The Changing Stage

Music Industry in a Post COVID-19 World with Multi-Platinum Record Producer Jeffrey WeberFlorentino interviews 40-year music industry veteran and Grammy wining producer and a Leading music business professional, Jeffrey Weber, (See NAMM Bio Below. Jeffrey will be sharing insights from his books about the music industry and what he feels the music professionals need to prepare for, what to expect and some ideas on what to do for a profession in music post Covid 19 lock down. Please share your comments and thoughts below! About Jeffrey Weber ( From NAMM Bio -https://www.namm.org/nammu/contributors/jeffrey-weber-0 )Founder/CEO Stark Raving Group / Weberworks Entertainment GroupJeffrey Weber has been a widely-recognized music industry professional for forty years. He has produced over 200 CDs with releases on just about every major label as well as a host of independent labels. Along the way, his projects have yielded two Grammys, seven Grammy nominations, at least seventeen top ten albums, two number one albums and an assortment of other honors.His books, "You've Got A Deal! The Biggest Lies of the Music Business" and “We'll Get Back To You! Even Bigger Lies Of The Music Business” are both published by Headline Books. His new book, "You Sound Amazing! Every Single Lie of the Music Business" will be published in January, 2020.During his forty-year career in the music industry, he has founded, ran or participated in various label capacities from A&R, Music Supervision for film and TV, Production, Interactive Programming, Marketing, Sales, International Relations, Business Affairs and Art Director for dozens of independent labels as well as his own labels, Weberworks Entertainment Group and Stark Raving Records.His productions have also appeared on every major label including MCA, Warner Bros., Atlantic, BMG, Columbia, A&M, Elektra as well as such labels as GRP, Hip-O, Sheffield, Concord, Bainbridge, Silver Eagle, Zebra, among countless others.Among the many artists that have fallen under the banner of “Produced by...” include: Nancy Wilson, David Benoit, Steve Lukather, the Utah Symphony, Jackson Browne, Marcus Miller, Michael McDonald, Bill Champlin, Gerald Albright, Tom Scott, Chick Corea, Stanley Clark, Etta James, Linda Hopkins, Kenny Burrell, McCoy Tyner, Jackie McLean, Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big), Cozzy Powell, the Count Basie Orchestra, Cindy Blackman Santana, Buster Williams, John Sebastian, Ronnie Dio, Ritchie Blackmore, Pat Boone, Buddy Miles, Billy Preston, MC Lyte, Kenny Rankin, Diane Reeves, Diane Schuur, Rita Coolidge, Luther Vandross, David Crosby, Simon Phillips, Jeff Porcaro, Patrice Rushen, Toni Tennille, among many others.Jeff has been a concert and event producer for over ten years with extensive experience in concert management and production, staging, lighting, video and audio from the smallest of venues to large stadium shows. He has produced shows for the Los Angeles Soul Music Festival, Habitat For Humanity, Atlantis Resort, NASCAR, the Breeder's Cup, Chicago White Sox, Cystic Fibrosis, Fallsview Casino and Resort, Ford, Harry Caray's, KTLA, Loehmann's Department Store, Lupus L.A., National Association of Music Merchants, National Cable and Telecommunications Association, Netflix, Orange County Flyers, Pebble Beach Pro-Am, AT&T, Dockers, Shore Club-South Beach, Taste Of Chicago, USAA, American Idol and The Tonight Show among many others.Jeff is in high demand as a consultant to the financial industry on a multitude of music industry related matters. To date, he has consulted with such companies as Canyon Capital Advisors, Samlyn Capital LLC, Fleishman-Hillard, Inc., Morgan Stanley, MSD Capital (UK) Limited, BlackRock, Fidelity Investments, Apollo Investment Corp., Goldman Sachs, Putnam Investments, KPMG LLP and Scopia Capital, LLC.Recently, Weber finalized his, from the ground up, re-definition of the business model for a record label that he firmly believes will be the architecture for all labels in the future. Weber's model has embraced a complete slate of innovative concepts and procedures, ranging from the manner in which artist contracts are conceived and implemented to recording procedures, to innovations in sales, marketing and promotion. Designed to re-invent and re-energize the relationships between the artist and the label and the artist and the consumer, the model establishes format-breaking levels of transparency and unique partnerships in all label/artist/fan relationships.His innovative concepts were the operational foundations for two independent labels distributed by Fontana (Universal). At the time, he was named President of both labels.Jeff is well known for his involvement in high technology recording techniques, especially live two track recording, live multi-track and digital recording. Because of their sonic excellence, his recordings have been repeatedly selected by major hardware manufacturers to demonstrate their product lines.Jeff is very active as a music supervisor for film, television and cable. He specializes in cost effective synchronization and master use license acquisition strategies as well as production based music options.Jeff co-founded and programmed Studio M, a nationwide broadcast television network that utilized their growing 28,000 music video library to broadcast multiple genre based music video shows. It was on the air seven days a week, for five hours a day to an estimated audience of thirty million homes.Well versed in video production, Jeff has written, produced and directed over two-dozen music based concerts and videos. For one project, he produced a 12 camera, High Definition, robotic, five-channel surround sound DVD/CD for a rock and roll cover band comprised of famous television actors who traveled the country raising money for their selected charities. He traveled with the band, producing all their live concerts for over five years.He has been a music journalist with articles in major industry publications nationwide. He has received numerous awards as an art director and many of his album cover designs have been published in ”Best of...” annual publications. As an educator, he has taught courses on the music industry at universities and law schools (he has a law degree as well) across the country.Jeff is a lifetime member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) as well as a former Governor, National Trustee and Chapter Vice President.Jeff can be contacted at jeffreyweber@me.com.

