Free music technology meet-up with EMOM performance slots, gear demos, talks and hands-on time with vintage synths and drum machines.
XOX Cafe is back at Readipop Studios on Sunday 8 November, from 2pm to 5pm. It's a free music technology meet-up run by Readipop, supported by the Readipop Music Charity, which the sessions help to fund by providing music opportunities across the local community.
The name XOX comes from a particular family of Roland gear from the 1980s: the SH-101 synthesiser, the MC-202 micro-composer, the TB-303 Bass Line, and the TR-505, TR-606, TR-707 and TR-808 drum machines. Together they shaped electronic music and left their mark on hip hop, electro, house, acid house and UK garage. Readipop has collected original, rare and expensive examples of these machines to create an accessible studio where musicians, producers and students can play, perform, programme and record with them.
Each session pairs EMOM (Electronic Music Open Mic) performance slots in the live room with gear demos, talks and jam sessions, and hands-on time with vintage synths, beatboxes and effects. It's open to everyone, from seasoned synth-heads to beginners, and you're encouraged to chat, swap ideas and meet like-minded musicians over a cuppa. If you've ever wanted to get your hands on a 303 or an 808 without having to track one down yourself, this is your chance.
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It runs from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday 8 November at Readipop Studios, 35 Milford Rd, Reading RG1 8LG. Entry is free, supported by Readipop Music Charity, and donations are welcomed.
