Music Evolves Podcast

Ben Ikwuagwu is a vocalist, performer, and entrepreneur who has spent over 15 years navigating the live events world. That firsthand experience, combined with a degree in operations and years working in corporate America, gives him a unique vantage point on what makes the industry run and where it breaks down. Now, as CEO & Co-Founder of Soundcheck Live, he is channeling both worlds into a single platform designed to simplify how live event professionals manage their work. What does an all-in-one operations platform for live events actually do? Soundcheck Live focuses on four core pillars: booking, scheduling, payments, and coordination. Ikwuagwu explains that every event, regardless of size, comes down to these four elements. The platform provides a centralized dashboard where teams can manage gig details, client communication, and payment information without juggling spreadsheets, text threads, and scattered documents. How is Soundcheck Live building differently? From day one, the team has built the product around its users. Pilots with bands, production companies, and venues shaped the tool from the ground up. With advances in AI, the feedback loop has accelerated dramatically. Focus group insights that once took weeks to implement now translate into working features in hours, giving users the feeling that the platform is being custom-built for their specific workflows. This is a Brand Highlight. A Brand Highlight is a ~5 minute introductory conversation designed to put a spotlight on the guest and their company. Learn more: https://www.studioc60.com/creation#highlight Host Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/ Guest Ben Ikwuagwu, CEO & Co-Founder of Soundcheck Live | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminikwuagwu/ Resources Soundcheck Live (Website): https://soundchecklive.io/ Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/ Are you interested in telling your story? ▶︎ Full Length Brand Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#full ▶︎ Brand Spotlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#spotlight ▶︎ Brand Highlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#highlight Keywords Ben Ikwuagwu, Soundcheck Live, Sean Martin, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand highlight, live events, gig management, event operations, live music, booking platform, freelancer tools, event technology, live entertainment, artist management, talent agencies More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jim Kirlin, Editorial Director at Taylor Guitars and Editor of Wood&Steel, joins Sean Martin at NAMM 2026 to walk through the company's latest innovations, from a reimagined Grand Auditorium to a brand-new collection rooted in tradition. The conversation takes place on the Taylor Guitars show floor, surrounded by the very instruments being discussed.At the heart of this year's introductions is what Taylor is calling its Next Generation guitars, a suite of three interconnected innovations built around the flagship Grand Auditorium body. Kirlin explains how the new Action Control Neck, a patented design with a long-tenon neck joint, enhances both resonance and playability, giving players the ability to adjust string height in seconds through the sound hole. It is a tool designed for real-world musicians who move between venues and climates and need their instrument to adapt with them.The second innovation is a scalloped V-Class bracing system, the latest evolution of the bracing architecture that Chief Guitar Designer Andy Powers introduced in 2018. This new variation adds warmth and low-end depth while preserving the clarity and balance that define the Taylor sound. The third piece is the Claria pickup, a simplified onboard system with sound-hole-mounted preamp controls for volume, mid contour, and tone. Kirlin describes it as a more plug-and-play approach for players who want a natural amplified sound without the complexity of dialing in previous systems.The conversation then moves across the booth to the Gold Label Collection, a line of non-cutaway, traditionally voiced guitars designed by Andy Powers. Inspired by instruments from the 1930s and 1940s, these guitars feature torrefied tops, a vintage-influenced headstock design, and body styles including a new square-shoulder dreadnought, a round-shoulder dreadnought, and a Super Auditorium. Kirlin positions the collection as a way for Taylor to broaden its tonal palette and reach players who gravitate toward warmer, more vintage sounds.What emerges is a picture of a company that treats innovation not as disruption but as service to the musician, removing obstacles and expanding possibilities one design at a time.HostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/GuestJim Kirlin, Editorial Director at Taylor Guitars and Editor of Wood&Steel | On the Web: https://woodandsteel.taylorguitars.com/authors/jim-kirlin/ResourcesTaylor Guitars | https://www.taylorguitars.com/Wood&Steel Magazine | https://woodandsteel.taylorguitars.com/The NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center - Southern California -- Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/the-namm-show-2026-namm-music-conference-music-technology-event-coverage-anaheim-californiaMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Keywordsjim kirlin, taylor guitars, andy powers, action control neck, v-class bracing, claria pickup, grand auditorium, gold label collection, dreadnought, acoustic guitar innovation, guitar playability, guitar pickups, torrefied tops, namm 2026, music, creativity, art, artist, musician, music evolves, music podcast, music and technology podcast More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it take to design a signature guitar from the ground up? Chris Buck sits down with Sean Martin at NAMM 2026 to talk about the journey of creating the Yamaha Revstar RS02CB, his first production signature model. Buck describes the experience as surreal, noting that the weight of joining Yamaha's legacy of signature artists continues to hit him in waves. The lengthy design process, he says, was about making sure every detail lived up to what the guitar could be.How did Chris Buck and Yamaha land on the right pickups for the RS02CB? Buck explains that the pickups were the centerpiece of the collaboration, with the team working through countless iterations of magnet types, wire specifications, and voicing options. The result is a set of custom P90-style pickups that deliver the dynamic, responsive tone he