Hacking Rules of Music: Experimentation, Technology, & Artistic Freedom, Scott “Shagghie” Scheferman
1Guest and Host
Guest: Scott “Shagghie” Scheferman, Artist: Raw. Analogue Techno. | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscheferman/ | Bandcamp: https://highsage.bandcamp.com/
Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/
Show Notes
The latest episode of Music Evolves brings a fascinating discussion with Scott “Shagghie” Scheferman, a longtime cybersecurity professional and electronic music creator. Host Sean Martin sits down with Scheferman to explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and music—challenging the traditional definitions of hacking and how it applies to the artistic process.
The Hacker Mindset in Music
Scheferman, who has spent decades working in cybersecurity, explains how his approach to music is deeply influenced by the hacker mindset. Traditionally associated with computers and networks, hacking is about problem-solving, exploration, and pushing boundaries. For Scheferman, that same mentality extends to music—whether modifying effects pedals beyond their intended use, experimenting with modular synthesizers, or applying unconventional methods to sound creation.
This perspective reframes the way we think about creativity: hacking isn’t just breaking things—it’s about finding new ways to build. In music, that could mean repurposing technology, combining analog and digital tools, or embracing unexpected results to drive innovation.
The Role of Technology in Music Creation
A core theme of the conversation is how technology shapes the way music is created and experienced. From the early days of analog synthesizers to today’s AI-driven tools, technology has always played a role in expanding musical possibilities. Scheferman describes his studio setup, filled with modular synthesizers, custom effects pedals, and digital sequencing tools, as an evolving playground for sound experimentation.
One of the key takeaways is that while technology can enable creativity, it can also introduce constraints. Whether it’s the frustration of a technical failure or the overwhelming options provided by AI-driven music tools, technology isn’t just a tool—it’s a collaborator. Sometimes, the best results come from working within limitations or intentionally breaking the rules.
AI, Automation, and the Future of Music
The conversation also touches on artificial intelligence and its growing role in music composition. AI tools can generate melodies, suggest chord progressions, and even simulate human-like performances. But does AI-enhanced music lose something essential?
Scheferman shares his thoughts on where technology ends and artistry begins. While AI can assist in generating ideas or automating tedious processes, it doesn’t replace the human connection to music. He sees AI as a tool for acceleration rather than substitution—something that can help musicians explore new ideas but should not dictate creative choices.
This is particularly relevant when it comes to live performance and improvisation. A computer can generate perfect beats and sequences, but can it capture the spontaneous interplay between musicians, the imperfections that make a performance feel alive? That’s still an open question.
The Human Element in Sound
Beyond the technical aspects, Scheferman and Martin discuss the emotional power of music. Whether it’s an acoustic guitar, an electrified soundscape, or a fully synthesized production, music has the ability to transport listeners to different states of mind.
They reflect on how people connect with sound—how live performances create an irreplaceable energy, how vinyl records provide a tactile experience that digital streaming lacks, and how technology might change the way future generations perceive and create music. The question remains: as digital tools become more dominant, will we continue to crave raw, unprocessed sound?
A Collaboration of Sound and Emotion
As the episode wraps up, Scheferman shares a track he created with his wife, Kati Rockit, blending electronic production with rock-influenced vocals. Their collaboration highlights another key theme of the episode—music as dialogue. Whether between humans and technology or between two creative partners, the best results often come from interplay, not isolation.
Resources
Katy Rokit - Forgotten Dance Mix (Techno meets Pop Electronica): https://katyrokit.bandcamp.com/track/the-forgotten-forgetaboutit-dance-mix
Highsage - Sloane vs. Aliens (my kid's voice vs. algo filtering, tape delays, drum machine and euro rack - live performance): https://highsage.bandcamp.com/track/sloane-vs-martians
"Open" - Just a man with his 303, 808 and some strings... - "like a breeze that opens the door with a funk that shuts the window" (live cut): https://highsage.bandcamp.com/track/open