May 2025

We're mindful to paint May Grey with bright colors from our production community! Meet a composer who mixes TV, films and Games in LA. Fly with us to Barcelona to meet a veteran DJ basking in his recording studio. Celebrate public broadcasting with a tribute to the Queen of Soul, and explore where Music meets fashion and iconic photographs. We have new releases, and more...

Mark your social calendar and meet our production community on the green in June-sign up today to win swag! Grab an espresso and enjoy this month's serving!

Gaetano Parisio, aka Gaetek (born in Naples, Italy in 1973) has been one of the most consistent DJs and producers in the realm of techno. In 1997 Gaetano launched his first label, Conform, which quickly became a beacon for the international techno scene. Starting to collaborate both in the studio and live with Marco Carola, the two Neapolitans became fixtures at the world’s best clubs and festivals with a four-turntable/two-mixer set-up that left crowds screaming for more. They also befriended like-minded artists like Adam Beyer, Ben Sims, and The Advent, all of whom released music on Conform. Gaetano’s next label, ART (Advanced Techno Research – 1998), was a one-man affair that issued a series of 10 limited-edition, precision-crafted, two-track singles, over the span of two years.

His studio in Barcelona is equipped with ATC speakers and when asked about his favorite piece of gear: "My Drawmer 1969 valvular compressor combined with the equalizer Drawmer 1961, also a valvular is my favorite. I have used them in almost all of my productions. The use of the compressor for me is fundamental for the result I want to achieve, especially on percussion. For me, the compressor becomes a real instrument. The warmth and coloration of the sound they manage has always thrilled me," says Gaetek. Parisio’s latest project – his 6 part ‘Fragments 2930’ EP – honours the meditative euphoria of Conform’s early releases. Militant and driving in their effect, each cut presents its own melodious theme; running parallel to the strong percussive undercurrent of high impact techno that can be heard across the extended player.

Aretha! with Shelea sings Aretha PBS Special.

From the White House and the Kennedy Center to Carnegie Hall, the Grammy Museum, and the Emmy Awards stage, Bakersfield-born vocalist, songwriter, and pianist Sheléa has captivated audiences around the world with her voice.

Ian Charbonneau (left) and his Recording Project recently captured Aretha! Starring Sheléa with the Pacific Symphony live from Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, California.

The PBS SoCal special is to air beginning Friday, May 30, 2025 through July 14, 2025. An extended version of the concert will be available with PBS Passport.

Sheléa performs Queen of Soul, Aretha classics like Chain of Fools, Say A Little Prayer, Respect, and Natural Woman. Emmy Award-winning Music Director Rickey Minor conducted the Symphony and a choir of back-up singers will have you dancing!

"This Recording project was over 110 inputs that we fitted into my 64ch system by coordinating with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts "scfta" audio crew lead by John Downey whom handled the Symphony part of the show. John send to my recording fly pack some of the Symphony premixed stems while I handled the band inputs and added audience mics. The symphony stems greatly helped manage the high channel count of this project. Just like in the golden analog years of recording when you only had 24 tracks analog machine to record 40 channels, you combined and premixed things to make a recording that made sense and easy to mix in post," says Ian Charbonneau of The Recording Project. Charbonneau worked with Sheléa's long-time mixer, Tony Shepperd.

Mixer and producer Tony Shepperd has worked with Sheléa since 2001. "I first signed her to a production agreement that year and then signed her to my record label, Breath of Life. 

Last year Shepperd worked on the hit song, Luther with Kendrick and SZA for Kendrick Lamar's GNX album.

"Working with Ian is always a dream. His tracks were recorded at 24 bit/96k and they sounded impeccable. Sonically his new setup is heads and tails above above anything I've heard from him. And that’s saying something," says Shepperd.

Right: Producer Tony Shepperd photo by: Daniel Vogel @partner_films

Below Ian Charbonneau's The Recording Project at Schubert Systems Group (SSG). North Hollywood.

