No Wave
The University of Surrey’s Alternative Music Society
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No Wave Membership
Year Membership
-FreeRehearsal Pass
Rehearsal Pass
-£15No Wave
No Wave is the University of Surrey's Alternative Music Society. We were founded in 1978, which makes us the oldest active society.
What does No Wave / alternative mean?
No Wave was a punk-based avant-garde genre which became popular in the late 70s, starting in New York. Our society was born around the same time, but we have lived far longer than that genre, and our definition has changed a lot over the years.
For our sake, alternative features a very wide range of music genres. Rock, indie, metal, punk, electronic, folk and all their subgenres and offshoots would probably be the core of what gets played at our socials, but if I listed every genre that our members loved, I'd never stop typing. It's easier to list genres which are not included: mainly pop music, along with other things like jazz, classical and hip-hop. That's not to say that we don't like those genres or that we're snobbish about those genres; they just don't match the vibe that this society is all about. Music snobs are not appreciated at No Wave, and we believe everyone here should be open to discovering new kinds of music.
What do we do?
Every Monday from 7 to 10 pm, we have our open jams in the Basement (underneath Rubix). If you play an instrument, write the name of a song you want to play on the whiteboard, and other people who know the song will play with you. We provide amps and a drum kit and we are looking to provide a keyboard soon. If you don't play an instrument, you are equally welcome. Starting from 2026/27, No Wave will be offering free ear plugs to all at our open jams and gigs. Our open jams are completely free to attend.
Every Tuesday from 7:30 to 11 pm, we have our socials. We currently host these in the Front Room, but we are exploring alternative venues. Everyone who attends our socials can add three songs to that week's playlist and meet the rest of this wonderful community. Our socials are also free to attend.
We often run gigs, usually located on-campus with cheap tickets, featuring up-and-coming local bands. Other events we host include bar/pub crawls, quiz nights and our annual BBQ. You should definitely come along!
Do I have to play an instrument to attend?
No! Lots of our members play instruments, but the majority probably don't. If you don't fit in anywhere else, you'll fit in here :)
How much are No Wave memberships?
No Wave memberships are free!
You can also purchase a music pass which allows you to book a practice slot in the Basement. Music passes are currently £15.
Follow us on Instagram @nowavenation
Join our discord https://discord.gg/ZDktykVZEf