Audio Talks

Hosted by HARMAN

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Episodes

102

Latest episode

Jun 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

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/

November 7, 2025Episode 9543 min

The Power of Musical Score in Film, Stage, TV and Interactive Media

In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny is joined by trailblazing composer and conductor Eímear Noone, whose music has shaped everything from the Oscars to iconic video games like World of Warcraft and Diablo III. Together, they explore the transformative power of musical storytelling across film, television, and interactive media. Eímear shares how her Irish roots, early mentors, and relentless curiosity propelled her from a small village to the world’s most prestigious stages. The conversation delves into her experiences in the video game industry, the unique challenges and creative opportunities of composing for games, and the emotional depth that music can bring to storytelling. She also discusses her commitment to supporting the next generation of composers through her mentorship program for young female artists, reflecting on the importance of resilience, community, and paying it forward in the music world.

October 23, 2025Episode 9437 min

HARMAN & Sound United: Amplifying Audio's Future

In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny welcomes Lyle Smith, president of the Sound United Strategic Business Unit at HARMAN, for an in-depth conversation about HARMAN’s recent acquisition of Sound United and its ripple effects across the audio industry. Lyle shares his personal journey into audio, from formative childhood experiences and a defining first concert at Red Rocks, to his passion for building relationships and elevating iconic brands. The episode also examines the promise of future product innovations and commitment to the audiophile community. Lyle Smith highlights the emotional connection people have with music, the challenge of balancing technical specifications with emotional appeal, and the responsibility to preserve brand authenticity. The conversation is rich with anecdotes about legendary brands—Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, and more—and the importance of keeping their DNA intact within the HARMAN ecosystem.

October 9, 2025Episode 9344 min

Has Music Become Too Perfect?

In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Grammy-winning producer and engineer Frank Filipetti and Dr. Hauke Egermann, professor of systematic musicology at the University of Cologne. Together, they tackle one of the most provocative questions in modern music: Has music become too perfect? Drawing on decades of experience and research, Frank and Hauke explore the evolution of music listening, from the days of active, immersive engagement to today’s era of passive, background soundtracks. The conversation dives into the impact of technology, from auto-tune and pitch correction to AI-generated music, and considers how these tools can both enhance and diminish the emotional depth and human connection in music. They share insights from the Art of Listening project, reflect on the importance of imperfection, and offer practical advice for reconnecting with the soul of music in a world of infinite digital possibilities. This episode offers a compelling look at how humanity, emotion, and imperfection remain at the heart of truly memorable music, even as technology continues to reshape the art form.