Swindon places most people in a bit of a conundrum when it comes to making plans. Where shall we go? What should we do? The usual outcome is that there’s nothing interesting going on here, and honestly I used to think the same. In my eyes, this is simply not the case anymore and I found some guys who happen to agree. Charlie: an anti-organising event’s organiser. Will: owner of Darkroom Espresso. It seems unlikely that such a duo would come to collaborate but as Darkroom has come to prove, it’s become somewhat of a safe haven for Swindon’s artsy types like Charlie. I know I know ‘artsy’, this must be some sort of pretentious collective that drink coffee and delve into philosophical concepts which later go on to inspire some weird creative material. But, that’s not true either. They’re not pretentious. They’re the guys that want to do something and do it, instead of bailing to Bristol or Bath for the night. So when you combine a guy who hates promoting with a guy who owns a coffee shop the result becomes a series of events which combine experimental music, art and poetry. Charlie explains that because of the vibe Darkroom creates, it draws in artists who then begin to merge and work together. The duo’s next upcoming venture is September 30 for ‘Damn Good Covfefe’ from 7pm which has drawn in a range of artists like Harpoon, Torso? and Lucia Sellars. As for Will, he’s happy to open his café to allow it to become a home for outsider musicians and artists who struggle to get a space. He says it’s his apathy and Charlie’s love of music that makes it work so well - and I’m pretty sure he’s being serious. Their next planned event falls on Halloween (on the actual Tuesday). The theme’s a working title, so for now it’s a costume party with a jazz band in the pipeline. The motives and intentions behind this endeavour are considerably modest. It sort of echoes The Bohemian Balcony project, but on a smaller scale. Nonetheless it works with the same artisan concept as The Bohemian Balcony, by bringing together innovative and like-minded people who want to open up Swindon to the arts. Expanding on Darkroom’s enterprises, the cafe has also teamed up with Swindon 105.5’s James Osborn. It’s a weekly podcast which encapsulates a fun, old school radio style with both music and a show host engaging with listeners. The next stage is to start allocating some interviews, as well as general guests, to have a chat over coffee. Again it’s about opening the barrier which demonstrates how much is actually going on in Swindon, and probably talking complete balls at times. For me this is a perfect blend of creativity and coffee. Two of my favourite things. And Darkroom have it down when it comes to coffee. There are a lot of different ways of making Espresso. It can be a confusing and time-consuming craft to learn, which is why I usually just end up going to Darkroom with my friends. If you’re getting curious you will find Darkroom Espresso, and all it has to offer, on 11 Faringdon Road Swindon SN1 5AR / @darkroomSN1
