchester's renae launches new community music space, T.O.P.P.

Manchester's renae is set to launch a new community-first music and events space. 

Continuing the "community-led ethos" of the existing bar, owners say T.O.P.P. will host a varied programme of "deep listening sessions, ambient performances, sound baths, live gigs and club nights."

The venue's name is an abbreviation of The Other People Place, the alias used by Drexciya's James Stinson for the release of his legendary 2001 album 'Lifestyles of the Laptop Café', alongside a nod to its location, on the top floor of renae's Thomas Street building. 

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Acts already confirmed for T.O.P.P.'s opening programme include Italian experimental techno whizz Marco Shuttle, Manchester-based queer party High Hoops, Temple Of Sound founder Sub Basics, Bill Brewster, Sybil and many more. 

Alongside music events, the venue will also host a programme of "yoga sessions and life drawing, independent markets, workshops, and networking events."

“T.O.P.P. gives us the freedom to explore ideas we couldn’t realise downstairs. It’s a space for the unconventional to connect and express themselves freely. Head upstairs, disconnect from the daily noise, and tune into The Other People Place frequency,” says co-founder Harris Mouridis.

According to a press release, T.O.P.P. has been kitted out with a four-point soundsystem with enhanced low-end," designed to meet the demands of a more club-focused environment.

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"Sound has always been at the heart of what we do, and with T.O.P.P. we wanted to push that further," says co-founder Brad Parkins. "The system gives you the feeling of actually being inside the music, incredibly detailed HF drivers for crisp, high-resolution sound and 21' subs giving that low end thump you feel in your core." 

"Extensive acoustic treatment, combined with a room-calibrated four-point speaker configuration, create something that feels immersive, dynamic, and genuinely exciting for both artists and the crowd," he continues.

For more information and tickets for T.O.P.P.'s opening season, click here. 

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on X