Sound Screen

Our New Monthly Music episode for May 2026 is here! Join host Annika Dietiker as she chats with our special guest, Music Director Ashley Chain, breaking down the best tracks of the month. From songs about bodily functions to authentic 1980s hidden gems, this month’s new releases are true bangers. Listen now!

This podcast episode was recorded a few days before the 2026 Juno Awards. History would inform us that early Christianity was disruptive. It was a radical, thought-provoking, bold, and aggressive movement made up of a band of common folk who challenged the status quo and eventually changed the course of human history. Christians then were rebels and provocateurs who used unconventional methods to get their message across, never afraid of the consequences as long as were of service to their faith. A group of devout Christian musicians from Canada called Collect.Assembly have taken the same approach and completely rocked the Christian music world to its core with, not just their ground-breaking sounds, but also their flamboyant personas that are in full display whenever they take the stage. And while their spicy and tangy take on Christian music have made it extra harder for them to be accepted into the fold, their hard work and perseverance are starting to pay off with no less than a nomination to Canada’s biggest music award, the Juno. Now, this band’s norm-shattering music is available for licensing through APM Music.  

In this special episode of Sound Screen, APM Music's Manager of Music Operations, Keiko McTingley, dissects April 2026's new releases and picks her favorites. She is joined by Sound Screen hosts Annika Dietiker and Ted Reyes.APM Music’s music director service is one of the company’s top value propositions. Eight full-time music experts provide exceptional service to clients, from selecting and pitching specific sounds for every scene to creating curated playlists for every type of content imaginable.Listen now.

Sun & The Saint is a Los Angeles–based music duo blending pop, rock, and blues into a high-energy, raw, and rhythm-driven sound. Featuring Reed Thomas Lawrence (guitar, lead vocals) and Paloma Estevez (drums, background vocals), the band has quickly gained attention for their undeniable chemistry and genre-bending style.In this episode of Sound Screen, host Annika Dietiker talks to the duo and dives deep into the story behind their self-titled album, which is now available for licensing through APM Music. 

In this special episode of Sound Screen, one of the industry’s top music directors—APM Music’s own Alia Johnson—joins hosts Annika Dietiker and Ted Reyes to break down the hottest tracks and albums of the month (March 2026). Listen now.

In commemoration of Women's History Month, host Ted Reyes interviews one of the best metal artists in the scene today: Kristyn Hope of Daedric.Daedric is an alternative rock and metal project led by vocalist and artist, Kristyn Hope, alongside producer, Geoff Rockwell.Kristyn launched the Daedric project in 2021 through a partnership with electronic rock label FiXT. With the debut full-length album, “Mortal”, under Daedric’s belt, the project has solidified its hold on the line between rock and metal, with promises to tighten its grip on listeners’ ears.Daedric's music is available for licensing through APM Music.

February 2026 has a lot of great releases and our resident expert and marketing music director, Sarah Scarlata, discussed her top picks with host Annika Dietiker. Listen now.

In this special episode of Sound Screen, we sat down with Adam Wakeman, who just won a Grammy Award for his part in YungBlood’s live rendition of the Black Sabbath song “Changes” during the band’s final performance with the late Ozzy Osbourne in Birmingham, England. So, if you’ve got a few minutes to spare, sit back, relax, and listen to this exclusive interview with one of the greats as he spills all the Grammy tea and more. 

Music is a strange thing, perhaps the strangest amongst all the artforms for it conjures up feelings with every note and every beat. These feelings are often familiar but sometimes completely alien, yet almost always, it is attached to a story that is deeply personal. Vinay Kaushal is a master of this art. With every reverb and delay-laden note from his guitar, he creates an atmosphere that allows for a universe of stories to unfold like interstellar molecular clouds giving birth to stars that will eventually light up the entire cosmos. This magical phenomenon is clear in his album Skyscapes: Ambient Guitar World, released by Chapel of Rock and now available for sync through APM Music. In this episode of Sound Screen, we caught up with Vinay to talk about his life, career, and his album. Listen now. 

