Inspiring the next generation through sound system culture
At PLYNYL, sound system culture has always been about more than music. It’s about craft, collaboration and creating something physical that people can take pride in. Our Speaker Workshops are one way we share that culture with new audiences.
The workshops are a fun and rewarding process, and everyone leaves with a fully functioning Tiny Dub speaker that they made themselves. Throughout the process, participants also get to discover more about PLYNYL and the people behind it.
Bringing together Aimee’s experience delivering engaging creative workshops with Kev’s sound engineering and carpentry know-how - built through years of designing and touring soul-shaking sound systems - the workshops have been carefully developed, tested and refined. They adapt easily to different audiences, group sizes and timeframes and have already successfully engaged young people across the UK in STEM, art and design, including those with shorter attention spans and ADHD.
Our Tiny Dub Bluetooth speaker is the perfect way to introduce people to sound system culture while teaching a wide range of practical skills - from woodworking and audio engineering to basic electrics and thinking about the environment.
Sustainable approaches + accessibility are central to everything we do
In our workshops, we encourage participants to rethink “disposable” electronics by showing how components - like vape batteries - can be safely repurposed and given a second life powering our speakers. It’s about building skills, raising awareness, and fostering a more sustainable mindset through making.
All our products are built with the best components and expert craftsmanship. We work with skilled professionals and never cut corners, for quality or for the planet.
To keep our workshops accessible and reduce financial barriers, we created the PLYBACK scheme. 15% of profits from all PLYNYL product sales and event takings are used to support organisations delivering provision for young people and disadvantaged groups.
Recently, we were thrilled to deliver a workshop with MAP Charity in Leeds, whose fundraising club night, Cosmic Slop, plays a vital role in supporting their work. Based at Hope Foundry, 100% of profits from these popular electronic music events go directly towards funding creative education for young people at risk of exclusion from mainstream school. This workshop was co-funded through the Floating Points Sunflower Sound System project.
Safe to say, the young people were all brilliant - and the work at MAP Charity is truly incredible.
What Tom at Map and Cosmic Slop had to say:
“All the young people really enjoyed the Speaker Workshop - from designing and building the boxes to assembling the electronics.
Some gravitated towards the mechanical elements, while others enjoyed the creative side. Engagement was impressive throughout, even for those with shorter attention spans due to ADHD. It was great to see how focused they were, with some finding the process genuinely relaxing.
Everyone took their speaker home feeling proud of what they’d made, many having never had the opportunity to do something like this before. The PLYNYL team were fantastic and adapted their approach to suit each young person’s needs.”
Watch a short YouTube video from the workshop
Footage by @alfiebarka, edit by @cocopopkid
Find out more about MAP Charity: www.mapcharity.org
It was a great day and quite an emotional experience for the PLYNYL team. Some of the feedback from the young people even left Kev in tears:
“I really enjoyed the whole process of learning how to make the speaker and getting to put my design on the box.”
“I’d never done anything like this before. It was good to learn something new.”
“The team were really helpful and friendly. You could have a laugh with them.”
“I’d definitely like to do this again and make a speaker for my brother.”
“All my friends I’ve shown the box to think it’s really cool that I made it myself.”
“It was really interesting and helped me chill out and stay busy, it probably stopped me getting told off.”
Support our workshops
You can help us deliver more workshops for young people by buying your own Tiny Dub kit through the shop, or by booking onto one of our next adult workshops, starting May 2026, take a look here for more info and tickets: https://plynyl.co.uk/products/speaker-making-social-the-workshop-todmorden
Email us to find out more: plynylpeople@gmail.com