Over the last 30 years Ian has worked on many notable PBS Special recordings. He emphasized the importance of PBS mission in producing original programming for educational purposes. "Sciences, the arts and music are true American Gems that need to be protected and supported. No other Media outlet has such important mission to truly enrich the American public," says Charbonneau.

For upcoming air dates/times click here

The current US administration's threat to public broadcasting is seen as the most serious in the system’s history. PBS stations raise approximately $7 in public funding for every $1 raised by the government, according to CPB (Corporation for Public Broadcasting). The immediate threat will be especially felt in rural regions of America where culture and education is most needed. PBS relies heavily on local station memberships and individual donations. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) receives a congressional appropriation each year of about $500 M. CPB allocates the appropriation mostly to public television and radio stations, with some assigned to NPR and PBS to support national programming.

Click here to learn more about much needed PBS Support.

Aretha! Starring Sheléa with the Pacific Symphony is conducted by Rickey Minor. Musicians include:

Drums : Teddy Campbell; Bass : Freddie Washington; Keyboard / Piano : Wayne Linsey

Keyboards : David Delhomme; Guitars : Paul Jackson Jr; Percs : Kevin Ricard; BgV : Stevie Mackey, Vula Malinga, Kenya Hathaway, Sharlotte Gibson, and Matthew Johnson.

studioexpresso met up with Ian Charbonneau in May for this Q&A

SE: Sheléa with the Pacific Symphony conducted by Rickey Minor features many notable musicians like Teddy Campbell on Drums, and Paul Jackson Jr on guitars.- have you worked with any of these musicians before?    

IC: Yes, I have worked on various projects through the years with Rickey Minor and many of the players on different projects but notably on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" as I would “sub” as music mixer on a couple episodes and also set the audio recording in the band rehearsal room at the time. What an amazing experience that was. Rickey Minor heads a truly top notch all around ALL Star Band. 

SE: What other major orchestras have you recorded?      

IC: Having worked on many PBS specials in the last 30 years from Ballet to Opera notably with the SF Symphony, but also many various projects and film scores with the LA Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, and now for the Sheléa with the Pacific Symphony at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 

SE: You recently completed a Goo Good dolls concert. How was it?

IC: Yes, one of my recent project was to mix the "on air" livestream of the Goo Goo Dolls performance at Stagecoach. Having been involved in the first 15 years of Coachella, this was a lot of fun to revisit old friends and festival site. I did record the very first Stagecoach at the time which has greatly evolved through the years. The Goo Goo Dolls gave a fantastic set. 

Recent Ian Charbonneau projects include: Recording the G3 Reunion Live Concert and live album release for Joe Satriani, Steve Vai & Eric Johnson earlier this year in February. Other notable projects recorded with The Recording Project's fly pack system include Cyndi Lauper, Laufey A Night at the Symphony: Hollywood Bowl (released as a limited edition vinyl)

Charbonneau new home for The Recording Project is situated at Schubert Systems Group (SSG).



Sam Williams

Song: Lose You Too

Project: Act II: COUNTRYSTR via UMG

studioexpresso May Video spotlight

Grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams and the son of outlaw legend Hank Jr.,rising country musician Sam Williams sings and writes with his own singular voice and style. Sam is making a legacy for himself that is completely his own.

Penned by Sam, Emily Weisband (BTS, Camila Cabello, Dan+Shay), and Alysa Vanderheym (Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Jelly Roll) Lose You Too blends raw lyrics over a glossy, country-pop production as Williams confesses, “I’ve learned I can lose beautiful things, and still believe that the love I put into the world will come back around,” says Williams.

No Problem and the title track COUNTRYSTAR are among the seven-songs previously released that underscore Williams’ versatile songwriting skills. To bring this new sound to life, Sam collaborated with producer Nick Bailey, whose credits include Lana Del Rey, Quavo, Maroon 5, and Blake Shelton, and producer Yung Lan (Morgan Wallen, Lil Uzi Vert).