In this episode, Ted Reyes talks to one of the pioneers of video game music, Brian Schmidt, who discussed his career and how he used APM Music for the new game Mutant Football League.About Brian SchmidtBrian Schmidt is a pioneering video game composer, sound designer, and audio technologist with a career spanning more than three decades. He got his start in the late ’80s at Williams Electronics, creating memorable music and sound for iconic arcade and pinball titles like NARC and Black Knight 2000. Since then, he’s contributed to well over 100 games, helped shape modern game audio through his work on Xbox sound technology at Microsoft, and is also the founder of GameSoundCon, one of the leading conferences for game music and sound.

Sound Screen Season 3 Episode 1: New Music MonthlyJoin hosts Annika Dietiker and Ted Reyes in this special episode of Sound Screen as they discuss APM Music's hottest new releases with the best music directors in the business. In this episode, they were joined by music director Mark Gracious, who talked about his top tracks for the months of December 2025 and January 2026.Listen Now.For more of Mark's top picks, visit www.apmmusic.comProduced by Ted ReyesEdited by Annika Dietiker

In this episode we spoke with Anna Roemer, a Danish musician known for her signature ambient guitar sounds that transcends the possibilities of what sounds the humble instrument could achieve.Her new album with danish label Stereo Royale entitled Ambient Drift is a landmark work full of beautiful sounds that evoke a lot of emotions without stating too much - a classic philosophy that permeates Nordic music.We asked Anna about everything from how and why she picked up music as a career to how her Danish upbringing shaped her sound to her future plans.Check out Anna Roemer’s album Ambient Drift on www.apmmusic.com

Born in Morocco and raised between Spain and Canada, Prince Amine is a living embodiment of cultural fusion. From the earliest days he was introduced to Motown, R&B, live performance, and the spirit of the stage. This multicultural background is the pulse of his sound. Afrobeat rhythms, R&B melodies, hip-hop swagger, and dancehall flair all converge in his work, making him one of the more interesting voices emerging from Canada’s diverse music scene. He recently released a self-titled EP under the Canadian label Stone Sound Music and is now available for sync through APM Music. 

Sound Screen Episode 218: Interview with Hip Hop Artist DEVMOThe human voice is arguably the most powerful musical instrument in the world. Not only can it articulate melodies and rhythms, but it can also convey messages that have the power to change the world. DEVMO is a Hip-Hop artist who knows this well, and in fact, has used it throughout her entire career to both express and empower. Her latest album with Endgame, called All Star, is a clear example of this because it aims to soundtrack content that emboldens women athletes to not only win but also to graciously rise and return when they lose.  We recently chatted with the prolific artist and talked about her career, the album, and if she prefers sleeping versus eating.   Check out the special Sound Screen episode.

For over two decades, Jason Schneider has built a versatile career that bridges both scripted and documentary storytelling. His editorial fingerprints are evident in works screened at prestigious festivals, including TIFF, VIFF, Hot Docs, DOXA, and the Venice Film Festival. That breadth of exposure speaks to both his ambition and the trust placed in him by filmmakers working across genres. Most recently, he served as the finishing editor on the highly rated series Deadman’s Curse Season 3, currently airing on the Discovery Channel.  What stands out about Jason's approach is the way he marries technical precision with musical sensibility. A multi-instrumentalist, he writes and records music in his spare time, and this passion is far from a mere hobby. It’s deeply interwoven with his editorial identity. Jason is especially sought after for his understanding of timing, music, and sound design, bringing to each project a heightened sensitivity to how image, sound, and silence converse.  In this exclusive interview with Jason, we discussed his work on Deadman’s Curse Season 3 and how he used APM music to sculpt the scenes. Listen Now.  

Sound Screen Episode 216: Interview with Billy BellIn this episode  I spoke with Billy Bell,  singer-songwriter who was active during legendary punk and post punk scene in New York City in the late 70s and dearly 80s. His album 80s New York  Power Pop, which is now available for licensing through APM music,  is a compilation of songs he wrote and produced in that era. Now, he is the head engineer of gamebrdige mastering, which specializes in polishing music produced for video games.

In Los Angeles, where music and images constantly collide, Canadian-born Tamara Miller has quietly become one of the voices shaping how stories are felt as much as how they’re told. An award-winning composer, producer, singer-songwriter, and pianist, Miller has built her career in crafting music that doesn’t just go with a scene, it deepens it. Her work has popped up in unexpected places: a comedic beat on Saturday Night Live, a tender moment on The Young and the Restless, the cozy sparkle of Netflix’s Single All the Way, or the holiday warmth of Hallmark movies. Even a Warner Bros. Tom and Jerry promo and FOX Sports documentaries have carried her sound. The range speaks volumes about her adaptability, but it also points to something simpler—Miller’s instinct for capturing emotion in all its shades. In 2023 she won a Golden Clio Award for music she composed for a Made by Choice campaign, a true testament to her mastery of music. 

