DiscoverAudio TalksThe Fragile Future of Audio Archives
The Fragile Future of Audio Archives

The Fragile Future of Audio Archives

Update: 2025-05-09
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with David Seubert and Gerald Seligman

In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny engages with audio preservation experts David Seubert and Gerald Seligman to discuss the critical importance of preserving master recordings and audio heritage. They explore the devastating impact of the 2008 Universal Fire at Universal Studios, which destroyed countless irreplaceable recordings, and the broader implications for music history and cultural memory. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by both public institutions and commercial record labels in preserving audio, the fragility of audio heritage, the role of technology in restoration efforts, and how listeners can contribute to preserving sound history.




Listen to the broadcast recordings referenced in today's episode:
Fountain Hughes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTdDuXvc1lI
Winston Churchill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkTw3_PmKtc
Martin Luther King Jr.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdPGXmKmBZ0


Visit the Discography of American Historical Recordings here: https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/


Visit the UCSB Cylinder Audio Archive here: https://cylinders.library.ucsb.edu/index.php


For Gerald Seligman's photography visit: https://vero.co/geraldseligman


Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/b0444612-f8b5-408c-bbb6-819df4a3f7cb


Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening:


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https://artoflistening.harman.com/

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The Fragile Future of Audio Archives

The Fragile Future of Audio Archives

HARMAN