Episodes

  • Resonance and Reinvention: Crafting Sound from Salvaged History | A Conversation with  Cindy Hulej | Music Evolves with Sean Martin

    Resonance and Reinvention: Crafting Sound from Salvaged History | A Conversation with  Cindy Hulej | Music Evolves with Sean Martin
    Jul 22 2025
    Guest and HostGuest: Cindy Hulej, Luthier/Artist | Website: https://www.cindyguitars.com/Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/Show NotesWhat happens when the story of a city becomes part of the music we make? In this episode of Music Evolves, host Sean Martin sits down with luthier and artist Cindy Hulej of Cindy Guitars to explore how reclaimed wood from historic New York buildings is transformed into custom electric guitars—each one uniquely shaped by memory, material, and imagination.Craft as InnovationCindy’s process at Carmine Street Guitars isn’t just about building instruments—it’s about listening to what the material has to say. The beams salvaged from landmarks like the Chelsea Hotel and John Lennon’s former home aren’t just structural—they carry decades of vibration, weather, and presence. That physical history directly shapes how these guitars sound, feel, and resonate—offering a kind of analog innovation rooted in human touch and intention.Cindy describes how she and her husband Johnny repurpose old beams, often salvaged from 1800s-era buildings, and transform them into guitars that are not only playable but deeply resonant—physically and emotionally. The aged wood, shaped by centuries of seasonal change, yields a tone that’s warm and chimey, with a resonance modern lumber can’t match. “You’re working with material that’s already lived a hundred lives,” she explains. “You just have to unlock the next one.”Creativity Beyond ConventionEach guitar is made by hand, down to the smallest detail. From collaborating with boutique pickup winders to mixing finishes from shellac flakes, Cindy builds instruments that are both sonic and visual statements. No two are alike—because the creative process isn’t about repeating perfection, it’s about shaping something personal and alive. Whether players come with a precise vision or just a feeling, Cindy helps translate that into tone and form.Reimagining the Past to Shape the FutureThis isn’t just about guitars. It’s about the convergence of history, artistry, community, and sound. This episode challenges the idea that innovation must come from new tech or flashy trends. Sometimes, the most meaningful advances come from rethinking old materials and techniques.Cindy’s guitars are a form of living history—reminding us that sound isn’t just produced, it’s inherited, interpreted, and carried forward. And, Cindy’s path from bartending to building some of the most soulful instruments in New York is a reminder that craft isn’t just skill—it’s commitment to meaning.About Rick Kelly and Carmine Street GuitarsCarmine Street Guitars, located in New York City’s Greenwich Village, is a hand-built electric guitar workshop led by legendary luthier Rick Kelly. Known for using reclaimed old-growth wood from historic buildings across the city, Rick has built instruments for renowned musicians such as Lou Reed, Patti Smith, Bob Dylan, and many others. His approach blends time-honored techniques with a reverence for the city’s past, crafting guitars that are as storied as the musicians who play them. At the heart of the shop’s ethos is a commitment to individuality, craftsmanship, and sonic integrity—values continued today through Cindy Guitars and the growing creative community within the space.SponsorsAre you interested in sponsoring this show or placing an ad in the podcast?Sponsorship 👉 https://itspm.ag/annual-sponsorshipAd Placement 👉 https://itspm.ag/podadplcResourcesCarmine Street Guitars: https://carminestreetguitars.com More From Sean Martin on ITSPmagazineMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWOn Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-locationITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe!
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    24 mins
  • Inside the Mixtape Museum: Saving Cassettes and Stories to Preserve Our Musical DNA | A Conversation with Sommer McCoy | Music Evolves with Sean Martin

    Inside the Mixtape Museum: Saving Cassettes and Stories to Preserve Our Musical DNA | A Conversation with Sommer McCoy | Music Evolves with Sean Martin
    Jun 27 2025
    Guest and Host

    Guest: Regan Sommer McCoy, Chief Curator of Mixtape Museum | Website: https://sommer.nyc/

    Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/

    Show Notes

    In this episode of Music Evolves, host Sean Martin connects with Sommer McCoy, founder of the Mixtape Museum, to explore how a simple cassette tape became a cultural vehicle for creativity, connection, and entrepreneurship—especially within hip hop. Sommer’s journey starts with managing hip hop artists like the Clipse, where a label dispute revealed the real power of mixtapes as grassroots distribution tools when the industry’s gatekeepers were roadblocks.