has built his sound around. The wraparound tailpiece, a feature less common on modern instruments, adds sustain and directness to the signal path, contributing to the guitar's massive volume and resonance.What makes the RS02CB stand apart from other Revstar models? Buck highlights a three-way pickup selector switch instead of the five-way found on the current generation of Revstars, along with custom inlays and his own signature squiggle on the back of the headstock. He caps the conversation by playing a lick that shows exactly what the guitar can do, leaving no doubt about the instrument's character and capability.This is a Brand Highlight. A Brand Highlight is a ~5 minute introductory conversation designed to put a spotlight on the guest and their company. Learn more: https://www.studioc60.com/creation#highlightGUESTChris Buck, Yamaha Signature Artist | On Instagram: @chrisbuckguitar | Website: https://www.chrisbuckguitar.shop/RESOURCESYamaha: https://usa.yamaha.com/Yamaha RS02CB Chris Buck Signature Revstar: https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/guitars_basses/el_guitars/rs02cb/index.htmlPart of ITSPmagazine's On Location Coverage at NAMM 2026. 🌐 https://www.itspmagazine.com/the-namm-show-2026-namm-music-conference-music-technology-event-coverage-anaheim-californiaAre you interested in telling your story?▶︎ Full Length Brand Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#full▶︎ Brand Spotlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#spotlight▶︎ Brand Highlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#highlightMore From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe!KEYWORDSChris Buck, Yamaha, Sean Martin, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand highlight, Yamaha Revstar, RS02CB, signature guitar, P90 pickups, NAMM 2026, Cardinal Black, wraparound tailpiece, electric guitar, guitar design, custom pickups, signature artist More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For Sean Martin, walking the Gibson booth at NAMM 2026 is personal. As the host of Music Evolves, Sean brings a player's eye and a storyteller's ear to every conversation about instruments and the people who make them. Picking up a Gibson and feeling the weight, the finish, and the resonance is something he describes as holding a piece of art. Jeff Stempka, Brand Manager for Gibson USA and Gibson Custom, shares that same passion. A guitarist for over 30 years, Stempka calls his role on the Gibson marketing team a dream, and his enthusiasm is unmistakable as he walks Sean through the latest additions to the NAMM 2026 lineup.What is Gibson bringing to NAMM 2026? Stempka highlights several key launches, starting with the Les Paul Studio Double Troubles. Building on a successful refresh of the Les Paul Studio franchise and last year's Les Paul Standard Fifties and Sixties Double Trouble, Gibson extends that approach to the Studio platform. These modern collection guitars feature coil splits, coil taps, and pure bypass switching, offering players versatile tone options in a lightweight instrument. Stempka is equally excited about the evolution of the ES-335 portfolio, now available in dedicated Fifties and Sixties models out of the Gibson USA craftory. The logic mirrors the Les Paul Standard lineup: the Fifties version delivers a classic rounded neck profile, while the Sixties offers a slim taper for players who prefer that feel.How does Gibson stay connected to the artists who play its instruments? Stempka frames the relationship as one of service. The craftspeople who come to work every day in Nashville are thinking about the musicians who will pick up these instruments and pour their hearts into creating something new. Gibson is preparing to launch a new campaign, "Handcrafted in Nashville, Tennessee," that puts the spotlight on the passion behind every instrument that leaves the factory. For Stempka, the connection between maker and player is the heartbeat of the brand.When co-host Marco Ciappelli steps in to explore Gibson from a branding perspective, the conversation shifts to what makes someone reach for a Gibson even when the price stretches the budget. Stempka points to 131 years of craftsmanship and a deep understanding that people expect something meaningful from the Gibson name. His goal, and the goal of everyone at the company, is to exceed those expectations every day. He sees his role as a small but important opportunity to shepherd and steward the brand so that Gibson is still thriving 131 years from now.The conversation takes a historical turn as Stempka walks through a century of flat top acoustics and the foundational innovations of Orville Gibson and Lloyd Loar. While many fans think first of the Les Paul, Stempka points to the J-45 and the Lloyd Loar master model mandolin as equally iconic instruments that changed the trajectory of music. He recalls how artists like Eric Clapton took a Les Paul burst, plugged it into a stack, and turned it up, creating sounds that nobody at Gibson ever anticipated. That willingness to listen, learn, and evolve alongside the musicians is what Stempka calls the true meaning of innovation. At its core, Gibson helps players unlock something inside themselves, and that, he says, is beautiful.This is a Brand Spotlight. A Brand Spotlight is a ~15 minute conversation designed to explore the guest, their company, and what makes their approach unique. Learn more: https://www.studioc60.com/creation#spotlightGUESTJeff Stempka, Brand Manager, Gibson USA & Custom, GibsonOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-stempka/RESOURCESLearn more about Gibson: https://www.gibson.comAre you interested in telling your story?