Williams gets vulnerable on Lose You Too – listen HERE. This is the third offering from Sam’s forthcoming project Act II: COUNTRYSTAR, out July 11 – pre-save HERE.

Up next, Sam will be taking over CMA Fest with multiple performances. He’s set to light up the Love and Acceptance at Category 10 on Monday, June 2, before taking over The Listening Room Cafe with Amanda Shires and Lawrence Rothman on Tuesday, June 3. He’ll also be performing at MCA’s Sounds Like Nashville Live at Skydeck on Broadway on Friday, June 6, before closing out the weekend at Hard Rock Cafe on Sunday, June 8. 

Above photo: Neil Young photographed by Henry Diltz. The latest episode of Gibson TV’s “Through The Lens”

In the latest episode of Through The Lens, Gibson TV sits down with Henry Diltz and takes a deep dive focusing on Henry’s photography of Neil Young, also including Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young. Nestled in the heart of Laurel Canyon during the 1960s and 1970s, Diltz found himself at the epicenter of a musical and cultural revolution, uniquely poised to immortalize pivotal moments such as Woodstock, the Monterey Pop Festival, and even capturing the famous Morrison Hotel album cover for The Doors. Witness never-before-seen photographs of Neil Young, and the era with each frame echoing the essence of a transformative era in rock and folk music.

“I am amazed at the accumulation of images that has resulted, simply by doing what I love to do, day after day after day,” says photographer Henry Diltz. “It’s a result of being with countless people over the years, waiting at the sidelines for the moment to happen. Photography has been my passport, and I have arrived in the present, where I have always been, camera in hand. There! That says it best for me!”

Watch/share the latest episode of Gibson TV’s “Through The Lens” featuring Henry Diltz HERE.

Catch Henry Ditz on tour this month for his California Dreamin’ slide show series and hear the stories behind the photos of the music history he witnessed firsthand.

 For fine art prints and more information, visit https://henrydiltz.com

New Jazz Standards Vol 7 

The Music of Carl Saunders

featuring Marina Pacowski

Summit Records

East West's legendary Studio One (Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Rolling Stones) is booked for variety of sessions from single voice to 70-piece symphonic orchestra. Brent Fischer Orchestra recorded in one with a 56-piece ensemble.

Spanning over 61,000 cubic feet with a vibrant sound, the iconic studio comes complete with a spacious isolation booth and a beautiful Bechstein D-280 Concert Grand Piano. The control room features an 80-channel Neve 8078 Console, the largest in the world (originally commissioned for Michael Jackson's best-selling album, Thriller).

Each room at East West is equipped with a DB Technologies db4496 A/D-D/A Converter and ATC SCM25 Pro Mk2 house monitors along with NS10/ProAc speakers and are set up with Pro tools HD.

Right: Grammy-winner producers Brent Fischer and Dave Reitzas in studio one control room during a VIP event hosted by Source Connect

photos: by the C

Housed in 1920s Medinah Temple, the historic landmark studios, for almost six decades, The Village has recorded hundreds of legendary Grammy Award-winning albums and Academy Award-winning movie soundtracks. One of the studio's Grammy-winning, staff engineers, Alex Williams, used ATC 25s on the Jon Batiste We Are sessions, as well as the award-winning Odessa sessions. He also worked with Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Regina Spektor, Perry Farrell and many more. Noted Williams, “The quality of ATC’s design and construction is apparent upon opening the box. From recording to mixing, the ATCs perform flawlessly on rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz, or orchestral. I know what I’m hearing is what I’m getting. I’m thrilled that The Village is outfitting three studios with the new ATC SCM25A Pro Mk2s.”

“Choosing ATC SCM25A Pro Mk2s for Village's main studios is an incredible validation of this product’s excellence,” says Brad Lunde, president and founder of TransAudio Group.

Top Left: Jeff Greenberg, owner and CEO with Snoop Dogg at The Village

Starstruck Entertainment, the parent company of Starstruck Studios was founded in 1988 by Narvel Blackstock. Located on Music Row, Starstruck Studios is considered one of the top iconic Nashville recording facilities, and recently chose an ATC 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos configuration and paired it with their SSL System TS-500 console for their Dolby Atmos room.

