{"id":273380,"date":"2025-07-19T00:31:20","date_gmt":"2025-07-19T00:31:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/273380\/"},"modified":"2025-07-19T00:31:20","modified_gmt":"2025-07-19T00:31:20","slug":"the-return-of-sheffields-free-party-people","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/273380\/","title":{"rendered":"The return of Sheffield’s free party people"},"content":{"rendered":"

House music with substance and soul arrives at one of Sheffield\u2019s most authentic DIY venues this summer, in homage to the 25<\/b><\/strong>th<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0anniversary of seminal label Drop Music.<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

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World-renowned yet underground label Drop Music<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0celebrates 25 years <\/b><\/strong>of deep house excellence with a wicked day-to-night warehouse rave at Sheffield\u2019s Dryad Works<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0on 30 August 2025. We spoke to its founder Laurence Ritchie<\/b><\/strong>, one half of the DJ\/production duo Inland Knights alongside creative partner Andy Riley<\/b><\/strong>, about Drop Music\u2019s past, present and future.<\/p>\n

Known as pioneers of the distinctive 2000s deep house sound, Inland Knights have been instrumental in the creation and continuation of the free party movement and soundsystem scene \u2013 much of which originated in and around Sheffield. Legendary music collective Smokescreen Soundsystem was formed in the city by Laurence and friends in 1992 \u2013 powered by a desire to create art, build community and hold inclusive, hedonistic parties.<\/p>\n

Remaining modest and intentionally under the radar, the artists behind Drop Music have been influencing and inspiring artists worldwide for decades. In a 2020 social media post, DJ Sneak described Drop Music as a \u2018pivotal\u2019 label in the world of house, and that Inland Knights \u2018deserve a space in the Sneak Vinyl Hall of Fame.\u2019 More recently, industry heavyweight Chez Damier described himself as a \u2018big fan\u2019 of the duo, while Tom Findlay of Groove Armada said, \u201cInland knights are part of the fabric of the British house scene and people we\u2019ve had the greatest respect for over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n

To mark a quarter of a century of Drop Music, Laurence and his daughter Sasha are throwing a day-to-night event at Dryad Works, inviting many of the artists signed by the label over the years, with indoor and outdoor soundsystems powered by Sheffield collectives RAZE and Risky Disco.<\/p>\n

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BUY TICKETS HERE.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

In conversation with Laurence Ritchie, founder of Drop Music<\/strong><\/p>\n

How was Drop Music founded? What is the story of the label\u2019s beginnings?<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

LR: No one was interested in releasing our music, so the label was started 1998 as a platform to do it ourselves. It began as a P&D (pressing and distribution) deal with a London distributor \u2014 they covered pressing and distribution, because there was no money. Just good cheekbones! The story goes way back to years of DJing and throwing free parties with Smokescreen Soundsystem and other outfits, all while writing music and honing the skills we\u2019d eventually need to run a label.<\/p>\n

Smokescreen Soundsystem had already been around for five years before Drop Music, right? Did the Smokescreen ethos inspire the label, and vice-versa?<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

LR: Very much so. The free parties were a way of life. Everyone contributed \u2013 whether it was just partying, running the rig, fixing the generator, or driving the lorry. I was deeply involved in the running and execution of Smokescreen, but Andy and I were always mainly driven by the music. That\u2019s what really bonded us.<\/p>\n

Can you tell us about the way Smokescreen Soundsystem was formed? <\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

LR: Organic is one word that springs to mind; the initial collective in Sheffield was quite a mix of people from other areas. Seems these sound systems are formed from people who are not from said city, like the city was missing something and it takes a group of outsiders to see it\/feel it\/make it happen. Those people all forged a common cause and alliance through the local clubs and pubs and took it elsewhere, with whatever kit could be begged and borrowed initially. Smokies and DiY systems spilled over into each other on many levels over the years, friendship, and fun, mutual appreciation, even politics. And the fact we shared a lot of the same free family. And then there are the joys of house music, of course, which united all.<\/p>\n

Tell us about your links with Sheffield, as Drop Music founders and Inland Knights. <\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

LR: I moved to Sheffield in 1992 and became part of Smokescreen as it grew. None of the crew were actually from Sheffield, which I think is why we looked out to the woods and barns \u2014 the city scene already felt established, and we weren\u2019t meant to be part of it. The name \u201cDrop Music\u201d came from scribbling ideas on a bit of paper during a lunch break on a grim industrial estate, while assembling grow-light shades for a mate \u2014 cash-in-hand work. \u201cInland Knights\u201d was originally just the name of the first EP on Drop Music, inspired by throwing parties across the Midlands at night. But as Andy and I started gaining attention as a production duo, the name stuck and we took it on ourselves.<\/p>\n

How do you select tracks and artists for the label? How has this evolved over the years? What are your most significant signings?<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

LR: Just any good music that comes this way, ideally from ourselves or our friends. Some of the acts we\u2019ve worked with include (in no particular order): The Littlemen, Kinky Movement, Sonny Fodera, and Crazy P.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s been your proudest moment for Drop Music?<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

LR: Hard to say \u2013 there\u2019ve been many. But the overarching thing is the love and support we\u2019ve received from fans over the years. That\u2019s the biggest feel-good factor and something I\u2019m incredibly proud to be part of.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s in store for the label and for Inland Knights? What excites you in terms of music, as DJs, label owners, and producers?<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

LR: We\u2019ve got new remixes and tracks coming, plus a special three-part vinyl release celebrating 25 years, which has already topped the record charts. And there are more new releases in the pipeline for Drop Music.<\/p>\n

Has the label been predominantly deep house throughout the 25 years? Has it strayed into different genres?<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

LR: It\u2019s always been Drop Music. Call that what you will.<\/p>\n

Drop Music celebrates 25 years at Dryad Works, Sheffield<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

30 August 2025<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

4pm-LATE<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

BUY TICKETS HERE.<\/b><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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