▶︎ Full Length Brand Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#full▶︎ Brand Spotlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#spotlight▶︎ Brand Highlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#highlightKEYWORDSJeff Stempka, Gibson, Sean Martin, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand spotlight, NAMM 2026, Les Paul Studio, ES-335, guitar craftsmanship, handcrafted guitars, Nashville, music innovation, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, Lloyd Loar, J-45, functional art, artist connection, guitar branding More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show NotesAt NAMM 2026, Sean Martin sits down with Chuck Tennin, the President and CEO of Big Fish Music and Big Fish Music Publishing Group, for a candid conversation about the role of AI in the music industry and why the human element remains irreplaceable. Known as "The Big Fish" and "The Alligator," Chuck has spent more than five decades working as an engineer, record producer, music publisher, and consultant, and he pulls no punches when it comes to the limits of technology in creative work.Chuck draws a sharp line between AI as a tool and AI as a replacement for human creativity. He points to organizations like ASCAP, BMI, and the Recording Academy as allies in the fight to protect the creative process, arguing that AI cannot replicate the feel, the instinct, and the emotional investment that go into producing a record. For Chuck, the difference between producing music and producing a record is everything: a record has to connect with an audience on a level that no algorithm can manufacture.The conversation takes listeners through Chuck's journey from two-track analog recording to the digital era of Pro Tools, exploring how each technological leap brought efficiency but never fully captured the warmth and authenticity of tape. He reflects on the critical distinction between an MP3 and a WAV file, between convenience and quality, and between what sounds good enough and what sounds like a record.Chuck also shares hard-earned wisdom about the business side of music: the perseverance required, the reality that 90% of aspiring artists fail, and the belief in oneself that separates survivors from those who walk away. Drawing on stories from legendary artists he has worked with over the decades, he reminds listeners that every big name started in the same place and climbed out of the same struggle.This is a conversation about what technology can assist with and what it can never touch: the soul of music and the humans who create it.HostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/GuestChuck Tennin, President and CEO of Big Fish Music and Big Fish Music Publishing Group | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-tennin-3468b6105/ResourcesThe NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center, Southern California — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/the-namm-show-2026-namm-music-conference-music-technology-event-coverage-anaheim-californiaMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Keywordschuck tennin, big fish music, sean martin, AI in music, analog vs digital recording, record producer, music publishing, Pro Tools, ASCAP, BMI, Recording Academy, NAMM 2026, music industry, human creativity, songwriting, music, creativity, art, artist, musician, music evolves, music podcast, music and technology podcast More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Snowboards and Guitars: Circle Strings x Burton at NAMM 2026Some collaborations make you stop and ask how nobody thought of this before.At NAMM Media Day 2026, Sean Martin caught up with Adam Buchwald and William Hylton from Circle Strings, a Vermont-based guitar company, to talk about their partnership with Burton. The concept is deceptively simple: matching snowboards and custom guitars built from the same materials.But the execution is anything but simple.Buchwald owns a wood company in Vermont. He had an entire tree of figured mahogany set aside, waiting for the right project. When Burton agreed to collaborate, he knew exactly what to do with it. The wood became the centerpiece—the visual and sonic foundation of everything that followed.Then William Hylton got to work.Hylton, Circle Strings' designer and CNC specialist, is a backcountry snowboarder. He chose Burton's Alakazam powder board shape as his starting point, drawn to its distinctive tail curve. That curve, he realized, was already guitar-esque. So he wove it through the entire instrument—the fingerboard extension, the pickguard, the bridge tips. The snowboard's DNA lives in every contour.But here's where it gets interesting.The core of a Burton snowboard is wood. Lightweight, durable, designed for performance. Hylton took that same core material and built a guitar body from it. The result feels right in your hands—balanced, resonant, purposeful. It's not a gimmick. It's a genuine instrument built from materials engineered to perform.The acoustic model features a sound hole that mirrors the snowboard's design. Inlays are crafted from Burton's core material, tying everything together visually and conceptually. Both guitars showcase snowflake inlays inspired by Snowflake Bentley, the Vermont photographer who first captured snowflakes in their true crystalline form over a century ago.It's a detail that says everything about how Circle Strings approaches their work. History. Craft. Place.Vermont runs through this collaboration. Buchwald and Hylton are snowboarders. They source their wood locally. They build instruments that reflect where they come from. Burton, also rooted in Vermont's snow culture, was a natural partner.The Burton team, according to Hylton, is thrilled. Many of them are musicians. Some are fans of the artists Circle Strings builds for. The connection was already there—this project just made it tangible.What strikes me about this collaboration is the underlying philosophy. Snowboards and guitars aren't that different when you strip them down. Both are built from wood. Both demand precision. Both exist to help someone express themselves—whether carving powder or carving a melody.Circle Strings and Burton understand this. They didn't force a partnership. They found the common thread and followed it.The result is a set of instruments that belong in a museum and on a stage. Objects that tell a story about craft, place, and the people who refuse to separate their passions.Snowboards and guitars. Same wood. Same craft. Different ride.Sean Martin reports from NAMM 2026 for ITSPmagazine.__________________________This is a Brand Highlight. A Brand Highlight is an introductory conversation designed to put a spotlight on the guest and their company. Learn more: https://www.studioc60.com/creation#highlightGUESTSAdam Buchwald and William HyltonRESOURCESLearn more about Circle Strings Guitars: https://circlestrings.comLearn more about Burton Snowboards: https://www.burton.comAre you interested in telling your story?