WeJam has opened its first permanent venue for an immersive music experience in London. The unique attraction is described as Guitar Hero meets karaoke.
Merging music and gaming, WeJam is a new social experience that allows anyone to play as a rockstar using real instruments.
WeJam founder David Tshulak said: “A few years back, I started to notice more and more competitive socialising ventures springing up all over the capital. From crazy golf bars to escape rooms and even axe-throwing venues, something exciting was happening and I wanted to be a part of it.
“As a lifelong musician, I started to wonder how you might combine music with this new form of interactive entertainment.
“After a three-month research trip to Tokyo, and much experimenting, the concept of WeJam was born.”
Guitar Hero meets karaoke
After entering through a secret door disguised as a a Marshall amp, guests find themselves in a fully equipped recording studio.
They are taken through the process by a ‘roadie’, using cutting-edge technology to record their favourite hits on instruments including guitars, drums and keyboards.
Each instrument’s difficulty level can be changed according to the player. Experienced musicians can play in ‘freestyle’ mode, with all computer assistance switched off.
Inexperienced guests can be assisted by a colour-coded system showing which note to play and when to play it. As they improve, more complicated note or beat combinations are unlocked.
Competitive socialising
Players can also order backstage treats inspired by real-life stars, such as Britney’s framed photo of Princess Diana, Beyonce’s red toilet roll and Snoop Dogg’s Hubba Bubba Max Strawberry Watermelon.
“I started playing saxophone at school and by 16 I was attending late-night jam sessions in London, playing with top session musicians who were on tour with Prince, Stevie Wonder and other huge stars,” added Tshulak.
“I know the excitement of getting in a room with friends and making music together. I wanted to share that with other people, especially people who haven’t learnt to play an instrument.”
WeJam will donate 10 percent from every booking to Be the Band, a non-profit that provides music workshops to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Images: WeJam
