In this series, I will explore the grassroots music scene, examining the key players, their roles, and the insights they can offer to Joyzine and its readers.
Something very special is happening in the world of electronic music with EMOM’s popping up everywhere. We met up with Martin Christie, the Founder of the EMOM Movement.
What exactly is an EMOM and how does it work?
An Electronic Music Open Mic (EMOM) is a live music event that celebrates everything across the broad spectrum of electronic and experimental music. Artists are given a short space of time, usually 15 to 20 minutes, to showcase their approach and style to music making. A typical EMOM night could feature everything from ambient music to harsh techno sets, dance music through to experimental. If there’s something in the mix you’re not so fond of it doesn’t matter because there’s always something else being set up that you might love. The main thing is that everyone enjoys themselves and supports each other to create a positive vibe for the event.
How did you get the idea?
I’d been playing electronic based music at lots of normal open mics. Most of those nights were dominated by acoustic instruments and singer song writing. It didn’t feel like my style of beat poetry and electronica fitted in. I had this light bulb moment when I thought wouldn’t it be great to have a night that just focussed on the broad church of electronic music. I ran the first night in Manchester in early 2017 and was blown away by the incredible range and talent of artists out there, it was a truly wonderful event.
This is a truly global movement, where can we find these events?
You’re absolutely right, it has taken off since that first event. EMOM has grown globally, with nights now in Canada, the USA, Mexico, Sweden, Germany, and Australia. Early touring helped spread the word, and social media played a significant role in our expansion. While I once produced a monthly events list, everything is now available on the EMOM events website, thanks to Stuart Dent, allowing organisers to easily promote their own events.
You must have seen 1000’s of acts, which ones stand out and who should we be looking out for?
I’m inspired by unexpected performances like Psychiceyeclix, who uses self-made circuit bent instruments to create a unique noise and glitch sound. We first experienced him at our Lucida Records EMOM in Camden. I’m also a fan of the energetic duo Radio Waves Goodbye and Ann-Ting, who samples bird songs from around the world. Mandibles from Nottingham are fantastic, and they’ll be at this year’s Cable Festival. Sonic Inducer and Still Forever support electronic music with events such as an all-female + night FEMOM. Massive Cat Person from Cambridge impresses with his techno sets using a Roland TR-8S. Cambridge Electronic Music hosts the EMOM night, Open Stage, at The Blue Moon. There’s always something new and mind-blowing at EMOM nights, which keeps me motivated.
You’re also a poet and producer, do you perform at EMOMs?
I love playing EMOM nights. My thing is around unusual and obscure lyrical/poetic content (things that no-one else writes about if possible) accompanied by various electronic beats. It’s kinda close to hip hop and spoken word but also contains a strong element of songwriting and vocals in fact. If I’m running a night, it tends to be the case that I don’t get to play because there are so many people wanting to join in so I don’t always get a chance. But more recently I’ve been attending EMOM events as a performer and had a lot of fun. I played Derby last week and Chester the week before.
You’ve written two books about your EMOM travels, tell us more.
My first music book, Open Mic Travels, focuses on my experiences playing open mics across the UK, often during work trips. Instead of staying in hotel rooms, I sought out live music, experimenting with handheld electronic devices like the Kaossilator and incorporating beat poetry. While I gravitated towards “anything goes” open mics, I occasionally played acoustic nights. Open Mic Travels is still available on Amazon.
The second book, Electronic Music Travels, builds on the first, documenting my journey running and playing at music nights, including events in Amsterdam and Berlin. Published by Werra Foxma Records, proceeds funded a vinyl compilation album of the same name. Released during COVID, the book resonated with readers missing live music, contributing to strong sales.
Both books delve into more than music—they explore venues, people, and the unexpected moments that make the journey of music-making as compelling as the music itself.
What does the future hold for the EMOM movement?
Let’s see how it plays out. The EMOM movement is shaped by its creative, talented community, I just love the fact that it has created supportive environments in which people can play and perform their unique content. A few years ago, opportunities to play were limited, but now there are plenty.
Some may view EMOM events as stepping stones to bigger things, but for me, they’re simply great nights out, full of unique performances, fascinating conversations about music and technology, and connections with like-minded people.
I’d love to see an EMOM festival where everyone gets a chance to play—or even an EMOM party boat on the Thames one summer evening. Just ideas for now, but who knows? See you at the next EMOM!
Find an EMOM event near you or start your own on their Website
Article by Mr Laurence
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