▶︎ Full Length Brand Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#full▶︎ Brand Spotlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#spotlight▶︎ Brand Highlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#highlightKEYWORDSNAMM 2026, Burton, Circle Strings, custom guitars, snowboard guitar, handmade guitars, Vermont, guitar collaboration, Burton snowboards, NAMM, luthier, unique guitars More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show NotesDay two at NAMM 2026 reinforces why this show continues to matter. Not just for product launches or celebrity sightings, but for the culture that forms when creators, builders, and technologists share the same physical space. From the Creator Lounge to the show floor, the conversation stays grounded in making, playing, and experimenting.This episode captures that energy in real time. Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli reflect on how NAMM functions as a crossroads where legacy craftsmanship, modern production, and creative curiosity intersect. Guitars, basses, drums, microphones, and software all coexist here, but the real story is how people interact with the tools and with each other.Creativity on the FloorThe discussion touches on conversations with brands and builders like Gibson, John Page Guitars, and others shaping instruments that balance tradition with modern design. These are not abstract ideas. They are physical objects that invite musicians to explore sound differently, whether through lighter builds, new electronics, or rethinking classic forms.Technology Without Losing the SoulA recurring theme is how technology shows up at NAMM without overshadowing the human element. From live sound testing that occasionally overwhelms a recording to quiet moments in shared spaces, the episode highlights how tools serve creativity, not the other way around. The hosts reflect on artists who embrace technology while staying rooted in raw expression and performance.The Meaning of Being On LocationBeing present matters. This conversation underscores why on location coverage adds context that studio conversations cannot replicate. Background noise, spontaneous encounters, and unexpected access all become part of the story. NAMM is not polished. It is alive.The episode closes with anticipation. Major award events, standout performances, and conversations still to come point to why day two feels less like a midpoint and more like momentum building.GuestMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine and Studio C60 | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.comHostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/ResourcesThe NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center • Southern California — Coverage provided by ITSPmagazine — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attendMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Keywordssean martin, marco ciappelli, namm 2026, namm show day 2, music industry, guitar gear, bass guitars, music technology, creator lounge, live music culture, instrument design, behind the scenes namm More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show NotesThe first day at NAMM 2026 opens in the only way it can: loud, imperfect, and unmistakably human. Forklifts roll by, sound systems compete for attention, and instruments are already being pushed to their limits. This episode captures that moment before the show floor officially opens, when ideas are raw and expectations are still forming.Sean Martin, host of Music Evolves, and Marco Ciappelli, host of Redefining Technology and Society, use this Day 1 conversation to ground the week in a bigger question: what role does technology actually play in music right now? Not as a replacement for creativity, but as a set of tools shaped by the people using them.The discussion cuts through familiar narratives about automation and generative systems by pointing directly at what is happening on the floor. New products are being introduced, but very little of it is framed as machines making music on their own. Instead, the focus is on musicians performing, experimenting, and expressing themselves through instruments that blend analog craft with digital capability.From acoustic guitars rooted in century-old designs to hybrid instruments that invite unconventional inputs like wood, metal, or physical objects, the message is consistent. Innovation does not erase musical tradition. It extends it. The instruments change, the interfaces evolve, but the act of creation remains human-driven.The conversation also reflects on how easily fear can creep into discussions about new tools. At NAMM, that fear feels misplaced. Artists are not stepping aside. They are leaning in, learning new techniques, and pushing boundaries in ways that still require skill, memory, timing, and emotional intent.This episode sets the tone for the rest of the week. NAMM is not about machines replacing musicians. It is about musicians deciding what they want to do next, using whatever tools help them say it more clearly.GuestMarco Ciappelli, Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine and Studio C60 | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.comHostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/ResourcesThe NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center • Southern California — Coverage provided by ITSPmagazine — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attendMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Keywordssean martin, marco ciappelli, namm 2026, namm show, music, musicians, instruments, creativity, technology, innovation, event coverage, on location, conference More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show NotesSinger, songwriter, and guitarist Margaret Glaspy joins Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli for a Music Evolves conversation recorded in the context of the NAMM Show and the She Rocks Awards, where Glaspy is recognized as a 2026 honoree. The discussion centers on how artists develop a voice, how creative practice sustains a career, and why music functions as a form of public service rather than a commodity alone. Glaspy shares how growing up in a musically active household normalized creativity and removed the idea that music must be exceptional to be meaningful. Early immersion in Texas-style fiddle competitions, alongside exposure to jazz, songwriter traditions, and alternative rock, shapes a foundation rooted in lineage rather than trend. That sense of lineage continues to guide her current work, where influence is acknowledged openly rather than hidden.Songwriting, as Glaspy describes it, is a daily practice rather than an output-driven process. Writing consistently, sometimes a song a day, becomes a way to maintain agency in a career shaped by touring cycles, releases, and expectations. Albums emerge from accumulation and reflection, not from pre-defined concepts. This