    Sommer describes mixtapes as more than just homemade compilations; they are living archives of personal and collective history. From recording DJ sets off the radio to carefully curating tapes for summer camp, these stories form a thread that binds generations. Through the Mixtape Museum, Sommer captures not only the tapes themselves but also the hidden data inside—the handwritten J-cards, the audio quality that degrades with each copy, and the layers of social exchange that gave rise to underground music scenes.

    What’s striking is that the Mixtape Museum does not seek to own every cassette but instead to document, digitize, and study them. Sommer, a database manager by day, focuses on preserving the stories and metadata behind each tape, spotlighting the artists, DJs, collectors, and communities that sustained the mixtape era. Supported by a Grammy Preservation Grant, she’s already digitized dozens of tapes while helping other collectors understand how to safeguard their archives.

    The conversation touches on how mixtapes laid the groundwork for today’s playlists and streaming culture—yet today’s digital curation lacks the physical, handcrafted artistry that made each cassette unique. Sommer’s mission is to encourage collectors and students alike to look deeper: to uncover forgotten shoebox treasures in attics, to share memories, and to research how these tapes shaped music and culture long before social algorithms took over.

    At its heart, the Mixtape Museum is an open invitation to honor the past while inspiring new ways to think about music’s role in documenting who we are. For Sommer, each cassette holds more than songs—it holds a memory worth saving.

    Sponsors

    Are you interested in sponsoring this show or placing an ad in the podcast?

    Sponsorship 👉 https://itspm.ag/annual-sponsorship

    Ad Placement 👉 https://itspm.ag/podadplc

    Resources

    Mixtape Museum: https://mixtapemuseum.org/

    More From Sean Martin on ITSPmagazine

    More from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast

    Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW

    On Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-location

    ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazine

    Be sure to share and subscribe!
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    56 mins
  • Creating Moments, Not Just Mixes: Why a Great DJ Isn’t Just a Playlist | A Conversation with George Platsis — AKA DJ Zeus | Music Evolves with Sean Martin

    Creating Moments, Not Just Mixes: Why a Great DJ Isn’t Just a Playlist | A Conversation with George Platsis — AKA DJ Zeus | Music Evolves with Sean Martin
    Apr 4 2025
    Guest and Host

    Guest: George Platsis (AKA DJ Zeus) | Website: https://www.djzeus.com/home.html

    Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/

    Show Notes

    In this episode of Music Evolves, host Sean Martin is joined by George Platsis—known on stage and online as DJ Zeus—for a conversation about the art, the science, and the soul of DJing.

    DJ Zeus brings a unique perspective to the turntables, shaped by a classical music education, years performing in Toronto’s largest clubs, and a deep appreciation for music that tells a story. From early days making mixtapes on cassette to manipulating multiple turntables live, he shares how his journey started with rock, shifted into dance music, and eventually settled into a world of layered soundscapes and emotional storytelling.

    From Mixes to Soundtracks

    DJ Zeus doesn’t just play music—he creates moments. He explains that making a great mix isn’t about throwing popular songs together; it’s about reading the room, responding to energy, and creating a journey. Whether it’s a club performance or a recorded set in Ableton Live, each mix is built like a story—with dynamics, tension, release, and emotion.

    This philosophy carries through to how he uses technology. Instead of letting it do the work for him, Zeus uses tools like pitch shifting, EQ manipulation, and harmonic mixing to craft something that couldn’t exist without human touch. “If you’re not pushing the technology,” he says, “you’re not adding your own soul to it.”