NAMM 2020 – Music Industry Big Picture – with SABIAN CEO Andy Zildjian

NAMM 2020 – Music Industry Big Picture – with Drum Workshop Chairman Don Lombardi.

NAMM 2020 – Music Industry Big Picture – with D'Addario President/CEO John D'Addario

NAMM 2020 – Music Industry Big Picture – with Blackstar CEO Ian Robinson

NAMM 2020 – Music Industry Big Picture – with Soundbrenner CEO, Florian Simmendinger.

NAMM 2020 – Music Industry Big Picture – with Synthplex Founder, Michael Lehmann Boddicker

NAMM 2020 – Music Industry Big Picture – with Auburn Road (Alicia, Paxton, & Kristen) and Manager, Michael Anderson

NAMM 2020 – Music Industry Big Picture – with Bass Virtuoso Magazine Editor at Large, Bunny Brunel

NAMM 2020 – Music Industry Big Picture – with Positive Grid SVP Robert McCullar and Mad Sun Marketing's Laura B. Whitmore

NAMM 2020 – Music Industry Big Picture with GIBSON Historians, Greg & Sharon De Lorto & Teresa Topaz

NAMM 2020 – Music Industry Big Picture – with Telefunken CEO, Toni Roger Fishman.

Steve Postell is a singer/songwriter/guitarist/composer and producer. His latest solo CD for Immergent Records features a host of brilliant guests who have worked with him over the years. These include David Crosby, Jennifer Warnes, John Oates, Robben Ford, Eric Johnson, Dave Koz, Paul Barrere and many others. A native New Yorker, Steve moved to Los Angeles to join Steve Ferrone (illustrious drummer for Average White Band, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty) and Grammy award winning engineer/producer John Jones, at Drumrolll, a studio/production facility in Burbank. Trained at The Mannes College Of Music in New York City, Steve Postell has had a successful, prolific career which spans his days playing with Pure Prairie League, performing on Broadway in shows such as “Evita” and “The Man Of LaMancha,” co-writing the score for the off-Broadway rock musical "Fallen Angel" (starring Living Colour vocalist Corey Glover), touring with Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon, Princess Lea in "Aladdin") as her musical director, and fronting the popular New York City bands, “Chain o' Fools” and “Little Blue”. Steve has written scores for film and television including ESPN's Sportsweek featuring Greg Gumble, and producer Lawrence Kasdan's "Jumpin' At The Boneyard," a 20th century Fox production starring Tim Roth and Samuel Jackson. Steve wrote and produced Jingles for Right Sound Music in New York City for clients including Pontiac, AT&T, Dupont and many others. He has performed live on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Today Show with Katie Couric, The Regis and Kelly and The Regis and Kathie Lee shows.https://www.stevepostell.com/ 

