Dr. Nolan Gasser is a composer, pianist, author, musicologist, and technologist — most notably, the architect of Pandora Radio’s Music Genome Project. He is the author of the best-selling book WHY YOU LIKE IT: The Science Music & Culture of Musical Taste (Macmillan Publishers,) that has been called “a work of staggering erudition and breadth” by The Economist and that forms the basis of Nolan’s hit PBS Special, WHY YOU LIKE IT: Decoding Musical Taste that debuted in March of 2025 and continues to air nationwide (over 1500 airings to date). The PBS show presents a 1-hour special format combining Gasser’s insights on the science of musical taste in conjunction with a live concert, animations, and a pioneering interactive App.
His 2019 book WHY YOU LIKE IT breaks down what musical taste is, where it comes from, and what our favorite songs say about us. The book explores the science, psychology, and sociology of music to explain why humans love music, as it teaches music fans how to become engaged listeners and provides them with the tools to enhance their musical preferences. It is used in musical schools across the country and has been a catalyst for many a future career in musicology and related fields.
In the world of technology and AI, Dr. Gasser is a pioneer, not only through his groundbreaking work with Pandora Radio, as the architect of the Music Genome Project, but today in the world of AI. He is one of only 4 expert consultants worldwide for Google Deep Mind, helping to bring Music AI to its full potential. He has also worked with AI-based teams at Meta and is helping to revolutionize recommendation and discovery using AI for music, media, and commerce with his own company, Katch Data. He regularly speaks at tech and media conferences as an expert and innovator.
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As a composer of commercial, concert, and theater works, Dr. Gasser’s original works have been performed at such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Rose Bowl, among many others. His theater works include the opera The Secret Garden (SF Opera) and the Broadway-bound musical, Benny & Joon. His all-star world fusion band, The Mighty Mighty, is featured on his PBS show Why You Like It, and has a forthcoming album, Border Crossing, coming out later in 2025.
Dr. Gasser has a Ph.D. in Musicology from Stanford University and an M.A. in Composition from New York University.
