A solar-powered music studio will soon be taking part at a string of gigs and festivals around the West of Scotland.

The Phonoautobothy offers mobile music recording and live production using sustainable power generation rather than the more common diesel generators.

The studio, built using upcycled materials, is the brainchild of a Canadian collective who are currently based in Scotland. Jake Nicoll, of Canadian act The Burning Hell, is also part of Idlefield Art Lab and said: “Although I first created a mobile solar powered recording studio out of necessity during the pandemic on my family farm, untethering recording technology from the grid has led to many fruitful collaborations and exciting possibilities beyond my own work as an engineer.”

Working with the Canadian collective are Professor Matt Brennan – once-time member of Chemikal Underground-signed act Zoey Van Goey – and Dr Graeme Hunt, both of whom are based at the University of Glasgow, and part of the ‘Dear Green Music Scene’ project.

Professor Brennan said: “As a UNESCO City of Music with a rich musical identity, Glasgow’s famous live music scene provides the perfect catalyst to communicate and mobilise low-carbon behaviours across the city.

“The Phonoautobothy embodies our mission to drive environmental transition through dynamic creative interventions.”

“Glasgow is world-famous for its incredible live music scene, but the diesel generators frequently required for outdoor events are bad for the environment,” said Dr Hunt of the University’s James Watt School of Engineering. “The Phonoautobothy demonstrates that renewable energy can power even small-scale music productions and festivals. We’re excited to bring the Phonoautobothy to communities across the city.”

As well as offering the solar-powered mobile music studio, the project will also research how the city’s cultural sector can influence attitudes and drive environmental transition within local communities.

The Phonoautobothy will appear at WestFest, the Belle & Sebastian Weekender Festival, and Doors Open Days from June till September, as well as workshops at inclusive arts charity Beatroute Arts. Its first outing, however, will be at the Dear Green Music Scene Festival on Saturday June 15th.

The afternoon event will run from 3-7pm in Glasgow University’s Advanced Research Centre – ARC – on Chapel Lane (G11 6EW) and feature The Burning Hell, Carla J Easton, and LT. leif as well as performers from Glasgow University’s MusARC.

The afternoon event will run from 3-7pm although limited places should be reserved in advance.