Noods Levels, the not-for-profit sister of Bristol’s iconic Noods Radio, has officially unveiled TREAD. Formerly a Greater Manchester Police vehicle, this now state-of-the-art mobile music studio is designed to bring professional creative opportunities directly to Bristol’s underserved neighbourhoods.
The project launches alongside an ambitious 12-month programme of fully funded workshops through its TREAD Bristol initiative. This will deliver 280 fully funded workshops, providing free music education to over 840 young people in Bristol aged 12–25.
The van houses a fully equipped, industry-standard studio including professional microphones, monitors and the latest production software. Its mobility allows Noods Levels to bypass the postcode lottery of arts funding, taking high-fidelity audio experiences directly to neighbourhoods often underserved by the creative industries.
Bristol is famous for its music heritage. Partnering with organisations like Creative Youth Network, Young Bristol and 16-25 to reach young people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion, TREAD means that the next Bristol sound can be found in a rural youth club just as easily as one of the city’s many iconic venues.
Beyond education, TREAD is already a fully functional broadcast unit. Following a pop-up as the mobile broadcast hub for the Bristol Legends event at Ashton Gate, which featured a live set from Noods residents Paradisco, Noods Levels will next be up and running as part of this year’s Bristol New Music festival on April 26.
“This whole concept is inspired by the story of Noods Radio – building community and having fun through DIY radio,” said Izzy Cross, Co-Director of Noods. “With TREAD, we’re ready to push the boundaries of how we work, collaborating across music, fashion and culture brands to create something truly unique.
“It’s about reaching people who might otherwise go unseen and bringing industry and community together. The door is wide open for new partners to get involved and I’ve never been more excited to get a project on the road.”
To learn more about Noods Levels head here.