Industrial

Exploring Mobility in Music

This project aimed to solve several issues involved with moving musical equipment and associated accessories to and from performance venues. While the project was initially aimed at musical equipment in general, it gradually became focused on drummers and their gear (drum kits, stands, cymbals, etc.). After thorough investigation and research, the Drum Roll was developed - a sustainable, durable, effortless drum transport system that aims to assist with moving multiple drum components up stairs, across arduous terrain, and through crowded environments.

Joshua Sutton

EXPLORING MOBILITY IN MUSIC

JOSHUA SUTTON

The Drum Roll is a modular drum case system with a trolley component, which enables seamless, effortless, and protective transport for up to six drum shells (a kick, two snares, and three toms). With incorporated safety features, solid construction, and use of sustainable materials, the Drum Roll is the future of mobility for active gigging drummers.

Live music is a core aspect of entertainment across the globe. Given its importance, research into existing literature suggests that the health of travelling musicians (both mental and physical) is often overlooked, especially by the musicians themselves. However, there was a distinct lack of information regarding how the equipment that musicians use (sometimes on a dayto-day basis) effects their health, and as to how they feel towards equipment that serve as more portable, lightweight alternatives. After a thorough experimentation and analysis process, it was found that some musical equipment does have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of musicians. However, the majority of those involved in the experiment felt that the benefits of lightweight, portable products do not outweigh the negatives caused by the compromisesmade to enhance portability. Therefore, most musicians still choose to use traditional equipment.

Furthermore, several key issues with access to venues was highlighted, however these issues are largely accepted by the musician community as ‘part of the job’. As supported by both primary and secondary research, musicians tend to sustain injuries that lead to health complications in later life – this cycle continues, as young musicians are forced to work in environments unsuitable for the task, and to use equipment that causes harm towards the user. From the research, it can be argued that drummers are the most at risk of these health complications, due to a total lack of innovation within the mobility market for drumming equipment. Therefore, to solve the mobility issues surrounding drum equipment, and to ensure injuries cannot occur during the transport process, the Drum Roll was developed – A sustainable, durable, effortless system that moves your drums.