A New Hub for Electronic Music Enthusiasts: Readipop’s XOX Studio Launch
In an exciting development for music lovers, Readipop, a notable music charity, is set to unveil its new XOX Studio on Wednesday, September 9th, affectionately known as 909 Day, a date cherished by electronic music fans for its homage to the iconic Roland TR-909 drum machine. This vibrant new space is more than just a studio; it’s a sanctuary for creativity, designed to inspire young talent by offering hands-on access to some of the most legendary synthesisers and drum machines in the history of electronic music.
An Accessible Collection of Musical History
Unlike typical museums where music equipment is kept behind glass or in inaccessible studios, the XOX Studio invites visitors to engage with around £40,000 worth of vintage gear, including famous models like the Roland TB-303, TR-808, and the TR-909. These machines are not mere relics; they are pivotal in shaping genres such as acid house, techno, and hip-hop. The ethos of Readipop is to demystify these instruments, allowing anyone—especially the young individuals they serve—to step up and play.
Creative director Gavin Lombos emphasized the importance of accessibility, stating, “We wanted the opposite: a collection that anyone – especially the young people we work with – can access and actually play.” This approach transforms the studio into a participatory learning environment rather than a sterile exhibit.
A Year in the Making
The collection for the XOX project has been meticulously curated, with Lombos dedicating almost a year to sourcing equipment from all corners of the UK. The response from sellers, many of whom were eager for their prized machines to contribute to a charitable cause, was overwhelmingly positive. Lombos shared, “People were genuinely pleased the gear was going to a music charity, where others would get to play it.” This passion for preserving the integrity and usage of vintage gear is essential in fostering a vibrant music culture.
Location and Accessibility for Young Musicians
XOX Studio is strategically located on Trafford Road, near the Reading Festival site, making it accessible to a young and vibrant community of budding musicians. The studio will operate five days a week, offering support to emerging talent connected with Readipop, along with members of the public who wish to book sessions. This initiative not only promotes creativity but also enhances community engagement through music.
Tom Dalziel, an 18-year-old from central Reading, articulated the significance of this opportunity, revealing how accessing such high-end equipment is a “life-changing” experience for many like him. “I don’t have the budget to buy 30 synths, let alone find the space to house them at home, so it’s life-changing to see this stuff for real,” he said, encapsulating the joy and opportunity that the studio represents.
An Uncommon Experience
The launch of XOX Studio on 909 Day has drawn particular attention from music critics and enthusiasts alike. Rod Brakes, a contributor to Roland’s editorial platform, noted how rare it is for visitors to find such a comprehensive collection of these unique machines in one place, and even rarer still to be allowed to interact with them. Brakes stated, “To see so many of them in the same room – and, crucially, to be able to switch them on and play them – is something rarer still.” This interactivity creates a dynamic atmosphere in the studio that can ignite new musical ideas and collaborations.
Connecting Music History with the Present
The XOX Studio is also poised to delve into Reading’s historical significance in the evolution of rave, jungle, and drum and bass music during the 1990s. The town has a rich musical heritage, being home to the Record Basement shop and Basement Records label, both of which contributed significantly to the dance music scene’s growth. By exploring this history, the studio will help contextualize the modern electronic music landscape for its visitors, bridging the past with the present.
Looking Forward
The public opening of the XOX Studio is just the beginning. Following its debut on September 9th, additional free open days are planned for October 11th and November 8th, giving more individuals the chance to experience the magic of these iconic instruments. With Readipop’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement, the XOX Studio represents a pivotal new chapter in Reading’s musical narrative, inviting creativity and innovation amongst the next generation of music producers.
