Audio Talks

Hosted by HARMAN

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105

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Audio Talks. A podcast on all things audio presented to you by HARMAN and our family of audio brands including JBL, Harman Kardon and AKG. Host Oisin Lunny, music journalist and audio enthusiast, will interview expert guests, legends of the music industry and audio scientists to discuss the power of music and audio in all its facets. New episode bi-weekly every Thursday.

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60 recent

August 6, 2026Episode 1061 hr 2 min

Built to Be Heard: Inside Yungblud's B.R.A.T. Store

Audio Talks continues its latest season with host Oisin Lunny joined by Bobby and Elle from the creative team behind Yungblud's B.R.A.T. community space, alongside HARMAN audio expert Ed Jackson, for a conversation on inspiring the next generation of creators through the power of sound. Recorded at the B.R.A.T. pop-up in the heart of Soho, London, the episode explores how music, culture, education and technology came together to create an immersive space where young people could get hands-on with the world of professional audio. From sound engineering workshops and live music experiences to behind-the-scenes insights into how great audio environments are built, Bobby, Elle and Ed discuss the vision behind the space and the challenge of creating meaningful learning opportunities within a high-energy, artist-led setting. The conversation explores how JBL Professional and HARMAN helped transform the venue into a destination for creativity, giving visitors a chance to experience the tools, technology and expertise that power some of the world's most memorable music experiences. Drawing on personal experiences from across music, design and professional audio, the guests also reflect on how the creator landscape is changing, the opportunities available to young talent today, and why community remains at the heart of creative growth. The result is an inspiring discussion about opening doors, sparking curiosity and helping the next generation discover what's possible when passion meets innovation.

July 7, 2026Episode 10551 min

The Show Must Go On: Behind the Scenes of a Career on the Main Stage

Audio Talks continues celebrating JBL’s 80th anniversary with host Oisin Lunny joined by renowned live sound experts Lisa Brock-Affenzeller and Daniella Peters for a behind-the-scenes look at how concert audio has evolved from analogue racks and hand-built systems to the sophisticated digital technologies powering today’s biggest shows. From Daniella’s chance start at Coachella to Lisa’s early obsession with rock concerts, the conversation explores the personal journeys that led them to the heart of the live music industry — and the mentors, relationships and opportunities that helped shape their careers. Drawing on decades of experience mixing and delivering sound for audiences around the world, Lisa and Daniella reveal how advances in line arrays, digital networking, sound prediction software and recallable show settings have transformed what’s possible in live production. They discuss the shift from hauling bulky multicore cables to deploying intelligent systems that can model venue acoustics before a single speaker is installed, helping engineers deliver consistently immersive experiences at unprecedented scale. Looking ahead, the episode explores how rising audience expectations, social media-driven experiences and the next generation of digital-native engineers are reshaping the future of live sound.

June 18, 2026Episode 10448 min

Hitting Play: The Evolution of Consumer Audio

Audio Talks continues celebrating JBL’s 80th anniversary with host Oisin Lunny joined by HARMAN experts to explore the evolution of audio technology — from the early days of portable sound to today’s immersive, personalized experiences. The conversation looks at how innovation in audio has shifted listening from something passive to something deeply felt, with breakthroughs in portable speakers, spatial audio and connected ecosystems transforming how we engage with sound in our everyday lives. At the heart of this journey is JBL, consistently pushing the boundaries of what sound can do to create richer, more emotional experiences. Drawing on real-world insight and forward-looking perspectives, the episode explores how emerging technologies such as AI and biosensing are set to redefine personal audio. From sound that adapts in real time to user behaviour to systems that can respond to emotion, the discussion highlights a future where audio becomes more intuitive, responsive and human. As innovation accelerates, the episode makes clear that the future of sound is not just about what we hear — but how it connects, enhances and moves us.

June 4, 2026Episode 10256 min

Hitting the Right Note: JBL’s Connection to Tokyo’s Kissa Bars

Audio Talks continues its latest season celebrating JBL's 80th anniversary with host Oisin Lunny joined by Mark de Clive‑Low and filmmaker Nick Dwyer to explore Japan’s legendary Ongaku Kissa — intimate listening spaces where music, community and craftsmanship come together. The conversation unpacks the origins of Kissa culture and its evolution into “movie theatres for music,” where silence, respect and full‑album listening create a uniquely immersive experience. At the heart of many of these spaces are meticulously tuned JBL systems, engineered to reveal the full emotional depth of every record and deliver sound as it was intended to be heard. Drawing on personal stories and a decade‑long documentation of the culture, Mark and Nick explore how intentional listening — shaped by ritual, design and human connection — transforms how we experience music. From the reverence of the listener to the dedication of Kissa owners, the episode highlights how JBL technology and Japanese listening traditions work in harmony to create deeply transportive moments.

May 21, 2026Episode 10148 min

Driven By Sound: Why JBL Rules the Road

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.

April 27, 2026Episode 991 hr 3 min

How Concerts Became Cultural Moments

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, 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.

January 19, 2026Episode 911 hr 4 min

New Years (R)evolution

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.

December 19, 2025Episode 981 hr 24 min

Lessons from the Godfather of Digital Music

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.

December 4, 2025Episode 9733 min

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

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.

November 21, 2025Episode 9634 min

How AI and Immersive Audio are Rewriting the Rules of Listening

In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Dr. Mathias Johansson, Vice President of the Cognitive Systems Lab at Harman—a team at the forefront of AI and immersive audio innovation. Together, they dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming the very nature of listening, making sound more responsive, emotional, and personal than ever before. Mathias shares how Harman’s legacy of engineering excellence and decades of research underpin their approach to immersive audio, from gaming and automotive to live music experiences. The conversation explores the science behind perceptual modelling, the challenges of creating truly realistic 3D sound, and how AI is shifting audio from something you control to something that understands you. He also discusses the future of sound—from adaptive, emotionally intelligent audio environments that follow you through your day, to the role of immersive audio in safety, entertainment, and even live concerts. Mathias reflects on the importance of user feedback, the intersection of psychology and technology, and Harman’s commitment to making world-class sound accessible to everyone. +++++++++ Hear more about Auracast here: https://audiotalks.podigee.io/76-bluetooth-exploring-auracast Our Audio Talks Playlist: 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 @HARMAN_intl Twitter @HARMAN_intl Facebook @HARMANint LinkedIn @HARMAN International https://artoflistening.harman.com/