August 2025

Fall is for your consideration with new releases, smells and smiles. Listen to the mock Brit band who claims the end continues. We meet their producer. We take you inside a historic studio where the band formed in Agoura Hills is celebrating back from zero. Meet two creatives from Black Music Collective. This film icon's studio and home in the Hollywood Hills could be yours! She rocks with covers while a cheeky DIY duo gets in our video spotlight.

Register for AES, Long Beach...You're invited to the after-party! All treats for your social calendar. Grab an espresso and enjoy this month's serving.

Enjoy this short Q&A with producer CJ Vanston who will be our speaker guest at NAMM TEC Tracks on

Thursday January 22, 1pm (Save the date)!!

SE: The boys went on Jimmy Kimmel before the show got suspended this month by ABC. Hope it wasn't because of the interview with Spinal Tap?

CJV: Yes, could be. They also did an interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe!

SE: We're featuring the Stonehenge video in our spotlight with you playing with Sir Elton John.

What was it like working with Elton?

CJV: Elton was probably little nervous. He's a perfectionist you know when it comes to every detail regarding his performance and appearance. This is a very, very, very sweet man. 

SE: Where did you record and produce the album?

CJV: We’ve been mostly working at Village Recorders and they’ve been great. We’ve had a great time there. We’re pretty much village people and you know I worked there years ago and I love it because I get priority parking. 

SE: Songs: Deva Fever, Cash on Delivery are heavy on drums - in the mockumentary the band is in a mad search for a drummer. Who’s playing drums on the album?

CJV: We call her DiDi but I don’t know if I wanna give away her name Ok. It’s Valerie Franco, 

as the character Didi Crockett. So she plays on most of the album. Russell Kunkel plays on a song too. Russell was also in the original movie. 

SE: Can you talk about your arrangement and how things are different live vs studio?

CJV: I would say they’re pretty tight. You know we’ve been doing this for 34 years so when we play stuff we don’t deviate that much.  

SE: I understand the band has a philosophy about loudness. At what volume is best to listen to

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues?

CJV: As loud as possible. 

SE: Sorry I can't hear you. Curious about the song Give Me Some More Money. Does it work? 

CJV: Yes it works! It was one of the first songs.

SE: Any other projects that keep you busy?

CJV: Yes I’m working with Mr Derek Smalls on his solo record And we’re gonna be doing that the next couple months and then January February we’re mixing the Stonehenge concert and that’s a shit load of work. 

SE: Spinal Tap II: The End Continuous. How was the screening in LA earlier this month and who attended? 

CJV: It was a blast. Sean Connery told me once don’t ever name drop! 

SE: Ok CJ. Look forward to seeing you and your engineer Steve Genewick in January at NAMM!

We will talk about how to turn setbacks into sales like Spinal Tap does!

Top: Linkin Park performing an acoustic set to launch the New Album From Zero at East West Studio L-R: Mike Shinoda, Emily Armstrong, Brad Delson on September 12, 2025. Photo: studioexpresso

Linkin Park has a new album, heralding a new chapter with lead singer Emily Armstrong.

From Zero embraces a new era for the band while honoring the legacy of Chester Bennington, 41, found dead at his home in Palos Verdes in 2017.

From Zero is the band's first full album featuring lead vocalist Emily Armstrong. The co-founder of critically acclaimed band Dead Sara, joined the returning members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix (bass), Colin Brittain (drums) and Joe Hahn. She first met Shinoda in 2019.

From Zero started at Shinoda's home studio before moving to East West Studios in Los Angeles where the band began working with Brad Delson (co-founded Linkin Park in 1996 with Shinoda and Mark Wakefield).

Shinoda who produced the album with Delson and Colin Brittain co-producing, spoke about "the need to express creativity persisted" after seven years of grieving for his friend. He also stressed the importance of connecting to his music community.

The album offers Hard-edged songs like Two Faced and Heavy Is The Crown with emotionally charged Over Each Other and Good Things Go.

