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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…