    When Technology Meets Feel

    Zeus shares how today’s tools can isolate vocals, remix tracks on the fly, and even keep beats perfectly aligned—but warns that without intuition, timing, and feel, you’re just making playlists. The difference between a DJ and a playlist? Emotion. Surprise. Humanity.

    He also reflects on two tracks that changed everything: Daft Punk’s One More Time and Cher’s Believe. One brought club music into mainstream pop; the other proved pop could crush in the clubs. Both used vocal manipulation in new ways and redefined the sound of their time.

    This episode isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about remembering why music matters. DJ Zeus reminds us that great DJing isn’t just what you hear—it’s what you feel.

    Sponsors

    Are you interested in sponsoring this show or placing an ad in the podcast?

    Sponsorship 👉 https://itspm.ag/annual-sponsorship

    Ad Placement 👉 https://itspm.ag/podadplc

    Resources

    DJ Zeus Website: https://www.djzeus.com/home.html

    More From Sean Martin on ITSPmagazine

    More from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast

    Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW

    On Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-location

    ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazine

    Be sure to share and subscribe!
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    51 mins
  • From Sidewalks to Sousapaloozas: This Is Your Invitation to Play — Make Music Day Is for You | A Conversation with Aaron Friedman | Music Evolves with Sean Martin

    From Sidewalks to Sousapaloozas: This Is Your Invitation to Play — Make Music Day Is for You | A Conversation with Aaron Friedman | Music Evolves with Sean Martin
    Mar 29 2025
    Guest and Host

    Guest: Aaron Friedman, Executive Director, Make Music Alliance | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-friedman-7068014/

    Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/

    Show Notes

    What if June 21st wasn’t just another day on the calendar—but the one day a year where the world collectively said: go ahead, make noise?

    In this episode of Music Evolves, host Sean Martin talks with Aaron Friedman, composer and founder of the Make Music Alliance, about the day that flips the script on who gets to perform. Make Music Day isn’t about headliners, stages, or ticket sales. It’s about showing up with your sound—whatever that is—and putting it out into the world.

    What started in 1982 as a spontaneous moment in the streets of France has become a global celebration of music made by everyone. And Aaron’s been part of growing that idea across more than 150 U.S. cities—and beyond. There’s no audition. No gatekeeping. Whether it’s a punk band on a rooftop, a saxophonist on a stoop, or 200 people sight-reading Sousa marches in a park, it’s all fair game.

    What makes this work? A custom-built matchmaking platform connects performers with unexpected venues—think record shops, laundromats, patios, public steps. There’s even room for big group experiences like Mass Appeal, where companies donate instruments and anyone can join in. No gear? No problem.

    Aaron shares why this kind of open access matters, especially now. In a world of algorithm-driven listening and self-curated playlists, real connection—hearing music you didn’t expect, played by someone you don’t know—hits different. It’s discovery in its purest form.

    Make Music Day isn’t just about performance. It’s about participation. It’s about remembering that music doesn’t need permission—it just needs a spark.

    So mark the date: June 21. Wherever you are, find a way to join in. Visit makemusicday.org to find your city or start your own.

    Because the world doesn’t need more noise.

    It needs more music. Your music.

    Sponsors

    Are you interested in sponsoring this show or placing an ad in the podcast?

    Sponsorship 👉 https://itspm.ag/annual-sponsorship

    Ad Placement 👉 https://itspm.ag/podadplc

    Resources

    Make Music Day: https://makemusicday.org/

    Make Music Alliance: https://makemusicday.org/about/alliance/

    Sousapalooza: https://makemusicday.org/national-projects/sousapalooza/

    TuneFest Ireland: https://www.instagram.com/tunefest_dungarvan/p/DGsVzCUPW3F/

    More From Sean Martin on ITSPmagazine

    More from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast

    Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW

    On Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-location

    ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazine

    Be sure to share and subscribe!
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    42 mins
  • How Technology is Changing the Way We Make Music: A Look Inside Columbia University's Groundbreaking Computer Music Center | A Conversation with Seth Cluett | Music Evolves with Sean Martin

