Introducing DEBRIS: The Rocket Tank Speaker That Blends Earth and Space

DEBRIS: The Revolutionary Rocket Tank Speaker

On June 27, 2025, an engaging release party took place at the CITAN hostel in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, featuring the innovative speaker DEBRIS, crafted from repurposed rocket fuel tanks. This unique event drew a diverse crowd, including enthusiasts of aerospace development, dance music lovers, and advocates for resource recycling.

The evening offered a captivating auditory experience as attendees listened to the sounds from the DEBRIS speaker, a remarkable fusion of music and the environment created through field sampling in Hokkaido, known for its active space development. The debut track, "Universe and Universal Life," encapsulated the essence of the speaker’s journey from space to Earth.

The Material Story Behind DEBRIS

DEBRIS is a product of innovation, born from the reconstruction of a trial rocket fuel tank located in Taiki Town, Hokkaido. The project is a collaboration between two pioneering entities: "noon by material record," which explores the relationship between Earth's resources and sound, and the "&SPACE PROJECT," which aims to make space more accessible to society. The theme of the release event was to invoke a sense of the time and places DEBRIS has traveled.

Immersive Sound Experience

During the launch, participants were treated to a curated sound experience featuring natural recordings and sounds from rocket-related facilities in Hokkaido, played through the DEBRIS speaker. The audience was enveloped by this unique blending of soundscapes, where the realms of space development and nature intertwined.

Insights from the Talk Session

At 6 PM, a special session was held for media and guests featuring insights from Akihiro Nakai of &SPACE PROJECT and Yoshihisa Goto from noon by material record. They discussed the fascinating background of the DEBRIS speaker and its development amidst the booming space industry. A representative from the Taiki Town Hall shared messages of support, highlighting ongoing efforts to construct a commercial spaceport accessible to private entities and educational institutions in Taiki, thereby supporting local space entrepreneurship.

Nakai emphasized the rapid progression of the global space industry, stating, "Rockets are launched around the world every day. The advancement of space technology is closely related to our lives. For instance, intercontinental travel through space is expected to be realized by 2040, allowing journeys from Japan to New York in under an hour. We believe this can inspire businesses to engage with the private space industry. Through our collaboration with Taiki Town, we are not only creating a speaker from reclaimed materials but also producing music inspired by the sounds of the spaceport. Our hope is to broaden the involvement in space-related activities through such initiatives."

Designing DEBRIS: An Artistic Vision

Shogo Oyamada from noon by material record elaborated on the design theme of the DEBRIS speaker. He shared his reflections on conceptualizing what a "musical experience in space" might entail. The design eliminates conventional directional audio focus, opting instead for an omnidirectional sound structure, offering an immersive experience that feels as though users are floating in space. The speaker stands supported by three legs, crafted from duralumin and accompanied by a resin antenna and metallic objects that echo the visual aesthetic of weightlessness.

Creating the top metallic component, renowned metal artist Kazuhiro Toyama melted down Earth’s elements—iron, copper, and aluminum—to give it a planetary presence. This unique sphere not only serves as an audio device but also engages philosophical inquiries about Earth and space, as well as the passage of time. Oyamada expressed his ambition that DEBRIS transcends mere audio technology, becoming a convergence of materials, sound, space, and narrative, inviting listeners to contemplate the universe.

Musical Journey: Universe and Universal Life

The project also features a specially created track, "Universe and Universal Life," composed by the globally recognized trackmaker GONNO. He collaborated with the team to conduct field recordings in Taiki, capturing sounds of the wind, waves, and the beacons from rocket launch sites. GONNO explained the title as juxtaposing the concept of space with universal human experiences, capturing the essence of the project’s vision.

The sound-synthesis approach balanced futuristic, technological elements with organic, eco-friendly sounds, utilizing analog synthesizers for a harmonious auditory experience. Although originally intended to be rhythm-less, the track evolved to include a gentle beat, creating a sense of tranquility while also engaging the listener.

Sonic Resonance: DJ Play

As night fell, at 8 PM, GONNO and Kazuhiko Masumur played an exhilarating DJ set. Through DEBRIS, the sounds twirled in a rhythmic dance, invigorating the atmosphere against the backdrop of Tokyo's night sky, etching a memorable experience in the minds of the attendees.

Event Overview

- Event Name: DEBRIS Release Party
- Date: June 27, 2025
- Venue: CITAN, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
- Organizers: noon by material record × &SPACE PROJECT
- Artists: GONNO, Kazuhiko Masumur, Okazaki Keigo (DJ)

Future Endeavors

The DEBRIS project is set to continue its journey, showcasing and selling its speakers, while embarking on new sound adventures that bridge the gap between Earth and the cosmos. Additionally, &SPACE PROJECT plans to persevere in developing innovative products and collaborations, making space an even more integral part of our daily lives.