Tech Talk: Simpler is Better with Ross & Reza

Episode 11 of Surroundscapes Season 8 welcomes John Boyle, founder of MusicForBusinessFinder.com, for a conversation about simplifying commercial music licensing and helping businesses create better customer experiences. John and Graeme explore how businesses can compare licensed music services, navigate complex licensing requirements, and avoid the risks of using personal streaming subscriptions in commercial spaces. From playlist curation and multi-location management to AI-driven music services and the power of sound in shaping brand identity, this episode highlights how the right music strategy can enhance customer engagement, support employees, and create more memorable experiences. Learn more at https://musicforbusinessfinder.com/

Episode 10 of Surroundscapes looks at the “integrator of the future” as Ross and Reza explore how the convergence of AV and IT is reshaping the skills required for successful commercial audio installations. From networking fundamentals and better pre-installation planning to troubleshooting, cybersecurity, cloud-based monitoring, APIs, and AI, they discuss why today’s integrators need expertise that extends well beyond traditional AV. The conversation also highlights the importance of communication, curiosity, and continuous learning—and how embracing new technologies can help integrators work more efficiently, deliver greater value, and uncover new service opportunities.

This episode of Surroundscapes puts the spotlight on Waybox, a Portuguese background music provider combining curated content, technology, and personalized service to help businesses create more engaging customer experiences. Graeme is joined by Catarina Marques and João Marques to explore Waybox’s evolution from background music into digital signage, mobile apps, messaging, and other integrated services. They also discuss the growing importance of music to brand identity, the potential impact of AI on content and curation, and how Waybox’s integration with Bluesound Professional is creating a more flexible, reliable solution for commercial audio.

This episode of Surroundscapes welcomes former Intel technologist and principal consultant Greg Schlechter for a wide-ranging conversation about the technological transformations reshaping the AV industry. Drawing on decades of experience in networking, standards, and distributed computing, Greg and Graeme explore the evolution of networked AV, the convergence of AV and IT, and the shift from dedicated hardware toward software, cloud, and edge-based systems. They also examine the growing impact of AI, open standards, cybersecurity, and broadcast technologies—and why greater collaboration across companies, disciplines, and industries will be essential as AV enters its next era.

This episode of *Surroundscapes* welcomes Greg Spain, Vice President of Dealer Development at Steady Brand, for a conversation about the evolution of commercial music and the technologies reshaping how businesses manage their audio experiences. Greg and Craig explore Steady Brand’s dealer-focused approach, the value of recurring revenue for integrators, and its new partnership with Bluesound Professional. From creating more intentional branded environments with licensed commercial music to centralized management and AI-powered messaging, the episode highlights how streaming, smarter technology, and strong dealer relationships are creating new opportunities across the commercial AV industry.

This episode of Surroundscapes continues the conversation with Ross and Reza as they explore why, when it comes to commercial audio, simpler can often be better. From reducing training and installation requirements to eliminating unnecessary hardware and complexity, they discuss how streamlined control solutions can make life easier for integrators, managers, and everyday users alike. The conversation also looks at customizable interfaces, PoE-powered systems, flexible scalability, and how choosing only the technology a space actually needs can create a more efficient and cost-effective audio solution.

Episode 5 of Surroundscapes explores the intersection of creativity, technology, and immersive experience with Oisin O’Brien, founder of Visual Spectrum Studios. From large-scale projection mapping and global touring productions to spatial audio, automation, and new media art, Oisin shares how his team combines creative direction with technical production to build experiences that surround the audience. The conversation also looks at the future of immersive entertainment, the importance of collaboration between creatives and technology partners, and how Visual Spectrum Studios is using its Belfast space as an incubator for new ideas designed to travel around the world.

Episode 4 of Surroundscapes Season 8 welcomes Dmitri Vietze, founder of Rock Paper Scissors and Music Tectonics, for a wide-ranging conversation about the forces reshaping music, technology, and professional AV. From building stronger connections between creators and technologists to rethinking how sound can create more intentional, immersive experiences, Dmitri and Graeme explore where these increasingly connected industries are headed. The discussion also dives into AI and human creativity, new opportunities for artist monetization and super fandom, and how emerging technologies could create more interactive and engaging experiences in retail, hospitality, and beyond.

This episode of Surroundscapes takes a closer look at how Bluesound Professional is helping transform the in-store audio experience at Westridge and Valley Fresh Markets. Craig Cooper sits down with Manny Rodriguez to discuss the family-owned grocer’s search for a reliable, high-quality commercial audio solution and how Bluesound Professional has delivered throughout the store—from background music and paging to audio inside the coolers. They also explore ease of use, installation, customer and staff reactions, and why the solution is now being expanded to additional locations.

Episode 2 of Surroundscapes Season 8 explores the idea that “the speaker is the system” and how intelligent, all-in-one networked speakers are simplifying commercial audio. Ross and Reza discuss how bringing streaming, DSP, amplification, and the loudspeaker together in a single endpoint can reduce installation complexity while unlocking greater flexibility, scalability, and control. From dynamic zoning and remote monitoring to proactive troubleshooting and new managed-service opportunities for integrators, this episode looks at how smarter endpoints are changing the way commercial audio systems are designed, installed, and supported.