Xoyo

New live music and club venue opens

Xoyo, which officially launches this weekend, is the brainchild of Marcus Weedon – the man behind the Field Day and the 14+ Underage events – and Cymon Eckel, the veteran operator behind DJ pubs The Griffin, Shoreditch, and The Britannia, on the outskirts of Victoria Park.

The duo were also behind influential Soho bar Riki Tiks, and for this new venture in Cowper Street – two minutes from Old Street Tube station – they have also drafted in Jonno Burgess, from Bugged Out, the owners of West End record store Phonica.

Burgess says: “Xoyo couldn’t have come at a better time. Bugged Out have been roaming the city in search of somewhere to lay our hat since The End closed and this venue has a great location, a unique layout and is the right size to put on big events, while retaining the intimacy we always need for our parties.”

As well as the best in cutting edge DJs and live acts, expect a heavy dose of tomfoolery too, starting with the Swaparama Razzmatazz night on Friday, September 24. Hosted by London clubland figures Robin & Partridge, every time the horn sounds everyone must swap an item of clothing with someone next to them.

Naturally, people are advised to wear clothes they are not counting on seeing ever again, while the music policy of anything from rock and roll, R&B, ’60s, hip-hop, dance hall and pop and party classics should all add to the unpredictable nature.

Forthcoming events at Xoyo include:

Tonight (Friday) – Rockfeedback X with British Sea Power, Future of the Left, Anna Calvi, Three Trapped Tigers. DJs: The Maccabees, Bloc Party vs Co-Pilot, Geoff Travis and more. From 8pm, £14 in advance.

Saturday – Bugged Out with Friendly Fires, Simian Mobile Disco, L-Vis 1990, Untold, Matt Walsh and Eskimo Twins. From 10pm, £13 in advance.

Tuesday – Eat Your Own Ears presents Mount Kimbie. From 8pm, £7 in advance.

Wednesday, September 22 – SJM presents Monarchy (live). From 8pm, £8 adv.

Thursday, September 23 – Smash & Grab. From 10pm, free.

Friday, September 24 – Swaparama Razzmatazz from 9pm, £3 before 10pm, £5 after.

Saturday, September 25 – Eat Your Own Ears & Bloggers Delight with Dark Star (live), James Blake, Ramadanman, Casper C, Skull Juice. From 10pm, £9 in advance.

For more info go to www.xoyo.co.uk.