Robert "Sput" Searight Interview on
The TrevBeats Show — Episode 12

Editorial note: This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Filler words, repeated phrases, and false starts were removed without altering meaning or tone. Trevor Lawrence Jr.: Everybody’s talking about AI, but not enough people are talking about responsibility. This conversation isn’t about fear—it’s about preparation. Recorded live at the 2026 NAMM Show inside the Warm Audio booth, this is a conversation about legacy, leadership, and the future of music. My guest today helped redefine modern music with Snarky Puppy, built his own voice with Ghost-Note, and is now focused on what comes after success. This is Robert “Sput” Searight. Trevor: What’s up everybody at NAMM? My name is Trevor Lawrence Jr. We’re doing a special live version of The TrevBeats Show, and I’m joined by one of the true keepers of the guard in modern music—especially on drums—Robert “Sput” Searight. Sput: What’s up brother? Good to see you. Trevor: A lot of people know you as a drummer, but for years I thought you were a keyboard player first. You’ve done so much—Snarky Puppy, Ghost-Note—so let’s start there. How did Snarky Puppy begin? Sput: I’m from Dallas, Texas—Oak Cliff. A lot of musicians came through North Texas University. At the time, I was touring with Snoop Dogg and Erykah Badu. We used to do jam sessions in Dallas, and the students would come hang. One of those guys—Michael League—had a band. I checked it out and was blown away. I offered my studio, ended up playing keys, then drums. When the drummer moved to Japan, I jumped on drums and put a backbeat on everything. That changed the energy—and the music evolved from there. Trevor: That shift created a whole new audience for instrumental music. Sput: Exactly. Suddenly younger listeners were connecting to fusion, funk, jazz—because it felt current. Trevor: That eventually led to Ghost-Note. Sput: Yeah. I was hearing things that didn’t fit inside someone else’s band. At some point you have to trust your vision. Corey Henry and I talked, did a short tour, and it just kept growing. Trevor: You’re also constantly building community—events, competitions, mentorship. How do you manage all that? Sput: You need the right people. Artists need administrators, designers, videographers—people who document culture. We have tools now to preserve moments that used to disappear. That’s powerful. Trevor: That leads us to the elephant in the room: AI. Sput: I don’t call it artificial intelligence. I call it amplified intelligence. It amplifies what’s already there. We’ve been using tools forever—GPS, DAWs, samplers. This is no different. If you were creative before AI, you’ll be creative after AI. It’s a tool, not a crutch. Trevor: You even used AI ideas inspired by your own concert. Sput: Exactly. Someone used Suno to generate something inspired by our set. I listened, pulled ideas from it, and incorporated them. Nobody cares where inspiration comes from—only if the music is honest. Trevor: There’s a lot of fear from people who haven’t tried it. Sput: That’s usually the case. Education removes fear. Refusing tools doesn’t protect creativity—it limits it. Trevor: What’s next for you? Sput: We’re touring a bit more, then taking time off to create. I’m focusing on health, balance, and enjoying being a grandfather. I’ve never had a plan B—music has always been my life. Trevor: And you still give back constantly. Sput: Because I want to enjoy music when I’m older. That means helping the next generation understand history, lineage, and responsibility. Trevor: Final thoughts? Sput: The future doesn’t reward nostalgia. It rewards intention. Learn the tools. Stay curious. Keep pushing forward. Trevor: Thank you for this conversation. And thank you to Warm Audio for hosting us. We’ll see you next time.