As creative builders (and people!), sometimes friends approach us to build things that exist only in their hearts and minds. Friends of Noise, a local non-profit doing incredible work helping facilitate youth-led art, had a need for a mobile PA system they could use for their own events and to run production for those put on by other organizations. They needed something that was battery powered and waterproof, with the ability to run all day, hold all their sound equipment, be loaded and unloaded by two people, and produce sound both while stationary and on the move.

Our facilities manager, with a background in mobile sound in university and skills in electrical work and general tinkering, led the charge in making the dream a reality. We sourced an old truck tool box with a gasketed door, found the appropriate batteries, inverter, and a wiring plan based on a good bit of van conversion research; a few pieces of marine hardware and some ADA grab bars later, we had our working prototype.

Friend’s of Noise mission focuses on empowering youth to produce music and performing art, leaning heavily on the idea that creating spaces and providing training and access are foundations for youth-led self-expression and programming. Created at a time when all ages venues are more scarce than ever, the sound cart allows the organization to make space for creative work on the fly and without restriction.

The fact that we literally get to amplify other’s voices is not lost on us; we’re grateful for the opportunity to step outside what we normally do and use our skills to help others use theirs. Since the build, we’ve spotted the sound cart on the streets and in the parks, helping musicians, poets, activists, teachers, and community leaders get loud.

We learned a lot from the project and hope to use that knowledge to create more carts in the future and teach others to do the same.

If you’d like to support or learn more about Friends of Noise, please visit their website.