approach reframes productivity as presence, with creativity tied to well-being and continuity.The conversation also explores how artists navigate maturity. Early attempts to emulate heroes eventually give way to self-recognition. Glaspy speaks to the value of being a student of music, letting imitation serve as a bridge to personal expression rather than a destination. That perspective resists the myth of originality in isolation and places artists within an ongoing cultural thread.Recognition at the She Rocks Awards introduces another dimension. Glaspy views the honor with humility, emphasizing the importance of creating space to acknowledge women’s contributions in music without turning the work itself into a competition. In that context, the NAMM Show represents the maker side of music, instrument builders, technologists, and craftspeople whose work enables creative expression.This episode positions music not as a product to be optimized, but as a practice to be protected, cultivated, and shared.GuestMargaret Glaspy, Singer, Songwriter, and Guitarist | Website: https://margaretglaspy.com/HostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine and Studio C60 | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.comResources2026 She Rocks Awards: https://sherocksawards.com/The NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center • Southern California — Coverage provided by ITSPmagazine — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attendMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Keywordsmargaret glaspy, sean martin, marco ciappelli, namm, she rocks awards, music, creativity, art, artist, musician, music evolves, music podcast, music and technology podcast, singer, songwriter, guitarist, guitar playing More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show NotesBass rarely leads the conversation about music innovation, yet it quietly shapes how songs move, how bands connect, and how audiences feel rhythm in their bodies. In this episode of Music Evolves, hosts Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli explore that idea with Jon D’Auria, Editor in Chief of Bass Magazine, through the lens of community, technology, and cultural relevance.D’Auria describes bass not as a background instrument, but as a stabilizing force. It anchors songs while allowing others to shine, a role mirrored by bass players themselves. That identity informs how the bass community operates: collaborative, inclusive, and deeply connected across generations. Events like the Bass Magazine Awards, held alongside the NAMM Show, are not about spectacle alone. They are about recognition, continuity, and shared lineage.Technology plays a central role in how this community grows. Digital publishing allowed Bass Magazine to expand reach beyond the limits of print, creating immediate access to news, gear releases, artist stories, and cultural moments. Social platforms now surface bass players from bedrooms and rehearsal spaces worldwide, creating opportunity while also reshaping how success is measured.Innovation, however, is not framed as progress for its own sake. The conversation questions where technology supports creativity and where it distracts from it. Lightweight amps, compact gear, and modeling tools solve real problems for working musicians. AI, on the other hand, introduces unresolved tension. While it lowers barriers to creation, it also challenges authorship, labor, and artistic value.Through it all, the episode reinforces a simple truth: music remains human at its core. Technology can amplify access, speed, and scale, but it does not replace intention, emotion, or community. Bass, often overlooked, becomes the perfect metaphor for that balance. Present, essential, and powerful without demanding the spotlight.This episode positions bass not just as an instrument, but as a signal of how music culture adapts while staying grounded in human connection.GuestJon D’Auria, Editor in Chief of Bass Magazine | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-d-auria-2a7b5089/HostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine and Studio C60 | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.comResourcesBass Magazine: https://bassmagazine.comBass Magazine Awards: https://bassmagazineawards.com/The NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center • Southern California — Coverage provided by ITSPmagazine — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attendMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Keywordssean martin, marco ciappelli, jon dauria, bass magazine, namm, bass, music, technology, community, creativity, music, creativity, art, artist, musician, music evolves, music podcast, music and technology podcast More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show NotesMusic placement has quietly become one of the most powerful engines shaping how audiences discover new artists. In this episode of Music Evolves, host Sean Martin speaks with Chris SD, music producer and founder focused on connecting independent songwriters with film, television, and media opportunities, about how music moves from personal creation into shared cultural moments.The conversation centers on sync licensing not as a shortcut, but as a parallel creative economy. Chris SD explains that music supervisors, the professionals responsible for sourcing music for screen, are not looking for imitation or trend chasing. They are listening for authenticity. Songs that already exist, written without a brief or a pitch in mind, often resonate more deeply because they carry emotional truth rather than calculated intent.Why Indie Music Wins Screen TimeIndependent artists play a critical role in modern film and television. Budget realities often make major label catalogs impractical, while independent creators offer flexibility, ownership clarity, and creative alignment. This shifts the opportunity structure. Artists who control their masters and publishing are easier to work with and faster to license, which matters in production schedules driven by speed.Exposure matters as much as payment. A single placement can introduce an artist to millions of viewers in a context that builds emotional association rather than passive listening. That connection often leads to discovery, touring opportunities, and long-term audience growth.Technology as a Tool, Not the AuthorThe episode also addresses the growing conversation around AI in music creation. Chris SD draws a clear distinction between technology as a production aid and