Written by Dr. Marcela Moyano
The Founder, CEO, and Artistic Producer of Realm 26 Studio, Ignacio Palladino, together with Nico Gomez, Sound Engineer and Production Assistant, were the virtual guest speakers for the CMM 1000 Introduction to Mass Communications and Media Literacy course, taught by Dr. Marcela Moyano, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, via the Online Campus.
The course introduces students to the history and evolution of media industries and explores how, through technology, each medium has transformed into what we know today as media convergence. Students engage in discussions about the ethical implications of content production, the global impact of media, and the application of communication theories.
As part of this week’s focus on the evolution of the music industry, Palladino and Gomez were invited to share their experience as the creators of Realm 26 Music Lab—a boutique artist incubator in Fort Lauderdale that empowers musicians with state-of-the-art equipment.
One of the lab’s key features is recording live sessions and engaging with an online audience. The discussion highlighted how music studios today are not only about producing high-quality sound but also about incorporating video recording and editing to connect with followers in more dynamic ways.
Palladino reflected on his personal journey, shaped by growing up listening to his father play the piano. His father later became his greatest supporter in every musical project. In his 40s, Palladino decided to dedicate himself fully to his true passion—music—after a decade-long career in Silicon Valley as a software engineer.
“In the cryptocurrency world, I was trained to keep pushing, to try new things, to take risks, and to innovate with what they call ‘guardrails,’” Palladino shared. “After some years, I thought, now it’s my turn to innovate. I’m going to create a studio that is also a stage—because we not only want to capture the music being performed, but also the images of the music being performed.”
The speakers also addressed the growing presence of AI in music production. With tools such as Suno, users can create songs within minutes, and platforms like Spotify are increasingly filled with AI-generated music by non-musicians. Palladino and Gomez emphasized, however, that AI will never replace the human element of creativity. While AI is creating “noise” in digital platforms, they believe authentic musicians will continue to stand out.
They also shared words of encouragement: “People may celebrate your successes, but you might not feel they are true achievements. Conversely, you may feel deeply fulfilled by something others do not recognize. If, in your heart, an achievement feels meaningful, keep following that path—even if those around you don’t celebrate it—because that is your true path.”
United International College is grateful to Ignacio Palladino, Nico Gomez, and the entire Realm 26 team for joining the CMM 1000 Introduction to Mass Communications and Media Literacy course and for sharing their wisdom and passion for the music industry.
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Learn more about UIC’s Communications and Mass Media Program