In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny welcomes Lyle Smith, president of the Sound United Strategic Business Unit at HARMAN, for an in-depth conversation about HARMAN’s recent acquisition of Sound United and its ripple effects across the audio industry. Lyle shares his personal journey into audio, from formative childhood experiences and a defining first concert at Red Rocks, to his passion for building relationships and elevating iconic brands. The episode also examines the promise of future product innovations and commitment to the audiophile community. Lyle Smith highlights the emotional connection people have with music, the challenge of balancing technical specifications with emotional appeal, and the responsibility to preserve brand authenticity. The conversation is rich with anecdotes about legendary brands—Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, and more—and the importance of keeping their DNA intact within the HARMAN ecosystem.
In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Grammy-winning producer and engineer Frank Filipetti and Dr. Hauke Egermann, professor of systematic musicology at the University of Cologne. Together, they tackle one of the most provocative questions in modern music: Has music become too perfect? Drawing on decades of experience and research, Frank and Hauke explore the evolution of music listening, from the days of active, immersive engagement to today’s era of passive, background soundtracks. The conversation dives into the impact of technology, from auto-tune and pitch correction to AI-generated music, and considers how these tools can both enhance and diminish the emotional depth and human connection in music. They share insights from the Art of Listening project, reflect on the importance of imperfection, and offer practical advice for reconnecting with the soul of music in a world of infinite digital possibilities. This episode offers a compelling look at how humanity, emotion, and imperfection remain at the heart of truly memorable music, even as technology continues to reshape the art form.
In this special episode of Audio Talks, recorded live at IAA Mobility in Munich, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Andreas Ehret, Head of Automotive Business at Dolby, and Greg Sikora, Senior Director, Global Acoustic Systems Engineering at HARMAN. Together, they explore how the in-car experience is undergoing a sensory revolution, driven by innovation and collaboration between the two audio powerhouses. From adaptive soundscapes and AI integration to real-time data personalization, the conversation reveals how HARMAN and Dolby are transforming car cabins into immersive entertainment hubs. The episode also delves into the emotional and artistic dimensions of automotive audio—highlighting how precision engineering and a deep understanding of the artist’s intent are shaping the future of sound on the road. Through the personal journeys of audio engineers and the legacy of their craft, this episode offers a compelling look at how immersive audio and emotion converge to redefine the car experience.
In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny sits down with Karen Pearson, an award-winning producer and the visionary founder of Folded Wing, to explore her remarkable journey through the world of audio. From her early passion for music and radio to leading one of the UK’s most innovative audio production companies, Karen shares how creativity, resilience, and a deep belief in the power of sound have shaped her path. She reflects on the founding of Folded Wing and its mission to champion diversity and inclusion in audio storytelling. Karen offers a heartfelt perspective on the enduring magic of live radio - its intimacy, authenticity, and the irreplaceable role of passionate presenters. She contrasts this with the rise of video and streaming, emphasizing why radio’s local connection and human touch still matter in a digital world. She also highlights the democratizing power of podcasts, celebrating how they’ve opened up the world of audio to new voices and fresh perspectives. As technology continues to reshape the audio landscape, Karen explains why these changes only enhance radio’s role as a source of comfort, community, and companionship.
In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Marcela Rada, an award-winning researcher, educator, and founder of the Immersive Lounge. From discovering a field recorder at age six to winning Best Student Paper at the AES Convention in Warsaw, Marcela’s journey is a powerful blend of curiosity, academic rigor, and a passion for making immersive audio more accessible and artist-driven. Marcela discusses the audio industry’s ongoing transformation driven by the rise of spatial and immersive audio formats such as binaural and ambisonics, and shares her thoughts on how these technologies are reshaping how sound is produced, experienced, and distributed, particularly in music, VR, and AR. As streaming platforms adopt immersive formats and offer new incentives, there’s growing demand for high-quality, spatially-aware music production. Through initiatives like The Immersive Lounge, Marcela explores how research, education, and collaborative production can help shape immersive audio as both a technological innovation and a creative discipline.
In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny sits down with Sean Olive, former Senior Fellow at HARMAN and one of the most influential figures in modern audio research. Known for his groundbreaking work on the HARMAN Sound Curve, Sean has helped elevate the entire industry’s understanding of sound quality - bridging the gap between how we hear and how we measure sound. From struggling with poor recordings of his own piano recitals and jazz orchestrations to his mentorship under audio legend Dr. Floyd Toole and leadership as President of the Audio Engineering Society, Sean’s mission has always been to transform the way we experience sound. Here, he shares the personal and professional journey that led him to reshape how we think about listener preferences, headphone equalization, and predictive modeling of sound quality.
In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny explores the rich history and exciting future of portable audio with Carsten Olesen from Harman International and Guy Hammett from Futuresource Consulting. From the vinyl Dansettes of the 1950s to today’s AI-enhanced Bluetooth speakers, the conversation traces the cultural, emotional, and technological evolution of music on the move. The guests discuss pivotal innovations like the JBL Flip and JBL Charge series, the rise of rugged party speakers, and the transformative potential of Bluetooth LE and Auracast. With personal stories, industry insights, and a look at what’s next, this episode is a celebration of how portable audio continues to shape our lives.
