I Am My Music shifts the focus away from the creation of music to the experience of listening to it, and to the formats that have shaped and ultimately defined that experience. From vinyl, cassette tape, CD, and MP3, each generation has had a piece of musical media to call its own– a way of listening that determines not only how and where we listen, but also the manner in which we collect, store, and share the music we love.

Image credit: Mick Jagger in Soundbreaking. © The Bob Bonis Archive

This screening will be followed by a special presentation from guest speakers Jake Nicely and Scott Velazco.

Jake Nicely began his career as a musician and actor in 1977 and rapidly became one of the most sought-after recording studio designers and independent recording engineers in the nation. For more than 20 years, he co-owned and operated recording studios in Nashville, TN, Branson, MO, and Peoria, IL, including the famed Woodland Studios, Seventeen Grand Recording and The Love Shack. Under his ownership, Seventeen Grand emerged as one of the first surround mixing studios in 1998, after being designed and outfitted by Jake from the ground up. His studios have played creative home to a legion of stars, among them Alison Krauss, The Dixie Chicks, Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Bob Seger, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Patty Loveless, and Martina McBride.

Scott Velazco earned a Bachelor of Music in 2005 from Belmont University in Nashville and has credits on albums including: Montgomery Gentry, Peter Cetera, Terri Clark, Mandisa, Superchick, Big Daddy
Weave, Steven Curtis Chapman and others. He received his first Grammy Certificate at the 2010 Annual Grammy Awards. The certificate, presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, recognized Velazco’s work as second engineer on Heather Headley’s Grammy-winning “Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album,” Audience of One.  

Despite working with well-known musicians, he also felt it was important to lend his talents to up-and-coming acts: “I spend a lot of time working with independent bands that don’t have major label backing. That is where my love of music really begins.” Prior to moving to Florida, Velazco served as House Engineer at Vibe 56, a studio that professionally records albums that bands and artists can use to their own advantage and advancement.