"ATC 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos system is cited as the speaker system of choice for the growing number of multichannel immersive sound studios.

Manufactured and designed in the UK to the highest engineering standards, it was only natural ATC could develop this solid niche," says Brad Lunde of Trans Audio Group.

Invest in Good Speaker Stands. Why? While looks can be deceiving, you must have seen concrete blocks and other DIY configurations used in some project studios. Speaker stands may not be on top of your purchasing list, but this 19-minute video by Colt Capperrune @ColtCapperrune may change your mind. $20 block stands are compared with professional stands ranging from $140 Gators to $1,200 Sound Anchor stands. Can you guess which one performs the best? check it out here Adjust-ability is also important for Speakers. For optimum sound quality the speaker’s acoustical axis should be at approximately ear level for the most consistent and best sound.

Sound Anchor adjustable monitor stands allow you to adjust the position of the monitors (height, angle and tilt) so you can place the monitors where they need to be for the highest quality sound.

Sound Anchors and Redmount products are designed and manufactured in Palm Bay, Florida U.S.A. using American parts and skilled American labor. click here for Sound Anchor dealers in USA

ATC models:

SCM25As

SCM45As,

SCM50ASLs

SCM100ASLs

"ATC monitors are something you have to experience. Lets just say that you can hear details you’ve never heard before, leading you to faster, more accurate decisions in your creative process," says Brad Lunde, President of Trans Audio Group

ATC SCM 25a pro mk2 has been upgraded with ATC’s hand made proprietary SH25-76S Dual Suspension Tweeter, extending the high-frequency response with a reduction in distortion. " The best of the best rely on ATC monitoring as their main solution for tracking, mixing and mastering. Like the original SCM25A, the new upgraded Mk2 is a compact 3-way high-performance active studio monitor loudspeaker, based around the hand made proprietary ATC 3”/75mm soft mid-dome driver and 6.5”/164mm bass driver loaded in a 25-litre vented cabinet," adds Brad Lunde, President of Trans Audio Group. Models range from $5,000 to $50,000 per pair and all share a very similar sound. For larger rooms and midfield, applications check out the SEM45 with dual 6.5-inch drivers and the fantastic SEM150 with a 15-inch woofer and 350 Watts of power. More info here

TransAudio Group, U.S. distributer of the finest professional recording equipment in the world, is pleased to announce the new ATC SCS70 Pro, a compact, ultra-high performance subwoofer using ATC’s first, in-house-designed and built sub driver.

Designed by Billy Woodman and his team of engineers, this new 12-inch sub driver delivers the kind of honest and detailed low-frequency information that professionals have come to expect from ATC. “Subwoofers can be a source of distortion, making the mixing or mastering process a guessing game. Now an ATC system, complete with the one or two SCS70 subs, can deliver full bandwidth audio for any genre, enabling superior translation on any system it gets played on, from ear buds to home hi-fi to clubs and everything in-between. Other subwoofers rely on EQ and poorly implemented ports, transmission lines or passive radiators to boost low end and make their subs sound impressive," says Brad Lunde. USA List Price: $5,490.00 USA MAP: $4,990.00

Above: studioexpresso and Trans Audio Group presented "Atmos-ize Your Music" at NAMM on Thursday January 23, 2025. Below: Speakers for the session: l-r: Cam O'Bi, Brad Lunde of Trans Audio Group, Ryan Ulyate, Eva Reistad, Brent Fischer, Harry Weinger of UMG, and Claris Sayadian Dodge of studioexpresso.

studioexpresso and Trans Audio Group have featured many producers, and musicians over the past ten years of TEC Track's history at NAMM

