Inside the BOOM Club: A Musical Odyssey Awaits
A Serene Atmosphere
As you step into the BOOM Club, the ambiance is both inviting and tranquil. The walls are adorned with an array of synthesizers and keyboards humming softly, creating an ethereal soundscape that beckons to visitors. The low static hum envelops you, making it feel like a siren call to dive deeper into the unlimited sonic potential of the electronic instruments available.
A Community Space for Everyone
Founded in Durham by Rachelle Sickerott, Nick Williams, and Sean Thegen, the “Build Our Own Music” (BOOM) Club is a haven for both novices and seasoned musicians alike. What sets the BOOM Club apart from traditional music spaces is its accessibility. Unlike conventional instruments that often require years of music theory study, the electronic machines in this space invite exploration. Here, all it takes to get started is to press a button or twist a knob, triggering an adventure through sound.
Williams describes the club ethos as closer to “an afterschool AV club than a country club.” He envisions the BOOM Club as a gathering spot for “freaky, semi-disreputable, but open-hearted” individuals to engage with music and foster an inclusive community. This ethos helps everyone—from the occasional hobbyist to the dedicated musician—feel at home.
Cultivating Local Musical Culture
“It’s really hard to be a professional musician,” Williams says. “It’s almost impossible for most people, but we can create a place where they can be seen and appreciated.” His vision is to build a local musical culture, providing a sense of belonging that makes each participant feel valuable.
Practical Access and Membership
Nestled at 600 Foster Street, in the space that once housed PS37, the BOOM Club will officially open on March 6. Visitors can purchase day passes or opt for long-term memberships that grant access to an extensive instrument library. Higher-tier memberships come with additional perks, such as tutorials and workshops, along with entry to exclusive BOOM Club events. Importantly, aspiring musicians in the Triangle area can also apply for discounted and free memberships, ensuring affordability.
Innovative Workshops and Events
The BOOM Club isn’t just about self-exploration; it also emphasizes community learning. Last summer, the club made a splash by popping up in a train car dubbed the Electric Choo-Choo at the American Tobacco Campus, allowing passersby to experiment with dozens of synths. They’ve hosted influential workshops—like one led by acclaimed artist Suzi Analogue—covering the intricacies of electronic music, its history, and various subcultures.
The new location will further expand these offerings with artists already set to provide valuable expertise in upcoming workshops, ensuring a continuously vibrant learning environment.
Breaking Down Barriers
Sickerott has a long history as a public art coordinator and event promoter but recognized a gap—access to music gear can be prohibitively expensive. Founding BOOM Club was her answer, aimed at dismantling those barriers. “This is a place where I have learned so much and continue to learn,” Sickerott shares, underscoring the mutual growth aspect of the club.
In her role, Sickerott acts as a guide for newcomers to BOOM Club, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed. She encourages experimentation with the instruments. “Feel free to just play with it. Let’s explore this together,” she often tells visitors, fostering a collaborative spirit from the outset.
Rich Resource Collection
A significant portion of the synthesizers and keyboards belongs to the BOOM Club team, while some vintage instruments are on loan from Alex Maiolo, a local musician. Describing his instruments as a potential permanent fixture at BOOM Club, Thegen humorously remarks, “This is a good time to announce that we’re never going to give it back.”
Experience and Passion Behind the Club
Both Thegen and Williams bring years of performing experience in the local music scene. Williams co-founded the Pinhook in 2008 and has been involved in numerous musical projects throughout the Triangle. Meanwhile, Thegen is known for his radio show on WHUP and performs as Ultrabillions. Their connection was born from a shared love for eclectic music, ignited by their mutual admiration for the British duo Fuck Buttons.
The Evolution of Electronic Music Culture
The Triangle area boasts a burgeoning electronic music scene, having reached its height about a decade ago with the rise of groups like Raund Haus, a local DJ collective and music label known for envelope-pushing sound. This network thrived during the Moogfest, which brought many local artists to an international audience from 2015 until its cessation in 2019.
On a recent Saturday, BOOM Club collaborated with Raund Haus for a beat-making competition, aligning with Raund Haus’s 10th anniversary celebrations, showing how intertwined the two entities have become.
Embracing the Joy of Music
“The goal isn’t necessarily to become a professional musician,” Thegen emphasizes. Instead, he views the club as a space for anyone to freely express themselves, just like playing basketball for fun—even if the NBA isn’t on the horizon. He succinctly expresses, “You don’t have to have being a professional musician as your goal.”
Through embracing exploration and community, BOOM Club aims to reshape how participants interact with electronic music, breaking down walls and fostering a more inclusive environment that welcomes all forms of creativity.