Iain Matthews first gained attention as a founding member and vocalist for the innovative Fairport Convention's first three albums, changing the voice of folk music in his country. He moved on to create Matthews' Southern Comfort, exploring his interest in American music. They had a No 1 hit in the UK with Joni Mitchell's ‘Woodstock'. Never one to stand still for very long Iain moved on during the 1970's with another group, Plainsong. An ensemble that allowed Iain to blossom as a songwriter and acoustic guitarist – supported by his ex-Fairport mates Sandy Denny and Richard Thompson both in the studio and in Richard's case on tour. Between his own solo recording and various Plainsong line-ups Iain released ten albums to critical acclaim including another well known Top Ten US hit with the single ‘Shake It'.During the early 1980's Matthews turned towards the business side of musicas a rep for Island Records, but was persuaded by Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin to get back to making music.He returned to the USA for more solo work and Plainsong records. During this period he recorded a wonderful version of Peter Gabriel's ‘Mercy Street”, contributed to a Phil Ochs's Tribute album and recorded plus toured with Nanci Griffith. Next he released another respected record with the somewhat sarcastic title “Excerpts from Swine Lake”.In 2000 Matthews settled in the Netherlands and found a busy, happy life in Europe with more touring of the UK and continent. Yet more well received collaborative recordings were issued including a Tribute album to Sandy Denny. Since then Matthews has found one of his most sympathetic musical companions the pianist Egbert Derix. However Matthews feels he has finally found an almost perfect musical sweet spot, playing solo, in support of his most recent solo album ‘A Baker's Dozen”. As his 50 years (can this be true) in the business prove, things do come around again and again…. and Iain Matthews, guitar in hand and songs springing from his muse, is available for bookings..http://iainmatthews.nl/ 

Larry and Florentino talk about Larry Dunn's Anthology to Earth, Wind & Fire Concert at The Music Box in San Diego, CA., Larry's stage setup, favorite keyboard tones, and the state of the current music environment. Concert Info:https://www.facebook.com/events/779824242413719/

Host Florentino Buenaventura talks with PR Expert and recording artist Kaylene Peoples about using PR to promote her up coming show at the Newport Dune's Back Bay Bistro this Friday June, 28th.

Lyle was born in Memphis, Tennessee although he grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His father, reportedly, was a sports writer for the Star Tribune newspaper.He had his first gig at 16 and played in the 1960s with Gene and Jerry Hubbard in the Bobby Lyle Trio. They were very popular at the Blue Note on Plymouth Avenue on Minneapolis' North Side, and at the Ebony Lounge on University Avenue in St. Paul. When Ramsey Lewis left the Trio which he started and made famous, Lyle became the keyboard player for Young Holt Unlimited.In 1970, he had a meeting and subsequent jam session with Jimi Hendrix who was planning on starting a jazz-rock group with Lyle and fellow Minnesotans Willie Weeks and Bill Lordan as the rhythm section before his death later that year.He moved to Los Angeles aged 30 in 1974 and soon went on the road with Sly and the Family Stone. During this time he also played with the Ronnie Laws band. This led to a meeting with Wayne Henderson of the Jazz Crusaders who then took him to Capitol Records for his first solo recording deal in 1977. After three albums ("The Genie", "New Warrior", and "Night Fire"), Capitol abandoned their jazz division. Without a record deal, Lyle returned to his sideman work in 1981 with George Benson. In that same year he was a guest artist on the Yellowjackets debut LP and in June 1983 performed with the late Al Jarreau in Italy.Extensive tours with Bette Midler, Al Jarreau, and Anita Baker (all as musical director) occupied most of his time in the eighties. While performing with saxophonist Gerald Albright in 1987, Bobby came to the attention of Sylvia Rhone, then VP of Jazz and Urban music at Atlantic Records. This resulted in a recording deal in 1988 which spawned six albums in nine years. In the meantime, Lyle continued to tour with his own bands as well as with Bette Midler. He received an Emmy nomination for his musical direction on her HBO special, "Diva Las Vegas" in 1997.

