The only show that takes you inside the studios of Hollywood composers, with engaging conversations and musical demonstrations. Based on the hit film SCORE: A FILM MUSIC DOCUMENTARY, the weekly SCORE: THE PODCAST celebrates the musical heartbeat and emotive power of modern storytelling. Join hosts R…
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The Score: The Podcast is a captivating and informative podcast that delves into the world of film scoring. Hosted by Robert Kraft, Kenny Holmes, Carol Kuswanto, and Matt Schrader, this podcast features in-depth interviews with some of the biggest names in the industry. Each episode provides unique insights into the process of composing music for movies and TV shows, as well as the challenges and rewards that come with it. Whether you're a fan of movie scores or interested in the intersection of film and music, this podcast is sure to captivate and educate.
One of the best aspects of The Score: The Podcast is the wide range of guests that are featured. From legendary composers like Hans Zimmer and John Debney to up-and-coming talents like Tamar-kali and Bryce Jacobs, each episode offers a different perspective and story. The hosts do an excellent job of bringing out the best in their guests, allowing them to share their experiences and insights in a conversational and engaging manner. This makes every episode feel personal and relatable, even if you're not familiar with the guest beforehand.
Another great aspect of this podcast is how well it is curated. The episodes are consistently interesting and engaging, with a good balance between personal stories, industry insights, and technical discussions. The hosts keep the pace lively by including mini-segments like Siu-Lan Tan's analysis of film score segments or the popular "Name That Score" game where listeners can test their film score trivia skills. This variety keeps listeners entertained while still providing valuable information about the craft.
Despite its many strengths, one potential downside of The Score: The Podcast is that it may not appeal to everyone. If you have no interest in film scores or don't enjoy listening to interviews, this might not be your cup of tea. Additionally, some episodes may be more technical or insider-focused than others, which could be off-putting for casual listeners. However, the podcast does a great job of being accessible to both industry professionals and general music lovers alike.
In conclusion, The Score: The Podcast is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by film scores or interested in the process of creating music for movies and TV shows. With its captivating interviews, diverse range of guests, and engaging format, this podcast offers a deep dive into the world of film scoring that will leave you wanting more. Whether you're a musician, filmmaker, or simply a fan of movie soundtracks, this podcast is sure to entertain and inspire.
Oscar-nominated experimental band/composing trio Son Lux joins Score after their breakout success on EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE, and as their latest film, Marvel's THUNDERBOLTS*, releases in theaters.How the solo project from Ryan Lott led to working as a trio with Rafiq Bhatia, Ian Chang — incorporating unique electronic instrumentation with crafty sound design (including unique percussion approaches). What it's like living in three different cities as a band, working on albums, and coming off an indie project with The Daniels to help launch a new phase for Marvel — hence the asterisk in Thunderbolts*.Plus, getting the London Contemporary Orchestra to play “drunker” at Abbey Road, and finding the ideal balance of inner creative spark and broader collaboration on a major film.Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader.For exclusive and 4K footage inside studios of your favorite composers, follow Score on YouTube Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.Score: The Podcast is presented by Vienna Symphonic Library. Check out Vienna Symphonic Library's collection of innovating libraries and samples — including their flagship Synchron Series, recorded at Vienna Synchron Stage, where hit films and shows for HBO, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Bear McCreary's score to Rings of Power on Amazon Prime Video, and many more are recorded. Check out Synchron Duality Strings libraries, or check out the free sample player, freebie libraries and demos at http://vsl.co.atTo learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit http://synchronstage.comScore: The Podcast is a presentation of Epicleff Media and is produced by Holmes Productions.
