Michael Whalen, Future Shock / Film and TV Composer

Michael Whalen Composer

In one of the wider ranging conversations we’ve ever had, we speak with Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated keyboardist and composer Michael Whalen. As you’ll hear, that is only two strings to his bow and Michael has some fascinating insights into the music industry and making a living from music in the digital age.

Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):

Deep Work by Cal Newport

Michael’s Future Shock project

Simon Phillips

Tony Levin

Karmic Dreams

Elias Music

Michael J Fox in a 1987 Pepsi Commercial

Duran Duran – All She Wants Is (from the Big Thing album)

Herb Pilhofer

Frank Zappa and his Synclavier

Good Morning America Theme

Arif Mardin

Myndstream records

Gustavo Santaolalla

Rick Wakeman’s Twitter Account

Rick Wakeman’s RRHOF acceptance speech

Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers

Grace Jones – Slave to the Rhythm

Not discussed (yet) but well worth the read: Michael writes on digital rights and tracking your income

Tag a keyboard player: Tom Brislin

Desert Island Discs: Greatest Hits Vol. 1 – Earth, Wind and Fire, Works Vol. 1 – Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Duke – Genesis, Silk Degrees – Boz Scaggs, Toto IV – Toto.

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Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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