Videos

May 20, 2025

One Night Live and the Future of Independent Live Music

On Tuesday May 20 at 1PM ET / 10AM PT, join Cat Henry (Executive Director, Live Music Society and Spotlight On alum), Liza Levy (President, Salt Lick Incubator), and Tom DeGeorge (COO, D-TOUR) for a critical discussion about the state of independent live music and their collaborative solution to address…

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May 19, 2025

Mike Scott of The Waterboys: Life, Death, and Musical Freedom

In this excerpt from the Spotlight On podcast, Mike Scott of The Waterboys discusses the creative freedom behind the latest album 'Life, Death and Dennis Hopper' and how the album's songs naturally adopted styles from different eras. Tune into the full conversation on the latest episode of Spotlight On: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/mike-scott-of-the-waterboys-the-ballad-of-dennis-hopper/…

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May 16, 2025

Exploring Dennis Hopper's Legacy with The Waterboys' Mike Scott

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, Mike Scott of The Waterboys shares how his curiosity about Dennis Hopper evolved into writing an album based on the actor's life. The final project, 'Life, Death and Dennis Hopper,' chronicles the actor’s life and cultural impact, with each song…

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May 15, 2025

Mike Scott of The Waterboys: The Ballad of Dennis Hopper (Spotlight On : 253)

The mastermind behind 'The Whole of the Moon' discusses his four-year journey writing and recording an ambitious musical biography that chronicles Hopper's artistic triumphs, spectacular flameouts, and ultimate redemption. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On Mike Scott, founder of The Waterboys. In 2014, Mike stumbled upon Dennis Hopper’s photography in…

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May 14, 2025

Author Craig Mod: Why Books Matter in a Digital Age

In this clip from Spotlight On, author Craig Mod argues for the lasting significance of physical books, citing their ability to demand focused attention and permanence compared to digital media. Don't miss the entire conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/craig-mod-things-become-things-that-last/ #Shorts #CraigMod #Podcast #CreativeProcess #TBOT…

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May 12, 2025

Craig Mod on Embracing Organic Storytelling in 'Things Become Other Things'

In this excerpt from the Spotlight On podcast, Craig Mod discusses the development of his memoir Things Become Other Things, revealing his unique method of writing through dictation during long walks, which helped him identify recurring themes. Listen to the full conversation on the latest episode of Spotlight On: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/craig-mod-things-become-things-that-last/…

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May 9, 2025

Craig Mod on the Art of Completion and Creative Reflection

In this clip from the new episode of the Spotlight On podcast, Craig Mod, author of Things Become Other Things, discusses how themes of walking, memory, and friendship emerge in his work, often influenced by the books he reads and the writers he admires, like Annie Dillard. Don't miss the…

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May 8, 2025

Craig Mod: Things Become Things That Last (Spotlight On : 252)

Craig Mod, author of Things Become Other Things, has built an independent publishing system that allows complete creative control as he simultaneously creates alliances with publishers like Random House. In this conversation, Craig explains why books represent the perfect focused technology in an age of constant digital distraction. ------------------ Today,…

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May 7, 2025

Tamiko Thiel on Art, Activism, and the Internet Age

In this clip from Spotlight On, digital media artist Tamiko Thiel shares how she avoids dystopian themes in her work, instead promoting solution-based narratives, aiming to empower young people facing modern crises. Don't miss the rest of this conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/tamiko-thiel-part-2-art-at-technologys-edge/ #Shorts…

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May 5, 2025

Virtual Reality and Its Early Days: A Discussion with Tamiko Thiel

In this clip from the latest episode of Spotlight On, digital media artist Tamiko Thiel reflects on the early days of virtual reality, discussing the limitations of heavy, nauseating hardware and the shift toward more user-friendly applications. Be sure to listen to the entire conversation on the Spotlight On podcast:…

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May 2, 2025

Creating Art Inspired by History: A Discussion with Tamiko Thiel

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, digital media artist Tamiko Thiel talks about collaborating with Zara Houshmand in 1995 to explore artistic possibilities with digital media. Thiel discovers an Ansel Adams photo of a Japanese garden at Manzanar, sparking the creation of their digital art project,…

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May 1, 2025

Tamiko Thiel: part 2 - art at technology's edge (Spotlight On : 251)

In the second part of our extended conversation, Tamiko Thiel discusses Beyond Manzanar, her collaboration with Iranian-American artist Zara Houshmand, where viewers confront the historical reality of Japanese-American internment while drawing connections to contemporary persecution. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight again shines on media artist Tamiko Thiel, in the second of…