Scottish-born composer Paul Leonard-Morgan (Last Breath, Cyberpunk 2077, Tales from the Loop, Limitless) is a master of different mediums — from film/television to video games, concerts and working with recording artists like bands Belle & Sebastian and Snow Patrol, among many others.His latest, survival-thriller Last Breath starring Woody Harrelson, is his second score to this story — he also scored the hit documentary about the real people. Paul details how he evolved his approach for the narrative film, including his own wetsuit dive to record metallic clinks against boats in Malibu, California, in order to create a unique, journalistic feel to the music approach.How his collaborations with legendary composer Philip Glass came about for Tales from the Loop, after they both worked with documentary filmmaker Errol Morris. Plus, how the aggressive and dark sound of Cyberpunk 2077 came together, and why writing tunes — and staying passionate under grueling deadlines — is the magic that unlocks success.Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader.For exclusive and 4K footage inside studios of your favorite composers, follow Score on YouTube Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.Score: The Podcast is presented by Vienna Symphonic Library. Check out Vienna Symphonic Library's collection of innovating libraries and samples at vsl.co.at — including their flagship Synchron Series, recorded at Vienna Synchron Stage, where hit films and shows for HBO, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Bear McCreary's score to Rings of Power on Amazon Prime Video, and many more are recorded. Check out Synchron Duality Strings libraries, or check out the free sample player, freebie libraries and demos at http://vsl.co.atTo learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit http://synchronstage.comScore: The Podcast is a presentation of Epicleff Media and is produced by Holmes Productions.Video Timecodes0:00 Intro1:49 Vienna Symphonic Library3:59 Paul Leonard-Morgan Interview6:51 Scoring Drama vs. Documentary9:29 ‘Last Breath' opening12:51 Recording Boats in Malibu17:28 Finding Unique Sounds19:58 Paulstretch Experimenting and ‘Dredd'20:52 Musical beginnings28:31 Punk-rock heart31:37 Finding a style35:54 Finding Inspiration40:22 Philip Glass collaborations42:00 ‘Tales from the Loop'51:21 ‘Cyberpunk 2077' & writing1:00:34 Three Things1:06:56 Charles Manson's music1:12:01 VSL Synchron Series1:13:46 VSL ‘Forrest Gump' Demo
At 34, UK-based artist and composer Daniel Blumberg is the youngest person nominated for this year's Best Score at the Oscars. His work on The Brutalist, nominated for 10 Academy Awards, is a continuation and evolution of Brady Corbet's directorial talent — a longtime friend and collaborator. Daniel talks us through his formative experience at Cafe Oto in London — a hub for eccentric and inventive musical talents, which has also inspired Daniel's own highly reviewed solo albums. Daniel explains why he had to visit Italy himself to calibrate the echoes of a marble quarry, why he and Brady always envisioned the opening as a balance of tension and payoff, and why he left in raw recordings of musical “sketches” on purpose to help convey the endless pursuit of creative perfection the film depicts. Why the rising awards buzz around his unique score makes him nervous, and the unlikely (but true!) admiration for Wallace & Gromit.Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader. Recorded at A24 Studios in Los Angeles.For exclusive and 4K footage inside studios of your favorite composers, follow Score on YouTube Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.Score: The Podcast is presented by Vienna Symphonic Library. Check out Vienna Symphonic Library's collection of innovating libraries and samples at vsl.co.at — including their flagship Synchron Series, recorded at Vienna Synchron Stage, where hit films and shows for HBO, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Bear McCreary's score to Rings of Power on Amazon Prime Video, and many more are recorded. Check out Synchron Duality Strings libraries, or check out the free sample player, freebie libraries and demos at http://vsl.co.atUse promo code SCORESMART10 for 10% off Synchron Smart Orchestra 2.0, valid until March 17To learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit http://synchronstage.comScore: The Podcast is a presentation of Epicleff Media and is produced by Holmes Productions.
Oscar-winning filmmaker (The Last Repair Shop) and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers details a series of life experiences that propelled him to a groundbreaking score on his first animated film, The Wild Robot. How his parents' nudge into music led to him developing a “life plan” he still employs today. Why his jazz origins are so useful in the way he approaches film music. Plus, how new emotions (unlocked from recently becoming a father himself) impacted his approach to the themes of The Wild Robot. Kris dives into how he discovered a sound and music palette to channels a vibrant “wilderness” alongside an orchestral approach (with a futurist vibe), and his fond memories of working with both Kobe Bryant and Quincy Jones who influenced and inspired his creative energy to new projects. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader. For exclusive and 4K footage inside studios of your favorite composers, follow Score on YouTube Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X. Score: The Podcast is presented by Vienna Symphonic Library. Check out Vienna Symphonic Library's collection of innovating libraries and samples at vsl.co.at — including their flagship Synchron Series, recorded at Vienna Synchron Stage, where hit films and shows for HBO, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Bear McCreary's score to Rings of Power on Amazon Prime Video, and many more are recorded. Check out Synchron Duality Strings libraries, or check out the free sample player, freebie libraries and demos at http://vsl.co.at To learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit http://synchronstage.com Score: The Podcast is a presentation of Epicleff Media and is produced by Holmes Productions.
“Music that will bring Beethoven to his knees” We couldn't pass up the chance to record with BOTH visionary director Robert Eggers and composer Robin Carolan, whose period-horror NOSFERATU released on Christmas Day. (Robert confirms for the record it IS — sort of — a Christmas movie.) This interview done remotely, with Robert and Robin together in the same room in London. How Robert's breakout film THE WITCH led to a creative partnership with Robin, a UK-based music producer who had never scored a film before. Why he took 6 weeks to agree to take Robert's Viking epic THE NORTHMAN — and how it proved a trial by fire for his composing career. Robert talks about his history with NOSFERATU going back to high school (once thought of as an imitation of Dracula, but has achieved its own legendary mythological status). How Robert challenged Robin to “bring Beethoven to his knees” in the opening scene, and the decision to craft hypnotic “spirals” and haunting vocals to keep the danger close even when Nosferatu is not on screen. And why Robert's films — dripping with rich mythology — extend the traditional orchestral approach into unsettling, aleatoric music and modern sounds that carry the audience in and out of comfort. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader. For exclusive and 4K footage inside studios of your favorite composers, follow Score on YouTube Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X. Check our Vienna Symphonic Library's collection of innovating libraries and samples at vsl.co.at — including their flagship Synchron Series, recorded at Vienna Synchron Stage, where hit films and shows for HBO, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Bear McCreary's score to Rings of Power on Amazon Prime Video, and many more are recorded. Check out Synchron Duality Strings libraries, or check out the free sample player, freebie libraries and demos at http://vsl.co.at To learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit http://synchronstage.com Score: The Podcast is a presentation of Epicleff Media and is produced by Holmes Productions. Video Timecodes 0:00 Intro 4:05 Vienna Symphonic Library 7:16 Robert Eggers & Robin Carolan 21:00 'The Northman' 31:18 Starting 'Nosferatu' 40:28 Hypnosis of 'Nosferatu' 48:56 Most Difficult Scenes of 'Nosferatu' 1:01:53 VSL Synchron Series 1:03:47 VSL "Batman" Demo
Oscar-winning composer Volker Bertelmann (CONCLAVE, ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT) explains his unique approach to creating analog textures, themes, and layered complexity. How a church piano led him to a breakout hip hop album in Germany, and then into his own musical experimentation with “prepared piano” — including albums and live performances with ping pong balls in pianos. How his prepared piano techniques create sounds many believe are synths, but are actually recorded sounds carefully crafted. How his collaboration with director Edward Berger has led to a new exploration of sound. And why you should always prepare (even for an Oscars speech!) but be ready to go with the flow of the moment as a musician. Special thanks to Nate Gold and Soundbite Studios in Los Angeles. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader. For exclusive and 4K footage inside studios of your favorite composers, follow Score on YouTube Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X. Check out Vienna Symphonic Library's collection of innovating libraries and samples at http://vsl.co.at — including their flagship Synchron Series, recorded at Vienna Synchron Stage, where hit films and shows for HBO, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Bear McCreary's score to Rings of Power on Amazon Prime Video, and many more are recorded. Check out the free sample player, freebie libraries and demos at http://vsl.co.at To learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit http://synchronstage.com Score: The Podcast is a presentation of Epicleff Media and is produced by Holmes Productions.