    How Technology is Changing the Way We Make Music: A Look Inside Columbia University's Groundbreaking Computer Music Center | A Conversation with Seth Cluett | Music Evolves with Sean Martin
    Mar 21 2025
    Guest and HostGuest: Seth Cluett, Director of Columbia University’s Computer Music Center | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-cluett-7631065/ | Columbia University Computer Music Center Bio: https://cmc.music.columbia.edu/bios/seth-cluettHost: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/Show NotesMusic and technology have always shaped each other, and few places embody that relationship as deeply as the Computer Music Center (CMC) at Columbia University. In this episode of Music Evolves, Sean Martin sits down with Seth Cluett, Director of the Computer Music Center and Assistant Director of the Sound Art MFA program at Columbia, to explore the center’s rich history, its role in advancing music technology, and how it continues to shape the future of sound.The Legacy and Mission of the Computer Music CenterThe CMC is housed in the same 6,000-square-foot space as the original Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center, which dates back to 1951 and is one of the world’s oldest university-based electronic music research facilities. This was the birthplace of early electronic music, where pioneers learned to use cutting-edge technology to create new sounds. Many of those musicians went on to establish their own studios around the world, from Egypt to Japan.The center has played a role in major milestones in music history, including the work of Wendy Carlos, a former student known for Switched-On Bach, the score for Tron, and The Shining. The first piece of electronic music to win a Pulitzer Prize was also composed here. Today, under Cluett’s leadership, the focus remains on creativity-driven technological innovation—allowing composers and artists to explore technology freely and push the boundaries of what’s possible in sound and music.One of the center’s guiding principles is accessibility. Cluett emphasizes the importance of lowering barriers to entry for students who may not have had prior access to music technology. The goal is to make sure that anyone, regardless of background, can walk into the studio and begin working with 80% of its capabilities within the first 20 minutes.Exploring the Labs and StudiosThe episode also includes a tour of the labs and studios, showcasing some of the center’s groundbreaking equipment. One highlight is the RCA Mark II Synthesizer, the world’s first programmable music synthesizer. Built in the late 1950s, this massive machine—seven feet tall and weighing over a ton—was instrumental in shaping the sound of early electronic music. The system worked by punching holes into paper to control sound generation, similar to a player piano. While no longer in use, the CMC has collaborated with iZotope to model some of its effects digitally.The tour also features Columbia’s electronic music studio, which houses synthesizers from Buchla, Serge, and Moog—the latter being developed by Bob Moog, who was once an undergraduate at Columbia. The center’s modern design emphasizes a seamless workflow between analog and digital technologies, allowing students to quickly create, process, and experiment with sound.Another key space is the immersive media and spatial audio research facility, which features a 12.1-channel loudspeaker sphere for ambisonic sound, along with a 32-capsule microphone that captures highly detailed audio environments. This technology is not only shaping music but also fields like virtual reality, data sonification, and interactive media.The Future of Music TechnologyLooking ahead, Cluett highlights the increasing interplay between AI, machine learning, and music composition. While some companies promote AI-generated melodies, he believes that truly expressive, human-driven composition remains essential. The role of technology, he argues, is not to replace human creativity but to enable new forms of expression. The CMC is at the forefront of this shift, experimenting with real-time audio processing, interactive performance systems, and embedded sensors that enhance live music experiences.As music and technology continue to merge, Columbia’s Computer Music Center remains a key player in shaping the future of sound. Whether through pioneering hardware, software innovation, or fostering the next generation of creative minds, the center proves that music technology is not just about engineering—it’s about expression, accessibility, and the pursuit of artistic joy.🎧 To hear the full conversation and get an inside look at the labs and studios, listen to the episode now and catch it on the YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW.SponsorsAre you interested in sponsoring this show or placing an ad in the podcast?Sponsorship 👉 https://itspm.ag/annual-sponsorshipAd Placement 👉 https://itspm.ag/podadplcResourcesColumbia University Computer Music Center: https://...
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    39 mins
  • Hacking the Rules of Music: Experimentation, Technology, and Artistic Freedom | A Conversation with Scott “Shagghie” Scheferman | Music Evolves with Sean Martin