Curt Bisquera (Sarah McLachlan, Elton John), Kenny Aronoff (Smashing Pumpkins, John Mellencamp, Sting), Greg Penny (Elton John, KD Lang), Cam 'Obi (J Cole, Chance the Rapper), Niko Bolas (Neil Young, LeAnn Rimes), Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hedrix, Kiss), Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, Faith No More), Cheche Alara (Christina Aguilera), Kim Bullard (Elton John, Kelly Clarkson), Cristina Abaroa (Celine Dion, Enrique Iglasias), Brady Leffler (Hot Chelle Rae, Justin Beieber), Al Schmitt (Diana Krall, Paul McCartney), Alex Acuna (LA Phil, Beck), Teddy Campbell (American idol, The Tonight Show w Leno), Ellis Hall (Ray Charles, Tower of Power), Jacob Armen (Prince), Peter Asher (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt), Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Melody Gardot), Manny Marroquin (Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys), Dave Schiffman (Adele, Limp Bizkit), Gregg Field (Sinatra, Pharell), Sylvia Massy (Tool, Johnny Cash), CJ Vanston (Toto, spinal Tap), Dame Gail Dorsey (David Bowie, Gwen Stefani), Jenny Mason (The Mrs), Neal Pogue (Outkast, Andre 3000), Eva Reistad (Dune 1,2, Alien, Sherlock Holmes), Leland Sklar (Phil Collins, James Taylor), Moogie Canazio (Sergio Mendes, Sarah Vaughan), Rafa Sardina (Lady Gaga, John Legend), Daniel Seeff (KJazz, Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz), James Torme, Zev Feldman of Resonance Records (Sarah Vaughan, Bill Evans, Nat King Cole), John Wooler of Mood Media (Flying Lotus, Elton John, Miles Davis), David Benoit, Harry Weinger (Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Frank Sinatra), Matt Wong, Ryan Ulyate (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Ian Charbonneau (Mana, Neil Young, Jake Owen) and Grammy^®-winning Brent Fischer (Usher, Elvis Costello, Symphonic Prince).

Bettermaker Mastering Limiter 2.0 Convenient, easy-to-use plug-in control and instant recall.

“From Grammy-award winners, to top international recording artists, home and free-standing recording studios, the original Mastering Limiter is that piece of go-to gear that adds that particular dynamic edge and significant touch towards the end of the recording process.

The Bettermaker Mastering Limiter 2.0 has faster release time, a lowered noise floor and the same 100% analog signal path with the ease of digital plug-in control and recall. This one is a superstar product,” adds Brad Lunde, president, and founder of TransAudio Group

Watch Vlog review by DJ, Producer, Jon Sine of the new Bettermaker Mastering 2.0 here

The Bettermaker Mastering Limiter 2.0 is priced at $3,500 in USA and is now available for shipping.

Above at 2025 NAMM Bettermaker Booth 10302 in Hall A, is the legendary Stevie Wonder checking out the game-changing accessibility of the new Bettermaker VSPE which allows for seamless control of Bettermaker hardware and plugins using voice commands, using its cutting-edge open source AI technology (created in partnership with The MIDI Association’s Music Accessibility Standard Special Interest Group MASSIG as well as real-time speech feedback for accurate parameter adjustments.

"The Daking Mic Pre 4T, nominated for a TEC Award 2023, will elevate any recording offering unique solutions to common problems," say Brad Lunde (click top left image for a video presentation by Brad Lunde). The “low-distortion” Jensen input and output transformers offer more linear low-end performance under super dynamic conditions. Daking’s own variable high-pass filter dials out the low-frequency mud that can be subsonic and will decrease available headroom. Built in the USA, Daking uses only high-end parts like Jensen input and output transformers in a high-end design using all-discrete transistor Class A circuitry. Unusually high 24dB of headroom and easy to read twenty segment meters make proper gain staging easy and forgiving under a wider array of conditions.

Auratone Celebrates its 50th anniversary, Auratone and its US distributor, TransAudio Group, introduced the first-ever Active 5C, nominated for TEC Awards at NAMM 2023.

