Flash Band

John Avilla
  • 5.0 (4)
  • PERFORMING ARTS

Welcome to Flash Band, a podcast series from Sound Union that brings our community’s heartbeat to life—one story, one song at a time. Each episode invites you into the musical journeys of Sound Union members, the people who make Sound Union more than just a studio. You’ll meet prosumer musicians from all walks of life: knowledge workers, entrepreneurs, and lifelong hobbyists who’ve made music a priority, no matter where their path began. In every episode, you’ll hear about the spark that started it all—those first moments with an instrument, the setbacks and comebacks, the gigs that went sideways (and the ones that soared), and the lessons learned along the way. Our guests share what music means to their well-being, how they find their sound, and what it truly means to be part of a creative community like Sound Union. But Flash Band is more than stories. Each series brings our interviewees together as a “flash band”—a group formed just for this project—to collaborate and record a song, capturing the magic of spontaneous creation and collaboration. The resulting track is featured as a bonus episode, giving you a front-row seat to the energy and camaraderie that define our club. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a seasoned performer, or just someone who loves a good story, Flash Band is your invitation to step inside the Sound Union community and discover the heart behind the sound.

Episodes

  1. JAN 20

    Jonathan Mayer - Drums

    On this episode of Flash Band, we sit down with award-winning producer, Jonathan Mayer, whose work has defined the sound of iconic game franchises like Call Of Duty, The Last of Us, and Uncharted. But behind the studio credits is a lifelong musician who still thrives on collaboration, experimentation, and the sheer joy of making music. Jonathan shares his journey from a music-loving household to becoming a key figure in the world of interactive music production. Discover how his passion for collaboration and experimentation continues to drive his creative ambitions, and fuels his after hours time playing with other musicians. Join us as we explore the magic of music and the art of storytelling through sound.

    51 min

  2. JAN 15

    Andy Swanson - Acoustic Guitar/Vocals

    Join host John Avilla as he sits down with Andy Swanson to explore his rich musical journey. From his early days with the saxophone to picking up the guitar in college, Andy shares how music has been a constant companion alongside his successful tech career. The episode delves into the emotional connections music fosters, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the joy of creating music with others. Andy reflects on his influences, including Springsteen, and discusses his aspirations and the therapeutic nature of songwriting.

    43 min

  3. JAN 15

    Robert May - Lead Guitar

    In this episode of Flash Band, host John Avilla sits down with Robert May to explore his fascinating musical journey. Starting with guitar lessons at age seven, Robert's passion for music was ignited by Van Halen's 'Eruption.' From Cleveland basement bands to the Guitar Institute of Technology, Robert's path took a professional turn into business and venture capital, where he witnessed paradigm-shifting innovations in music tech and aerospace. The episode concludes with a memorable story about a signing party that left the audience wanting more.

    45 min

  4. JAN 15

    Mike Claire - Keys

    In this episode of "Flash Band," host John Avilla sits down with Mike Clare, a lifelong musician and former community college president, to explore the profound impact of music on his life. From childhood memories of drumming on lunchboxes to navigating a high-pressure career in education, Mike shares how music has been a constant source of joy and mental well-being. Tune in to hear about his journey, the challenges of balancing music with family and career, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, Mike's story is a testament to the power of music to connect, heal, and inspire.

    39 min

  5. JAN 15

    Lisa Gleaton - Vocalist

    In this episode of Flash Band, host John Avilla sits down with Lisa Gleaton, a passionate vocalist and career educator, to explore her lifelong journey with music. From singing along to AM radio during childhood road trips to leading a teacher's band, Lisa shares her experiences of finding her voice and the joy of musical collaboration. Discover how her first jam session led to an unforgettable vocal improv and learn about her dream of writing a song that truly feels like her own. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the power of music as a means of personal expression and connection.

    37 min
  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Flash Band, a podcast series from Sound Union that brings our community’s heartbeat to life—one story, one song at a time. Each episode invites you into the musical journeys of Sound Union members, the people who make Sound Union more than just a studio. You’ll meet prosumer musicians from all walks of life: knowledge workers, entrepreneurs, and lifelong hobbyists who’ve made music a priority, no matter where their path began. In every episode, you’ll hear about the spark that started it all—those first moments with an instrument, the setbacks and comebacks, the gigs that went sideways (and the ones that soared), and the lessons learned along the way. Our guests share what music means to their well-being, how they find their sound, and what it truly means to be part of a creative community like Sound Union. But Flash Band is more than stories. Each series brings our interviewees together as a “flash band”—a group formed just for this project—to collaborate and record a song, capturing the magic of spontaneous creation and collaboration. The resulting track is featured as a bonus episode, giving you a front-row seat to the energy and camaraderie that define our club. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a seasoned performer, or just someone who loves a good story, Flash Band is your invitation to step inside the Sound Union community and discover the heart behind the sound.

Information

  • Creator
    John Avilla
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 John Avilla