John Schaefer

What, if anything, should be done to support orchestras, museums, and arts organizations struggling in a tough economy?

What impact – for good or ill – do you think the trio of David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed had on music? Tell John Schaefer and Soundcheck.

When an artist dies, no one wants their art to do with them. That’s why estates – whether family-based or not –oversee what happens to a writer’s books or plays, a musician’s songs and recordings, an artist’s sketches and studies, etc.

Are there computerized voices that have been useful to you? Or are they paving the way for the destruction of the human race? We're serious. Tell Soundcheck.

Were you a Deadhead? What was the experience like? Do you see parallels to today’s music industry? Soundcheck would appreciate an answer.

If you’re in the creative or performing arts, how do you deal with insecurity and stage fright?

I remember an old SNL skit from the early 80s. It’s a men's room, and you see a row of stalls with feet beneath each door. The feet begin tapping as someone begins singing "Under The Boardwalk."

Is there too much music out there?  How do you deal with it? Tell Soundcheck

I don’t always have my iPod on when I’m on the subways, but I do find it difficult to be in the car for any length of time without it. The radio will suffice for a short ride, but for anything over 20 or 30 minutes, I really want to have that control over what I’m listening to.

WNYC is not a typical workplace – employees have always been encouraged to listen to the radio while at work.  Well, they’ve been encouraged to listen to one radio station in particular… but the point is, working for a media company means having media around you all day.

What do you think of the idea of bringing music and the arts to the mean streets of Rio? A feel good story or something deeper? Tell Soundcheck.

What do you think Simon Cowell’s impact on the music scene has been? Tell Soundcheck.

When word came that the new Peter Gabriel album would be a collection of covers, that made news throughout the music world.  From Bowie to Arcade Fire, the set list is full of surprises.  The fact that there would be no rock band in the usual sense, but rather an orchestra backing up his vocals, almost became an afterthought. 

Who do you think should win and who will win the Best Original Score award? Soundcheck needs to know.

Has a ringing cell phone or PDA affected a concert you’ve been at, or a play or other live event? Tell Soundcheck.

What do you think of the decision to drop live music from the Oscar telecast? Tell Soundcheck.

What’s your experience with air traffic noise been? Soundcheck's giving you the chance to sound off.

Music people were upset last week when EMI, the music giant that owns the famed Abbey Road Studios in London, began floating the idea of selling the studios. After all, the Beatles made music, and music history, and one of the most famous album covers of all time, at Abbey Road – and they were just one moment in an almost 80-year history that began with the London Symphony Orchestra and continued right up to Radiohead in the past decade.

The case of the gospel singer Tonex, whose career has crumbled since he revealed he was gay, sounds like something that happened decades ago, not something going on now.