Spotlight On

Today, the Spotlight shines On digital media artist Tamiko Thiel.To mark our special milestone of 250 episodes, we are kicking off a two-part conversation with media artist Tamiko Thiel.Tamiko has lived at the crossroads of art and technology for over 40 years. She designed the Connection Machine, the first commercial AI supercomputer that now sits in New York’s Museum of Modern Art. She's worked with everyone from Steven Spielberg to Richard Feynman, and pioneered virtual reality art before most people had heard of VR. Her Connection Machine even inspired Steve Jobs when he built his post-Apple computer, the NeXTcube.In part one, Tamiko shares her journey from Stanford engineer to acclaimed artist, and how her Japanese-American roots shape her work exploring identity, place, and space. Part two drops next week.–Dig DeeperVisit Tamiko Thiel at tamikothiel.comFollow Tamiko Thiel on Bluesky, Instagram, and LinkedInDanny Hillis, Richard Feynman, Tamiko Thiel & Colleagues Design the Connection MachineThe Female Supercomputer Designer Who Inspired Steve JobsCM-1/CM-2 "Feynman" T-shirtsDig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com

Today, the Spotlight shines On naturalist and classical pianist Hunter Noack.Redefining what a concert hall can be, Hunter Noack hauls a nine-foot Steinway grand piano to mountaintops, forests, and beaches for his series "In a Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild."Hunter grew up in Central Oregon, where his love for music and nature took root. His concert series gives audiences wireless headphones and encourages them to wander through stunning settings while the music plays. It's part performance, part exploration—turning national parks and historic sites into living concert venues.Since founding the series in 2016, Hunter's brought classical music to over 75,000 people across the American West, many experiencing live classical music for the first time. He's performed in sun, snow, and everything in between—all to break down barriers between listener, music, and landscape.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Hunter Noack’s album In a Landscape)–Dig DeeperVisit Hunter Noack at hunternoack.com and the In a Landscape project at inalandscape.orgPurchase Hunter Noack’s In a Landscape from Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Hunter Noack on Facebook and In a Landscape on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubeBeloved scenic outdoor concert series announces 2025 tour dates for 10th anniversaryDig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com

Today, the Spotlight shines On renowned saxophonist Noah Preminger.Boston-based saxophonist Noah Preminger has spent years pushing jazz into new territories before focusing on one of the art form's most enduring traditions. He’s just released Ballads, a collection that finds this restless musical explorer settling into the quiet power of beautiful melodies.Noah's built his reputation on bold musical choices—from stark Delta blues interpretations to intricate duo sessions with bassist Kim Cass. But with this new record, he's aiming for something different—capturing that feeling when a saxophonist plays "as if it's their last day on earth," as he puts it.Recorded with pristine clarity for the new Chill Tone label, Ballads features Noah alongside pianist Julian Shore, bassist Kim Cass, and drummer Allan Mednard, creating music that feels both timeless and deeply personal.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Noah Preminger’s album Ballads)–Dig DeeperVisit Noah Preminger at noahpreminger.comPurchase Noah Preminger’s Ballads from Bandcamp or Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Noah Preminger on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeDave LiebmanNoah Preminger & Kim Cass - Thunda + The DankDig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com

Today, the Spotlight shines On two artists who've taken the piano-guitar duo to bold new places. Sylvie Courvoisier and Mary Halvorson have just released Bone Bells, their third album, and a fresh showcase of their uncanny musical connection.These two players come from different worlds: Sylvie from European classical traditions and Mary from experimental jazz guitar circles. But when they join forces, something magical happens. Their music shifts from delicate to eruptive, structured to spontaneous, with a shared musical language they've built over nearly a decade.Bone Bells takes its name from a line in Hernan Diaz's Pulitzer-winning novel Trust. It carries that same haunting, enigmatic quality through eight compositions that blend composition and improvisation in ways only these two can pull off.Our conversation veered from structure to improvisation and led us to interesting places, a fitting companion to the new album.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Sylvie Courvoisier & Mary Halvorson’s album Bone Bells)–Dig DeeperVisit Sylvie Courvoisier at sylviecourvoisier.com and Mary Halvorson at maryhalvorson.comPurchase Sylvie Courvoisier & Mary Halvorson’s Bone Bells from Bandcamp or Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choicePyroclastic RecordsDefending American arts, culture, and democracySilence is Not an Option: The Call to Action for Artists Under the Trump AdministrationDig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com