A careful R&D process has been implemented to maintain the original characteristics of the 5C, utilizing the same amplifier design from the NAMM TEC Award winning A2-30 amplifier.

“We were happy to get boutique Polish manufacturer Bettermaker together with Alex Jacobsen, owner, and grandson of founder Jack Wilson, for the perfectly matched A2-30 amplifier. Now, the two companies have collaborated to get a mono amplifier that contains the guts and soul of the A2-30 into each chassis for the active version,” says Brad Lunde, founder, and president of TransAudio Group.

The Auratone Active 5C is now shipping • MAP: $749/pair

Like the other 5C variants, the Auratone ACTIVE 5C is made in the USA.



Trans Audio Group -- The Recording Studio Equipment Experts. Call to order from their trusted brands:

A-Designs (USA), ATC Loudspeakers (UK), Auratone, Bettermaker, Daking Audio, Drawmer, Hakan, Latch Lake, Mojave Audio, Mutec, Pete's Place Audio, Sabra-Som, Subwoofer Pros, and Tube-Tech 

Questions- pricing, availability and dealer locations please email sales@transaudiogroup.com

Inspired by the legendary ‘Motown EQ’ sound, Drawmer created two new 500 series EQs. Each unit offers 7-band proportional Q equalizers with EQ curves akin to the renowned ones used in the illustrious Detroit studios of the 1960s. These 100% analog units feature sevens bell curves, each having a variable cut/boost of ±10dB and set at the beautifully musical frequencies of the original.

The MQ-1 offers a single channel Mono 7-band EQ, with the highly regarded ‘CRUSH’ feature present on the Drawmer 1971 Dual 4-Band Parametric Equalizer rack unit. When you activate the crush circuit, get ready for some pleasing harmonic saturation and that classic analog warmth that adds a ton of character to any signal passing through the unit. CRUSH fattens up the bass, adds presence to the mids, and brings a delightful shimmer to the top end. The harder you drive the EQ the more crush you’ll get! The MQ-1 is a single-slot 500 series module. The MQ-2 offers the same EQ curves, but in full stereo, and is far more than an equalizer. It also incorporates a program-dependent, single-knob compressor that adapts its envelope to the characteristics of the signal. The order of the EQ and Compressor in the signal path can be swapped according to your requirements. The MQ-2 also has the same integrated ‘CRUSH’ feature that warms up your mix with harmonic saturation, and additionally includes comprehensive metering. The MQ-2 is a 2-slot 500 series module.

Visit Drawmer at TransAudio Group for more details.

Pricing: MQ-1 $349.00 • MQ-2 $539.00

The new Drawmer 1971 4-band parametric EQ, available in the U.S. from TransAudio Group.

Trans Audio Group introduces Drawmer 1971 4-Band Parametric EQ. This new edition to the Drawmer 70s series of FET-based gear offers two channels of fully featured 4-band parametric EQ and a new CRUSH button with the ability to deliver a myriad of unique musical applications on each bandwidth.

Noted Brad Lunde, president and founder of TransAudio Group, “Widely popular, the Drawmer 70’s series has received many industry awards, and this new EQ is sure to follow. The features embodied in the 1971, plus the amazing new CRUSH button, allow for fine-tuned tactile tone sculpting. CRUSH is a dramatic tool. Engineers and producers will love the diverse and subtle creative options. Drawmer gear is designed and handmade by Drawmer in the UK – no small feat for a pro audio manufacturer.”

Now Available. Price: $1799.00 Details here

This isn’t just a concert—it’s a call to action. Less than 10% of all federal health research funding goes to women’s health research, and even those dollars are in jeopardy. That’s why proceeds from the Women Who Rock Benefit Concert directly support Magee-Womens Research Institute, the nation’s first and largest research institute dedicated to life-saving women’s health research across the lifespan.

This year’s Women Who Rock™ Benefit Concert will star Jessica Simpson.

Simpson is an award-winning, multifaceted artist whose influence spans music, television, film, publishing, and fashion. A global icon, she has captivated audiences with her authenticity, talent, and entrepreneurial drive.

