Music Evolves Podcast

Music 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.

Laura 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/

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/

The 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-2026

The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attend

Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/

sean 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

Sean Martin is the host of Music Evolves, a show about the intersection of music, technology and culture. He talks with artists, producers, filmmakers and builders about how new tools are changing the way music is made, shared and valued, and what stays human along the way. Sean is a musician and a CISSP-certified cybersecurity journalist, and he co-founded ITSPmagazine in 2015, where he also hosts Redefining CyberSecurity.

Podcast, Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast
Video, Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW
Newsletter, Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/
Journalism, ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com
For music and technology brands, Studio C60: https://www.studioc60.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsmartin/

Guest: John Mlynczak, President and CEO of NAMM | View Website | Visit NAMM

Host: Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine Podcasts and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine Podcasts and Host of Redefining Society and Technology Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/marco-ciappelli

As 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-2026

NAMM Organization: https://www.namm.org/

The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attend

Catch more stories from NAMM Show 2026 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026

Music 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#briefing

Want Sean and Marco to be part of your event or conference? Let Us Know 👉 https://www.studioc60.com/performance#ideas

KEYWORDS: 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

Sean Martin is the host of Music Evolves, a show about the intersection of music, technology and culture. He talks with artists, producers, filmmakers and builders about how new tools are changing the way music is made, shared and valued, and what stays human along the way. Sean is a musician and a CISSP-certified cybersecurity journalist, and he co-founded ITSPmagazine in 2015, where he also hosts Redefining CyberSecurity.

Podcast, Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast
Video, Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW
Newsletter, Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/
Journalism, ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com
For music and technology brands, Studio C60: https://www.studioc60.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsmartin/

As 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.

Chandler 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.com

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/

Legal 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/9781032425242

BOOK: 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-4a97bccb4d72

Global 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.pdf

George 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-here

Merlin (Global Independent Rights Organization): https://www.merlinnetwork.org/

Instagram Reel re: Spotify Terms: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOrgbUNCYj_/

Sean Martin is the host of Music Evolves, a show about the intersection of music, technology and culture. He talks with artists, producers, filmmakers and builders about how new tools are changing the way music is made, shared and valued, and what stays human along the way. Sean is a musician and a CISSP-certified cybersecurity journalist, and he co-founded ITSPmagazine in 2015, where he also hosts Redefining CyberSecurity.

Podcast, Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast
Video, Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW
Newsletter, Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/
Journalism, ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com
For music and technology brands, Studio C60: https://www.studioc60.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsmartin/

Guest: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine and Studio C60 | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com

Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/

In 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?

Newsletter (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/

Sean Martin is the host of Music Evolves, a show about the intersection of music, technology and culture. He talks with artists, producers, filmmakers and builders about how new tools are changing the way music is made, shared and valued, and what stays human along the way. Sean is a musician and a CISSP-certified cybersecurity journalist, and he co-founded ITSPmagazine in 2015, where he also hosts Redefining CyberSecurity.

Podcast, Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast
Video, Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW
Newsletter, Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/
Journalism, ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com
For music and technology brands, Studio C60: https://www.studioc60.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsmartin/

In 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-location

To learn more about Sean, visit his personal website.

Sean Martin is the host of Music Evolves, a show about the intersection of music, technology and culture. He talks with artists, producers, filmmakers and builders about how new tools are changing the way music is made, shared and valued, and what stays human along the way. Sean is a musician and a CISSP-certified cybersecurity journalist, and he co-founded ITSPmagazine in 2015, where he also hosts Redefining CyberSecurity.

Podcast, Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast
Video, Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW
Newsletter, Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/
Journalism, ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com
For music and technology brands, Studio C60: https://www.studioc60.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsmartin/

Guest: 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/

What 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 Innovation

Cindy’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 Convention

Each 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 Future

This 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 Guitars

Carmine 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.

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

Carmine Street Guitars: https://carminestreetguitars.com

Sean Martin is the host of Music Evolves, a show about the intersection of music, technology and culture. He talks with artists, producers, filmmakers and builders about how new tools are changing the way music is made, shared and valued, and what stays human along the way. Sean is a musician and a CISSP-certified cybersecurity journalist, and he co-founded ITSPmagazine in 2015, where he also hosts Redefining CyberSecurity.

Podcast, Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast
Video, Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW
Newsletter, Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/
Journalism, ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com
For music and technology brands, Studio C60: https://www.studioc60.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsmartin/

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/

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.

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

Mixtape Museum: https://mixtapemuseum.org/

Sean Martin is the host of Music Evolves, a show about the intersection of music, technology and culture. He talks with artists, producers, filmmakers and builders about how new tools are changing the way music is made, shared and valued, and what stays human along the way. Sean is a musician and a CISSP-certified cybersecurity journalist, and he co-founded ITSPmagazine in 2015, where he also hosts Redefining CyberSecurity.

Podcast, Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast
Video, Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW
Newsletter, Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/
Journalism, ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com
For music and technology brands, Studio C60: https://www.studioc60.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsmartin/

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/

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.

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

Sean Martin is the host of Music Evolves, a show about the intersection of music, technology and culture. He talks with artists, producers, filmmakers and builders about how new tools are changing the way music is made, shared and valued, and what stays human along the way. Sean is a musician and a CISSP-certified cybersecurity journalist, and he co-founded ITSPmagazine in 2015, where he also hosts Redefining CyberSecurity.

Podcast, Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast
Video, Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW
Newsletter, Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/
Journalism, ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com
For music and technology brands, Studio C60: https://www.studioc60.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsmartin/

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/

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.

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

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

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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/

Sean Martin is the host of Music Evolves, a show about the intersection of music, technology and culture. He talks with artists, producers, filmmakers and builders about how new tools are changing the way music is made, shared and valued, and what stays human along the way. Sean is a musician and a CISSP-certified cybersecurity journalist, and he co-founded ITSPmagazine in 2015, where he also hosts Redefining CyberSecurity.

Podcast, Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast
Video, Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW
Newsletter, Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/
Journalism, ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com
For music and technology brands, Studio C60: https://www.studioc60.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsmartin/

Guest: 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-cluett

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

Music 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 Center

The 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 Studios

The 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 Technology

Looking 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.

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

Columbia University Computer Music Center: https://cmc.music.columbia.edu/

The last piece of functional music created on the RCA Mark II Synthesizer (1998) | DJ Spooky vs. The Freight Elevator Quartet – File Under Futurism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KViFoylo2hQ

Podcast | The Future Of Music And Its Impact On Society And Humanity | With Seth Cluett and Scott Scheferman: https://itspmagazine.simplecast.com/episodes/the-future-of-music-and-its-impact-on-society-and-humanity-with-seth-cluett-and-shagghie

Sean Martin is the host of Music Evolves, a show about the intersection of music, technology and culture. He talks with artists, producers, filmmakers and builders about how new tools are changing the way music is made, shared and valued, and what stays human along the way. Sean is a musician and a CISSP-certified cybersecurity journalist, and he co-founded ITSPmagazine in 2015, where he also hosts Redefining CyberSecurity.

Podcast, Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast
Video, Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW
Newsletter, Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/
Journalism, ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com
For music and technology brands, Studio C60: https://www.studioc60.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsmartin/