Audio Talks

Driven By Sound: Why JBL Rules the Road

with Kyle Roche, Global Marketing Director, Automotive at HARMAN and Jeff Triege, Head of Automotive Speaker Product Business, HARMAN To celebrate JBL’s 80th anniversary, Audio Talks continues its new season with host Oisin Lunny joined by Kyle Roche and Jeff Treige to explore why JBL remains synonymous with great sound on the road. In this episode, the conversation dives into JBL’s long‑standing partnership with Toyota, unpacking how decades of collaboration have shaped premium in‑car audio and elevated the driving experience for millions of listeners around the world. Tracing the evolution of JBL and Toyota’s sound partnership from its origins in the late 1990s to today’s globally scaled systems, Kyle and Jeff reveal how JBL’s Sonic DNA is carefully translated from concert stages and studios into the unique acoustic environment of the car cabin. From the emotional power of loud‑and‑clear sound to the craftsmanship behind tuning, technology and collaboration, the discussion explores how automotive audio influences brand perception, personal identity and everyday moments behind the wheel — and what the future holds as vehicles become more immersive, connected and autonomous. ---------------------------------------- Learn More About JBL's 80th Anniversary here: https://www.jbl.com/our-story.html [https://www.jbl.com/our-story.html] Read About JBL's Eight Decades of Audio Excellence here: https://issuu.com/jbl80/docs/jbl80yearspoweringvoices [https://issuu.com/jbl80/docs/jbl_80_years_powering_voices] Hear about Legendary DJ Carl Cox On Amazing Sound And Roaring Engines: https://www.oisinlunny.com/legendary-dj-carl-cox-on-amazing-sound-and-roaring-engines/ [https://www.oisinlunny.com/legendary-dj-carl-cox-on-amazing-sound-and-roaring-engines/] (or Podigee) Learn about The Art of Cinematic Sound: https://www.oisinlunny.com/the-art-of-cinematic-sound/ [https://www.oisinlunny.com/the-art-of-cinematic-sound/] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Miu2vbwRBY [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Miu2vbwRBY] Learn more about the Art of Listening here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA63hS9H9ns [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA63hS9H9ns] Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93 [https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93] Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening: Instagram @audiotalkspodcast Instagram @HARMANintl Twitter @HARMANintl Facebook @HARMANint LinkedIn @HARMAN International https://artoflistening.harman.com/ [https://artoflistening.harman.com/]

How Concerts Became Cultural Moments

with Raul Gonzalez, Senior Applications Engineer for Performance Audio at HARMAN and Stew Hume, Managing Editor of Total Production Magazine To celebrate JBL’s 80th anniversary, Audio Talks kicks off a new season with host Oisin Lunny joined by Stew Hume, Managing Editor of Total Production International, and Raul Gonzalez, Senior Applications Engineer at HARMAN Professional, to explore how JBL’s professional audio innovation has helped transform live concerts into global cultural movements. The conversation traces JBL’s deep roots in live sound — from early milestones like Woodstock ’69 and Pink Floyd’s quadraphonic experiments, to today’s stadium‑scale productions powered by JBL Professional systems. Stew shares insight from the production front line, unpacking how evolving audience expectations, theatre‑inspired storytelling, and cinematic stage design have redefined what a modern concert experience looks and feels like. Bringing together creative and technical perspectives, Stew and Raul unpack what it takes to deliver today’s biggest live moments. From production design and storytelling to JBL Pro systems and immersive audio, they reveal how technology and creativity now work hand‑in‑hand to turn concerts into unforgettable cultural experiences. ---------------------------------------- Learn More About JBL's 80th Anniversary here: https://www.jbl.com/our-story.html [https://www.jbl.com/our-story.html] Read About JBL's Eight Decades of Audio Excellence here: https://issuu.com/jbl80/docs/jbl80yearspoweringvoices [https://issuu.com/jbl80/docs/jbl_80_years_powering_voices] Check out Total Production Magazine here: https://www.tpimagazine.com/ [https://www.tpimagazine.com/] Learn more about the Art of Listening here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA63hS9H9ns [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA63hS9H9ns] Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93 [https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93] Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening: Instagram @audiotalkspodcast Instagram @HARMANintl Twitter @HARMANintl Facebook @HARMANint LinkedIn @HARMAN International https://artoflistening.harman.com/ [https://artoflistening.harman.com/]

