Live DJ events traditionally have performers up on platforms far from their audience, limiting their interaction. Instead, imagine them moving freely through a crowd, creating a dynamic, immersive, and connected musical experience. Visualize a street musician transforming an entire block into a pop-up rave with pulsating electronic beats. What if marching bands and drum corps could integrate synthesized sounds and drum machines, synchronizing traditional performances with futuristic beats and tones?
The static nature of electronic musical instruments has been the status quo for decades. Performers are tethered to power outlets, anchored to stationary stands, and cabled up to amps or PA systems, leaving musicians stranded behind the stand. Enter Walkabout Carriers, a company rewriting the rules of live music performance with products that give musicians the freedom to move literally while expanding their ability to entertain.
Walkabout Carriers specializes in wearable instrument systems with built-in battery power and wireless connectivity. Designed for electronic instruments, these carriers open up a world of possibilities for performers across all genres. From school marching bands to DJs to street artists and even experimental ensembles, the Walkabout product line offers an ultra-cool solution to a long-standing barrier in live music performance.
"We're mobilizing electronic musical instruments in a way that's never been done before," founder Matt Patterson explains. After a 35-year career in film and post-production sound and a lifelong drummer, Patterson turned his technical expertise towards elevating musical performances and expanding mobile music production.
One of the company's exciting products is its lightweight Pathfinder carrier harness, crafted from durable aircraft-grade aluminum and designed with comfort in mind. The flagship Trailblazer carrier has a rechargeable battery supply for instruments that require the use of an AC adapter. Each carrier features neoprene foam padding and powder-coated paint for added comfort and durability.
Another of Walkabout's innovative breakthroughs is the "Boombox," a portable amplifier and PA system that attaches directly to existing marching band harnesses. The Boombox allows electronic instruments to easily participate in parades, halftime shows, and other outdoor events without the need for bulky equipment or complex wireless systems.
"Marching bands can now include electronic instruments in their performances, something that wasn't possible before," Patterson says. "We're not just making carriers; we're opening up entirely new creative possibilities for live music performance." The Boombox has already sparked interest from high schools, colleges, and even "Buskers."
Walkabout's appeal goes beyond marching bands. DJs, street performers, and experimental musicians are taking advantage of the mobility and flexibility these carriers offer as well. "The Walkabout platform helps musicians connect with their audiences in more engaging and immersive ways," shares Patterson. "The international DJ market has shown incredible enthusiasm for Walkabout Carriers. DJs with hundreds of thousands of followers have paid two to three times the product's value in shipping just to be the first in their country to use it. Their trust in our innovation and willingness to invest in something they've never tried is humbling."
Patterson's "eureka moment" came in the 1980s when he moved his electric drumset across his apartment living room and thought, "What about electronic marching drums?" Though it took decades of refinement to bring the idea to life, he has now attained a U.S. utility patent protecting the technology until 2044.
The industry is taking notice. Today, the company has products in use on four continents and is building momentum through partnerships with musicians, schools, and venues. "Feedback from early adopters has been overwhelmingly positive; many can't believe it wasn't created sooner."
Looking ahead, Walkabout Carriers is expanding its product line with customizable options, lighter materials, and enhanced adjustability. The team is exploring partnerships with schools and arts organizations to incorporate electronic instruments into music education. "We're only beginning to see the possibilities," says Patterson. "Our goal is to make mobility a standard feature for all electronic instruments and transform how music is performed and experienced globally for both musicians and their audiences."
By breaking down logistical barriers, Walkabout Carriers' innovations are enabling musicians to push the boundaries of live performance. Whether a high school drumline electrifying a halftime show or a DJ bringing new energy to a festival, their solutions are at the forefront of a new mobile electronic music movement. Patterson explains, "It's not just about the products, it's about what our products allow musicians to achieve by connecting with their audience in ways that were previously never thought possible."
Learn more about Walkabout Carriers.
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