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Spotlight On
Spotlight On
The musicians, writers, innovators and ideas shaping media, entertainment, and culture.
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Spotlight On
Latest Episode

Rez Abbasi: When Everything Else Fades, Sound Remains

The Pakistani-American guitarist and composer opens up about expanding his long-running acoustic ensemble, the philosophy behind 'Sound Remains,' and finding musical magic through non-attachment.

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Recent Episodes

Aug. 14, 2025

Rez Abbasi: When Everything Else Fades, Sound Remains

The Pakistani-American guitarist and composer opens up about expanding his long-running acoustic ensemble, the philosophy behind 'Sound Remains,' and finding musical magic through non-attachment.
Aug. 7, 2025

Jeremy Sirota Grills Lawrence Peryer on Creative Leadership

The Merlin CEO has our podcast host explain why he believes in everything and nothing, how to facilitate creative thinking in corporate environments, and what the future holds beyond streaming platforms.
July 31, 2025

Sean Imboden: Into the Heart of Big Band Jazz

The Indianapolis-based saxophonist opens up about his move from Broadway sideman to big band leader, the creative challenges of leading a seventeen-piece jazz ensemble, and the community spirit that shaped his debut album 'Communal Heart.'
July 24, 2025

Glenn Dickson & Bob Familiar: The Clarinet in the Machine

Clarinetist Glenn Dickson and synthesist Bob Familiar discuss their serendipitous meeting, patient creative process, and how they transform studio improvisations into the luminous compositions on 'All the Light of Our Sphere.'
July 17, 2025

Gustavo Cortiñas: A Jazz Drummer's Call to Action

From his Mexican roots to Chicago's jazz scene, Cortiñas explains how he builds "bold, urgent conversations" on his album 'The Crisis Knows No Borders,’ addressing climate change through the language of improvised music.
July 10, 2025

Kim Perlak: Guitar, Percussion, and the Space Between

The Berklee guitar chair discusses her album 'Spaces' with percussionist Francisco Mela, how natural environments inspire her compositions, and the evolution from classical interpretation to improvisational freedom.

About the Host

Lawrence Peryer Profile Photo

Lawrence Peryer

Executive Producer & Host, Spotlight On

Throughout his career, LP has worked with a variety of music artists to help them grow and shape their relationships with their fans. This work has included producing and executive producing dozens of websites, online events and campaigns, film and video projects, even a pair of experiential pop-up retail locations for a global music icon. Along the way, his work has racked up dozens of prestigious awards and nominations. As a commentator, LP has been featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, Wall Street Journal, BBC Radio, and countless other print and broadcast outlets. He is an international speaker and panelist and a published writer on both business and cultural topics.

Reviews

Curiosity

"Whether I’m considering science, poetry, carpentry, or music, nothing opens the door to enlightenment wider than the (spoken or unspoken) phrase “I’m curious…” If there’s a secret sauce to Spotlight …"

Harry Landers | April 8, 2025

Brilliant

"As one of Lawrence’s interview subjects, I can tell you I was really impressed with his preparation and insightful questions as well as his professional and comfortable vibe. I really enjoyed chattin…"

joebrent | March 12, 2025

One of the More Entertaining Music Chat Podcasts Out There

"I think Lawrence is one of the best under-the-radar podcast interviewers in podcast-land. These shows feel like fly-on-the-wall conversations, with Lawrence often prompting his guests into pleasantly…"

General Zubon | Sept. 22, 2023

Keep getting better!

"Great series of podcasts and interviews from people across the entirety of the live music space. Such a treat to hear LP speak with his guests about life, music, art and everything in between. 10/10 …"

relly124 | Nov. 11, 2022

An easy yet insightful listen

"It’s special to get a behind the scenes look of how guests on the show have navigated their life to live out their passion in music and reflect on how they got to where they are today."

815ams | Aug. 4, 2022

Interesting and Insightful

"I love hearing interviews with people from all spaces of the pop culture spectrum. Lawrence is a natural host and the podcast always has the most interesting questions. I look forward to seeing who t…"

JNO(ctrl) | Aug. 4, 2022

Excited for future episodes!

"It feels like we get to hear a behind the scenes conversation. Thanks for providing insight from key leaders in the live events industry!"

Ashley Bland | April 29, 2020

Just what we needed

"This is exactly what the industry needed at this time - measured insights and analysis from various sectors. Please keep them coming."

jimilayne | April 29, 2020

Very Insightful and Thoughtful Conversation

"Really enjoyed the first episode and learning more about Ben and his other projects. Keep em comin’!!!"

cheftricci4 | March 5, 2020

Peak behind the curtain

"Super fun to finally see these interviews come out!"

lperyer | Feb. 6, 2020

So fun!

"A great inside look at the music industry!"

Jonny_electric | Feb. 6, 2020