    Hacking the Rules of Music: Experimentation, Technology, and Artistic Freedom | A Conversation with Scott “Shagghie” Scheferman | Music Evolves with Sean Martin
    Mar 14 2025
    Guest and HostGuest: Scott “Shagghie” Scheferman, Artist: Raw. Analogue Techno. | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscheferman/ | Bandcamp: https://highsage.bandcamp.com/Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/Show NotesThe latest episode of Music Evolves brings a fascinating discussion with Scott “Shagghie” Scheferman, a longtime cybersecurity professional and electronic music creator. Host Sean Martin sits down with Scheferman to explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and music—challenging the traditional definitions of hacking and how it applies to the artistic process.The Hacker Mindset in MusicScheferman, who has spent decades working in cybersecurity, explains how his approach to music is deeply influenced by the hacker mindset. Traditionally associated with computers and networks, hacking is about problem-solving, exploration, and pushing boundaries. For Scheferman, that same mentality extends to music—whether modifying effects pedals beyond their intended use, experimenting with modular synthesizers, or applying unconventional methods to sound creation.This perspective reframes the way we think about creativity: hacking isn’t just breaking things—it’s about finding new ways to build. In music, that could mean repurposing technology, combining analog and digital tools, or embracing unexpected results to drive innovation.The Role of Technology in Music CreationA core theme of the conversation is how technology shapes the way music is created and experienced. From the early days of analog synthesizers to today’s AI-driven tools, technology has always played a role in expanding musical possibilities. Scheferman describes his studio setup, filled with modular synthesizers, custom effects pedals, and digital sequencing tools, as an evolving playground for sound experimentation.One of the key takeaways is that while technology can enable creativity, it can also introduce constraints. Whether it’s the frustration of a technical failure or the overwhelming options provided by AI-driven music tools, technology isn’t just a tool—it’s a collaborator. Sometimes, the best results come from working within limitations or intentionally breaking the rules.AI, Automation, and the Future of MusicThe conversation also touches on artificial intelligence and its growing role in music composition. AI tools can generate melodies, suggest chord progressions, and even simulate human-like performances. But does AI-enhanced music lose something essential?Scheferman shares his thoughts on where technology ends and artistry begins. While AI can assist in generating ideas or automating tedious processes, it doesn’t replace the human connection to music. He sees AI as a tool for acceleration rather than substitution—something that can help musicians explore new ideas but should not dictate creative choices.This is particularly relevant when it comes to live performance and improvisation. A computer can generate perfect beats and sequences, but can it capture the spontaneous interplay between musicians, the imperfections that make a performance feel alive? That’s still an open question.The Human Element in SoundBeyond the technical aspects, Scheferman and Martin discuss the emotional power of music. Whether it’s an acoustic guitar, an electrified soundscape, or a fully synthesized production, music has the ability to transport listeners to different states of mind.They reflect on how people connect with sound—how live performances create an irreplaceable energy, how vinyl records provide a tactile experience that digital streaming lacks, and how technology might change the way future generations perceive and create music. The question remains: as digital tools become more dominant, will we continue to crave raw, unprocessed sound?A Collaboration of Sound and EmotionAs the episode wraps up, Scheferman shares a track he created with his wife, Kati Rockit, blending electronic production with rock-influenced vocals. Their collaboration highlights another key theme of the episode—music as dialogue. Whether between humans and technology or between two creative partners, the best results often come from interplay, not isolation.This episode of Music Evolves is a must-listen for anyone interested in how technology and creativity intersect. It challenges assumptions about what it means to be a musician in the digital age and invites listeners to rethink how they interact with sound.🎧 Listen to the full conversation to hear more about hacking music, pushing creative boundaries, and the future of AI-driven sound.SponsorsAre you interested in sponsoring this show or placing an ad in the podcast?Sponsorship 👉 https://itspm.ag/annual-sponsorshipAd Placement 👉 https://itspm.ag/podadplcResourcesKaty Rokit - Forgotten Dance Mix (Techno meets Pop Electronica): ...
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Breaking Sound Barriers: Music, Accessibility, and Innovation | A Conversation with Precious Perez | Music Evolves with Sean Martin

