Bristol’s Noods Radio opens mobile music studio in converted police van

Bristol radio station Noods has opened a new mobile music studio in a converted Greater Manchester Police van to host a range of workshops and broadcast sessions, named TREAD.

TREAD is described as a “modular mobile hub” from the not-for-profit arm of Noods Radio, Noods Levels, a community-driven project from the long-running radio station.

The mobile music studio will offer production workshops, DJ lessons, recording sessions and live broadcasts amongst other opportunities to communities and young creatives across Bristol, opening 10 years after the independent radio station began broadcasting.

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“This whole concept is inspired by the story of Noods Radio – travelling around, building community and having fun through DIY radio,” says Izzy Cross, co-director of Noods.

“This project will reach people who might otherwise go unseen and challenge the status quo through creative activations that bring industry and community together.”

The “purpose-built” studio sits within a converted police van, providing “high-fidelity audio on wheels” with the ability to block noise from the outside with its acoustically-treated booth.

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TREAD aims to support grassroots music across the South West, delivering 280 free workshops over the next 12 months with the hope of reaching over 840 young people aged between 12 and 25.

The project is funded by Youth Music, the National Lottery Awards for All, the John James Foundation and the Quartet Foundation, and will host an inaugural mobile broadcast from Noods Radio and local concert hall Bristol Beacon as part of Bristol New Music festival on April 26.

Check out a video of TREAD in action below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on X