From his Mexican roots to Chicago's jazz scene, Cortiñas explains how he builds "bold, urgent conversations" on his album 'The Crisis Knows No Borders,’ addressing climate change through the language of improvised music. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On drummer and composer Gustavo Cortiñas Gustavo's latest album, The Crisis Knows No…
In this excerpt from Spotlight On, guitarist Kim Perlak discusses her rich musical upbringing, shaped by a direct introduction to various musical styles and notable musicians like Pat Metheny and many other prominent artists, and learning invaluable lessons on gratitude and appreciation. Listen to the full conversation on the latest…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, guitarist Kim Perlak discusses her collaboration with percussionist Francisco Mela on their new album, Spaces, and how the duo finds focus in sound, texture, and form. Be sure to listen to the full conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/kim-perlak-berklee-guitar-percussion-and-the-space-between/…
The Berklee guitar chair discusses her album 'Spaces' with percussionist Francisco Mela, how natural environments inspire her compositions, and the evolution from classical interpretation to improvisational freedom. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On guitarist and composer Kim Perlak. Kim chairs the guitar department at Berklee College of Music, where she's spent…
In this clip from Spotlight On, Terence Hannum of the band Locrian reflects on working with late illustrator Justin Bartlett for the striking cover art of their landmark album 'The Crystal World.' Don't miss the full conversation with Terence Hannum on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/terence-hannum-revisiting-locrian-the-crystal-world-drone-metal/…
In this excerpt from Spotlight On, musician Terence Hannum of the band Locrian details the recording processes behind their landmark album The Crystal World and the challenges new bands face in today's less focused music industry. Check out the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast:…
In this clip from the new episode of the Spotlight On podcast, Terence Hannum of Locrian discusses his band's initial improvisational phase, which evolved into themes of post-capitalism and urban decay, and recalls a pivotal high school moment when he was introduced to William Gibson's sci-fi collection Burning Chrome. Check…
The multi-disciplinary artist reflects on fifteen years since the experimental metal trio's landmark album, exploring the crystalline intersection of visual art, religious studies, and the search for compelling sounds in heavy music's conservative landscape. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On Terence Hannum. Terence wears many hats. He is a visual artist,…
In this clip from Spotlight On, guitarist Knox Chandler shares his current creative process, which involves starting compositions with 'Soundribbons'—five-minute audio pieces that he listens to repeatedly—and highlights the significance of recording natural sounds. Don't miss the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/knox-chandler-exploring-the-sound-of-the-connecticut-shoreline-guitar/ #Shorts…
In this excerpt from the latest Spotlight On, guitarist Knox Chandler discusses his experimentation with guitar processing and sound manipulation, as well as his work with The Psychedelic Furs and Cyndi Lauper. Check out the entire conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/knox-chandler-exploring-the-sound-of-the-connecticut-shoreline-guitar/ #Shorts #KnoxChandler #Guitar #PsychedelicFurs #SiouxsieAndTheBanshees #Guitarist #Soundribbons…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, guitarist Knox Chandler explains his development of soundscapes through a unique technical process he's dubbed 'Soundribbons.' Chandler also describes his work with Peter Freeman and Bobby Previte, eventually leading to the decision to compile his artistic outputs into a book…
After four decades collaborating with acts like the Psychedelic Furs and Siouxsie and the Banshees, the veteran guitarist has created his first deeply personal project—a book and album documenting his return to the Connecticut coast. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On guitarist Knox Chandler. Knox's name might ring a bell…
In this clip from the Spotlight On podcast, John Andrew Fredrick of The Black Watch discusses writing during times of great happiness or deep sadness, and how reading can influence his lyrical mood. John also debates whether lyrics should be considered poetry. Don't miss the full conversation on the latest…
In this excerpt from the latest Spotlight On, John Andrew Fredrick of The Black Watch opens up about his creative processes and the significant impact isolation has had on his life and work. He discusses the role of solitude in his creative endeavors, likening it to spelunking in a coal…
In this clip from the new episode of the Spotlight On podcast, musician John Andrew Fredrick from The Black Watch dives into the tongue-in-cheek inspiration behind the album 'Led Zeppelin Five' and its unexpected commercial success. Don't miss the entire conversation with John of The Black Watch on Spotlight On:…
The prolific songwriter reflects on three decades of creative output with The Black Watch, what it’s like to release the band’s 25th album, For All the World, and why he just can’t stop stealing from The Beatles. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On John Andrew Fredrick of The Black Watch.…
In this clip from Spotlight On, saxophonist and composer Ingrid Laubrock discusses the influence of notable improvisers like Anthony Braxton, Muhal Richard Abrams, and William Parker. Don't miss the entire conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/ingrid-laubrock-composer-setting-poetry-to-music-purposing-the-air/ #Shorts #IngridLaubrock #PurposingTheAir #AnthonyBraxton #ContemporaryJazz #ExperimentalMusic #JazzComposition #EricaHunt #Poetry…
In this excerpt from Spotlight On, saxophonist and composer Ingrid Laubrock discusses her new album, Purposing the Air, and shares how an encounter with poet Erica Hunt inspired her work. Tune in to the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/ingrid-laubrock-composer-setting-poetry-to-music-purposing-the-air/ #Shorts #IngridLaubrock #PurposingTheAir #ContemporaryJazz…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, saxophonist and composer Ingrid Laubrock talks about the lessons she learned from her early teachers and mentors, Jean Toussaint and Dave Liebman, who significantly shaped her dedication to music. Tune in to the Spotlight On podcast for the full conversation:…
The innovative composer discusses her new album, Purposing the Air, and the three-year process of transforming Erica Hunt's sixty cryptic koans into musical miniatures for four distinctive vocal-instrumental duos. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On saxophonist and composer Ingrid Laubrock. Ingrid's just released Purposing The Air, a double album that…
In this clip from the Spotlight On podcast, jazz clarinetist Kinan Azmeh reflects on his experiences working with various artists, including Yo-Yo Ma, and how these interactions shape his musical identity and philosophies. Don't miss the entire conversation on the latest episode of Spotlight On: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/kinan-azmeh-jazz-clarinet-live-in-berlin-rooted-in-damascus/ #Shorts #KinanAzmeh #JazzClarinet #SyrianMusic…
The renowned Canadian percussionist, tabla player, and educator discusses his lifelong embrace of Indian musical traditions and the fusion with synthesized textures that inspires his project Temporal Waves. Today, the Spotlight shines On composer and percussionist Shawn Mativetsky. A renowned tabla player, Shawn is a pioneer in bridging the worlds…
In this excerpt from Spotlight On, jazz clarinetist Kinan Azmeh discusses his new album 'Live in Berlin,' featuring music conceived over the last decade and a half, beginning with the early days of the Syrian uprising. Listen to the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast:…
In this clip from the new episode of the Spotlight On podcast, jazz clarinetist Kinan Azmeh argues against a single-minded focus on practice, believing that a well-rounded life enriches one's artistic output. He discusses how varied life experiences contribute to a musician’s ability to communicate and reflect the world in…