Eclectic, frenetic and the good kind of hectic: XOYO hits the mark.
There is simply nothing sweeter than seeing a sea of silhouetted hands in the air, awash with streaming strobe lights, right at the moment when the sticky floor is bouncing and the DJ is on the cusp of a major drop. Given the events of the last couple of years, we don’t take this scene for granted and if there’s one place you can experience it all first-hand, XOYO is where you need to go.
Since opening in 2010, XOYO has become a mainstay within London’s nightlife scene. It’s a regular haunt for night owls known for its unrivalled lineup of DJs, dance acts and one-off performances. But it’s not just the music that draws crowds to this unassuming spot just off Old Street roundabout. It’s the variety of the sets.
In any given week you can soak up the sounds of hip-hop, house and drum ‘n’ bass. You want electro? XOYO won’t say no. Or do you prefer disco? It’s on, let’s go! Want to dance to an iconic R&B album played through by a full orchestra? You go, Glen Coco.
The club itself consists of two rooms; the sprawling main room downstairs, which was refurbished with a new layout and lighting in 2018, and the smaller space upstairs, aka the Green Room. Both play host to live acts and regular residencies, which XOYO is particularly known for. Reading down the roster of regulars headlining this summer, there’s grime and garage DJ Flava D showing up for a 5-week stay, while Alix Perez will be filling the floor with big dance beats every Friday in August. Previous residents include Helena Hauff, Andy C, Artwork, The Black Madonna and Bicep…
…which was a real flex.
Words by Immy Smith
NOTE: XOYO is open Mon-Sat until 3am (4am Fri/Sat). You can see who’s on the decks, and buy tickets in advance, HERE.
XOYO | 32-37 Cowper St, London EC2A 4AP
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