technology as a replacement for human authorship. Current legal frameworks and copyright realities prevent fully AI-generated music from being licensed for film and television. More importantly, the emotional nuance required for storytelling still depends on human experience.The message is consistent throughout the discussion. Music that endures is not built on novelty or automation alone. It survives because it reflects something real. Sync licensing rewards that honesty rather than undermines it.For artists navigating visibility, rights, and sustainability, this conversation reframes placement not as selling out, but as participation in a larger storytelling ecosystem.GuestChris SD, Musician, Producer, and Founder of Sync Songwriter | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sd/HostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/ResourcesAttend The Sync Songwriter Music Supervisor Panel: https://www.syncsongwriterprograms.com/a/2148209544/Z3BHNXLzKeywordssean martin, chris sd, sync, licensing, music, film, television, independent, supervisors, creativity, art, artist, musician, music evolves, music podcast, music and technology podcast More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show NotesMusic careers are often discussed through the lens of performance, technology, or commercial success. Less visible is the connective tissue that sustains those careers: community, advocacy, and long-term support systems. In this episode of Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers, the conversation centers on how structured networks and intentional recognition shape opportunity across the music industry.Laura Whitmore, Founder of The Women’s International Music Network and Senior Vice President of Marketing at Positive Grid, shares how the organization was created to address a simple but persistent issue: women working across music often operate in parallel, rarely connected despite facing similar challenges. The network focuses on bridging that gap by creating shared spaces for visibility, mentorship, and collaboration across roles including artists, executives, engineers, marketers, and legal professionals.A central anchor of that effort is the She Rocks Awards, now in its fourteenth year. The awards, taking place during The NAMM Show 2026, highlight women contributing across all layers of the industry, not only those on stage. The emphasis is on storytelling and presence, giving space for honorees to speak openly about career paths, obstacles, and resilience. That visibility has a ripple effect, normalizing leadership diversity and encouraging others to see themselves as part of the industry’s future.The discussion also addresses how technology fits into this ecosystem. From AI-assisted music tools to digital platforms that broaden access, innovation plays a role when it amplifies creativity rather than replacing it. The focus remains on preserving human expression while using technology to remove friction and expand reach.Another recurring theme is generational continuity. Younger creators and professionals bring new perspectives on consumption, creation, and community. Engaging them early, listening closely, and building inclusive pathways ensures the industry remains relevant and sustainable.This episode frames music not only as art or business, but as a shared cultural system. Networks like this one reinforce that progress does not happen automatically. It is built through intentional connection, recognition, and sustained effort.GuestLaura Whitmore, Founder of The Women’s International Music Network and Senior Vice President of Marketing at Positive Grid | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabwhitmore/HostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/ResourcesThe Women's International Music Network: https://thewimn.com/2026 She Rocks Awards: https://sherocksawards.com/The NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center • Southern California — Coverage provided by ITSPmagazine — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attendMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Keywordssean martin, laura whitmore, women’s international music network, she rocks awards, positive grid, namm, music advocacy, music marketing, women in music, music leadership, music, creativity, art, artist, musician, music evolves, music podcast, music and technology podcast More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 NotesAs the music industry prepares for The NAMM Show 2026, the conversation moves well beyond gear announcements or product cycles. This episode of Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers explores how music, technology, and human connection intersect at a moment where creativity, commerce, and culture are tightly interwoven.John Mlynczak, President and CEO of NAMM, frames the upcoming show within a broader historical arc. NAMM marks its 125th year as an organization, offering a rare opportunity to examine why music endures while many industries fade. His perspective highlights resilience as a defining trait of music makers and the businesses that support them, shaped by shifting genres, global trade pressures, and accelerating technological change.The discussion places artificial intelligence in context rather than at the center. AI is acknowledged as one of many tools influencing music creation and production, but not the defining force. The episode emphasizes that innovation in music technology often builds on familiar foundations, while differentiation increasingly comes from artists, creators, and the stories they bring to the instruments they use.Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli explore how authenticity now drives connection between brands, artists, and audiences. Product differentiation is no longer just about features or specifications. Artist collaborations, personal branding, and direct engagement through social platforms shape trust and influence purchasing decisions. Music products are experienced through people first, technology second.Education also emerges as a critical theme. The NAMM Show 2026 expands learning opportunities with hundreds of sessions, new multi-hour summits, and programming designed around distinct communities, from educators to retailers to professional audio engineers. Data-driven insights now guide how these experiences are designed, enabling more personalized and meaningful participation.Underlying the conversation is a shared belief that music remains fundamentally human. Technology may change workflows, distribution, and scale, but emotion, expression, and community remain the constants. The episode positions The NAMM Show not just as a trade event, but as a living snapshot of where music culture and the business of music are heading next.The NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center • Southern California — Coverage provided by ITSPmagazine — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026ResourcesNAMM Organization: https://www.namm.org/The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attendCatch more stories from NAMM Show 2026 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Want to share an Event Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More 👉 https://www.studioc60.com/performance#briefingWant Sean and Marco to be part of your event or conference? Let Us Know 👉 https://www.studioc60.com/performance#ideasKEYWORDS: sean martin, marco ciappelli, john mlynczak, the namm show, the namm show 2026, namm 2026, music industry, music technology, music education, artist collaborations, event coverage, on location, conference More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show NotesAs artificial intelligence begins generating music from vast datasets of human art, a fundamental question emerges: who truly owns the sound of AI? This episode of Music Evolves brings together a law student and former musician Chandler Lawn, music industry executive and professor Drew Thurlow, Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder of Global Citizen, and intellectual property attorney Puya Partow-Navid, alongside hosts Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli, to examine how AI is reshaping authorship, licensing, and the meaning of originality.The panel explores how AI democratizes creation while exposing deep ethical and economic gaps. Lawn raises the issue of whether artists whose works trained AI models deserve compensation, asking if innovation can be ethical when built on uncompensated labor. Thurlow highlights how, despite fears of automation, generative AI music accounts for less than 1% of streaming royalties—suggesting opportunity, not replacement.Sheldrick connects the conversation to a broader global context, describing how music’s economic potential could drive sustainable development if nations modernize copyright frameworks. He views this shift as a rare chance to position creative industries as engines for jobs and growth.Partow-Navid grounds the discussion in legal precedent, pointing to landmark cases—from Two Live Crew to George R. R. Martin—as markers of how courts may interpret fair use, causality, and global jurisdiction in AI-driven creation.Together, the guests agree that the debate extends beyond legality. It’s about the emotional authenticity that makes music human. As Chandler notes, “We connect through imperfection.” Marco adds that live performance may ultimately anchor value in a world saturated by digital replication.This conversation captures the tension—and promise—of a future where music, technology, and law must learn to play in harmony.GuestsChandler Lawn, AI Innovation and Law Fellow at The University of Texas School of Law | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandlerlawn/Drew Thurlow, Adjunct Professor at Berklee College of Music | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewthurlow/Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact and Government Affairs Officer at Global Citizen | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sheldrick-30364051/Puya Partow-Navid, Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/puyapartow/Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine and Studio C60 | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.comHostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/ResourcesLegal Publication: You Can’t Alway Get What You Want: A Survey of AI-related Copyright Considerations for the Music Industry published in Vol. 32, No. 3 of the Texas State Bar Entertainment and Sports Law Journal.BOOK: Machine Music: How AI Is Transforming Music’s Next Act by Drew Thurlow: https://www.routledge.com/Machine-Music-How-AI-is-Transforming-Musics-Next-Act/Thurlow/p/book/9781032425242BOOK: From Ideas to Impact: A Playbook for Influencing and Implementing Change in a Divided World by Michael Sheldrick: https://www.fromideastoimpact.com/AI and Copyright Blogs:https://www.gadgetsgigabytesandgoodwill.com/category/ai/https://www.gadgetsgigabytesandgoodwill.com/2025/11/dr-thaler-is-right-in-part/https://www.gadgetsgigabytesandgoodwill.com/2025/07/californias-ai-law-has-set-rules-for-generative-ai-are-you-ready/https://www.gadgetsgigabytesandgoodwill.com/2025/06/copyright-office-firings-spark-constitutional-concerns-amid-ai-policy-tensions/Newsletter (Article, Video, Podcast): The Human Touch in a Synthetic Age: Why AI-Created Music Raises More Than Just Eyebrows: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/human-touch-synthetic-age-why-ai-created-music-raises-martin-cissp-s9m7e/Article — Universal and Sony Music partner with new platform to detect AI music copyright theft using ‘groundbreaking neural fingerprinting’ technology: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-and-sony-music-partner-with-new-platform-to-detect-ai-music-copyright-theft-using-groundbreaking-neural-fingerprinting-technology/Article: When Virtual Reality Is A Commodity, Will True Reality Come At A Premium: https://sean-martin.medium.com/when-virtual-reality-is-a-commodity-will-true-reality-come-at-a-premium-4a97bccb4d72Global Citizen: https://www.globalcitizen.org/Gallo Music (Gallo Records, South Africa): https://www.gallo.co.za/Global Citizen Festival: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/festival/Andy Warhol Foundation v. Goldsmith (Shepard Fairey / “Hope” poster context): https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/598/21-869/case.pdfGeorge R. R. Martin / Authors Guild v. OpenAI (current AI training lawsuit): https://authorsguild.org/news/ag-and-authors-file-class-action-suit-against-openai/Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. (2 Live Crew “Pretty Woman”): https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/510/569/Vanilla Ice / “Under Pressure” Sampling Case: https://blogs.law.gwu.edu/mcir/case/queen-david-bowie-v-vanilla-ice/MIDiA Research — AI in Music Reports: https://www.midiaresearch.com/reports/ai-and-the-future-of-music-the-future-is-already-hereMerlin (Global Independent Rights Organization): https://www.merlinnetwork.org/Instagram