Spotlight On

Lawrence Peryer

2 Creators

The musicians, writers, innovators and ideas shaping media, entertainment, and culture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 Listener

1 Comment

All episodes

Best episodes

Seasons

Top 10 Spotlight On Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Spotlight On episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Spotlight On for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Spotlight On episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Carrie Kania

Spotlight On

04/28/22 • 48 min

Kania, who grew up in a small town outside of Milwaukee, says she was the black sheep of her family. A child of the 1980s punk/new wave scene, her influences were people like Andy Warhol, Julian Schnabel and Francesco Clemente. So it follows that her first aspiration was to be an artist. But a few semesters at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago convinced Kania she didn't have the talent to make it as a painter. Fortunately, she had a side job as a bookseller.

“I can tell you, almost to the day, when I decided to go into publishing,” Kania says. She could, it turns out, get it down to the month—August 1992. That was when Donna Tartt's The Secret History came out. Kania was enthralled not only with the book but also with how it was marketed. “It was her. It was the story of her. It was Bennington. And it was the package.... When you're 21 and you're trying to figure out what your lot in life is, and you wake up and you're like, 'Oh shit, I can't paint,' you know, you panic. I decided I wanted to be a publisher. I didn't want to be anything else.”

Although Kania admits she had only a vague idea of what a publisher actually did, she knew enough. She knew about Gary Fisketjon and was as enamored with writers—writers like Raymond Carver, Mark Lindquist and Jay McInerney—as she was with artists. So, with $1,200 and a one-way train ticket, Kania set out for Manhattan. “Bright lights, big city,” she quips. “You know, the whole bit.”

Despite a bumpy start in the Big Apple—she was working for a computer programmer, sharing a studio with a drag queen—Kania got a lucky break when she met Michael Morrison at a friend's wedding. “I begged him for a job,” she recounts. “He hired me as his assistant in 1995, and I've been working with him ever since.”

Kania's passion for her literary (and visual) idols has served her well professionally. She managed to turn Harper Perennial into a recognizable brand, in part by publishing the kind of literary fiction and nonfiction that turned her on to the business 16 years ago.

And while some scoff at the notion that readers notice what's on a book's spine, Kania vehemently disagrees: “If people watch a television show because it's on HBO, if they see a movie because it's a Focus Features release, if they buy an album because it's on Sub Pop Records, then why doesn't the same go for books?”

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ethan Clift - Tonic Labs

Spotlight On

11/24/20 • 57 min

Ethan is an entrepreneur in his own right who has turned his natural talents to elevating women and minorities. Founder of Girl Empire, Parlor Shows, Lean Crafting and Checklet, he’s a start-up super-connector. He’s played a critical role in countless business launches and partnerships. It’s no surprise he sits on Lieutenant Governor Mark Hutchison’s Nevada Entrepreneurship Task Force.

Distributed ledgers? He got in on the ground floor and has it on lock. His wife, Allison Clift-Jennings, is the founder and CEO of Filament, an IOT company using blockchain technology. They read whitepapers the way other couples read the Sunday New York Times. They aren’t just investors, they’re pioneer builders. This goes way past the theory, emerging tech is the business they’re in, and they’re committed using tech to make the world a better place. Not many know, they’ve made the final round of the Anu & Naveen Jain Women’s Safety XPRIZE.

Ethan and Allison have been hard at work launching their latest endeavor with Tonic Audio Labs. The first product is called Lumos and is easy-to-use songwriting hardware that leverages AI. The product will hit Kickstarter in February and Ethan breaks down how this product will make songwriting even easier.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ida Mae

Spotlight On

12/02/21 • 22 min

Ida Mae moved to the USA with nothing but Chris' National Steel guitar, a tin tambourine, a broken major record deal and their debut record under our arms.
It was at huge personal risk they made this decision. After years of sleepless nights on the road, saying yes to every show offer we had, driving ourselves 15 hours to the next show after 6.5 weeks on the road, sleeping in dilapidated Motel's, playing in Casino bars, falling asleep in hotel lobby's, losing guitars across Europe, writing songs in the backs of cars swamped with our equipment, traveling 100,000's of miles to play shows we'll make a loss on, to then eventually meeting and playing with some of their musical heroes and being invited to play some incredible venues with artists such as Greta Van Fleet, Willie Nelson, Blackberry Smoke and Marcus King.

On their upcoming album Click Click Domino the pair have pushed themselves to break new ground both as artists and producers, leaning on everything they’d learned collaborating with producer Ethan Johns on Chasing Lights as well as other top-shelf producers over the years likeT Bone Burnett (Elvis Costello, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss), M. Ward, Ryan Hadlock (The Lumineers, Brandi Carlile), Jake Gosling (Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes), and Mike Crossey (The 1975, Arctic Monkeys). Purchase or stream Click Click Domino here.

Learn more about Lyte here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruiqi Wang: subduing the silence with vocal improvisation

Spotlight On

06/27/24 • 39 min

Today, the Spotlight shines On vocalist, composer, and improviser 王睿琪 Ruiqi Wang (pronounced as “Ray-Chee Wong”).

