MENU

Pitchblack Playback

Pitchblack Playback is a series of listening sessions inviting the music-loving public to hear upcoming album releases and classic LPs like never before.

But that’s not all. To ensure that there’s no distractions and that you're totally immersed in the music, our events are staged in the dark. It’s just you and the music.

Pitchblack Playback isn’t aimed at audiophiles; it’s simply for lovers of damn good music who still value the album as an artform and who want to hear their favourite records and exclusive first plays through the most immersive, detailed and visceral sound experience possible. You'll feel the bass in your body and hear details you never noticed before. Your hearing is heightened when your vision is cut off and it only serves to make the music feel more intense.

Once you’ve heard music like this, you’ll want to come back for more.

Thu, 8 Jan

Pitchblack Playback: Bob Dylan 'Desire' (50th Anniversary)

Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted. Immerse yourself in a Dylan high point at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark, celebrating 50 years since its release. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful Screen One sound system. No distractions; just you and the music. "This sounds great” — Rick Rubin
"A fabulous idea" — Jay Kay, Jamiroquai
"The optimal way to listen to an album" — Max Richter
"This might just be my favourite new thing to do" — Nihal, BBC Radio 5 Live Ticket includes Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness. As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out, Metro and Newsweek.

Thu, 15 Jan

Pitchblack Playback: Bob Dylan 'Desire' (50th Anniversary)

Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted. Immerse yourself in a Dylan high point at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark, celebrating 50 years since its release. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful Screen One sound system. No distractions; just you and the music. "This sounds great” — Rick Rubin
"A fabulous idea" — Jay Kay, Jamiroquai
"The optimal way to listen to an album" — Max Richter
"This might just be my favourite new thing to do" — Nihal, BBC Radio 5 Live Ticket includes Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness. As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out, Metro and Newsweek.

Wed, 11 Feb

Pitchblack Premiere: Dan Whitlam 'Strangers (Again)' (+ Artist Q&A)

Following sold-out shows at KOKO and The Roundhouse, spoken-word musician Dan Whitlam will release his debut album 'Strangers (Again)' on February 13, and Pitchblack Playback have got the scoop. Hear the album on our powerful Screen One sound system ahead of its release, followed by an intimate Q&A with the artist himself. Featuring collaborations with Raphaella, returning collaborator Tamzene, SAPPHIRE, and Jordan Mackampa, Strangers (Again) captures the duality at the heart of Whitlam’s work — poetic storytelling set against forward-thinking production from the likes of Ed Graves, Joe Brown, and Tim Ross (Cashybear). Each track reflects on connection and distance, weaving together moments of emotional depth and release. “This album, I hope, will make those who similarly feel lost know that they are not alone. You are not running out of time and that so many others are feeling the same way that you are” - Dan Whitlam “Dan Whitlam’s poetry has caught the experience of being a twentysomething today…” - The Times “Dan Whitlam writes with resilience and searing introspection” - Wonderland “one to watch this year” - Clash “...spoken word gold” - NME What they say about Pitchblack Playback: "This sounds great” — Rick Rubin
"A fabulous idea" — Jay Kay, Jamiroquai
"The optimal way to listen to an album" — Max Richter
"This might just be my favourite new thing to do" — Nihal, BBC Radio 5 Live Ticket includes Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness. We do not issue tickets; your name will be on the guestlist on the night. Please note that we only offer a 24-hour grace period for ticket refunds. As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out, Metro and Newsweek.

The End

That's it for now.
Want to be the first to hear about new shows as they're added? Sign up below.