Home / Arts and Entertainment / Massive Sound System Debuts at Indio Festival
Massive Sound System Debuts at Indio Festival
8 Oct
Summary
- A custom-built, eight-cabinet sound system named Sunflower Sound System is debuting in North America.
- The system, a decade in the making, features monolithic wooden speakers and horn-loaded design.
- Head Trip festival in Indio is the first US event to feature this groundbreaking audio rig.
This weekend, the Empire Polo Club in Indio will host Head Trip, a two-day electronic music festival. A major highlight of the event is the North American debut of the Sunflower Sound System. This custom-built, eight-cabinet audio rig, featuring monolithic wooden speakers, has been in development for a decade. Previously featured at European festivals such as Glastonbury and Dekmantel, it is now arriving in the United States for the first time.
Constructed by Floating Points (Sam Shepherd) and Tom Smith, the Sunflower Sound System is the result of years of research and collaboration. Shepherd was inspired by legendary venues like Plastic People in London and Paradise Garage in New York. The system's design and construction involved a team of carpenters and electronic engineering experts, including Michael Parker, Harry Styles' current sound engineer.
The massive sound system, which fits into three shipping containers, will be reassembled in Indio for the festival. For Head Trip, the tweeters are a new design, and the system will be housed in a blacked-out tent. Shepherd expressed enthusiasm for the artistic venture, acknowledging Goldenvoice's support.
Beyond Head Trip, Shepherd has plans for the Sunflower Sound System, including the potential addition of a large subwoofer and showcasing more live bands. He also envisions the system supporting its own festival in the future.