The band performed a captivating acoustic set for music industry guests at the historic East West Studios on September 12 (above photo). The band performed a stripped-down version of The Emptiness Machine, in this month's studioexrpesso's video (official) spotlight.

From Zero released on Warner Music blends the band’s iconic rock sound with reclaimed energy, capturing a bold evolution in their musical journey. The album has 11 songs on its standard edition. A deluxe edition was later released with 14 songs, including three new studio tracks and five live tracks from their performances.

The band earned their first three Grammy® nominations at the 44th Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Best Rock Album (Hybrid Theory) and Best Hard Rock Performance for Crawling. They took home their first Grammy® that same year for Best Hard Rock Performance. The band’s worldwide sales across the entire catalog eclipses 100 million, and among numerous accolades and honors, they have garnered 2 Grammy® Awards (6 noms), 5 American Music Awards, 4 MTV VMA Awards, 10 MTV Europe Music Awards and 3 World Music Awards. Linkin Park takes Spotify's top 10 most-streamed albums of all time.

From Zero's art for the album cover is adorned with fluid textures and colors --it's closeup photos of real life elements--liquids, solids, and lights, by photographer Brian Ziff and artist Josh Foster.

As for the title, Shinoda explains. “Before Linkin Park, our first band name was Xero. This album title refers to both this humble beginning and the journey we’re currently undertaking. Sonically, and emotionally, it is about past, present, and future—embracing our signature sound, but new and full of life.”

Pre-order From Zero -- CD box set, vinyl, and cassette tape available on November 15 via Warner Records. . Pre-order and check out Tour Dates HERE

Deborah Silver Rocks Catalina Hollywood 
Music From Her New Album Basie Rocks!

Deborah Silver celebrated her CD release, Basie Rocks in "Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album" category at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood on September 17th. Michael Orland led the band with the rhythm section who recorded her music with Bijon Watson leading the horn section with Dan Kaneyuki and Francisco Torres on Wednesday night. The album is produced by Steve Jordan, and engineered and mixed by Dave O'Donnell and Paul Kronk. Featured arrangers are John Clayton, Scotty Bernhard (also co-produced), Adny Farber, and Kris Johnson. The songs offer arrangements for big band of greatest rock classics from The Beatles, The Stones, Elton John, Sting, Peter Frampton & more. Special musical guests include:Trombone Shorty, Bill Frisell and Arturo Sandoval.

Silver is backed by the legendary Count Basie Orchestra on the recording in honor of their 90th anniversary. Basie Rocks! is released on Green Hill 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

Left: Mastering engineer Natalie Bibby at Air with ATCs

In 2018 the studios started by Beatles producing genius George Martin added a full-range of speaker monitoring system with two ATC P2 PRO Dual Mono Power Amplifier additions.

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

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.

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

October 23-25, 2025      

AES Show 2025 

Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center 

This annual gathering unites over 10,000 audio professionals, enthusiasts, and exhibitors from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned expert, a novice, or a student, the AES Show provides a platform for collaboration, discovery, and learning 

Register here

Sponsor Opportunity here

AES After-Party!

Friday October 24, 6-10 pm

AES attendees can get in with AES badge!

The Majestic

A Benefit for Space Space

921 S Beacon St, San Pedro, CA 90731, San Pedro

(short 15-minute ride away from the Long Beach Convention Center)

studioexpresso media sponsor

RSVP here

For select sponsorship opportunities email us today!



Th January 22, 1pm

@ NAMM TEC Tracks

studioexpresso and Trans Audio Present

A Spinal Tap Moment with Producers CJ Vanston, Steve Genewick, Brent Fischer
Turning setbacks to success!



For more events visit our calendar

Four-Gen-Chef Dustin Trani (right), in collaboration with producer KamranV, is preparing a unique entertainment experience, including a special drink, The Majestic on the first-floor café, bar, and pool space where Music and audio industry VIPs are invited to gather for an AES after party on October 24.

History

Lucille Ball and Bob Hope entertained the USO at the Majestic in San Pedro.

Constructed in 1925, the building served as the Army & Navy YMCA for the service members at Fort MacArthur. 

