XOX PROJECT // XOX LAB

101, 303, 606, 808, 909…

XOX is an electronic music heritage project led by Readipop built around a collection of classic beatboxes, synths, FX and more. 

‘XOX’ refers to a series of instruments made by Roland in the 1980s including the SH-101 synthesiser, MC-202 micro-composer, TB-303 Bass Line and TR-505, TR-606, TR-707 and TR-808 drum machines. These instruments had a significant impact on the development of electronic music in the 80s and directly influenced the birth and development of a number of popular/dance music genres including – Hip Hop, Electro, Electro-Pop, House, US Garage, Techno, Acid House, UK Garage. The instruments have become famous, rare and collectible, placing them out of reach of most musicians, especially young musicians.

With the support of the National Lottery Heritage fund, the XOX Project purchased a collection of all the XOX instruments and a selection of other relevant studio technology in order to create an accessible studio where musicians, producers and students can experience playing, performing, programming and recording with these original, rare and expensive vintage items. The XOX project aims to help musicians develop a practical understanding of how the sound, design and limitations of the technology led musicians to use and abuse them to create new styles of music that did not yet exist  – but became defined by the sonic palette of the instruments.