Music Evolves Podcast

Guest: Scott “Shagghie” Scheferman, Artist: Raw. Analogue Techno. | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscheferman/ | Bandcamp: https://highsage.bandcamp.com/

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

The latest episode of Music Evolves brings a fascinating discussion with Scott “Shagghie” Scheferman, a longtime cybersecurity professional and electronic music creator. Host Sean Martin sits down with Scheferman to explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and music—challenging the traditional definitions of hacking and how it applies to the artistic process.

The Hacker Mindset in Music

Scheferman, who has spent decades working in cybersecurity, explains how his approach to music is deeply influenced by the hacker mindset. Traditionally associated with computers and networks, hacking is about problem-solving, exploration, and pushing boundaries. For Scheferman, that same mentality extends to music—whether modifying effects pedals beyond their intended use, experimenting with modular synthesizers, or applying unconventional methods to sound creation.

This perspective reframes the way we think about creativity: hacking isn’t just breaking things—it’s about finding new ways to build. In music, that could mean repurposing technology, combining analog and digital tools, or embracing unexpected results to drive innovation.

The Role of Technology in Music Creation

A core theme of the conversation is how technology shapes the way music is created and experienced. From the early days of analog synthesizers to today’s AI-driven tools, technology has always played a role in expanding musical possibilities. Scheferman describes his studio setup, filled with modular synthesizers, custom effects pedals, and digital sequencing tools, as an evolving playground for sound experimentation.

One of the key takeaways is that while technology can enable creativity, it can also introduce constraints. Whether it’s the frustration of a technical failure or the overwhelming options provided by AI-driven music tools, technology isn’t just a tool—it’s a collaborator. Sometimes, the best results come from working within limitations or intentionally breaking the rules.

AI, Automation, and the Future of Music

The conversation also touches on artificial intelligence and its growing role in music composition. AI tools can generate melodies, suggest chord progressions, and even simulate human-like performances. But does AI-enhanced music lose something essential?

Scheferman shares his thoughts on where technology ends and artistry begins. While AI can assist in generating ideas or automating tedious processes, it doesn’t replace the human connection to music. He sees AI as a tool for acceleration rather than substitution—something that can help musicians explore new ideas but should not dictate creative choices.

This is particularly relevant when it comes to live performance and improvisation. A computer can generate perfect beats and sequences, but can it capture the spontaneous interplay between musicians, the imperfections that make a performance feel alive? That’s still an open question.

The Human Element in Sound

Beyond the technical aspects, Scheferman and Martin discuss the emotional power of music. Whether it’s an acoustic guitar, an electrified soundscape, or a fully synthesized production, music has the ability to transport listeners to different states of mind.

They reflect on how people connect with sound—how live performances create an irreplaceable energy, how vinyl records provide a tactile experience that digital streaming lacks, and how technology might change the way future generations perceive and create music. The question remains: as digital tools become more dominant, will we continue to crave raw, unprocessed sound?

A Collaboration of Sound and Emotion

As the episode wraps up, Scheferman shares a track he created with his wife, Kati Rockit, blending electronic production with rock-influenced vocals. Their collaboration highlights another key theme of the episode—music as dialogue. Whether between humans and technology or between two creative partners, the best results often come from interplay, not isolation.

This episode of Music Evolves is a must-listen for anyone interested in how technology and creativity intersect. It challenges assumptions about what it means to be a musician in the digital age and invites listeners to rethink how they interact with sound.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation to hear more about hacking music, pushing creative boundaries, and the future of AI-driven sound.

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Katy Rokit - Forgotten Dance Mix (Techno meets Pop Electronica): https://katyrokit.bandcamp.com/track/the-forgotten-forgetaboutit-dance-mix

Highsage - Sloane vs. Aliens (my kid's voice vs. algo filtering, tape delays, drum machine and euro rack - live performance): https://highsage.bandcamp.com/track/sloane-vs-martians

"Open" - Just a man with his 303, 808 and some strings... - "like a breeze that opens the door with a funk that shuts the window" (live cut): https://highsage.bandcamp.com/track/open

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: Precious Perez, President at RAMPD | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/precious-perez-a0548915b/ | Website: https://preciousperezmusica.com/

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

The intersection of music, technology, and accessibility is shaping how artists create, perform, and share their work. In this episode of Music Evolves, host Sean Martin speaks with singer, songwriter, and educator Precious Perez, a Berklee College of Music graduate with degrees in music education and vocal performance. As a blind Latina artist and disability advocate, Perez shares her journey in music, the role of technology in her creative process, and how she works to increase opportunities for musicians with disabilities.