    Breaking Sound Barriers: Music, Accessibility, and Innovation | A Conversation with Precious Perez | Music Evolves with Sean Martin
    Mar 7 2025
    Guest and HostGuest: Precious Perez, President at RAMPD | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/precious-perez-a0548915b/ | Website: https://preciousperezmusica.com/Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/Show NotesThe intersection of music, technology, and accessibility is shaping how artists create, perform, and share their work. In this episode of Music Evolves, host Sean Martin speaks with singer, songwriter, and educator Precious Perez, a Berklee College of Music graduate with degrees in music education and vocal performance. As a blind Latina artist and disability advocate, Perez shares her journey in music, the role of technology in her creative process, and how she works to increase opportunities for musicians with disabilities.A Life Shaped by MusicPerez’s passion for music started early, surrounded by the diverse sounds of her Puerto Rican household. From salsa and reggaeton to R&B and pop, her exposure to various genres helped shape her identity as an artist. She recalls her first songwriting experience in fourth grade, when she transformed a poem into a song with the help of a music teacher. That moment solidified her desire to pursue music professionally, leading her to Berklee, where she refined her skills in both performance and education.As a blind musician, Perez explains how she interacts with music differently from sighted artists. She describes her early experiences learning Braille music and how tactile memory plays a role in understanding composition. While she primarily relies on her ear, her knowledge of Braille notation helps her analyze rhythm and structure in a unique way.Technology as a Tool for InclusionFor Perez, technology has been both a gateway and a challenge. She demonstrates how she uses a BrailleSense note taker, a device that allows her to type lyrics and read them in Braille while composing. She also shares how screen reading software enables her to navigate recording software like Logic Pro and Pro Tools, ensuring she can produce and edit her music independently.Beyond the studio, accessibility in live performance is another key consideration. Whether using in-ear monitors or giving cues to her bandmates through verbal or physical signals, Perez emphasizes that clear communication and collaboration make performances seamless.Advocating for Disability Representation in MusicPerez is also the president of RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), an organization founded by recording artist Lachi and NPR Tiny Desk Contest winner Gaelynn Lea. RAMPD is dedicated to amplifying disability culture, promoting accessibility, and ensuring that disabled artists have equitable opportunities in the music industry. The organization consults with major industry events like the Grammys, NAMM, and Folk Alliance to improve accessibility and representation.She stresses that disability is an often-overlooked part of diversity and that anyone, at any time, could join this community due to illness, injury, or aging. Through RAMPD, Perez and her colleagues are breaking down barriers and proving that disabled musicians are just as competitive and professional as their peers.A New Era of MusicPerez is embracing a new era in her music, blending her Latin roots with her pop and R&B influences. She performs her latest song, Rosé, a Spanish-language track about embracing the present moment with a loved one despite life’s difficulties. With plans to record a new project with We Could Be Music in Costa Rica, she is leaning into the Latin music space in a way she has always envisioned.Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and passion. From navigating music education as a blind student to advocating for industry-wide accessibility, Perez is proving that talent and determination—not sight—define an artist’s success.Listen to the full episode to hear Precious Perez’s insights on technology, performance, and advocacy in music.SponsorsAre you interested in sponsoring this show or placing an ad in the podcast?Sponsorship 👉 https://itspm.ag/annual-sponsorshipAd Placement 👉 https://itspm.ag/podadplcResourcesPrecious' LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/preciousperezmusicaRecording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD): https://rampd.org/ More From Sean Martin on ITSPmagazineMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWOn Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-locationITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe!
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    48 mins
  • Reimagining Nostalgia: Music’s Creative and Technological Evolution | A The NAMM Show 2025 Conversation with John Mlynczak | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli

