Green Sound Solutions
The vibrant tapestry of UK carnival parades, the intersection of music, culture, and environmental sustainability is increasingly pivotal. As these events evolve, so do the technologies powering the soundscapes that define them. Traditionally, carnival parades resonate with booming basslines and infectious rhythms that electrify participants and spectators alike . However, the amplification technologies employed often pose challenges to environmental balance, with concerns ranging from noise pollution to energy consumption through the diesel powered generators (Smith, 2020).
In response, there's a shift towards environmentally sustainable music solutions. This includes the adoption of energy-efficient sound systems, solar-powered equipment, and the use of biodegradable or reusable materials in stage constructions. These innovations not only mitigate the carbon footprint of the events but also set a precedent for eco-conscious practices in the entertainment industry (Johnson, 2021).
Balancing sustainable energy, family audiences, who often find high-decibel levels and energetic crowds associated with sound systems can be daunting and unsafe for young children, and sound system culture in UK carnivals presents complex challenges. Sound systems, integral to the carnival atmosphere, require significant power, often relying on diesel generators that contribute to environmental pollution. Transitioning to sustainable energy sources, is crucial but expensive. (Brown, 2022).
We collaborated with two organizations that have been developing green sound solutions for the benefit of arts, cultural, and community events and parades.
We Are STEMs
We Are STEMs is dedicated to harnessing technology to create interactive audio events in unique, often overlooked spaces, forming temporary communities from diverse groups. With people at the heart of their initiatives, they leverage technological advancements to reconceptualize how we gather, celebrating the communal power of sound in transforming individual experiences into collective joy.
We Are STEMs have developed electric-powered body speakers designed to be worn, allowing individuals to transport interconnected soundscapes and music. We commissioned the piloting of 20 speakers worn by Luton Carnival 2024 parade participants.
Lionbeat
Lionbeat is a bass culture development agency. They utilise bass culture for community benefit through a variety of innovative strategic programmes, such as BASSisbikes and GEARS.
Lionbeat has been developing an electric-powered sound system featuring box speakers that can be attached to e-cargo bikes and other cycle-powered systems. We commissioned 5 sets of these systems, which were mounted on our Luton e-cargo bikes and several of our trolley floats.
Due to a fire on a neighbouring street, the parade setup was significantly disrupted. Additionally, a sound clash with the remaining diesel-powered sound system prevented Lionbeat and We Are STEMs from successfully calibrating their lower-volume green speakers and performing final checks and adjustments. Despite these challenges, the speakers were used in the parade, though they did not have the anticipated impact. We concluded that further testing in smaller parades that we attend and support would be beneficial to refine and develop the system for greater impact at Luton Carnival 2025.