Score: The Podcast returns for a sixth season with in-person interviews filmed in 4K, and new original footage inside composers' studios. Presented by Vienna Symphonic Library In this season premiere episode, Benjamin Wallfisch breaks down his explosive blockbuster summer with TWISTERS and ALIEN: ROMULUS becoming sensations. The inside scoop on whether Glen Powell's romantic ending in TWISTERS was intended to have a kiss (which became a social media firestorm), and how Benjamin channeled Danny Elfman's iconic BATMAN theme in Michael Keaton's masked return in THE FLASH. Plus, how the score for the hit ALIEN sequel broke new ground with themes echoing sunlight in darkness and an experimental DNA strain that appropriate mutates the score for a powerfully haunting emotional reaction from audiences. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader. For exclusive and 4K footage inside studios of your favorite composers, follow Score on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X. Check our Vienna Symphonic Library's collection of innovating libraries and samples at vsl.co.at — including their flagship Synchron Series, recorded at Vienna Synchron Stage, where hit films and shows for HBO, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Bear McCreary's score to Rings of Power on Amazon Prime Video, and many more are recorded. Use code ScoreVienna through December 18 for 20% off five Synchron Duality Strings libraries, or check out the free sample player, freebie libraries and demos at vsl.co.at To learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit synchronstage.com Score: The Podcast is a presentation of Epicleff Media and is produced by Holmes Productions.
Robert Kraft reunites with the talented Jessica Weiss to talk about her path from ballet to Hollywood film scoring. In 2012, Jessica was invited to join the Remote Control Productions team and worked with Hans Zimmer, Lorne Balfe, Junkie XL and others on films. Then, she landed a job as a music editor working with Mychael Danna, and has continued on to score the recent Camila Cabello film Cinderella.
In Score's season 5 finale, composer Rob Simonsen talks about having the #1 and #2 films in the world on the same weekend (DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE; IT ENDS WITH US), and how one film led to the other being done inside of one month — the biggest time crunch he's ever had. Plus, what is was like working with Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, poking fun at Marvel in the sound booth with Kevin Feige during recordings, and what's next with his scoring a major upcoming Pixar release. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Robert Kraft.
Breakout composer Andrea Datzman (INSIDE OUT 2) talks about her initial rejection from film scoring industry, and what led her to persevere. How her struggle with Lyme disease threatened to upend her initial breakthrough with Michael Giacchino on INSIDE OUT, and led to a surprising new revelation about her own brain and neuropsychology. She also discusses her experience learning from Michael Giacchino as a student, during the scoring sessions for ABC's LOST. Interview by Robert Kraft and Kenny Holmes.
In this bonus interview episode, Andrew Gordon Macpherson talks about his music and TV editing skills leading to his career scoring video games and television documentaries, including the hit Vice series DARK SIDE OF THE RING, and WHO KILLED WCW?, produced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. How the world of professional wrestling drama created a canvas for an epic soap-opera-esque musical approach, finding ways to blend spaghetti western with zen meditation bowls, and making a sub-culture of pro wrestling drama something for the average person to be able to appreciate. Plus, the influence of Jim Johnston on the iconic music all wrestling fans know. Bonus interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader. (Note: Technical difficulties interrupted the interview several times. We have edited to trim out some of these interruptions.)
Composer Andrew Lockington (ATLAS, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN) joins SCORE to talk about Toronto, working with and under the tutelage of fellow Canadian Mychael Danna after wanting to start a rock band, and how his interest in orchestration led to his composing breakthroughs. Plus, working with Jennifer Lopez, creating “suites” of music, what makes temps so tricky to work with, and how he's built a relationship with director Brad Peyton across multiple big-budget action films. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Robert Kraft.