In this episode, host Annika Dietiker chats with Belgian-French singer-songwriter Penelope Antena, whose new album Antelope was launched by Magnetic (Cezamé), and now available for licensing through APM Music.About Penelope AntenaPenelope Antena is a Belgian-French singer, songwriter, and producer known for her ethereal blend of jazz, pop, and electronic textures. The granddaughter of jazz pianist Marc Moulin and daughter of musician Isabelle Antena, she carries a rich musical lineage while forging her own distinct sound. With releases that explore themes of intimacy, identity, and atmosphere, Antena has earned recognition for her lush vocals, cinematic production, and boundary-pushing artistry.

Back in the mid-2000s, York’s own Elliot Minor carved out a space in the UK rock scene with a sound that was equal parts catchy pop hooks and sweeping classical flourishes. Led by lead singer Alex Davies, the band stood out for its orchestral leanings—strings, piano, and vocal harmonies woven into alt-rock anthems that quickly found their way up the charts. Their self-titled debut landed at No. 6 on the UK Albums Chart in 2008, thanks to tracks like “Parallel Worlds” and “Jessica.”  Now, Alex is ready to bring his brand of rock, made famous by Elliot Minor, into the world of sync with an album entitled, Anthemic Rock: Riffs of Rebellion. The ten-track album was launched by Bibliotheque’s Input Output label and is now available for licensing through APM Music. Listen to the exclusive interview.

So what does a video game music designer do? Find out as Ted Reyes chats with Adam Kallibjian, Senior Music Designer at Bunjie. He has worked in some of greatest video games ever made including The Destiny Series, where he and his team worked with APM Music to make use of Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphony "Pathetique" in a unique way.More about Adam KallibjianAdam Kallibjian is a Music Designer/Composer and graduate of the Berklee College of Music. His work has been recognized by the Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G), British Academy of Film and TV Arts (BAFTA), Motion Picture Sound Editor’s Guild (MPSE) and more. He works as an in-house Senior Music Designer for Bungie serving as music PoC for Destiny 2's seasonal expansions. Previously he served as Music Editor for Sony Interactive Entertainment (PDSG) and contributed to games such as Ghost of Tsushima, The Last of Us Part 2, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Spider-Man: Miles Morales. His passion for interactive and linear media drives him to innovate on story-driven musical experiences that captivate millions around the world.

Recorded in April 2025 at the APM Music headquarters in Los Angeles.Singer-songwriter, Justyna Kelley visited APM Music's headquarters in Los Angeles to speak with Sound Screen host Annika Dietiker about her musical journey that began in her hometown of Nashville and took her to Los Angeles, and then, of all. places, Paris, France.They also talked about Justyna's new album with APM entitled Justyna Kelley: From Nashville with Love which was released by French label, Kaptain, and exclusively distributed by APM Music.Included in this episode is an exclusive live performance of her song "Only One of You" performed by Justyna along with an amazing group of musicians from APM Music.

In this episode, Ted Reyes subs for host Annika Dietiker and interviews the band The Sons of Guns, whose unique brand of Americana comes from a peculiar route: England to France.Join the discussion and find out more about this emerging Folk/Americana group that is on its way to grabbing the spotlight deep within the American heartland.

In this special Women's History Month 2025 episode, host Annika Dietiker sits down with Erica Driscoll, also known as Blondfire!Born and raised in Michigan, Erica Driscoll grew up in a household rich in musical influences. With an American father and a Brazilian mother, she was exposed to a mix of classic rock, bossa nova, and pop from an early age. She learned to play piano and guitar as a child, later falling in love with songwriting.Blondfire began in the early 2000s as a collaboration between Erica and her brother, Bruce Driscoll. The Michigan-born siblings, raised in a home filled with American rock and Brazilian music (thanks to their mother’s heritage), were drawn to songwriting from an early age.Originally called Astaire, they built a buzz in the indie music scene with their dreamy, melodic pop. However, after facing legal pressure over the name, they rebranded as Blondfire.Their 2008 debut album, My Someday, showcased their signature blend of airy vocals, shimmering guitars, and electronic elements. But it was their 2012 single “Where the Kids Are” that truly launched them into the spotlight. The song’s infectious energy caught the attention of major labels, leading to a deal with Warner Bros. and the release of Young Heart (2014), an album filled with sun-soaked indie pop anthems.After Bruce shifted his focus to other musical projects (including Freedom Fry), Erica took full creative control of Blondfire, steering the project as a solo act while keeping its dreamy, nostalgic essence intact.In 2024, Blondfire released a self-titled EP for APM Music under its artist-driven label Kinetik.

In 2007, thirteen-year-old aspiring saxophone player Claudia Medina attended the XVII Jazz Festival in her home city of Lima Peru, which featured American saxophone great Cynthia Mullis and the Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra. As soon as the first note arose from Cynthia’s horn, Claudia knew that her life was never going to be the same. “That’s what I want to do in my life,” she said to herself. After the show, she mustered enough willpower to approach Cynthia and told her how much she adored her performance and asked for her advice on how to be a great musician like her. Cynthia looked at the teenager and said something that completely changed her life: “Keep playing and never give up.” So, Claudia kept blowing that horn and hasn’t stopped since. Now, she is a distinguished Peruvian saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator who has garnered international acclaim for her innovative fusion of Jazz with Afro-Peruvian and Latin American rhythms. Her musical journey, marked by a deep commitment to cultural preservation and education, has positioned her as a prominent figure in contemporary Latin Jazz. Find our more about Claudia's inspiring journey in this episode hosted by Annika Dietiker.

In this episode of Sound Screen, host Annika Dietiker talks to British singer-songwriter Dan Buckland, who also leads the alternative rock group, Space Pistol.Buckland talks about his musical journey, his struggles with ADHD, addiction, and how his love for music saved him from self-destruction.Buckland's self-titled four-track EP released under Adam Wakeman's label AWP is a grungy gem perfect for TV, film, sports, and advertising content. All tracks are available for licensing through APM Music.

In this episode, APM Music Sound Screen Podcast host Annika Dietiker interviews LA-based indie singer-songwriter Love, Sophie, whose self-titled EP released under APM Music' Kinetik label is poised to become one of the best artist-driven releases of 2024.

In this episode, host Annika Dietiker chats with Montreal-based artist, Minoe.Minoe is one of the most prolific singer-songwriters in the indie pop scene today.Her infectious pop sounds mixed with words that reflect her personal views on feminism, queerness, and healing are powerful examples of music that will be relevant for all times.Minoe's music is available for licensing through APM Music.Check out the APM Indie Artist website for more!

In this episode, host Annika Dietiker chats with Milwaukee-based singer-songwriter, Trapper Schoepp. Trapper's critically-acclaimed records have made him one of the most important artists in the Folk/Americana scene today.  He added music to a song written by Bob Dylan 1961 entitled "On, Wisconsin."  The song is part of his album Primetime Illusion.Trapper's music is available for licensing through APM Music.

In this episode of APM Music Sound Screen, host Annika Dietiker chats with critically-acclaimed composer and singer Lisbeth Scott, who released two albums with MPATH and now available for licensing through APM Music.Lisbeth Scott is a renowned Armenian-American composer, singer, and songwriter celebrated for her ethereal voice and evocative compositions. Her work has been featured in over 150 film and television soundtracks, including iconic scores like The Passion of the Christ, Avatar, and The Chronicles of Narnia. Blending haunting melodies with heartfelt lyrics, Scott draws from her Armenian heritage and diverse musical influences to create deeply moving pieces. As both a performer and composer, her contributions to the music world highlight her exceptional talent and ability to connect with audiences across genres.

Sara Rae burst into the scene in 2023 with the release of two emotionally charged singles “October” and “Catriohna,” both dedicated to her wife. The sheer honesty and power of her music is now contained in an EP entitled “Passenger Side” released under KPM Shine and now available for licensing in North America through APM Music. Find out more about Sara Rae in this new episode of our Sound Screen Podcast hosted by Annika Dietiker. Listen now! 

In this episode, host Annika Dietiker sits down with Vancouver-based singer-songwriter, Desi G, whose  self-titled album is now available for licensing on APM Music.