Settle The Score - Breaking Into Film Scoring with Jörg Hüttner and Matt SalazarHear more shows like this at https://entertalkradio.com/thechangingstageFilm score and sound design experts Jörg Hüttner and Matt Salazar give a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the film/TV and video game side of the music industry. They discuss what it takes to break into the business of music scoring, where to focus your efforts, how to avoid common pitfalls and how to adapt to the rapidly shifting technological, licensing and financial changes of the business.Jörg Hüttner has worked for Hollywood film composers such as Hans Zimmer, Atli Örvarsson, Danny Elfman, Martin Tillmann. His work can be heard on soundtracks to Fifty Shades of Grey, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight Rises, and The Girl on the Train, to name a few.Matt Salazar is Creative Director at In Flight Music Group where he oversees A&R and the creative aspects of both music production and talent branding. Prior to that he was a partner and General Manager of LA Sound Gallery which was the largest independently owned scoring stage in Los Angeles.

The Indie Band Journey - Jared Swanson of Abbot KinneyHear more shows like this at https://entertalkradio.com/thechangingstageJared is lead vocalist in alternative indie rock band Abbot Kinney. He has studied studied acting, voice, photography and film at Hamilton Music Academy High School, Boston University, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, The Art Of Acting (Stella Adler LA) and Upright Citizen's Brigade. Jared's experience as a creative video producer includes features on Funny or Die, The Bay Bridged, Earmilk, GrammyPro, and a viral video campaign for Colgate.Abbot Kinney is a rock band that thrives on big melodic vocal hooks, a heavy, intricate rhythm section and an ambitiously grand scope, and while lead singer-songwriter Jared Swanson was certainly influenced by the “alternative” label of yesterday, his music wholly belongs to the 21st century. The group's new EP The Night not only challenges the listener's conception of what an indie rock song can sound like in a scaled-down, irony-charged modern music scene; it also represents a sonic evolutionary step forward. 2011's self-titled debut, Abbot Kinney, was a solid introduction to the world: polished production values, swirling, complex instrumentation, thematically consistent lyrics. The new EP is more raw, more personal, more anthemic, the sound of a songwriter coming into his own and finding a distinct, unmatched voice, one full of longing, hope, sometimes doubt but never resignation. The Night (EP), is out everywhere now!https://www.abbotkinneymusic.com/

Whether it's laying down a soulful groove in a studio, bringing a clinic to a euphoric climax or rocking a packed arena, Donavan Hepburn will dazzle at every opportunity. As the embodiment of the consummate all-rounder, he also numbers programming, producing and teaching as other talents that keep the phone ringing.Hepburn is a native of Saltley, Birmingham. He cut his musical teeth in church and, like many of the great gospel players before him, soon took the wider musical scene by storm. Call it soul power or divine intervention, but since landing his first professional gig with US R'n'B sensations Dawkins and Dawkins in April 1999, he's been in constant demand ever since.His CV is as long as it is varied. From the perky pop of Jessie J! to the hip-hop beats of Will I AM; from the soul of Annie Lennox to Jeff Lynnes ELO's classic sound; Donavan has laid it down with the skill and virtuosity of a master craftsman. Donavan crosses genres with ease and switches skills like changing hats, yet he fulfils every duty with the professionalism he's renowned for. Two things, however, stand out over and above everything else: his ability and, most importantly, his love of music.Donavan's raison d'etre is pure and simple: to encourage people to live their dream, whatever it is. As a programmer, producer, drummer and teacher, he's also helped people realise their dreams. The future, as they say, is bright, but few shine as brightly as Donavan's.

San Diego Caribbean Association, Inc. (SDCA, Inc.) is a not for profit corporation dedicated to promoting the theme of "One Love, Respect, and Unity" among cultures through educational and charitable events and services. 