Today, the Spotlight shines On Phillip Golub, a Brooklyn pianist taking his music in bold new directions.Phillip's new project, Loop 7, is a set of minimalist compositions performed on a piano tuned to 22 notes per octave instead of the usual 12. Working with producer Joseph Branciforte, he's created something that lives between acoustic chamber music and studio art.It's a groundbreaking approach—Phillip's performance was captured on a special Yamaha piano in a unique way he tells us about. The recordings were then layered with guitar, vibraphone, and subtle electronics to create a technologically advanced and deeply human sound.Phillip has worked with jazz legend Wayne Shorter and brings that same spirit of innovation to his own music, blending jazz, classical, and experimental sounds in ways you've never heard before.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Phillip Golub’s Loop 7)–Dig DeeperVisit Phillip Golub at phillipgolubmusic.comPurchase Phillip Golub’s Loop 7 from Grayfade or BandcampPhillip Golub Experiments with Loops on Mesmerizing LPInterview | Phillip Golub | Offerings of Love - 15 questionsIntroduction to EDO tuningsBeyond the Veil: Behold the Xenharmonic, or, Understanding Microtonal MusicHe Expects You To Read The Tea Leaves: An interview on the past & future of Wayne Shorter's orchestral workDig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com

Today, the Spotlight shines On Six Missing, the musical project of ambient artist TJ Dumser, who creates music that helps us connect with the present moment in ways we often forget.After encountering an intense phase of burnout, TJ turned his mental health struggles into Gentle Breath, a dark, lush EP that marks a new direction for this Austin-based artist. It's music that explores uncertainty with stunning depth—think Tangerine Dream meets the cosmic GAS records, but with TJ's distinct voice shining through.TJ's journey from New York workaholic to finding inner calm through his compositions offers a powerful look at how music can heal. His project name also comes from a supernatural experience at a Revolutionary War battle site …(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Six Missing’s Gentle Breath EP)–Dig DeeperVisit Six Missing at sixmissing.com and TJ Dumser at tjdumser.comPurchase the Gentle Breath EP by Six Missing from Bandcamp or Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Six Missing on Instagram, SoundCloud, and YouTubeRupert Neve Spotlight: Six MissingSix Missing’s Ambient Playlists: Amazon Music + SpotifyDig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com

Today, the Spotlight shines On violinist and composer Jenny Scheinman.Jenny Scheinman grew up on California's remote Lost Coast, and now she brings us music that captures the wild beauty of her roots. Her double album All Species Parade brings together jazz and folk to create something wholly original that feels like the natural world itself.With a dream team of collaborators including Bill Frisell, Nels Cline, and Julian Lage on guitars, Jenny's violin leads us through soundscapes that honor the land, its native peoples, and all living creatures.Jenny's made a career working with everyone from Lucinda Williams to Lou Reed, but this project takes her back home to create what she calls "nature worship music" that refuses to be domesticated.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Jenny Scheinman’s album All Species Parade)–Dig DeeperVisit Jenny Scheinman at jennyscheinman.comPurchase Jenny Scheinman’s All Species Parade from Bandcamp or Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Jenny Scheinman on Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubeJenny Scheinman Finds Her Mojo on Northern California’s Lost Coast with ‘All Species Parade’How Jenny Scheinman’s Humboldt roots influenced new musicDig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com

Today, the Spotlight shines On Cary Baker, author of Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking and Street Music.The music you hear on street corners and subway platforms has its untold history, and at age 16, Cary Baker followed a slide guitar's haunting melody through Chicago’s Maxwell Street Market to find himself face-to-face with bluesman Blind Arvella Gray. That chance encounter sparked a lifelong obsession.Cary's book, Down on the Corner, traces the heritage of street music across 100 years, from blues legends in the 1920s to modern-day buskers armed with QR codes. He's spoken with everyone from Lucinda Williams to Billy Bragg about their days playing for tips, revealing how many music careers began with nothing but an open guitar case.The streets have always been America's most democratic stage, where doo-wop harmonies, folk ballads, and raw blues first reached public ears. Cary's book captures this vital tradition in all its gritty, authentic glory.–Dig DeeperVisit Cary Baker at carybaker.comPurchase Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking and Street Music from Jawbone Press, Bookshop, Powell’s, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.Dig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–• Don’t miss our free livestream event with Howie Singer and Bill Rosenblatt, authors of the book Key Changes: The Ten Times Technology Transformed the Music Industry. It happens this Tuesday, March 11, at 3 PM ET. Register here: is.gd/keychanges• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com

Today, the Spotlight shines On New York live music and venue impresario Michael Dorf.In addition to founding The Knitting Factory and City Winery, Michael has brought legendary artists together at Carnegie Hall for over twenty years, raising millions for music education while creating unforgettable tribute nights. He launched his first tribute show in 2004 after seeing how school music programs were vanishing.Now, he’s put together what might be his most powerful lineup yet. Michael Stipe, Courtney Barnett, Chrissie Hynde, and others will perform on March 26th to celebrate the music of Patti Smith. The show will raise funds for over a dozen music education programs nationwide.–Dig DeeperVisit Michael Dorf at michaeldorf.comLearn more about People Have the Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith, happening March 26 at Carnegie Hall, at musicof.orgCity WineryIndulge Your Senses: Scaling Intimacy in a Digital World - a book by Michael DorfMichael Dorf Uncorked (email newsletter)Remembering the Original Knitting FactoryMichael Dorf and The Philosophy of IndulgenceShlomo Lipetz'Feedback Howled Every Night': Back to the Knitting Factory on East HoustonFounder Michael Dorf: How City Winery Survived the RecessionDig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com