As presenting sponsor for the Women Who Rock™ Benefit Concert from the beginning, the leading global guitar brand Gibson continues to shape the sounds of generations of musicians across the globe. “Women Who Rock and the Magee-Womens Research Institute align with the values of Gibson Gives in supporting the whole health of all communities,”  says Beth Heidt, Chief Marketing Officer at Gibson.

The GBU Life Stage will also feature DJ ms.TIZA, Buffalo Rose, a performance from this year’s WWR Rising Star Contest Winner, and a special in-show moment honoring SURVIVORS WHO ROCK, presented by UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.

Fashion designer Kiya Tomlin will be honored live with the 2025 WWR Impact Award presented by Peoples, an Essential Utilities Company.

This year’s event emcee will be Kelly Dzanaj On-Air Personality for 100.7 Star FM.

Women Who Rock™ concert attendees will be able to rock the signature Pink Carpet entrance presented by UPMC Health Plan and also indulge in the Beauty Bar offering free beauty perks and giveaways, a social sharing photo booth, the Rockstar Silent Auction, and a limited number of VIP tickets include access to the VIP Lounge, Gifting Suite and Pre-Show Happy Hour.

To learn more about event details and tickets for the 2025 Women Who Rock™ Benefit Concert visit: womenwhorock.info.

For studioexpresso by Janice Lee

The annual Met Gala, aka The First Monday in May, continues its traditionas both an ultimate fashion event, and a benefit for The Costume Institute (Met Museum). It began as the Museum of Costume Art until merging with the Met Museum in 1946.

This year’s Met Gala theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style rose out of Monica L. Miller’ 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diaspora Identity Miller is an author and Chair/Professor of Africana Studies at Barnard College/NYC.

Anna Wintour Costume Center/Costume Institute Curator Andrew Bolton asked Miller to be the guest curator for the 2025 Met Gala, using her book as the uniting theme for the Gala and a Met Museum exhibition (on view now through October 26, 2025).

Over the centuries, Black history, culture and arts have been woven into the fabric of American history. Enduring and surviving through the darker times, there also exists a rise of pride, strength and fortitude which carries through to the current day. Their unique perspectives and creativity shape and enhance the American experience.

Nowhere is this more true than in contemporary music. Early touchstones include Cab Calloway, ragtime, Duke Ellington jazz,The Cotton Club, Josephine Baker, Miles Davis, Florence Price,The Apollo Theater,

and the list goes on. During the Harlem Renaissance, there was a new sound, and also a new look.

Today, these iconic artists and their images are quickly recognized without even a musical note or sound.

For the Met Gala, it meant sharply tailored suits, pinstripes, kiss curls, hats -all these classic looks were created, re-created, and re-harmonized with an artistic spirit, with an expressions of fashion freedom.

What is Black Dandyism? One of many responses, award-winning American singer, songwriter, composer, bandleader, television personality and actor Jon Batiste (above) expresses in a pre-Met Gala clip: "Somebody that celebrates living in a one-of-a-kind body and tailors everything to that body."

True to his musical wardrobe, Batiste accessorized his dapper suit with an alto saxophone, and serenaded attendees along the blue carpet, playing My Favorite Things.

Above: Jon Batiste w/ alto sax courtesy of his social media post.

Below Dianna Ross with grand children photo credit Dennis Gocer

Above right: Met Gala 2025: Rihanna fashionably announces third pregnancy in wool jacket, bustier bodysuit and tailored skirt (PC: Getty Images). left: André 3000 at the 2025 Met Gala.Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty

The Met Gala red carpet is the only public portion of a very private event. This year, the red carpet turned to a rich midnight blue, adorned with daffodils as symbols to represent stars in the night sky (created by artist Cy Gavin). This underlying theme extended to the thousands of daffodils lining the side ‘railings’ leading up the Blue Carpet stairs, to the walls and even the ceiling. Set designer Derek McLane and event planner Raúl Àvila translated this visual to the carpet that welcomed attendees and guided them up the stairs to the event.