Ricardo Bacelar - Brazilian Pianist, Composer and Arranger Hear more shows like this at https://entertalkradio.com/thechangingstageSebastiana, the third solo album of the Brazilian pianist, composer and arranger Ricardo Bacelar, is a Latin American synthesis of Brazil. Rhythmic textures and characteristic timbres were subjected to the harmonic structures` sway of the Brazilian music, which lacked, until then, a visit of its closer brothers. The disc presents a Venezuelan rhythm called "Sangueo", interpreted with cumaco and mina drums, coming from the central portion of that country, evidencing African rhythms influences. We implemented a mixture with "Coco", from the composition Sebastiana, by Rosil Cavalcanti (1915-1968). Famous representative of the Northeastern Brazilian music, the song Sebastiana names the disc. The work was very successful in Brazil in the voice of Jackson do Pandeiro (1919-1982) having been originally recorded, in 1953. Another visited rhythm is the "Vallenato", derived from the Colombian coast. Named by some as an ancestral musical genre of the ancient province of Padilla, with Spanish colonization and Afro-Colombian slaves' records, the "Vallenato" spread through Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico and Paraguay. Traditionally, it is performed by using the acordeon diatônico (diatonic accordion), guacharaca and caja vallenata (vallenata box). The "Vallenato", recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, is incorporated, on the disc, to the Brazilian baião A Volta da Asa Branca, by Luiz Gonzaga (1912-1989) and Zé Dantas (1921-1962). O Rei do Baião (The King of Baião), Luiz Gonzaga, imprinted a strong mark on the Brazilian music. Latin rhythms are subtly placed, as if they were spices, in the arrangements conception. The "Bomba" is a musical genre of Puerto Rico, brought by slaves who came from the West Indies, derived from Africa's west coast. It is performed with drums made from barrels that used to store goat leather, adjusted by turnstiles, screws and wedges.http://ricardobacelar.com.br/en

Paul Nunn is the Director of Marketing for Ultimate Support.Ultimate Support, in association with Pitbull Audio is giving away 10 Genesis Series GSP-500 Guitar Pedalboards.Enter to Win here: http://entertalkradio.com/pitbullaudio/gsp-500-giveaway/Innovation is at the core of Ultimate Support's past, present, and future. You can trace Ultimate Support's roots back to 1977, when company founder, musician, and inventor Darrell Schoenig developed an alternative to the existing unwieldy and unsightly speaker stands. His innovative solution, a compact, durable, aluminum stand crafted from parts of a hang-glider, was the prototype for the first in a series of pioneering support stands for speakers, keyboards, guitars, and more.http://www.ultimatesupport.com/https://www.facebook.com/Ultimate.Support/https://www.youtube.com/user/UltimateSupporthttps://instagram.com/ultimate_support/https://twitter.com/ultimatestands

Sandlot 7778 is a San Diego based Hip Hop duo formed by Riquested and SpeakEZ.

Mārtiņš Saulespurēns is an audio engineer who co-founded Blue Microphones with musician Skipper Wise. Saulespurēns also developed the tunable capsule for contemporary microphone design and invented the Champagne Microphone Cable.Saulespurēns worked as an audio engineer for the Latvian Conservatory of Music when he met American session musician, Skipper Wise. In 1995, they created the Blue Microphones company to repair and refurbish vintage microphones for which parts were no longer available. "Blue" was an acronym for Baltic Latvian Universal Electronics.Under the encouragement of New York City recording studio owner Walter Sear, Saulespurēns and Wise developed their own line of microphones. The BLUE microphone was base upon an old RFT Bottle design but without the internal power supply making it a quieter and smootherSkipper Wise, is an American Singer/Songwriter/Musician and entrepreneur born in Los Angeles.In 1983, he fronted the contemporary jazz group, Windows, which delivered four top 10 radio records punctuated by the album, "The French Laundry," which reached number one on the radio charts. Wise's solo debut onto the music scene came with the 1989 Top 30 Single, "Standing Outside in the Rain" on the European pop charts. Partnering with producer Les Pierce  in 1994, Colour Club was born, delivering three albums from JVC America, with the self-titled album reaching number seven on the radio charts. Several videos and singles in the USA and Japan helped establish Colour Club as a pioneer in the acid jazz movement of the 1990s. Best known for his music recording career, Wise is also the co-founder of Blue Microphones, the highly respected audio manufacturer. In 1999, Skipper left the music industry to dedicate his time and passion full-time to Blue Microphones.http://www.skipperwise.com/http://www.bluemic.com/