We catch up with composer extraordinaire Christophe Beck (UNFROSTED, ROAD HOUSE) for the first time in six years! Christophe shares how early piano lessons led to dreams of making his own album (now in the works). Plus, how years leading a composer team on major films refreshed his love of teaching and sharing, his creative rapport with director Doug Liman, and working with comedy icon Jerry Seinfeld in his directorial debut on the Netflix satire/“Pop Tart biopic” UNFROSTED. Interview by Kenny Holmes, Matt Schrader, and Robert Kraft.
Composer Chris Benstead talks about being Guy Ritchies' musical maestro on multiple projects, including THE GENTLEMEN on Netflix and THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE. How his musical education led him into music mixing and eventually working in the “sound” departments on major projects, before his work with Patrick Doyle, Steven Price, Alan Menken and Hans Zimmer brought him back into the “composer” role for Guy Ritchie. Why Guy sometimes asks him to be “braver” with a cue, and how to delegate (aka “let go”) of certain parts of the music composition process that you're good at. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader.
YouTuber Rudy Mancuso has been following SCORE for years, as a musician and composer in his own right. He joins Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader to discuss his breakout hit film from SxSW ‘MÚSICA' — a semi-autobiographic film, years in the making, that pushes musical possibilities to refreshingly brilliant musical storytelling. Directed as only a composer could, MÚSICA (also starring Camila Mendes and J.B. Smoove) is an exploration of synesthesia, in which Rudy experiences real life in semi-musical form. Rudy discusses how his content creator life was the perfect practice for navigating his own feature film, why puppets (yes, puppets) are so integral to his film, and why he never had any doubt he would direct AND compose the music himself. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader.
Composer Laura Karpman joins Score to talk about her work on the Oscar-nominated score for AMERICAN FICTION, breaking down how jazz informed a story rich in satire and wit to give it a unique musical edge and voice intertwined with characters. Then, she discusses her path from likely music professor into at one point being one of the only women working in film and TV composing. Plus, Robert shares the personal influence Thelonious Monk had on his own life and love for jazz.
Composer David Fleming (The Last of Us, Blue Planet II) talks about his inventive score for Prime Video's new Mr. & Mrs. Smith, working with Donald Glover, coming up through the Remote Control composer system with Atli Orvarsson, Steve Jablonsky and Hans Zimmer, and why the new Jim Henson documentary will melt everyone's hearts. Interview by Kenny Holmes, Matt Schrader and Robert Kraft.
The Miami-based Carlos Rafael Rivera with two series releasing now (Griselda, Monsieur Spade) joins to talk about his massive breakout with The Queen's Gambit, followed by Hacks and Lessons in Chemistry. Why Sofia Vergara's dramatic turn as a drug kingpin in Miami deserved an operative approach. How he manages to maintain his Miami location for an industry that is largely located in Los Angeles. Plus, he revisits his 2017 adventure to go see Score: A Film Music Documentary in New York, and how he's brought some of his teaching skills (and musicians) into his music work. Before that, Kenny and Matt break down the Oscar nominees, as Robert joins a few minutes later to explain why Oppenheimer's score (by Ludwig Gorannsson) is so groundbreakingly original.
One of the original members of the indie band Arcade Fire, Richard Reed Parry (THE IRON CLAW, EILEEN) discusses his jump into film scoring, the importance of finding “mojo” and “vibe,” and how the wrestling biopic The Iron Claw nearly stumped him musically — until he unlocked the rich, layered sound that carries the film. How Spike Jonze's film “Her” prepared him for the next stage in his career, and why he believes it's important to be as musically dynamic with other musicians as possible.
