Friends of Noise

The connection between youth and music.

Friends of Noise is “an all-ages music and arts non-profit” based in Portland whose mission is to bring music and music-oriented workshops to Portland youth regardless of gender or background. According to Executive Director André Middleton, a founding member of the company which opened in the summer of 2016, they offer workshops on “how to be a better musician, what’s an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), how to set up a PA system, what’s an invoice, how to make your own merch, stage fright versus stage presence,” and other fascinating programs. They also run and produce “all-ages music concerts and events”. These opportunities include poetry, songs, instrumental pieces, and more. A unique feature of the Friends of Noise programs is that the artists get paid for their time and creativity. “There is also a financial incentive to the work we do.” Middleton states “We try to promote financial literacy in young people so we teach them about contracts and W9s and taxes and all that kind of stuff and we pay them to perform and to run sound.” There are not many (if any) other programs in the Portland area that provide such a diverse array of music opportunities for young people while also offering to pay them.

This seven-year-old company began when Backspace, an all-ages club in downtown Portland closed in 2015. Middleton explains that he “felt the vacuum left by its closure” which led him to the idea of starting his own all-ages music venue and that idea furthered into the Friends of Noise of today. Instead of buying a venue, “the first purchase Friends of Noise did was to buy a portable PA system” so they could hold concerts anywhere and at any time. Friends of Noise plays in backyards, parks, schools, community spaces, and anywhere you can think of.

When asked the one thing he wishes people knew about Friends of Noise, Middleton responded, “the music industry does not have to exploit its artists, and Friends of Noise is working hard to create a local music scene that is not only all ages but is equitable and sustainable for artists of all ages, but especially artists that have been marginalized by dominant culture in society.” It is a breath of fresh air for our community to hear that an organization cares about the people, not just the profit, but it is especially important when the same organization not only cares but also strives to help those community members in need.

It is a breath of fresh air for our community to hear that an organization cares about the people, not just the profit, but it is especially important when the same organization not only cares but also strives to help those community members in need.

By Ellie Weiner
Roosevelt High School

Published March 21, 2023

Report abuse