Starr Ackerman is PR & AR Manager for IK Multimedia, a company that designs and manufactures apps, software, hardware and accessory products for music creation and playback on computers and mobile devices.Since 1996, IK Multimedia has been a pioneer in the music software revolution, offering the most diverse and best sounding assortment of music creation tools for mobile and computer platforms, with a range spanning hardware accessories and software applications for guitar and bass players, keyboard players, vocalists, DJs and producers. All IK products share the same "Musicians First" design philosophy.

Sam Lin is a song writer, singer, producer, violinist, guitarist, pianist, drummer, radio dj from the Bay Area. He attended UCSD from 2009-2013 with a degree in Communications and Business. He currently lives in Taiwan as an artist/producer.

Mike Jones is the Marketing Director for MEE Audio."MEE is home to a group of audio enthusiasts who enjoy hearing music at its absolute best. We spread our passion by crafting innovative high-performance audio gear in order to let music inspire everyone as it inspires us. Where others see a pair of headphones, we see the final step in experiencing music as it was meant to be. This is why we obsess over every detail of how our products look, feel, and sound, bringing you the ultimate listening experience.Since 2005 we have been committed to crafting headphones and earphones with exceptional audio quality and design, winning acclaim from casual listeners and audiophiles around the world. Specializing in sports, wireless, and high fidelity headphones, MEE is committed to providing the best user experience, performance, and value with every product."

After founding Pledge in 2009, Benji has served in numerous capacities including CEO and President. He now serves as board member and advisor alongside CEO Dominc Pandiscia. Having just acquired NoiseTrade and Set.fm, Pledge is one of the leading artist-to-fan platforms today, with over 3 million users and over 50,000 artists. Notable artists such as The Lumineers, Lindsey Stirling, Megadeth, The Pixies and others have lead to over 300 top 40 albums since 2011.http://www.pledgemusic.com/

Bass legend Bunny Brunel has performed and recorded with a "who's who" list of music industry giants. Notables include Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams , Jack Dejohnette, Al Jarreau, Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Stanley Clarke, Dizzy Gillespie, Ziggy Marley, Gloria Estefan, Larry Coryell, Al Dimeola, Mike Stern, Joe Farrell, Michel Polnareff and many, many more. Besides his work as a performer, he is equally at home in the roles of composer, arranger, producer and designer. As a soundtrack composer Bunny collaborated with Clint Eastwood in creating the main theme (Claudia's theme) for the award winning film, "The Unforgiven." He also worked on several TV shows, including the popular series "Highlander."As a designer, Bunny created a line of electric bass guitars for Carvin and a stunning new Electric Upright Bass. Taking an active interest in helping bass players, Brunel regularly gives seminars on his unique approach to the instrument. He has written several books available through Mel Bay Publications, Hal Leonard Publications as well as some instruction DVDs.

Paul Shedden is the President and Head of Sales for Mission Engineering, maker of top level expression and wah-wah pedals.

The Atomic Punks are a tribute to early Van Halen, the David Lee Roth era. Formed in 1994, the Atomic Punks have performed well over 300 shows in places like Hollywood, CA, San Diego, CA, Las Vegas, NV, Phoenix, AZ, Scottsdale, AZ, Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, Honolulu, HI, Andover, MN, St. Louis, MO, Pittsburgh, PA, most recently Salt Lake City, UT, and most importantly, Pasadena, CA, where Van Halen started their meteoric rise to stardom. Voted "Best Tribute Band" by LA's "Rock City News" three years in a row, the Atomic Punks have created a national following that continues to grow by leaps and bounds all the time.Brian talks about the advantages of the Ultimate Ears in-ear monitors, a system used by everyone from The Black Keys to Metallica, The Rolling Stones, Foster The People, Melissa Etheridge and many others.