For the opening festivities on the blue carpet, the all-Black male gospel choir Silk and Sound, performed conducted by Allen René Louis. They sang their spot-on choral rendition of Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. The vocal performance and choreography was alive with spirit and joy. How fitting that the legendary Ms. Diana Ross (EU & UK tour starts June 22) graced the Met with a flowing white gown and matching hat, both with feather trim. Working with Nigerian designer Ugo Mozie, Ms. Ross' gown was complete with an 18-foot long train, with the names of all her children and eight grandchildren embroidered into the train. In an interview on the blue carpet, Ms. Ross called it “Affair Forever, Family Gown”. A musical icon in the public eye all her life, she was joined by her family (son Evan Ross and daughter Tracee Ellis Ross). Speaking of family, Rihanna fashionably announced her third pregnancy in a wool jacket, bustier bodysuit and tailored skirt.

Memorable outfits in the Galla's history include: Rhianna's 2015 Met Gala outfit by Guo Pei - the yellow fur-lined masterpiece, weighing 50 lbs with a 16-foot train. Then there was the unforgettable Björk in the swan dress at the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001. Actor and musician Jared Leto's (Thirty Seconds to Mars) in a furry friend (Karl Lagerfeld's famous cat, Choupette) in 2023. Meow!

Music, and fashion go together. Through the years Elton John has graced stages with his platform shoe and eyeglasses, Prince, designed his own clothes and booths, while reducing it all down to one color: Purple. Cher and Bob Mackie's groundbreaking collaboration endures.

In 2025 the piano was the new black! André 3000 took the cake by wearing a piano (Steinway Model S baby grand, to be exact), strapped to his back! His ‘outfit’ was created at 75 percent scale by design company Pink Sparrow. Not to miss the marketing opportunity, André3000 released 7 piano sketches (top right), a new collection of instrumental tracks, at exactly the moment he ascended the blue carpet. He calls the personal, at home recordings, improvisations.

And there was a lot of improvisations at the Met this year. See you next May!



MUSICARES AND THE RECORDING ACADEMY^®

$26 million Raised Almost Half Distributed For Fire Relief Effort

MusiCares^® has distributed $6,125,000 to more than 3,100 music professionals across Los Angeles and $3,969,005 has been directed to three community-based organizations: California Community Foundation, Direct Relief and Pasadena Community Foundation. 

Donations made during the GRAMMY telecast came from everyday supporters around the world, with the median contribution of $53.50. This overwhelming show of solidarity demonstrated how people across the globe opened their hearts, and their wallets, in support of Angelenos in need. The GRAMMY telecast also included several performances and segments dedicated to raising awareness of the crisis created by the wildfires.

“The music community does amazing things when it comes together,” said Recording Academy^® and MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason jr. For more information on the MusiCares Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort or to donate, please visit www.musicares.org

This Zoom talk will reflect on how the Pacific Northwest Film Scoring program helped shape composer Sandrine Rudaz' work and and professional life. "I'll share insights on indie vs. studio projects and the challenges of maintaining work-life balance, says Rudaz.

​Originally from Switzerland she has worked on projects such as FUBAR (Netflix, with Arnold Schwarzenegger), Diablo IV (Blizzard), and Juror #2 by Clint Eastwood (Warner Bros.). She composed the score for the European TV show On the High Seas (ARTE/RTS). A board member of the AWFC, she helps expand the organization’s presence in Europe. She is a two-time Hollywood Music in Media Award winner and a voting member of the World Soundtrack and Recording Academy.

Register here

Until next month,

Express your creativity. Buy direct from musicians.

Tell us about your new release or reach out for music production support.

See you on the green at RIGT June 23, where espresso martini is on the house.

Music Lives and Moves!

Claris Sayadian-Dodge, founder/editor

claris@studioexpresso.com

Right: with Gavin Lurrsen and ian Charbanneau at RIGT 2024