Videos

Aug. 13, 2025

Jeremy Sirota and Lawrence Peryer on Spotting Trends and Defining Luck

In this clip from the latest Spotlight On, Jeremy Sirota and Lawrence Peryer discuss the concept of integration, emphasizing the importance of blending professional expertise and personal passion. Peryer also shares his journey from being a music fan to a professional in the industry. Don't miss the entire conversation on…

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Aug. 11, 2025

Jeremy Sirota and Lawrence Peryer: The Art of Integration in Creative Leadership

In this excerpt from the Spotlight On podcast, Jeremy Sirota talks with Lawrence Peryer about the concept of integration, emphasizing the importance of blending professional expertise and personal passion. Listen to the full conversation on the latest episode of Spotlight On: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/jeremy-sirota-merlin-grills-lawrence-peryer-on-creative-leadership/ #Shorts #CreativeLeadership #MusicIndustry #Innovation #ArtistServices #Creativity #Leadership #MusicBusiness…

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Aug. 8, 2025

Creative Leadership: Lawrence Peryer on Finding Creativity Beyond Performing

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, Lawrence Peryer reflects on how he found joy in writing and creating music once free from the financial pressures of being an artist. He also shares his perspective on self-identifying as an artist, emphasizing that anyone who makes art has…

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Aug. 7, 2025

Jeremy Sirota Grills Lawrence Peryer on Creative Leadership (Spotlight On : 265)

The Merlin CEO has our podcast host explain why he believes in everything and nothing, how to facilitate creative thinking in corporate environments, and what the future holds beyond streaming platforms. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On someone we have not spoken to in a while… Over the years, we…

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Aug. 6, 2025

Saxophonist Sean Imboden: Cultivating Community Through Music

In this clip from the Spotlight On podcast, saxophonist and composer Sean Imboden emphasizes the importance of individuality in jazz, drawing inspiration from legendary musicians like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane, and discusses how he encourages his students to find their unique musical voices. Don't miss Sean Imboden on the…

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Aug. 4, 2025

Saxophonist Sean Imboden on Technology and the Art of Musical Arrangement

In this excerpt from Spotlight On, saxophonist and composer Sean Imboden weighs the benefits and limitations of using MIDI and digital composition tools, like Finale and Dorico, against composing directly at the piano. Listen to the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/sean-imboden-into-the-heart-of-big-band-jazz-indianapolis/ #Shorts #SeanImboden…

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Aug. 1, 2025

Saxophonist Sean Imboden on Leading 17 Musicians and Embracing Collaboration

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, saxophonist and composer Sean Imboden discusses the importance of stepping back to appreciate the collective efforts of highly skilled musicians, while also addressing the need for precise arrangement to prevent chaos. Check out the full conversation on the Spotlight On…

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July 31, 2025

Sean Imboden: Into the Heart of Big Band Jazz (Spotlight On : 264)

The Indianapolis-based saxophonist opens up about his move from Broadway sideman to big band leader, the creative challenges of leading a seventeen-piece jazz ensemble, and the community spirit that shaped his debut album 'Communal Heart.' ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On saxophonist and composer Sean Imboden. Sean spent years touring…

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July 30, 2025

Imposing Constraints: Musical Choices with Glenn Dickson and Bob Familiar

In this clip from the latest Spotlight On, clarinetist Glenn Dickson + electronic musician Bob Familiar discuss the intentional constraints they place on their musical processes, aiming for a natural, unsynchronized interplay in their performances. Don't miss the full conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/glenn-dickson-bob-familiar-the-clarinet-in-the-machine/ #Shorts #GlennDickson #BobFamiliar #ElectronicMusic…

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July 28, 2025

Glenn Dickson and Bob Familiar: Storytelling With Electonic Music

In this excerpt from Spotlight On, clarinetist Glenn Dickson and electronic musician Bob Familiar discuss their creative processes for making improvised, story-based music, with Bob sharing his inspiration from classic science fiction. Listen to the entire chat on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/glenn-dickson-bob-familiar-the-clarinet-in-the-machine/ #Shorts #GlennDickson #BobFamiliar…

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July 25, 2025

Glenn Dickson and Bob Familiar: Harmonizing Electronic and Acoustic Sounds

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, Clarinetist Glenn Dickson and electronic musician Bob Familiar recount how their friendship began by realizing how similarly they both used loop processors in their music. Be sure to listen to the full conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/glenn-dickson-bob-familiar-the-clarinet-in-the-machine/ #Shorts…

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July 24, 2025

Glenn Dickson & Bob Familiar: The Clarinet in the Machine (Spotlight On : 263)

Clarinetist Glenn Dickson and synthesist Bob Familiar discuss their serendipitous meeting, patient creative process, and how they transform studio improvisations into the luminous compositions on 'All the Light of Our Sphere.' ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On clarinetist Glenn Dickson and electronic musician Bob Familiar. When a cutting-edge klezmer artist…

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July 23, 2025

Gustavo Cortiñas on the Art of Storytelling in Jazz

In this Spotlight On clip, jazz drummer Gustavo Cortiñas explains how intellectual ideas and emotions enhance rather than limit his music composition, describing his process of using melodic ideas as foundational elements and building a world around them to tell a story. Listen to the full conversation on the latest…

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July 21, 2025

Jazz Drummer Gustavo Cortiñas on Musical Roots and Inspirations

In this excerpt from the latest Spotlight On, jazz drummer Gustavo Cortiñas recalls the impact of Mexican folkloric music, Latin American singers like Chavela Vargas and Mercedes Sosa, and The Beatles, who helped him learn English. Check out the full conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/gustavo-cortias-a-jazz-drummers-call-to-climate-action/ #Shorts #GustavoCortiñas #ClimateJazz…

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July 18, 2025

Gustavo Cortiñas Discusses His Latest Album, 'The Crisis Knows No Borders'

In this clip from the latest episode of Spotlight On, jazz drummer Gustavo Cortiñas discusses the themes of his latest album, The Crisis Knows No Borders. He explains the project's goal to create a flexible and impactful sound, balancing delicate beauty with aggressive punch. Listen to the full conversation on…

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July 17, 2025

Gustavo Cortiñas: A Jazz Drummer's Call to Action (Spotlight On : 262)

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…

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July 14, 2025

Guitarist Kim Perlak: A Youthful Immersion in Jazz and Classical Music

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…

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July 11, 2025

Guitarist Kim Perlak Explores Musical Synergy with Percussionist Francisco Mela

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/…

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July 10, 2025

Kim Perlak: Guitar, Percussion, and the Space Between (Spotlight On : 261)

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…

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July 9, 2025

Terence Hannum Reflects on Collaborating with Justin Bartlett on The Crystal World

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/…

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July 7, 2025

Terence Hannum on Locrian's Studio Evolution and The Crystal World

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:…

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July 4, 2025

Locrian's Terence Hannum on Blending Horror, Metal, and Futuristic Visions

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…

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July 3, 2025

Terence Hannum: Revisiting Locrian's The Crystal World (Spotlight On : 260)

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,…

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July 2, 2025

Guitarist Knox Chandler on Soundribbons, Frogs, and the Emotional Layers of The Sound

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…

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