Aleksander Tortenson is the CEO and Co-Founder of Aalberg Audio in Norway. They have just launched their improved and revolutionary WIRELESS switcher, MOON, that can change your sound from your pedals and MIDI-controllers with a single touch of a button.

Sin Quirin, guitarist for Ministry demonstrates the bone crushing Blackstar Series One amplifier followed by a QA regarding his tone, technique, approach to guitar and his role in Ministry. 

Sin Quirin is a two-time Grammy nominated guitar player from LA. Sin is a member of Ministry and a primary songwriter on the 2007 Ministry album The Last Sucker and 2013's From Beer to Eternity.In addition to his role in Ministry (co-writing credits on Ministry's 2007 release, The Last Sucker, 2013's From Beer to Eternity and guitar on 2008's Cover Up album) and primary writing credits for RevCo's Sex-O Olympic-O and Got Cock?, Quirin toured the U.S. and worked with DJ Hardware on the 2009 ReVamp tour. He has been Grammy nominated twice, both times with Ministry, the first for 'Under my Thumb' from Cover Up – 2008 and the second time around for 'Señor Peligro' from the live 2009 album Adios... Puta Madres.

At one time tagged as the hardest working bass player in America, Chuck Rainey's bass playing on successful television shows, motion pictures and recordings illustrate his well-known and legendary style, feel and concept for the instrument and it's role in organized music. His unique bass lines accent numerous commercials and are an integral part of today's music across many music viewing and listening fronts.During the period 1963 thru 1971, Chuck toured and/or recorded with some of the most prominent artist of that era. They include King Curtis, Sam Cooke, Etta James, The original Coasters, Jackie Wilson, Harry Bellefonte, Al Kooper, The Supremes, Labelle, Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack and Quincy Jones. 

In 2004 four friends, all bandmates, were looking for a new challenge. Having worked together for years at the highest levels of the amp designing industry, their dream was to create new and innovative guitar amplifiers and pedals that would be the ultimate tools for self expression.Having spent two and a half years doing intensive technical research in a garden shed in Northampton England, the first Blackstar products were ready and in March 2007, Blackstar was officially launched at the Frankfurt Musik Messe.

Johnny McAndrew is the Eastern Regional Sales Manager at PreSonus Audio Electronics. We talk with Johnny about the latest PreSonus products, such as the PreSonus StudioLive RM32AI - 32-ch Digital Rack Mounted Mixer‎.

Roli is the maker of innovative squishy keyboard controllers that allow for a wide range of expression, sustain, attack and modulation based on the way a player's fingers touch the keys.We talk with Niko Paterakis, Product Support Specialist for Roli about their innovative and revolutionary products.

John Driskell Hopkins (Hop) (born May 3, 1971) is best known for his role as a founding member, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter for the Grammy Award Winning group Zac Brown Band. Hopkins co-wrote, with Zac Brown, Wyatt Durette and Shawn Mullins, the Zac Brown Band's third single: "Toes" from their 2008 major-label debut The Foundation. It was the second number one single for the band. Hopkins also co-wrote, with Zac Brown, Wyatt Durette and Sonia Leigh, the second single from the band's third major-label album "Uncaged" entitled "Goodbye in Her Eyes." Hopkins co-wrote the band's first number one hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock (chart) "Heavy Is the Head (Zac Brown Band song)" which featured Chris Cornell and was the second single from their 4th major label studio album "Jekyll + Hyde" released in 2015.

