The Kick & Snare Podcast

Episode 5: A Conversation With Allan Leibowitz, Editor of digitalDrummer Magazine

Exploring the World of Digital Drums with Allan Leibowitz - Kick & Snare Podcast
In this episode of Kick & Snare, host Michael sits down with Allan Leibowitz, founder and editor of digitalDrummer Magazine, to discuss the booming electronic drum market. Allan shares his journey from rediscovering drumming as an adult to launching the successful digitalDrummer Magazine. They delve into the technology behind electronic drums, the challenges and advantages, and their growing role in live performances and home studios. The conversation also explores the impact of electronic drums on music education and accessibility for differently-abled drummers. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how electronic drums are reshaping the drumming landscape.
00:00:00 - Intro to Allan Leibowitz & How We Each Came To Electronic Drums00:02:08 - The lack of information and critical reviews of electronic drums00:03:09 - The problem with the music instrument magazine publishing industry00:03:32 - The Launch of digitalDrummer Magazine00:05:28 - More About The Lack of True Critical Journalism in Music and Music Tech00:07:42 - Influencers.  Can we trust their reviews?00:09:42 - Electronic Drums  & Triggers - How Do They Work?00:11:25 - How The Technology is Changing00:13:54 - Interoperability and Innovation in Electronic Drums00:20:45 - Electronic Drums in Live Performance - The Big Tours00:23:46 - Electronic Drums in Live Performance - Weekend Warriors00:25:56 - Looks Still Matter - The Perception Problem00:27:45 - Mastery of Electronic Drums - Key to Getting Gigs00:29:59 - Sonic Possibilities00:31:56 - E-Drums In The Studio00:37:20 - Electronic Kits in Music Education00:46:06 - Stem Separation - On the Module?00:50:57 - Accessibility and Electronic Drumming 00:55:27 - Time to Raise the Profile of Finger Drumming 00:58:07 - Final Thoughts

Episode 4: Gary Geller’s Tales From The Tour Bus - Part 2: From Tour Life to Digital Innovation

In this episode of the Kick & Snare Podcast, Michael Nevins welcomes Gary Geller, founder of Breakpoint Digital, for more fascinating conversation as Gary's experiences in the music industry and beyond just don’t fit in one show. Gary shares stories from attending iconic concerts like Led Zeppelin at MSG and Leon Russell at the Fillmore East to his career transitions from living on the road as a tour manager for various artists, including the Sex Pistols and Living Colour, to his significant contributions to the tech industry, notably with music content innovators, Muze. The journey encompasses his deep dive into music metadata, e-commerce, and later roles driving business forward with various digital companies. Throughout the discussion, Gary underscores the importance of relationships and being good to people in sustaining a successful and fulfilling career.
00:00 Introduction
00:53 Gary's First Concert Experience
01:43 Favorite Concert Memories
03:00 Transitioning from the Road
05:24 Life on the Road: The Realities
07:23 Maintaining Relationships on Tour
09:15 Working with Al Jarreau and David Sanborn
13:20 Living Colour and Vernon Reid
17:55 Transition to Muze: The Early Days
23:22 Empowering Retail with Music Metadata
23:52 Investors with Opposite Personalities
25:11 The Evolution of Retail
27:39 The Rise of E-commerce
31:38 The Impact of Streaming and iTunes
34:44 Career Transitions and New Ventures
42:46 Advice for the Next Generation
44:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 3: Gary Geller's Tales From The Tour Bus (Part 1)

In this episode of the Kick & Snare Podcast, host Michael Nevins welcomes his dear friend, Gary Geller, founder of Breakpoint Digital. Gary shares fascinating stories from his extensive career in the music industry, starting from his early days working with various bands to his pivotal role in the Rolling Stones' Steel Wheels tour.
They discuss Gary's innovative work with Effanel Music, his experiences with iconic bands like Van Halen, Living Colour, and The Sex Pistols, and other adventures in tour and production management. Tune in for an inside look at the music industry's golden era and the personal journey of a seasoned professional. Don't miss part two for more of Gary’s tales from the road and back in the real world!

Episode 2: Andrew Rosenman and Media with a Public Purpose: Advertising in Service of Society

Join host Michael Nevins as he interviews Andrew Rosenman, the President of Arise Media Group, a leading Connected TV planning and buying agency. Celebrating almost 20 years in business, Andrew shares insights into his company's evolution and their role in public service campaigns. They delve into digital advertising and advanced TV and discuss the importance of media with a public purpose. From his early career, influenced by futuristic insights to leadership in digital media, Andrew provides perspectives on the industry's future. An engaging discussion filled with humor, history, and thought-provoking ideas about advertising, targeting, privacy, and more.

Episode 1: A Conversation With Tobin Trevarthen: Unlocking Creativity and Narrative Design

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of narrative design with Tobin Travarthen, founder of Spatial Shift by Tobin. Tobin shares his journey from sales and business development to creating immersive workshops that help companies redefine their narratives. We explore the distinctions between storytelling and narrative creation, discuss the impact of AI on narrative development, and delve into Tobin's eclectic career, including his experiences as a DJ, and how these diverse backgrounds influence his innovative approaches today. Join us for an insightful conversation on creativity, neurodiversity in the workplace, and the evolving landscape of media and branding.