Now the renovated historical building offers modern amenities with gallery and studio spaces, courtyards, pool and cafe.

The character of the building is preserved in its Spanish Colonial Revival style. Attractive architectural details include stately rooms, red-tile roofs, arched windows, and hand-painted ceiling art.

Topped with panoramic views of the harbor and the Vincent Thomas Bridge, The Majestic stands up to its name. RSVP here

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

David Lynch, as film director, has secured an honorable place in the cinematic landscape. A visual artist, musician, and actor, he's considered one of cinema's most original and influential talents, known for his surrealist and experimental films that depict a seemingly idyllic America hiding the mysterious and macabre. His critically acclaimed films Eraser head (1977), The Elephant Man (1980), Blue Velvet (1986), and Mulholland Drive (2001) are considered movie classics.

Following Lynch’s passing away in January of this year, the estate has now been put up for sale. In addition to the Lloyd Wright designed, Beverly Johnson House, the compound includes the studio and screening room designed by award-winning architects studio bau:ton, now nonzero\architecture.

The site of many of Mr. Lynch’s creative efforts, the studio building has been used for his visual as well as for his sound- and music-related work for almost three decades. Before its remodel the house had last been used as a movie set for Lynch’s film ‘Lost Highway’ where it played a starring role. ”The design had to incorporate the strict parameters of the technical spaces with the zoning and structural difficulties of the hillside site,” says Peter Grueneisen, FAIA, founding principal at nonzero\architecture and studio bau:ton. "Parallels between the architectural design process and methods used during movie-making became apparent and were exploited. For example, a new setback line at the northwest corner did not allow the addition to line up with the lower floor. This restriction led to the generation of angled cuts into the volume of the theater. Their seeming randomness reflects the idiosyncratic nature of the owner’s work, while accommodating an initially problematic zoning situation," adds Grueneisen.

The facility includes a movie screening room and a painting and drawing studio. A small office on the lower floor, a kitchen and an outdoor patio above the roof level were also added. The two main spaces can be seen as opposite extremes within a common shell. While the painting studio needs natural and diffused light, the screening room requires complete darkness. The openness of the painting space contrasts with the absolute enclosure of the recording studio and screening room. "The typically Californian dissolution of the boundaries between inside and outside is confronted by the secluded dreamworld of a virtual reality. The exterior of the building reflects the duality of the inside but mediates between the two different aspects to create a dynamic, if tense, equilibrium," says the designer Grueneisen.

David Lynch’s compound—comprising the Lloyd Wright–designed residence, pool house, studio building, 2-story guest house, and another 1-bedroom living space—is on the market for $15 million, per listing agent Marc Silver of Agency Real Estate. "The right buyer might be a Lynch fan, or even a foundation or museum," says Silver. Ideal for a film composer, we add.



The Audio Engineering Society will return to west coast events with the upcoming AES Show 2025, taking place October 23 – 25 at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center.

Featuring the latest in audio innovations, research, gear, technologies, and their creative application, the AES Show will offer the renowned AES International Convention elements most in-demand by the Society’s membership and audio professionals around the world, including the unparalleled technical program slate of Workshops, Tutorials and Paper presentations plus, in advance of the Convention, optional Tech Tours of local facilities and Skill Building Workshops.

The Audio Engineering Society announced the results of its 2025 Board of Directors and Board of Governors elections. The Society’s Membership has elected Cesar Lamschtein as President-Elect, and Jayant Datta as AES Treasurer. In the AES Elections for the Board of Governors (BoG), the following have been elected/re-elected as regional Vice Presidents: Kelvin Grimble, VP Central Region USA & Canada; Huseyin Hacihabiboglu, VP Southern Europe/Middle East/Africa Region; Piotr Majdak, VP Central Region, Europe; Ezequiel Morfi, VP Latin America Region; and Masataka Nakahara, VP Asia-Pacific Region. Additionally, newly elected as at-large Governors are Bernarda Ubidia, Jamie Baker and Fariuska Lira Barully. AES Members also ratified the four AES Bylaws amendments proposals presented on the ballot.

