Electronic Music Open Mic in Chelmsford
Control Voltage: Electronic Music Open Mic (EMOM)
The name says it all. Electronic Music Open Mic, or EMOM for short, is an open stage night for local electronic musicians.
This free night showcases up to seven local electronic artists, performing everything from house, techno and ambient to industrial, chiptune, looping, field recording, experimental electronica and more. It’s great fun for artists and electronic music fans alike: you never know what genre you’ll hear next.
A growing movement
EMOM has become a movement over the last couple of years, with regular independent nights in cities and counties across the UK. The Chelmsford night at Hot Box is hosted by Control Voltage, and it’s all about giving local electronic artists a supportive space to play live and experiment.
How it works
The format is simple: each artist gets a 20-minute window, including setup time, to do their thing before handing over to the next.
The only rule: no guitars, unless they’re being used to generate soundscapes or some other style of music in keeping with the night.
Want to play?
Email Control Voltage at controlvoltageemom@gmail.com to register. If you’d just like to come along and watch, grab a free ticket on our What’s On page. The night is completely free, whether you’re playing or watching.
Good to know
- Third Wednesday of every other month (usually), 7pm to 11pm.
- Free for performers and audience.
- Up to seven artists, 20 minutes each including setup.
- All ages welcome; under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Hosted by Control Voltage.
Next dates
EMOM is usually on the third Wednesday of every other month (January, March, May, July, September and November).
Pick a date to book:
Dates occasionally move, so always check our What’s On page to confirm and grab a free ticket.
Getting here
Hot Box Live is under the railway arches at 28-29 Viaduct Road, Chelmsford (CM1 1TS), a 2-minute walk from Chelmsford train station. If you’re driving, parking on Viaduct Road is free after 5pm, and the NCP car park at Chelmsford station (right behind us) and Fairfield Road car park are both close by.
The ground floor is step-free, including the main room, the bar and an accessible toilet. We take cash, all major cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
EMOM FAQs
What is EMOM?
EMOM stands for Electronic Music Open Mic: an open stage night for local electronic musicians, hosted at Hot Box by Control Voltage.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. The night is completely free, whether you’re playing or watching. Grab a free ticket on our What’s On page.
How do I get a slot?
Email Control Voltage at controlvoltageemom@gmail.com to register to play.
How long is each set?
Each artist gets a 20-minute window, including setup time, before handing over to the next artist. Up to seven artists play each night.
What kind of music can I play?
Any kind of electronic music: house, techno, ambient, industrial, chiptune, looping, field recording, experimental electronica and more. The only rule is no guitars, unless they’re being used to generate soundscapes or something else in keeping with the night.
Is it all ages?
Yes. All ages are welcome, and under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Grab a free ticket on our What’s On page, or see everything else that happens at Hot Box in our regular nights line-up.