Balanced Breakfast LA's first panel at Musicians Institute co-sponsored by MakeMusic LA, Entertalk Radio and The Alliance for Women Film Composers.Sound Advice: The Art of Composing a Career in MusicIn an ever-changing industry, music creators and professionals have to be creative not only in the way they approach their craft, but in the way they build their careers. How does one end up playing for Miles Davis, arrange for American Idol, become an Emmy-winning composer, write songs with Babyface, produce for Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson, secure notable trailer spots, start a successful music non-profit, sing with iconic band members? Experienced panelists will share their personal stories in overcoming the challenges of the industry, discuss the debate of art versus commerce, offer practical advice on the skills they had to learn and acquire to maintain financial stability and excel in their passions.Panelists:John Beasley (Grammy-nominated artist, pianist for Miles Davis, arranger American Idol, Musical Director UNESCO's International Jazz Day)Miriam Cutler (Emmy-nominated composer 100+ films/tv credits, Co-Founder of the Alliance for Women Film Composers, advisor Sundance Institute)Jorge Corante (multi-platinum producer for Paula Abdul, Janet Jackson, K-Ci JoJo, Robin Thicke, documentary film composer)Casey 'Schpilkas' Dunmore (producer, trailer composer 'Guardians of the Galaxy', 'Hercules', and 'Transformers')Andreea Magdalina (Founder of non-profit SheSaid.So empowering females in the music industry)Brendan McCreary (songwriter SyFy's DEFIANCE, frontman Oingo Boingo Dance Party with original members of Oingo Boingo)

Producer Tim Dolbear talks about his approach to working in the studio and the launch of his new radio show Sound Experience

Cornelius Grant is an American guitarist, composer, and band leader. He served as the musical director, guitar player, and live show arranger for Motown vocal group The Temptations from 1964 until 1982.

Dr and the Medics were created almost at the dawn of the 80's, in 1982 by The Rev Dr. Clive Thomas Jackson.The band has had a very colourful and successful career as both recording artists and performers. Undoubtedly they are been best known for their massive 1986 No 1 “Spirit in the Sky,” which sold over 24 Million copies world wide and was number 1 in 23 countries!! They are also recognized as a great live act, in 1985 the NME referred to them as “THE live band of the year.”

Alphonse Mouzon is an American jazz-fusion drummer and percussionist, and the owner of Tenacious Records, a label that primarily releases Mouzon's recordings. He also composes, arranges and produces, as well as acts. Alphonse Mouzon's popularity as a performing artist first became realized in the late 1960s and early 1970s.He has played with Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Patrick Moraz, Betty Davis and Chubby Checker. Robert Plant, lead singer of Led Zeppelin, during his acceptance speech for induction into the 1995 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, listed Alphonse Mouzon as one of the band's influences from American music.

Kurt Maloo is a Swiss singer-songwriter, composer, and record producer. He first achieved international success in 1986, as the singer and front man of the pop-jazz duo Double with the hit single, “The Captain of Her Heart“.

Andrew Ford is a bass player, composer, arranger, producer and educator. He has performed with legendary artists in almost every major genre of music, while also having a Masters degree in Education. He has shared the stage or studio with Al Jarreau, Whitney Houston, David Crosby, Robben Ford, Chaka Khan, George Duke, Gladys Knight, James Ingram, Israel Houghton, Dianne Reeves, Peabo Bryson, Patti Austin, Lynne Fiddmont, Christopher Cross, Jerry Butler, Michael McDonald, David Pack, The Emotions, Phil Perry, The Stylistics, Brenda Russell, Larry Carlton, Oleta Adams, Jeffrey Osborne, Melissa Manchester, Jeff Lorber, Deniece Williams, Johnny Hammond, Greg Adams, Randy Crawford, Norman Brown, Graham Nash, Boney James, Paul Brown, Kirk Whalum, Michael Paulo and many others. Andrew has completed 5 bass instructional videos for truefire.com, covering everything from blues to r&b, walking bass, reggae, and overall groove. He has taught bass or done seminars at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood(BIT), Citrus Community College, the Los Angeles College of Music, and the University of La Verne. He has also taught Music Business courses at the college level. Andrew has written or co-written many songs, including “Flame” which is on the Best of GRP CD, Tomorrow Today by Al Jarreau, and the 2013 Grammy Nominated Al Jarreau live project. Andrew has also had success writing for tv and film, with a number of songs in regular rotation. He recently co-wrote the theme song for the award-winning HBO short film “Muted”.

Jackie Bertone is a touring and recording percussionist who has worked with artist and/or groups like The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, Tower of Power, Joe Walsh and the Eagles.

Marcella Detroit is a vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter who has worked alongside artists like Bob Seger, Leon Russell and Eric Clapton, was a co-writer on Clapton's “Lay Down Sally” and sang backups on it, as well as on “Promises” and “Wonderful Tonight”.