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April 30, 2025

From HP to MIT: Tamiko Thiel’s Creative Exploration

In this clip from Spotlight On, legendary product designer and digital media artist Tamiko Thiel shares her career journey. She discusses her decision not to follow in her architect father's footsteps and her fortuitous path toward a vocation that combined innovative art, design, and technology. Don't miss the entire conversation…

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April 25, 2025

Tamiko Thiel on the Visual Language Behind the Connection Machine

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, Tamiko Thiel shares the inspiration behind the product design of the Connection Machine. As a response to science fiction imagery, the design aimed to inspire rather than intimidate. Check out the entire fascinating conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/tamiko-thiel-sculpting-the-electronic-brain-the-connection-machine/…

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April 24, 2025

Tamiko Thiel: part 1 - sculpting the electronic brain (Spotlight On : 250)

In part one of an extended conversation, the pioneering media artist discusses designing the Connection Machine, working with Richard Feynman, and how her Japanese-American heritage shapes her revolutionary approach to making technology beautiful. ------------------ To mark our special milestone of 250 episodes, we are kicking off a two-part conversation with…

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April 23, 2025

Blending Music and Nature: Hunter Noack's Outdoor Piano Performances

In this clip from Spotlight On, classical pianist and naturalist Hunter Noack discusses his unique outdoor piano recital series, 'In a Landscape,' and how he creates a sense of intimacy even in vast outdoor settings. Don't miss the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/hunter-noack-classical-piano-in-a-landscape/…

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April 22, 2025

Spotlight On Arthur Russell, with author Richard King

Join Spotlight On host Lawrence Peryer in conversation with Richard King, author of "Travels Over Feeling: Arthur Russell, A Life", available now from Anthology Editions. "Travels Over Feeling" paints a portrait of Arthur Russell unlike any that have come before, revealing a true picture of one of the most distinctive…

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April 21, 2025

Hunter Noack Discusses the Unique Dynamics of Open-Air Piano Recitals

In this excerpt from the latest episode of Spotlight On, classical pianist and naturalist Hunter Noack discusses his unique outdoor piano recital series, 'In a Landscape,' and explains how the use of headphones enhances the experience by creating a sense of intimacy even in vast outdoor settings. Hear more from…

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April 18, 2025

Pianist Hunter Noack: Bringing Classical Music to the Great Outdoors

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, pianist Hunter Noack shares the inception of his outdoor piano recital series, 'In a Landscape.' Utilizing wireless headphones to ensure top-quality sound for all attendees, his project brings a concert hall experience to the great outdoors. Listen to the full…

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April 17, 2025

Hunter Noack: Grand Piano & Grander Landscapes (Spotlight On : 249)

With his innovative "In a Landscape" series, pianist Hunter Noack hauls a concert-quality Steinway to remote locations, inviting audiences to wander through nature while intimate piano sounds fill their wireless headphones. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On naturalist and classical pianist Hunter Noack. Redefining what a concert hall can be, Hunter…

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April 16, 2025

Music as Dialogue: Saxophonist Noah Preminger's Creative Process

In this clip from the Spotlight On podcast, saxophonist Noah Preminger reflects on his 2017 album 'Meditations on Freedom,' which aimed to foster dialogue on civic freedoms. He emphasizes the emotional and creative spark that thematic prompts provide in his music-writing process. Listen to the full conversation on the latest…

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April 14, 2025

Saxophonist Noah Preminger on Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Ballads

In this excerpt from Spotlight On, saxophonist Noah Preminger discusses his journey in creating the album Ballads. He's enthusiastic about the new release, praising the engineer's ability to capture a present and lush ECM-like sound. Hear more from Noah Preminger on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/noah-preminger-a-veteran-saxophonist-tackles-the-ballad/…

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April 12, 2025

Devin Gray: Most Definitely's solo drum universe

Today, the Spotlight shines On drummer and composer Devin Gray. Like me, Devin is a born New Englander who made his way to Brooklyn, though unlike me, he splits his time between Brooklyn and Berlin. Devin has performed with Spotlight On alumni Angelica Sanchez and Satoko Fuji, as well as…

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April 11, 2025

Saxophonist Noah Preminger: Navigating Tough Love with Dave Liebman

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, saxophonist Noah Preminger discusses his challenging yet formative years studying with Dave Liebman. Liebman's emphasis on transcription and creating a unique musical vocabulary significantly influenced Preminger's development as an improviser, despite the emotional highs and lows. Check out the full…

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