In just two years, Step Inside have turned their vision into a movement that’s reshaping the way the music community approaches mental health. Blending high-energy club nights with genuine advocacy, they’ve raised over £35,000 for Mind through events, charity football matches, and even marathons – all while curating line-ups that champion both local talent and established names.
Ahead of their next event on August 15th at All My Friends in Hackney Wick, we caught up with Angelio and Frank – the team running Step Inside to talk origins, expansion to Ibiza, and how they’re keeping the conversation around mental health alive long after the club doors close.
Hey Angelio and Frank, thanks for sitting down with us. Lets start at the beginning. How did the idea for Step Inside come about?
So the idea of Step Inside has been brewing ever since I was around 16. I struggled a lot when I was younger with suicidal thoughts and self harm and I thought to myself there must be a lot of men my age who probably have gone through similar. Getting Frank on board was great because he also helped me to see a connection through house music and mental health as 9/10 when you go to an event or a festival you have deeper/ meaningful conversations. So I thought I’d step inside where people can come together enjoy music, dance while it being an open space to have those deep conversations. I do it all the time to my friends if I feel down or need to release.
You’ve been described as more than just an events brand, but rather a movement dedicated to normalising discussions around mental health. How do you incorporate mental health advocacy into each event or fundraising effort?
I like to go on a deep dive and showcase mental health in all kind of avenues. For instance we do step inside Tv which captivated people’s raw opinions during the event on mental health and how they feel. It makes people feel like they relate and have there own opinions. As well as this I like to get artists view points on mental health for instance a trip to Manchester to see how artists like Jelsen & OBP take on mental health while preparing shows or speaking to Jordan Masters about how he will prepare for a show. Gives artists a chance to speak openly how mental health too. I like to keep it relatable so people can feel like there not alone
The initiative has raised over £35,000 for Mind through charity football matches, running marathons and hosting events at venues like 93 Feet East, Night Tales’ Loft and Itaca in Ibiza. Which of these fundraising efforts has been your proudest to date?
I’d say for me personally the marathon was the best as it was me vs me and the feeling of having your mates supporting you is unbelievable. Knowing that I was running in aid of people who are struggling with an problem that I have felt surreal, we did a pre party which helped fundraise which was proper cool as well.
What inspired the decision to expand beyond London to Ibiza, and what challenges or learnings came from setting up internationally?
Ibiza was an absolute dream, my whole step inside team helped me to really bring it to life. I learnt that no matter where you go in life your friends/family will support you. Had a great lineup from Glova, Anna Chatt, Morley and James Lavelle, Fred and Tom starling who kept the vibe great the whole day. Seeing the event which you always dreamed of take ibiza felt so unreal. So I’ll always be grateful for that opportunity. We didn’t really have challenges as it went quite smooth which was great.
Your events often shine the spotlight on local and aspiring talent, alongside featuring some established names. How do you approach programming the lineup for each show
I like to really do a deep dive, we’ve had some really cool talent like Blondi, Jordan masters, Phil de Janeiro, Georgia, Josh Torlot who are absolutely smashing it. I like to include DJs who bring more than just music, DJs who actually make you feel something through there set. I like to actually network and build friendships so they can understand the meaning of Step Inside and they can share their experience which is why I’m so excited for this Step Inside in particular because everyone who is a part of this line up will bring a great vibe.
I’m looking forward to Munni’s set as it’s good to bring new female DJs and let them have their showcase. For me it’s about networking and building a friendship! Recently started a great friendship with Jelsen and the OBP boys from Manchester and bonded on mental health which is key to Step Inside. They’re also super talented, so I’m looking forward in having them involved later in the year.
Celebrating your 2nd anniversary earlier this year, what does the next phase look like? Are you exploring partnerships with mental health organisations beyond Mind, or new formats outside of music and football?
The next phase is honestly growth really, we want to expand with other brands who have a passion to help people and want to build to. The focus now is just getting the message out there and working with Mind personally to get more rescores to help people struggling with all types of mental health difficulties. Step inside is all about bringing people together.
Your social media content emphasises movement, community and continuation beyond Mental Health Awareness Month. How do you plan to sustain the conversation year-round, especially via digital platforms like Instagram?
Our plan is to do more creative ideas like ‘days in the life’ where we follow a DJ, content creator or someone in the industry and see how mental health affects their day in, day out activities. I think it’s really key as everyone’s day is different. This keeps the conversation open as people want to watch something that is relatable. We’re excited to work with different brands & DJs to do this too.
Your next event takes place on August 15th at All My Friends in Hackney Wick. What excites you about this venue and neighbourhood
There’s something special about Hackney! It’s changed so much like it’s got a cool and vibrant vibe to it. So doing it here kinda makes sense! Not to mention how unreal All my friends is too! It’s a great venue with an unreal sound system. Rossi did an event here years ago and I’m excited for us to take over in our own style. Jordan masters & Jack Ling’s set at will be something that people are not prepared for!
Can attendees expect elements of mental health programming integrated into the music and party experience (e.g. safe-space zones, pop-up conversations, resource points)
What’s cool about All my friends it’s a record shop too with an open space so they’ll be safe space zones and an opportunity for people to sit down and take 5 if they need. We will ensure that there are resources too to help any who are struggling. A very good friend of ours called Ava is designing artwork towards mental health to keep people in-tuned the entire day
How do you want attendees to feel when they leave the event; aware, connected, supported? What does success look like for you, beyond fundraising?
The main aim is for people to feel connected to something that makes them feel is safe and welcoming to be a part of. Ideally to make new friends and acquaintances that they may not have made if they didn’t come to Step Inside. I think to enjoy themselves is the main thing and to enjoy the lineup that we’ve crafted. I think this event will have more of a family and positive vibe compared to the rest. So this will lead to developing ourselves and our own connection with our own mental health and how we interact with ourself and others. Really looking forward to Munni, French, Lou is, Jordan Masters, Jack Ling, James Lavelle and Morley – to have people leaving happy and energised through their sets which is the plan with step inside.
Follow Step Inside’s journey on the below links.
Instagram
Linktree
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