Reel re: Spotify Terms: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOrgbUNCYj_/ More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest and HostGuest: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine and Studio C60 | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.comHost: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/Show NotesIn this candid episode of Music Evolves, Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli unpack the creative, ethical, and deeply personal tensions surrounding AI-generated music—where it fits, where it falters, and where it crosses the line.Sean opens with a clear position: AI can support the creative process, but its outputs shouldn’t be commercialized unless the ingredients—i.e., training data—are ethically sourced and properly licensed. His concern is grounded in authorship and consent. If a model learns from unlicensed tracks, even indirectly, is it sampling without credit?Marco responds by acknowledging how deeply embedded influence is in all creative acts. As a writer and musician, he often discovers melodies or storylines in his own work that echo familiar structures—not out of theft, but because of lived experience. “We are made of what we absorb,” he says, drawing parallels between human memory and how AI models are trained.But the critical difference? Humans feel. They reinterpret. They falter. They declare their intent. AI does none of that—at least, not yet.The discussion isn’t anti-technology. Instead, it’s about boundaries. Both Sean and Marco agree that tools like neural networks can be fascinating collaborators. But when those tools start to blur authorship or generate perfect replicas of a human’s imperfection—say, the crackle of a vinyl or the slide of a finger across a string—what are we really listening to? And who, if anyone, should profit from it?They wrestle with questions of transparency (“Did you write that… or did AI?”), authorship (“If you like it but don’t know it’s AI, does it matter?”), and commercialization (“Is it still your art if someone else feeds it to a machine?”). And perhaps most importantly, they invite you to answer for yourself.🎧 At the end of the episode, Sean and Marco each create a 1-minute piece of AI-generated music based on their own interpretation of the conversation. Their challenge: same topic, different vibe. The listener’s challenge: can you feel the difference?ResourcesNewsletter (Article, Video, Podcast): From Sampling to Scraping: AI Music, Rights, and the Return of Creative Control: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-sampling-scraping-ai-music-rights-return-control-martin-cissp-flxde/ More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show NotesIn this episode, we unpack the core ideas behind the Sonic Frontiers article “From Sampling to Scraping: AI Music, Rights, and the Return of Creative Control.” As AI-generated music floods streaming platforms, rights holders are deploying new tools like neural fingerprinting to detect derivative works — even when no direct sampling occurs. But what does it mean to “detect influence,” and can algorithms truly distinguish theft from inspiration?We explore the implications for artists who want to experiment with AI without being replaced by it, and the shifting desires of listeners who may soon prefer human-made music the way some still seek out vinyl, film cameras, or wooden roller coasters — not for efficiency, but for the feel.The article also touches on the burden of rights enforcement in this new age. While major labels can embed detection systems, who protects the independent artist? And if AI enables anyone to create, does it also require everyone to monitor?This episode invites you to reflect on what we value in music: speed and volume, or craft and control?📖 Read the full companion article in the Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers newsletter for deeper insights: TBD________This story represents the results of an interactive collaboration between Human Cognition and Artificial Intelligence.Enjoy, think, share with others, and subscribe to "The Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers" newsletter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/music-evolves-sonic-frontiers-7290890771828719616/Sincerely, Sean Martin and TAPE9________Sean Martin is a life-long musician and the host of the Music Evolves Podcast; a career technologist, cybersecurity professional, and host of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast; and is also the co-host of the On Location Event Coverage Podcast. These shows are all part of ITSPmagazine—which he co-founded with his good friend Marco Ciappelli, to explore and discuss topics at The Intersection of Technology, Cybersecurity, and Society.™️Want to connect with Sean and Marco On Location at an event or conference near you? See where they will be next: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-locationTo learn more about Sean, visit his personal website. More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest and HostGuest: 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 NotesIn 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.SponsorsAre you interested in sponsoring this show or placing an ad in the podcast?Sponsorship 👉 https://itspm.ag/annual-sponsorshipAd Placement 👉 https://itspm.ag/podadplcResourcesMixtape Museum: https://mixtapemuseum.org/ More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest and HostGuest: George Platsis (AKA DJ Zeus) | Website: https://www.djzeus.com/home.htmlHost: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/Show NotesIn 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 SoundtracksDJ 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 FeelZeus 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.SponsorsAre you interested in sponsoring this show or placing an ad in the podcast?Sponsorship 👉 https://itspm.ag/annual-sponsorshipAd Placement 👉 https://itspm.ag/podadplcResourcesDJ Zeus Website: https://www.djzeus.com/home.html More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest and HostGuest: 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 NotesWhat 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.SponsorsAre you interested in sponsoring this show or placing an ad in the podcast?Sponsorship 👉 https://itspm.ag/annual-sponsorshipAd Placement 👉 https://itspm.ag/podadplcResourcesMake 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 MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.