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Videos

May 29, 2025

Tal Yahalom: A Guitarist's Mirror Image of Tradition (Spotlight On : 255)

Tal Yahalom: A Guitarist's Mirror Image of Tradition (Spotlight On : 255)

The Israeli guitarist and composer discusses his album 'Mirror Image,' which pairs his instrument equally with strings, woodwinds, and percussion to create chamber jazz, challenging the traditional guitar hero stereotype. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On guitarist and composer Tal Yahalom. Tal has built a reputation in New York's creative music…

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May 28, 2025

Claire Cope on Balancing Classical Roots with Jazz Exploration

Claire Cope on Balancing Classical Roots with Jazz Exploration

In this clip from Spotlight On, composer Claire Cope reflects on her dual life as a classical and jazz musician, her admiration for Maria Schneider, and the lasting impact of Schneider's work. Don't miss the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/claire-cope-orchestrating-stories-of-brave-women/ #Shorts #ClaireCope #ContemporaryJazz…

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May 26, 2025

Claire Cope on Creativity: Improvisation as a Composer’s Tool

Claire Cope on Creativity: Improvisation as a Composer’s Tool

In this excerpt from the Spotlight On podcast, British composer Claire Cope shares insights into her compositional process, emphasizing the role of improvisation. She discusses how improvisation helps in finding new ideas and expresses the benefits of a more intuitive approach versus intellectual notation. Don't miss Claire Cope on the…

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May 22, 2025

Claire Cope: Orchestrating Stories of Brave Women (Spotlight On : 254)

Claire Cope: Orchestrating Stories of Brave Women (Spotlight On : 254)

The Manchester-based composer and pianist discusses her album 'Every Journey,' where she employs a newly expanded ensemble to present intricate musical narratives inspired by trailblazing women explorers. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On Claire Cope. This British composer crafts music that combines the freedom of jazz with the precision of…

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May 21, 2025

The Waterboys' Mike Scott Talks 'Life, Death and Dennis Hopper' and Its Collaborators

The Waterboys' Mike Scott Talks 'Life, Death and Dennis Hopper' and Its Collaborators

In this clip from the Spotlight On podcast, Mike Scott of The Waterboys talks about the guest vocalists featured on their new album 'Life, Death and Dennis Hopper,' and shares insights on his relationships with Steve Earle, Taylor Goldsmith, Bruce Springsteen, and Fiona Apple, explaining how these artists were chosen…

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May 20, 2025

One Night Live and the Future of Independent Live Music

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

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

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)

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

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'

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

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: 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

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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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