Ruiqi Wang creates stunning experimental music, combining influences from jazz, contemporary Euro-classical music, and traditional Chinese music.

Ruiqi Wang joined me earlier this year on the heels of the release of her debut album, Subduing the Silence, out through Orchard of Pomegranates. This profound, 36-minute album boasts an all-female cast of collaborators and expresses a musical vision seldom articulated in a debut work.

In addition to composing, performing, and recording in a variety of contexts and projects, Ruiqi Wang is pursuing a Masters degree in Music Composition - Contemporary Jazz at the Bern Academy of the Arts in Switzerland.

(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Ruiqi Wang’s album Subduing the Silence)

–

Dig Deeper

Visit Ruiqi Wang at ruiqiwangsings.com
Purchase Ruiqi Wang’s Subduing the Silence on Qobuz or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choice
Follow Ruiqi Wang on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Craft Ensemble
Ayelet Rose Gottlieb
Improve Your Musical Concentration — John Hollenbeck
The Center For Deep Listening
Fifteen Questions: Ruiqi Wang Talks Sound
Be sure to peruse this episode’s extensive 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 Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Rudolph: conjuring music’s global essence

Spotlight On

01/04/24 • 71 min

Today, the Spotlight shines On composer, improviser, and master percussionist Adam Rudolph.

A global performer - and global citizen - Adam has been called "a pioneer in world music" by the New York Times. With dozens of recordings to his credit, he joined us upon the release of Timeless from his percussion group, Hu: Vibrational, on his own Meta Records.

Adam has worked with artists including Don Cherry, Jon Hassell, Sam Rivers, Pharaoh Sanders, and many others but had a particularly extensive collaboration with Yusef Lateef over many years, releases, and ensemble configurations.

Adam and I connected immediately and had a terrific conversation, which I am ever-so-pleased to share with you. Enjoy.

(all musical excerpts heard in the interview are taken from Hu: Vibrational's latest album, Timeless)

------------------

Dig Deeper

Check out Hu: Vibrational's Timeless on Bandcamp or your streaming platform of choice
Find out more about Adam Rudolph on his homepage, Discogs, and YouTube
Visit Adam's label, Meta Records, on Bandcamp, Facebook, or metarecords.com
Order Adam Rudolph's book Sonic Elements: Matrices, Cosmograms, and Ostinatos of Circularity from Bandcamp
For Adam Rudolph, Collaboration is Communication
Be sure to peruse this episode's extensive 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 Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kris Davis: defining jazz's vanguard

Spotlight On

01/18/24 • 47 min

Today, the Spotlight shines On Grammy-winning pianist and composer Kris Davis.

Kris joined us in the wake of the September 2023 release of her album Live at the Village Vanguard, out on her own Pyroclastic Records label.

Live at the Village Vanguard is the second release from her band Diatom Ribbons, an adventurous quintet featuring drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, turntablist and electronic musician Val Jeanty, bassist Trevor Dunn – and new addition guitarist Julian Lage.

In addition to talking about that band and album, Kris guides us through her musical path and development while hipping us to her important work at the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice.

(all musical excerpts heard in the interview are taken from Live at the Village Vanguard by Kris Davis and Diatom Ribbons)

------------------

Dig Deeper

Listen to Live at the Village Vanguard by Kris Davis and Diatom Ribbons on Bandcamp or your streaming platform of choice
Visit Kris Davis at krisdavis.net
Visit Pyroclastic Records at pyroclasticrecords.com
Follow Kris Davis on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X) and Pyroclastic Records on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X).
Kris Davis Is A Powerhouse and A Polymath
Kris Davis, a Pianist Fighting for Fringe Music
Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice
Be sure to peruse this episode's extensive 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mareike Wiening: 'Reveal' Offers Jazz Rhythms of Hope

Spotlight On

02/15/24 • 35 min

Today, the Spotlight shines On Mareike Wiening.

Mareike is a drummer and composer who joined us on the occasion of the release of her third record as bandleader, Reveal, out on Greenleaf Music. Featuring her long-time group: tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, pianist Glenn Zaleski, guitarist Alex Goodman, and bassist Johannes Felscher, the band is joined on three tracks by trumpeter and Greenleaf founder Dave Douglas.

After several years in New York City, Mareike is now based in Cologne, in her native Germany, where she has observed and been personally impacted by the upheavals — personal and global — in the world today. Reveal is not an album of despair. Instead, the music channels hope, joy, and connection, with an uncommon sensitivity amongst the players in the group.

Marieke studied jazz drums in Mannheim, Copenhagen, and New York City. In addition to her performing and recording work, she is a jazz drum instructor at the Zurich University of the Arts.

Please enjoy our talk and the album Reveal, which is linked to this episode in the show notes.

(all musical excerpts heard in the interview are taken from Mareike Wiening's album Reveal.)