A Life Shaped by Music

Perez’s passion for music started early, surrounded by the diverse sounds of her Puerto Rican household. From salsa and reggaeton to R&B and pop, her exposure to various genres helped shape her identity as an artist. She recalls her first songwriting experience in fourth grade, when she transformed a poem into a song with the help of a music teacher. That moment solidified her desire to pursue music professionally, leading her to Berklee, where she refined her skills in both performance and education.

As a blind musician, Perez explains how she interacts with music differently from sighted artists. She describes her early experiences learning Braille music and how tactile memory plays a role in understanding composition. While she primarily relies on her ear, her knowledge of Braille notation helps her analyze rhythm and structure in a unique way.

Technology as a Tool for Inclusion

For Perez, technology has been both a gateway and a challenge. She demonstrates how she uses a BrailleSense note taker, a device that allows her to type lyrics and read them in Braille while composing. She also shares how screen reading software enables her to navigate recording software like Logic Pro and Pro Tools, ensuring she can produce and edit her music independently.

Beyond the studio, accessibility in live performance is another key consideration. Whether using in-ear monitors or giving cues to her bandmates through verbal or physical signals, Perez emphasizes that clear communication and collaboration make performances seamless.

Advocating for Disability Representation in Music

Perez is also the president of RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), an organization founded by recording artist Lachi and NPR Tiny Desk Contest winner Gaelynn Lea. RAMPD is dedicated to amplifying disability culture, promoting accessibility, and ensuring that disabled artists have equitable opportunities in the music industry. The organization consults with major industry events like the Grammys, NAMM, and Folk Alliance to improve accessibility and representation.

She stresses that disability is an often-overlooked part of diversity and that anyone, at any time, could join this community due to illness, injury, or aging. Through RAMPD, Perez and her colleagues are breaking down barriers and proving that disabled musicians are just as competitive and professional as their peers.

A New Era of Music

Perez is embracing a new era in her music, blending her Latin roots with her pop and R&B influences. She performs her latest song, Rosé, a Spanish-language track about embracing the present moment with a loved one despite life’s difficulties. With plans to record a new project with We Could Be Music in Costa Rica, she is leaning into the Latin music space in a way she has always envisioned.

Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and passion. From navigating music education as a blind student to advocating for industry-wide accessibility, Perez is proving that talent and determination—not sight—define an artist’s success.

Listen to the full episode to hear Precious Perez’s insights on technology, performance, and advocacy in music.

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

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

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Precious' LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/preciousperezmusica

Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD): https://rampd.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: 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

The latest On Location episode of The Music Evolves Podcast takes listeners behind the scenes of the NAMM 2025 show, featuring a vibrant discussion with John Mlynczak, NAMM President and CEO. The conversation is not just a recap of an incredible event but a celebration of music’s enduring power and the evolving role of technology in the music industry.

A Legacy of Music and Community

Founded in 1901, NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) has become the world’s largest trade association representing the musical products industry. John Mlynczak shares how NAMM operates year-round to support manufacturers, retailers, and music educators through research, advocacy, and events. The annual NAMM show is the pinnacle of this work, gathering thousands of music makers, industry professionals, and artists to spark creativity and innovation.

Technology Meets Tradition

One of the episode’s key themes is the blend of modern technology with nostalgic sounds. The 2025 NAMM show showcased groundbreaking technologies, from AI-driven music tools to hardware-software collaborations. Mlynczak discusses how companies are innovating to create real-time processing tools, allowing musicians to produce music faster and more intuitively than ever before. He emphasizes that the goal is not to replace traditional methods but to enhance creativity and make music more accessible to all.

The Power of Inspiration

NAMM’s mission to create more music makers worldwide is a central focus. Mlynczak explains how the NAMM Foundation supports educational programs across all ages, from K-12 schools to community groups and adult learners. The foundation’s work aims to ensure everyone has the opportunity to explore music, whether through formal education or new digital tools that lower the barrier to entry.

A Moment to Remember: Jon Batiste at NAMM

A standout moment from the show was Mlynczak’s interview with Grammy-winning artist Jon Batiste [https://youtu.be/Lfq35enGq58]. Initially uncertain, the conversation transformed into a genuine exchange about music’s influence and the industry’s impact on artists. This interaction highlighted NAMM’s broader vision of not just serving as a trade show but as a cultural hub that fosters creativity and community.

