EP/19: MUSICAL TASTE

Pandora’s DNA with Music Genome Architect Nolan Gasser

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Nolan Gasser is a critically acclaimed composer, pianist, and musicologist – most notably, the architect of Pandora Radio’s Music Genome Project and the company’s chief musicologist from its founding in 1999. He holds a Ph.D. in Musicology from Stanford University. His original compositions have been performed in numerous prestigious venues.

Pandora was a pioneer in music streaming - arriving on the scene well before Spotify. They also popularized the concept of automated music recommendations - realizing their vision of creating a personalized DJ for all of us. We speak with Nolan about how Pandora got started and why the music genome project was so critical to its success. We also talk about his recent book that tries to explain what shapes our musical tastes and why we like music.

You can learn more about Nolan’s music, research and other works and get in touch with him through: nolangasser.com

About NOLAN

Nolan Gasser is a critically acclaimed composer, pianist, and musicologist – most notably, the architect of Pandora Radio’s Music Genome Project and the company’s chief musicologist from its founding in 1999. He holds a Ph.D. in Musicology from Stanford University. His original compositions have been performed in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, David Geffen Hall (Lincoln Center), the Kennedy Center, La Salle Pleyel (Paris), and the Rose Bowl (Pasadena), among many others. 

Nolan’s book, Why You Like It: The Science and Culture of Musical Taste, was released on April 30, 2019 (Macmillan Press)—called “a work of staggering erudition and breadth… a gateway to music’s exalted state” by The Economist; and praised as “One of those rare books that both geeks and casual listeners can enjoy” by The Washington Post. Nolan speaks regularly on a variety of topics—related to musical taste, the science and culture of music, music and technology, etc.