In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny engages with audio preservation experts David Seubert and Gerald Seligman to discuss the critical importance of preserving master recordings and audio heritage. They explore the devastating impact of the 2008 Universal Fire at Universal Studios, which destroyed countless irreplaceable recordings, and the broader implications for music history and cultural memory. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by both public institutions and commercial record labels in preserving audio, the fragility of audio heritage, the role of technology in restoration efforts, and how listeners can contribute to preserving sound history.
In this extended episode of Audio Talks, we explore how the live events industry is rising to the challenge of the climate crisis. Recorded on Earth Day, Oisin Lunny discusses what a greener live music industry could look like with Claire O’Neill - CEO and Co-Founder of A Greener Future and Katy Templeman-Holmes - Senior Director of Product Strategy & Sustainability at Harman Professional. From cultural shifts across the live music industry, innovative solutions like Act 1.5, and the impact of power consumption, hear how everything from powerful collective action, food choices, and innovations in manufacturing are helping the industry reduce its carbon footprint and accelerate towards a greener future.
In this energy-loaded episode of Audio Talks, host Oisín Lunny is joined by two leading voices for change in the music industry: Linda Coogan Byrne, music publicist, DEI strategist, and author of Why Not Her?, and Vic Bain, music business consultant, academic, and founder of The F-List for Music. Together, they dive into deep-rooted gender inequalities in the industry, discuss latest data and share their personal journeys as activists, researchers, and change-makers. Tune in for a vivid conversation about resilience, representation, and rewriting the soundtrack of the future.
AI is revolutionizing everything – and audio is no exception. Get ready for a game-changing conversation as HARMAN CTO Armin Prommersberger joins host Oisin Lunny to dive into the electrifying intersection of AI, next-gen connectivity, and cutting-edge audio tech. Together, they’ll unveil a vision for the future — where sound isn’t just heard, but experienced with intelligence. Recorded live at the Club JBL Event in London.
In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny explores the powerful relationship between music and influence with Edgar Dino Gankendorff, Co-Managing Partner at Provosty & Gankendorff LLC and Richard Kirstein author of "Music Rights Without Fights" and founding partner at Resilient Music LLC. They discuss the role of music in shaping public narratives, from campaign anthems to cultural moments, and dive into the challenges artists face when their music is used without consent.
In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny sits down with Andy Robinson, Founder and CEO of Interstellar Music, to explore revolutionary business models, reshaping the music industry. Andy reveals how his groundbreaking pay-by-the-hour artist management service empowers creators without the exploitative contracts of the past. From managing rights to leveraging technology, discover how independent artists can build sustainable careers while staying in control of their art.
In this Audio Talks episode, host Oisin Lunny explores whether the music industry can handle tech-powered forgery, copyright infringement, and AI-driven fakery. Virginie Berger from MatchTune discusses tools for detecting AI-generated copyright violations, while Beatdapp co-founder Andrew Batey dives into the impact of streaming fraud on artists' livelihoods. Together, they reveal how music tech can both empower and protect creators in a landscape of increasing digital deception.
In this episode of Audio Talks, we explore the rise of Music Tourism. Oisin Lunny talks to Dr. Leonieke Bolderman – Assistant Professor of Geography of Media & Culture at the University of Groningen and Anthony Diaz, COO and Partner at Topeka Music Vacations. From trips to festivals and concerts, to visits of places with musical history – discover how music can transform travel into unforgettable experiences, fosters community and boosts local economies.
Tune in to explore the art of sound with a very special guest, Josh Harmon. Josh is a Foley artist, percussionist, and the creator of the hit online series, "Rhythms of Comedy". With millions of followers on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, he brings a unique blend of comedy, music, and sound design to his massive audience. On Audio Talks, we dive into his fascinating journey, his passion for drumming, and how he’s turned everyday objects into instruments of joy for people all over the world. Tune in for some rhythm, sound, and laughter!
Discover the Future of Sports Broadcasting! In this episode, host Oisin Lunny dives deep into the cutting-edge world of sports broadcasting with two industry experts: Nuno Duarte, Broadcast Sound Design & Audio Manager at Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), and Anaïs Libolt, Director of Broadcast & Content, Europe at Dolby. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how immersive audio and Dolby Atmos are revolutionizing the way we experience live sports—especially monumental events like the Olympics. From innovative sound design to the latest tech advancements, this conversation unveils the future of global sports audio.
Explore how Auracast is set to transform audio experiences and connectivity across various devices. In this episode, Chuck Sabin, Senior Director of Market Development at Bluetooth SIG, and Mikael Herje, Director of Global Category Communication for Headphones and Wearables at HARMAN, discuss the latest in Bluetooth innovation - recorded live from IFA in Berlin. Together with host Oisin Lunny, they're exploring the revolutionary Auracast technology and its impact on the future of audio.
In this episode, we explore the immersive world of JBL Land on Roblox. Our guests include Antonina Filonenko, Social Media Manager for JBL Land and Roblox Lead at Harman ; Tim Van der Wiel, Founder at GoSpooky; and Annabelle aka Robuilds, a renowned Roblox influencer with over 21 million views on YouTube. Together, they share insights on how brands can revolutionize virtual engagement through music and gaming and creativity.
Go behind the scenes of the groundbreaking Art of Noise exhibition at SFMOMA. Curator Joseph Becker takes you on an immersive audio/visual journey through 100 years of design revolutionizing how we experience music - from classic album artwork to innovative sound installations and vintage audio tech.