Welcome to the UnStruktured Podcast.
In this episode, my co-host, Bob Smith, and I talk with three young artists shaping music today....Musician and Studio Founder Harun Bonnett, Artist and Performer Lake Kyle, and Producer and Mix Engineer Juan Carlos Hernandez.
From growing up in the underground music scene, to studying at Juilliard, Berklee and the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences, to working with major TV shows like La Voz Mexico, sharing the stage with legends like Stevie Wonder, and touring with the influential ska group The English Beat...... we talk with this next generation of creators about hustling in the modern music industry, the value of networking and community-building, and the importance of simply showing up.
00:00 Introduction to the UnStruktured Podcast
00:59 Meet the Guests: Juan Carlos, Lake, and Harun
01:35 NAMM Experiences and Networking
03:28 Community and Support in the Music Industry
07:14 The Power of Showing Up
08:25 Karen Dunn and the Experiment
26:03 Musical Influences and Backgrounds
31:44 Musical Family Influences
32:13 First Encounter with Drums
33:24 Live Music Experiences
34:43 Church and Early Music Education
36:57 Path to Professional Music
42:41 Classical Training and Beyond
59:09 TV Music Production Journey
01:02:20 Defining Roles in the Music Industry
01:03:04 The Evolution of Music Creation
01:05:32 The Importance of Collaboration
01:06:44 Technology's Impact on Music
01:15:14 Navigating Social Media as an Artist
01:23:57 Challenges and Opportunities in the Music Industry
01:29:24 Future Aspirations and Advice
Harun Bonnett is a versatile and accomplished musician, music director, and multi-instrumentalist whose passion for music began at the age of three when he started playing drums in church. A lifelong dedication to his craft led him to prestigious training programs, including Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program (MAP) and Mannes College, and he graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2019.
Harun’s artistry spans multiple roles, including producer, arranger, programmer, and performer, making him a sought-after collaborator in both the studio and on stage. His credits include working with renowned international artists such as Xin Liu, Karencici, and Tia Ray, where his arranging and programming skills have contributed to globally recognized projects. As a multi-instrumentalist, he is equally comfortable behind the drums, keyboard, and other instruments, showcasing his adaptability and creative vision.
Currently, Harun is a proud member of the New York Giants Drumline, where he delivers high-energy performances as part of Blue Devils Entertainment. He has also toured extensively as a keyboardist with the legendary ska band, The English Beat, performing at iconic venues such as the Hollywood Bowl.
In addition to his performance career, Harun is the founder of Pacobear Studios, a recording studio based in New York City with plans to expand to Los Angeles. Through Pacobear Studios, Harun not only provides a creative space for artists but also serves as a mentor and producer, fostering emerging talent while pursuing his own innovative projects.
Harun’s career reflects his dedication to pushing musical boundaries, his ability to seamlessly navigate different genres, and his commitment to excellence in every project he undertakes. Whether on stage, in the studio, or behind the scenes, Harun Bonnett continues to establish himself as a dynamic force in the music industry.
Born and raised between the vibrant energy of Queens and the serene rhythms of Connecticut, Lake Kyle blends hip-hop, soul and electronic elements into a unique sonic experience reflecting his diverse roots.
His journey through music has led him to share stages with icons like Stevie Wonder, DJ Battlekat, and DJ Scratch, have music featured on playlists hosted by Red Bull Music, and land placements featured on major television networks and streaming platforms including Hulu, Netflix, Paramount, CBS Sports, international sports coverage on Ligue 1 Soccer. Fearlessly authentic and constantly evolving Lake Kyle is making his mark as an artist in the modern era.
IG @lakekyle
Juan Carlos Hernandez is a Mexican Producer and Mix Engineer based in Durango, Mexico. He has worked on major projects like La Voz Mexico and La Vecindad de El Chavo dPōrt, collaborating with artists such as Kike Jimenez, Lake Kyle, and Hans Halstead, as well as with companies like Line 6 (Yamaha Guitar Group), KMD Productions, TEC Awards, Casa Mexico Foundation and SHE-Q Audio.
Juan Carlos developed his skills early on, inspired and guided by his father’s and family's influence. He further honed his skills at the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences in Phoenix, Arizona, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and earning multiple certifications. His career has included key roles such as an intern at Westlake Recording Studios, assisting at the National Association of Music Merchants TEC Awards editions 37 and 38 in Anaheim, and Front-of-House engineering for churches in Mexico and the U.S.
In June 2024, he was invited by Casa Mexico Foundation and SHE-Q Audio to lead a workshop on music production, recording, and mixing at the National Music Centre in Calgary, Canada, aimed at supporting and inspiring the Latin community.
Juan Carlos is an expert in both contemporary popular music styles (pop, rock, EDM, etc.) as well as traditional Latin and regional styles, particularly from his home country of Mexico.
IG @jcsound
STRUKTUR SOCIETY
This episode was brought to you by Struktur Society, the community for creators in art, design, and music. For almost a decade Struktur has brought together creatives from across the industrial, apparel, graphic, and sound design industries, building professional relationships, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, and raising the bar of product creation.
From live events and workshops, to publication and podcasting, Struktur continues to evolve to build the strong creator community needed to craft our future. Find us at struktursociety.com and subscribe to our Substack at struktursociety.substack.com.
© StrukturSphere llc 2025. Original music by Greg Brace Music.
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