“As a volunteer-driven society, we are so grateful to our AES Members who step forward to serve in leadership roles,” says AES President Gary Gottlieb.

The Audio Engineering Society Educational Foundation also announced the recipients of AES Scholarships and Grants for Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in Audio Engineering for the 2025/2026 academic year.

“We are constantly evolving, and I am ready to do my part to continue this evolution, with a goal to bring many of the initiatives started in the last few years to fruition.” He is enthusiastic about the lineup of AES events in 2025, with three conventions and three conferences confirmed, and work has already begun on creating a compelling slate of events for 2026 and 2027.

In the early 2000s Gottlieb moved to St. Louis, where he ran and revamped Webster University’s Audio Program, expanding it to become the school’s Department of Audio Aesthetics & Technology. While in St. Louis he revitalized the St. Louis AES Section, which had lain dormant for 13 years, and helped students form the Webster University AES Student Section. Their Student Summit was a watershed event for the Central Region and the University.

During his time in St. Louis, he authored three books: Shaping Sound in the Studio & Beyond, Recording on the Go, and How Does It Sound Now? – Legendary Engineers and Vintage Gear, which won the 2010 Association for Recorded Sound Collections’ award for Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound Research. Second Editions of Shaping Sound and How Does It Sound Now? are due to be released in 2025.

Along with holding every local AES Section office possible, Gottlieb served two-year terms on the Society’s Board of Governors, first as a Governor then later as Regional Vice President for the Eastern Region of U.S. and Canada, and is now on the Board of Directors. He has served in leadership roles on the Historical Committee, the Conference Committee, and the Events Coordination Committee. “AES is a volunteer organization,” shares Gottlieb. “Our strength is in our ability to support the organization by volunteering. I encourage all members to pitch in to help build a stronger community, whether it’s on the local level, regionally or internationally”.

Special Session During AES, Long Beach

Inside the Productions of Brian Wilson

with GRAMMY®-winning Engineer/Producer Mark Linett (Beach Boys, Randy Newman, Rickie Lee Jones, Jane’s Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Los Lobos)

In Conversation with Warren Huart, Produce Like A Pro and AES, Long Beach Keynoter

Friday, October 24, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM PDT.

Mr Gottlieb, Mark Linett and Warren Huart are among our special guests at the AES after-party that starts following this talk at 6pm in San Pedro (see calendar section for more info).

For AES-LA events Check the AES-LA facebook page

L-R: Torae and J. Ivy

The Recording Academy^® has appointed GRAMMY^® Award-winning poet and artist J. Ivy and artist, songwriter and media host Torae as the new Co-Chairs of the Black Music Collective (BMC).

Selected by Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. and Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Chelsey Green, the pair will serve as thought leaders, collaborating on initiatives that build trust with and empower Black artists, creators and music executives. They will also help structure BMC programs, events and campaigns while advancing year-round efforts in education, advocacy, wellness, innovations, and continued investment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Torae is a multifaceted artist, songwriter and cultural leader whose influence spans music, media and community. A former president of the Academy’s New York Chapter, he is a vocal advocate for equitable music policy and systemic industry change. Torae hosts two signature SiriusXM shows, “The Tor Guide” and “That Raw,” and regularly appears on live platforms including New York City FC and the Rock the Bells Cruise. As a songwriter, his work has contributed to multi-platinum hits for artists like BLACKPINK, Cardi B, Lizzo, and Migos, with his music also featured across major networks and brands.

J. Ivy is a trailblazing poet, artist and performer who has redefined the role of poetry in mainstream culture. A three-time GRAMMY winner from Chicago, he made history in 2023 as the first poet to win the GRAMMY Award for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album for The Poet Who Sat By The Door, followed by a second win in 2024 for The Light Inside. His accolades also include honors from the Clio, Peabody and Telly Awards, as well as the NAACP Image Awards. J. Ivy’s career spans collaborations with icons like JAY-Z, John Legend and Ray Charles, as well as performances at the GRAMMY Awards Annual Premiere Ceremony^® , The White House, the United Nations, and major sporting events.