Looking Ahead to NAMM 2026

The episode concludes with anticipation for NAMM 2026, scheduled for January 20-24 in Anaheim, California. As Sean, Marco, and John reflect on this year’s successes, they invite listeners to join them next year to explore the intersection of music, technology, and inspiration.

Tune in to The Music Evolves Podcast to dive deeper into these insights and discover how NAMM continues to shape the future of music. Be sure to stay tuned for more On Location with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli as they cover more technology and society events around the world.

Are you interested in sponsoring this show or running ad placement in the podcast?

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

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

Event Coverage Sponsorship 👉 https://itspm.ag/event-coverage-package

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

The NAMM Show 2025: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attend

Catch more stories from NAMM Show 2025 coverage: https://itspmagazine.com/the-2025-namm-show-namm-music-conference-music-technology-event-coverage-anaheim-california

Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | The 2025 NAMM Show: Honoring Tradition, Pioneering the Future: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2025-namm-show-honoring-tradition-pioneering-future-sean-martin-6jcge/

Music Evolves Episode | The debut episode of Music Evolves explores how technology is transforming music creation, performance, and production, with insights from the NAMM Show 2025

More from Marco Ciappelli on Redefining Society and Technology Podcast: https://redefiningsocietyandtechnologypodcast.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: Larry Jaffee, Author, Journalist, Professor, and Co-Founder of Making Vinyl | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-jaffee-1379bb2/

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

Vinyl records have experienced one of the most unexpected resurgences in music history. Once considered obsolete, the format has reestablished its presence in the music sales market, attracting collectors, audiophiles, and younger generations discovering the medium for the first time. On this episode of Music Evolves, host Sean Martin is joined by Larry Jaffee, journalist, author, and co-founder of Making Vinyl, to explore the past, present, and future of vinyl records.

The History and Evolution of Vinyl

Larry Jaffee’s passion for music began early, shaped by childhood experiences with radio, tape recorders, and eventually, his first turntable. His journey mirrors that of recorded music itself—from early reel-to-reel tapes and cassettes to the dominance of LPs. Jaffee explains how vinyl records initially took hold in the 1940s, replacing fragile shellac 78s, and how the industry saw its first format war between Thomas Edison’s cylinders and Emil Berliner’s flat disc records.

By the 1980s, however, vinyl was rapidly losing ground to compact discs, and later, digital streaming. The shift was largely driven by convenience, corporate pressure, and the record industry’s aggressive push for higher-priced CDs. As labels stopped accepting returns on LPs, retailers began phasing them out. Yet, as Jaffee points out, the format never truly disappeared. Audiophile labels, collectors, and independent artists kept vinyl alive, setting the stage for its resurgence decades later.

The Vinyl Revival

Vinyl’s comeback has been driven by multiple factors, including nostalgia, superior sound quality, and a renewed appreciation for physical media. Jaffee highlights Record Store Day, the annual event launched in 2008 that played a key role in reigniting public interest in records. Starting with just a dozen exclusive releases and a high-profile in-store appearance by Metallica, Record Store Day quickly gained traction, attracting major labels and leading to hundreds of special vinyl releases each year.

Independent artists and labels have also embraced vinyl as a way to connect with fans and generate revenue. Unlike streaming, where payouts are minimal, selling a physical album—especially directly to fans—can be a major source of income for musicians. Jaffee notes that younger generations are playing a key role in sustaining the trend, with millennial and Gen Z listeners making up a growing portion of vinyl buyers.

Sound Quality and the Vinyl Experience

One of the biggest debates in music is whether vinyl actually sounds better than digital formats. While some argue that CDs and high-resolution digital files offer cleaner sound, vinyl enthusiasts appreciate the warmth, depth, and dynamic range that analog recordings provide. The experience of playing a record—removing it from the sleeve, placing it on the turntable, and carefully dropping the needle—also adds a tactile, immersive element that digital music lacks.

Jaffee discusses how vinyl manufacturing has improved in recent years, with pressing plants refining quality control and experimenting with new formulations, including colored and marbled vinyl. However, the resurgence has also exposed industry bottlenecks, with pressing plants struggling to keep up with demand.

The Future of Vinyl: Sustainability and Innovation

As vinyl production increases, concerns about its environmental impact have also grown. Traditional records are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a material that Greenpeace considers among the most harmful plastics. Jaffee is now involved in efforts to create plant-based, sustainable alternatives, and his team recently produced their first eco-friendly record using a new biodegradable material.

