Series 8

the future of commercial a/v

Season 8 of Surroundscapes explores the ideas, technologies, and people shaping the future of commercial audio. From emerging Pro AV trends and experiential design to music technology, licensing, open standards, and smarter approaches to system configuration, the series takes a practical look at what’s changing across the industry — and what it means for integrators, consultants, and end users.

Along the way, we’ll hear from industry experts, spotlight key partners and consultants, and go behind the scenes of real-world installations to see how thoughtful audio design is creating better, more engaging commercial spaces.

Episode 12

Case Study - ExPat Barbecue with General Manager Zach Brown

Oct 28, 2025: Case Study – ExPat Barbecue with General Manager Zach Brown

In this episode of Surroundscapes, Craig Cooper sits down with Zach Brown, General Manager of Expat BBQ in St. Louis, to explore how thoughtful sound design enhances the dining experience. They discuss the unique challenges of outfitting multi-level spaces—from indoor dining rooms to rooftop patios—and how Bluesound Professional’s flexible audio solutions help create cohesive yet dynamic atmospheres across the Niche Food Group’s venues.

Episode 11

Case Study - TED2026 Chill Out Zone

April 28, 2026 – TED2026

Episode 11 of Surroundscapes Series 7 wraps up the season with a compelling case study from the TED Conference in Vancouver, showcasing how immersive sound design can transform real-world environments. From the creation of a biophilic “listening room” powered by generative soundscapes to its impact on attendee wellbeing, focus, and engagement, this episode explores the growing role of sound in shaping human experience. It also highlights how these solutions are extending into workplaces, healthcare, and beyond—driving productivity, reducing stress, and redefining how we design spaces for people.

Episode 10

Tech Talk with Ross & Reza - The Lost Art of Troubleshooting

Apr 21, 2026: Tech Talk with Ross & Reza

Episode 10 of Surroundscapes Series 7 dives into the fundamentals of troubleshooting, exploring why a methodical, back-to-basics approach is more critical than ever in today’s networked AV environments. From starting simple and isolating variables to navigating complex configurations, VLANs, and AV-over-IP systems, this episode breaks down practical strategies to diagnose issues faster and more effectively. Whether you’re an integrator or technician, it’s a valuable reminder that strong troubleshooting isn’t just a skill—it’s essential to delivering reliable, efficient deployments.

Episode 9

Hot Topic - TED Talks Audio Summit Preview with Julian Treasure

April 14, 2026: Ted Talks with Julian Treasure

Episode 9 of Surroundscapes Series 7 explores the power of listening with renowned speaker and author Julian Treasure, diving into why listening is one of the most overlooked yet critical skills in business and everyday life. From the global impact of poor listening—affecting communication, leadership, and wellbeing—to the role of sound in shaping human experience, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at how we engage with the world through audio. With insights from TED, emerging research, and real-world applications, the conversation highlights how better listening can transform organizations, relationships, and the environments we design.

Episode 8

Episode 8 - Partner Spotlight - Custom Channels with Head of Partnerships Mark Willett & CEO Joe Comer

April 7, 2026 – Partner Spotlight – Custom Channels

Episode 8 of Surroundscapes Series 7 shines a spotlight on Custom Channels, exploring how music, messaging, and technology are transforming the in-store experience. From licensed streaming and curated playlists to advanced scheduling, advertising, and API-driven integrations, this episode dives into how businesses can turn audio into a powerful brand and engagement tool. With insights into retail media networks, interoperability, and the future of AI in music curation, the conversation highlights how sound is evolving from background noise to a strategic driver of customer connection and revenue.

Episode 7

Partner Spotlight: Steady Brand with VP of Dealer Development, Greg Spain

Oct 6, 2026: GREG SPAIN,

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.

Episode 6

Tech Talk: Simpler is Better with Ross & Reza

Sept 29, 2026: Ross & Reza

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

Hot Topic - Experiential Design with Oisin O'Brien, Founder of Visual Spectrum Studios

September 22, 2026: Oisin O’Brien, Founder of Visual Spectrum Studios

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

Hot Topic - Music Tech with Rock Paper Scissors CEO Dmitri Vietzi

September 15, 2026: Dmitri Vietze, founder of Rock Paper Scissors and Music Tectonics

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.

Episode 3

Case Study: Westridge Market with Manny Rodriguez

September 8, 2026: CRAIG COPPER WITH MANNY RODRIGUEZ

In Episode 3 of Surroundscapes Series 7, we dive into a hands-on Tech Talk showcasing the new Bluesound Professional Speaker Calculator — a powerful, browser-based tool designed to take the guesswork out of ceiling speaker design. From understanding dispersion and SPL targets to optimizing overlap, wattage, and amplifier power, this episode walks integrators through how to design smarter, more efficient systems in minutes. With dynamic heat mapping, drag-and-drop layouts, floor plan overlays, and instant PDF exports, this free tool is built to streamline workflow and improve accuracy on every project.

Episode 2

Tech Talk: The Speaker is the System (speaker config)

September 1, 2026: ROSS EBERLIN & REZA MOHAMMED

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.

Episode 1

Hot Topic - Trends in the Pro AV Industry with Roland Hemming of RH Consulting & Copper Leaf Media

August 25, 2026: ROLAND HEMMING

Episode 1 of Surroundscapes Season 8 kicks off the new season with AV industry veteran Roland Hemming for a fascinating conversation on the trends, technologies, and ideas shaping the future of professional AV. Drawing on decades of experience—from landmark projects like the Millennium Dome and the London Olympics to consulting, standards development, and marketing—Roland shares his perspective on AI, cybersecurity, immersive experiences, sustainability, and the evolution of systems integration. It’s an insightful discussion packed with real-world expertise and a forward-looking view of where our industry is headed.