In addition to their new roles, J. Ivy continues to serve as Governor of the Chicago Chapter, while Torae holds a seat as a National Trustee representing the New York Chapter.

To learn more about the Black Music Collective, visit here.



Above: Gibson x Marc Jacobs JOY capsule collection Gibson Les Paul Studio guitars featuring artwork from Hattie Stewart.

Devon Thompson performs live with the Gibson x Marc Jacobs customized Les Paul at the Marc Jacobs JOY capsule collection launch event at The Corner Nordstrom NYC. Credit Yvonne Tnt/BFA.com.

During NY Fashion Week, fans and designer Marc Jacobs brought the JOY capsule collection to life with a launch party at The Corner, Nordstrom NYC. The crowd of fashion and art insiders including Whoopi Goldberg, Derrick Adams, June Ambrose, Abi Hoffman enjoyed a special live music performance from Gibson Spotlight Artist Los Angeles-based alt pop singer-songwriter Devon Thompson, who released her new single Wishing this week, watch/listen Here. Devon released her debut EP SKIN which spawned her biggest single yet, Sharp Teeth.

Gibson has partnered with iconic fashion house Marc Jacobs as part of the brand’s limited-edition JOY collection this fall. A fun fusion of wearable art and joyful expression, the Gibson x Marc Jacobs JOY collection features one special Gibson Les Paul™ Standard “Daisy Joy” design created in partnership with Marc Jacobs, as well as additional Gibson Les Paul™ Studio guitars designed by London-based artist and illustrator Hattie Stewart. In total, eight customized Marc Jacobs Gibson Les Paul guitars have been created. Four of these guitars are available exclusively at The Corner at Nordstrom NYC (call 212-295-2000 to purchase).

"Music and fashion have always fueled each other, and this collaboration is Gibson's way of celebrating that connection," says Jenny Marsh, Global Director of Cultural Influence and Artist Programs at Gibson.

The result is a vivid expression of joy, translated into ready-to-wear, accessories, and signature bags. Stewart's pop-surrealist florals and characters offer a psychedelic burst of optimism, Shrigley's satirical wit channels the absurdity that sparks laughter and lightness; and Adams' vibrant geometries celebrate color, rhythm, and play.

Malevolence Guitarists Josh Baines (left) and Konan Hall (right). Photo Credit: Riccardo Cenci

Malevolence are an English metalcore band formed in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, in 2010. They have released four studio albums and two EPs and established their own record label called MLVLTD Music. Their studio began its life in a spare bedroom with a DIY vocal booth. Malevolence’s recording space has grown into a fully outfitted creative space in a 1,000-square-foot former warehouse. Today, this professional studio allows the band to handle pre-production and jam sessions as they prepare for tours and upcoming albums. While the creative space may have evolved over time, one thing that has remained consistent is Hall’s use of his tried and trusted KRK ROKIT 8 G2 Studio Monitors.

“We started out recording our demos in my spare room; that’s where it all began,” recalls guitarist and vocalist Konan Hall. “Now, our professional studio houses a full live room downstairs and a custom-built vocal booth that gives us a professional space tailored to our creative process. It’s a far cry from those early days when all our demos were made in my house on a basic setup.”

In October 2017 the documentary, Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story, was released and directed by Jon Brewer.

This summer Rat sculptures for charity, "A Mischief of Rats" adorned public trails in Hull and East Yorkshire, UK from May to August.

Created to honor rock musician Mick Ronson (The Rats), the project featured 45 large, artist-decorated rat sculptures that raised funds for the Daisy Appeal, a charity supporting early diagnosis for cancer, heart disease, and dementia.

The sculptures were sold at a charity auction in September 2025, with the event raising £160,000. Now that's one good mischief to

And that's mischief for good!

Until next month,

Express your mischief for good!

Support musicians, music, and the arts.

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Music Lives and Moves!

Claris Sayadian-Dodge, founder/editor

claris@studioexpresso.com

Right: With producers l-r: Dave Schiffman, Greg Penny, Clark Germain and family at East West Studios.