Dig Deeper

Listen to Mareike Wiening's Reveal on Bandcamp or your streaming platform of choice
Visit Mareike Wiening online at mareikewiening.com
Follow Mareike Wiening on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), and YouTube
Mareike Wiening about Drumming, Doubts, and the Disappearance of Education
Mareike Wiening - "The Girl By The Window" (live video version 1)
Mareike Wiening - "The Girl By The Window" (live video version 2)
Be sure to peruse this episode's extensive 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucky Lo: Swedish pop music with a twist

Spotlight On

04/04/24 • 31 min

Today, the Spotlight shines On in a much different way than usual, as I am turning the microphone over to guest host Miriam Boulos.

Miriam has been a guest contributor to Bonus Tracks, the official blog of Spotlight On, since August 2023. Miriam publishes with us frequently, and her work has included interviews with and essays about a diverse array of artists like James Walsh of Starsailor, Chappell Roan, Fuera, Ella More, Chagall, and most recently PEPTALK. As an international contributor, MIriam consistently broadens our view and uncovers new voices for us. Even more importantly, she is shining the spotlight on gender inclusivity and other forms of diversity that we are very grateful for. It has been a privilege to share our platform with her.

Miriam is joined in conversation for this episode by Swedish alt-pop artist Lucky Lo. This bit about the artist, quoted from her bio, gives a glimpse of what to expect in their talk: “Lucky Lo unites people through her music by shedding light on the dark side of existence and turning trauma into triumph.” As a mission statement, it’s pretty strong.

Enjoy MIriam Boulos's conversation with Lucky Lo.

(all musical excerpts heard in the interview are taken from Lucky Lo's album The Big Feel)

Dig Deeper

Visit and learn more about Lucky Lo at luckylo.net
LIsten to Lucky Lo's latest album, The Big Feel, released by TAMBOURHINOCEROS, on Bandcamp or your favorite steaming platform
Follow Lucky Lo on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube
Follow MIriam Boulos on Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Rodriguez talks community, culture, and his work with NJPAC

Spotlight On

06/29/23 • 47 min

Today, the Spotlight shines On David Rodriguez, Executive Vice President and Executive Producer at NJPAC - the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

David works in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, and has led a fascinating life in the performing arts. He was a full-time musician on the road with groups ranging from Isaac Hayes to Tito Puente to the Rochester Philharmonic. He studied at Juilliard, the Eastman School of Music, and Mansfield University. He worked at Carnegie Hall, Aaron Davis Hall, AOL Live, and the Apollo Theater. At NJPAC, David creates diverse programs that resonate far beyond the four walls of the venue — into the very heart of the community it serves and the lives of the musicians it works with.

David takes us through his life, career, philosophies, and the important work he and others do at NJPAC.

Enjoy.

------------------

Dig Deeper

------------------

• Did you enjoy this episode? 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grahame Lesh

Spotlight On

11/03/22 • 38 min

Based in the musical hotbed of Marin County, California, Grahame Lesh is a guitar player and singer-songwriter for Midnight North, Phil Lesh & Friends, & the Terrapin Family Band. A mainstay in the scene centered around Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, Grahame has joined such luminaries as The Mother Hips, Chris Robinson, Twiddle, Amy Helm, The North Mississippi All Stars, Neal Casal, Jackie Greene, Eric Krasno, ALO, and many more in singing, playing, and interpreting the American songbook.

As a founder and co-frontperson (with Elliott Peck) for Midnight North, Grahame has played hundreds of concerts around the country and released 4 studio albums, 3 live albums, and two digital EPs of original music since the band's inception in 2012. In 2021 the band released "There's Always a Story", their most successful studio album to date, and toured throughout the country in support in 2021 and 2022 as the music industry recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. Midnight North's new live album "Selections from Levon Helm Studios", co-produced by Grahame, was released in May of 2022 to celebrate Midnight North's legendary show at Levon Helm Studios in November of 2019.

As a member of Phil Lesh's Terrapin Family Band and Phil Lesh & Friends, he has traveled the world, performing Phil's updated version of the Grateful Dead's sound everywhere from the famed Fuji Rock Festival in Japan to London to Newport Folk Fest to New York city. The TFB has welcomed guests like Sheryl Crow, Benmont Tench, John Scofield, Nicki Bluhm, Dawes, Warren Haynes, Bob Weir, and many more onstage as they performed at venues and festivals around the world.

Always focused on the song and the groove, whether it be his or another's, Grahame's music stays rooted in the present while touching on all aspects of rock, folk, blues, soul, and more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more best episodes

Featured in these lists

The best podcasts for challenging yourself with music and ideas that you did not know you might like...

Curated by Lawrence Peryer

FAQ

How many episodes does Spotlight On have?

Spotlight On currently has 276 episodes available.

What topics does Spotlight On cover?

The podcast is about Music, Writers, Music Business, Podcasts, Books, Arts, Authors, Interviews and Music Commentary.

What is the most popular episode on Spotlight On?

The episode title 'Grahame Lesh' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Spotlight On?

The average episode length on Spotlight On is 49 minutes.

How often are episodes of Spotlight On released?

Episodes of Spotlight On are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Spotlight On?

The first episode of Spotlight On was released on Jan 31, 2020.

Show more FAQ

Comments

SpotlightOnPodcast

@spotlightonpodcast01

Nov 12