With new pressing plants opening, younger audiences embracing the format, and innovations in sustainability, vinyl’s future looks promising. While digital music remains dominant, the continued demand for physical media proves that records are more than just a nostalgic novelty—they offer an experience that streaming cannot replicate.

Listen to the Full Episode

Larry Jaffee’s deep knowledge of music history, industry shifts, and the cultural significance of vinyl makes this an essential episode for music fans. Tune in to Music Evolves to hear more about the making of records, the role of packaging and design, and what’s next for the format that refuses to fade.

Are you interested in sponsoring this show or running ad placement in the podcast?

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

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Record Store Day Book: https://amzn.to/3CR932O

Record Store Day: https://recordstoreday.com

Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | Grooves That Connect: A Reunion in Music: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/grooves-connect-reunion-music-sean-martin-ksfke/

Mixtape Museum: https://mixtapemuseum.org/

Article | As Trevor Noah exits Daily Show: his music tastes and life as a teenaged CD bootlegger in South Africa: https://www.goldminemag.com/articles/as-trevor-noah-exits-daily-show-his-music-tastes-and-life-as-a-teenaged-cd-bootlegger-in-south-africa

Article | How well is MoFi managing its digital mastering LP controversy? https://www.goldminemag.com/collector-resources/how-well-is-mofi-managing-its-digital-mastering-lp-controversy

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 at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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

The first episode of Music Evolves with host Sean Martin sets the tone for an exciting exploration of the intersection of music and technology. Kicking things off with a discussion of the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show, this episode covers how musicians, producers, and innovators are shaping the future of sound.

Music Meets Technology

From the resurgence of classic analog instruments to the latest AI-assisted music creation tools, technology continues to redefine how music is made, performed, and shared. Sean shares his firsthand experience at NAMM, where major brands and independent creators showcased groundbreaking advancements, including digital amplifiers that recreate vintage sounds, AI-driven music production tools, and innovations designed to break creative barriers.

One standout topic is how technology is making music creation more accessible. Companies are introducing tools that allow artists to experiment with sounds in ways that were once impossible without expensive studio setups. Instruments with built-in effects, digital modeling amps that maintain rich analog tones at lower volumes, and silent drum heads that allow musicians to practice in small apartments—all of these are making professional-quality music creation more attainable.

The Role of AI in Music

A key discussion point in this episode is the growing influence of artificial intelligence. AI-generated music isn’t just an experiment—it’s already shaping songwriting, production, and even performance. Some musicians use AI to refine lyrics, generate melodies, or experiment with new sonic textures. But with this innovation comes debate. Can AI-generated music carry the same emotional depth as human-created work? And how does this impact authenticity in songwriting and performance?

NAMM also brought attention to ethical concerns surrounding AI, with Roland and Universal Music Group unveiling an initiative to address fair use, artist rights, and responsible AI implementation in music. As AI continues to evolve, these discussions will be critical in determining its role in the industry.

Preserving the Classics While Pushing Boundaries

Despite all the technological advancements, there remains a strong nostalgia for classic sounds. This balance between innovation and tradition was evident at NAMM, where artists and engineers worked to preserve vintage tones while enhancing their usability for modern musicians. Companies are now blending analog warmth with digital precision, allowing musicians to replicate legendary sounds without the constraints of older hardware.

Sean also touches on the impact of these advancements on performance. Portable gear with built-in looping and effects is allowing musicians to push creative limits, while innovations in live sound engineering are making it possible to replicate studio-quality mixes on stage.

More to Come on Music Evolves

This episode sets the stage for a series that will dive deep into how technology is changing the way music is created, performed, and consumed. Future episodes will explore everything from sound engineering and music education to AI composition and new performance technologies.

For those passionate about music and its ever-expanding possibilities, Music Evolves offers a fresh perspective on how creativity and technology intersect. Be sure to listen to the full episode to hear firsthand insights from NAMM and stay tuned for upcoming discussions with musicians, engineers, and industry leaders shaping the future of sound.

Are you interested in sponsoring this show or running ad placement in the podcast?

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

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

More The 2025 NAMM Show Coverage: https://itspmagazine.com/the-2025-namm-show-namm-music-conference-music-technology-event-coverage-anaheim-california

Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | The 2025 NAMM Show: Honoring Tradition, Pioneering the Future: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2025-namm-show-honoring-tradition-pioneering-future-sean-martin-6jcge/

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/