New Years (R)evolution

With Andrew Melchior, CTO Massive Attack On this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny welcomes Andrew Melchior—technologist, artist, and creative collaborator with Massive Attack, Björk, and David Bowie—for a deep dive into the shifting ground beneath music, technology, and culture. From Manchester’s vibrant music scene to pioneering spatial audio and mixed reality, Andrew’s career is a journey through the edges of innovation. Together, they trace the arc from classical roots and analog synths to the digital frontiers of streaming, AI, and immersive experiences. Andrew shares candid stories of musical mentorship, band adventures, and the evolution from vinyl to virtual worlds—whether helping Elbow produce their first EP, launching BowieNet at EMI, or building Massive Attack’s experimental Phantom app that remixed music using heartbeats and motion sensors. The conversation explores the risks and possibilities of synthetic media, the rise of generative AI, and the urgent need to protect human creativity and cultural identity From sonifying cosmic radio bursts in a Finnish cathedral to advocating for climate-conscious touring, Andrew’s vision is rooted in sustaining human agency and meaning amidst rapid technological change. Tune in for a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and the future of music—where technology is a tool, not a tyrant, and being useful is the ultimate revolution. ---------------------------------------- Learn more about Andrew here: https://andymelchior.com/ [https://andymelchior.com/] Hear from Andrew here: https://andrewmelchior.bandcamp.com/track/le-cri-de-c-urs [https://andrewmelchior.bandcamp.com/track/le-cri-de-c-urs] Learn about Genotone here: https://genotone.com/ [https://genotone.com/] Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93 [https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93] Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening: Instagram @audiotalkspodcast Instagram @HARMANintl Twitter @HARMANintl Facebook @HARMANint LinkedIn @HARMAN International https://artoflistening.harman.com/ [https://artoflistening.harman.com/]

Lessons from the Godfather of Digital Music

With Ted Cohen, Music Executive In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny welcomes Ted Cohen—the “Godfather of Digital Music”—for a masterclass in how technology, culture, and creativity have shaped the modern music industry. From backstage with the Rolling Stones before their Ed Sullivan debut to pioneering digital deals at EMI, Ted’s career is a living history of music’s transformation. Together, Oisin and Ted trace the arc from analog to digital, exploring how serendipity, artist development, and a relentless curiosity led Ted to work with legends like Fleetwood Mac, Van Halen, Prince, and The Who. Ted shares candid stories from the road, the boardroom, and the cutting edge of innovation—whether sneaking Mark Zuckerberg and Sean Parker into the Grammys, navigating the Napster wars, or launching Amazon Music before streaming was mainstream. The conversation dives into the evolution from distribution to the attention economy, the rise of AI and creative tools, and the shifting boundaries between consumption and experience. Ted reflects on the lessons learned (and missed) by the industry, the importance of building your “village,” and why kindness is the ultimate long game. ---------------------------------------- Learn more about TAG Strategic here: https://tagstrategic.com/ [https://tagstrategic.com/] Check out Bootleg Live here: https://www.instagram.com/bootleg.live/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/bootleg.live/?hl=en] Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93 [https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93] Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening: Instagram @audiotalkspodcast Instagram @HARMANintl Twitter @HARMANintl Facebook @HARMANint LinkedIn @HARMAN International https://artoflistening.harman.com/ [https://artoflistening.harman.com/]

Live Music Reimagined: Holograms, XR, and the New Era of Concert Innovation

with Little Boots In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny welcomes Victoria Hesketh—aka Little Boots—singer, songwriter, producer, and founding performer for ABBA Voyage, the revolutionary concert where ABBA was reborn as digital “Abbatars.” Together, they explore how technology like holograms, AI, and immersive XR is reshaping the live music experience, blurring the boundaries between physical and digital performance. Victoria shares her firsthand insights from ABBA Voyage, describing the emotional impact of performing alongside digital avatars and how audiences connect with shows that blend nostalgia, storytelling, and cutting-edge tech. The conversation delves into the balance between artistry and innovation, the importance of live musicians, and the ethical questions raised by resurrecting legends as holograms—all while considering how virtual spaces like Roblox and Fortnite are redefining what “live” means for a new generation. Looking ahead, Victoria imagines a future where technology empowers creativity and authenticity, with concerts that visually paint music and foster real fan communities. She reflects on the need for genuine connection and hopes that, even as AI and digital innovation evolve, the heart of music—storytelling and artistry—remains at the center of every performance. ---------------------------------------- Watch on YouTube here:https://youtu.be/doz8JcR3Rvw?si=Cqa22s_ywT6ikWU6 [https://youtu.be/doz8JcR3Rvw?si=Cqa22s_ywT6ikWU6] Learn more about Little Boots here: https://www.littlebootsmusic.co.uk/ [https://www.littlebootsmusic.co.uk/] Take a look at the Abba Voyage experience here: https://abbavoyage.com/ [https://abbavoyage.com/] Learn about Victoria's new role at Bath Spa University here: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2025/little-boots-joins-bsu/ [https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2025/little-boots-joins-bsu/] Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93 [https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93]