    Reimagining Nostalgia: Music’s Creative and Technological Evolution | A The NAMM Show 2025 Conversation with John Mlynczak | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli
    Mar 1 2025
    Guests and HostGuest: John Mlynczak, President and CEO of NAMM | View Website | Visit NAMMHost: Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine Podcasts and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martinHost: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine Podcasts and Host of Redefining Society and Technology Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/marco-ciappelliShow NotesThe latest On Location episode of The Music Evolves Podcast takes listeners behind the scenes of the NAMM 2025 show, featuring a vibrant discussion with John Mlynczak, NAMM President and CEO. The conversation is not just a recap of an incredible event but a celebration of music’s enduring power and the evolving role of technology in the music industry.A Legacy of Music and CommunityFounded in 1901, NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) has become the world’s largest trade association representing the musical products industry. John Mlynczak shares how NAMM operates year-round to support manufacturers, retailers, and music educators through research, advocacy, and events. The annual NAMM show is the pinnacle of this work, gathering thousands of music makers, industry professionals, and artists to spark creativity and innovation.Technology Meets TraditionOne of the episode’s key themes is the blend of modern technology with nostalgic sounds. The 2025 NAMM show showcased groundbreaking technologies, from AI-driven music tools to hardware-software collaborations. Mlynczak discusses how companies are innovating to create real-time processing tools, allowing musicians to produce music faster and more intuitively than ever before. He emphasizes that the goal is not to replace traditional methods but to enhance creativity and make music more accessible to all.The Power of InspirationNAMM’s mission to create more music makers worldwide is a central focus. Mlynczak explains how the NAMM Foundation supports educational programs across all ages, from K-12 schools to community groups and adult learners. The foundation’s work aims to ensure everyone has the opportunity to explore music, whether through formal education or new digital tools that lower the barrier to entry.A Moment to Remember: Jon Batiste at NAMMA standout moment from the show was Mlynczak’s interview with Grammy-winning artist Jon Batiste [https://youtu.be/Lfq35enGq58]. Initially uncertain, the conversation transformed into a genuine exchange about music’s influence and the industry’s impact on artists. This interaction highlighted NAMM’s broader vision of not just serving as a trade show but as a cultural hub that fosters creativity and community.Looking Ahead to NAMM 2026The episode concludes with anticipation for NAMM 2026, scheduled for January 20-24 in Anaheim, California. As Sean, Marco, and John reflect on this year’s successes, they invite listeners to join them next year to explore the intersection of music, technology, and inspiration.Tune in to The Music Evolves Podcast to dive deeper into these insights and discover how NAMM continues to shape the future of music. Be sure to stay tuned for more On Location with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli as they cover more technology and society events around the world.SponsorsAre you interested in sponsoring this show or running ad placement in the podcast?Sponsorship 👉 https://itspm.ag/annual-sponsorshipAd Placement 👉 https://itspm.ag/podadplcEvent Coverage Sponsorship 👉 https://itspm.ag/event-coverage-packageResourcesNAMM Organization: https://www.namm.org/The NAMM Show 2025: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attendCatch more stories from NAMM Show 2025 coverage: https://itspmagazine.com/the-2025-namm-show-namm-music-conference-music-technology-event-coverage-anaheim-californiaMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | The 2025 NAMM Show: Honoring Tradition, Pioneering the Future: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2025-namm-show-honoring-tradition-pioneering-future-sean-martin-6jcge/Music Evolves Episode | The debut episode of Music Evolves explores how technology is transforming music creation, performance, and production, with insights from the NAMM Show 2025More from Marco Ciappelli on Redefining Society and Technology Podcast: https://redefiningsocietyandtechnologypodcast.com/ More From Sean Martin on ITSPmagazineMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWOn Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-locationITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe!
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    39 mins