Geoff Zanelli makes his long-awaited Score debut after one of Netflix's most watched animated films of all-time, the Adam Sandler-produced LEO. In this episode, Kenny and Robert discuss the long-awaited arrival of MAESTRO, the Leonard Bernstein biopic, which we discussed on the 2nd episode of SCORE: THE PODCAST back when it was to be directed by Spielberg. Then, Robert and Geoff reminisce about drinking absinthe in Paris, before jumping into the challenge of making Adam Sandler laugh, and the paradox of writing “funny” music in animation. Plus, Geoff talks about his path from music school to being an intern at Hans Zimmer's Remote Control Productions in the early (Lion King era) 1990s, sitting in on Alan Meyerson mixes, and getting his first opportunities while working for John Powell on the movie Face/Off.
Composer of the new historical epic NAPOLEON Martin Phipps joins Score for the first time! How he located a piano once owned by Napoleon himself for the score. Plus, his path to film and television music, his work on Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror and The Crown, and establishing trust with the great Ridley Scott. How Martin overcame his early doubts about musical approach for NAPOLEON to meet its spectacular giant sets, and musically signaling Napoleon as an ambitious outsider rising to power. Interview by Robert Kraft and Kenny Holmes.
Score returns with composer James Newton Howard, who currently has four projects releasing this month, including the Hunger Games prequel that he says asked him not to use synths (“they haven't been invented yet”). Plus, how working with Hans Zimmer helped pull him out of a period of depression, when to fight for your musical opinion, and why he likes the rush of being asked to “save” blockbuster films in the final weeks before release. Interviewed by Robert Kraft and Matt Schrader.
Live podcast recording with composer Colin Stetson from Film Fest Gent and the World Soundtrack Awards in Belgium. Composer and musician Colin Stetson is a nominee for the WSA Discovery of the Year Award, and sits down with Robert Kraft to talk about how he keeps his music fresh, his musical mind healthy and his performing career exciting. They also discuss his recent work, including THE MENU and HEREDITARY. Recorded on location by Film Fest Gent in front of a live audience in October 2023.
Grammy-nominated and two-time BAFTA-winning composer Austin Wintory returns to SCORE for a special episode with SCORE's Robert Kraft. Austin breaks down plans for the game music segment he's curating for this year's World Soundtrack Awards in October, and explains working on games for people who don't know yet they love games.
Academy Award-winning composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Gustavo Santaolalla joins Score: The Podcast for a lively conversation about the phenomenon his music helped create in The Last of Us, and why it's different than any of his other work. Plus, writing the score to Brokeback Mountain prior to anything being filmed, how the records he made with the band Arco Iris (at age 18) become a blueprint for his career, and how he put the instrument "ronroco" on the map. Gustavo also shares details about his upcoming projects, including a performance in October at the World Soundtrack Awards in Ghent, Belgium, where he will be with our own Robert Kraft.
In this special summer episode, Daniel Pemberton, composer of Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, Daniel discusses his unique approach to the hit sequel's postmodern score, the success he's had since his last appearance on Score: The Podcast — including SLOUGH HOUSE and The Trial of the Chicago 7 — and details about the upcoming tour of his Spider-Verse score, live to picture! Interview by Robert Kraft.
In this special pre-Oscars episode of Score: The Podcast, Oscar-nominated composer Carter Burwell speaks with Robert Kraft about his latest score for The Banshees of Inisherin. Will his third nomination be the charm? Carter talks about meeting the other nominees at the Academy luncheon, recording at Abbey Road, and working with directors.
Composer Colin Stetson (The Menu, Hereditary, Color Out of Space) talks about capturing a fresh sound for The Menu, trying not to collapse while playing saxophone, and why it makes for terrible bar tricks. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader.
Oscar-winning composer Hildur Guðnadóttir talks about her 2019 success on JOKER and CHERNOBYL and how she responded to pandemic slowdown at the breakout moment of her career. Why becoming a mother is something she holds so dearly and credits for some of her approach. Plus, why WOMEN TALKING challenged her to find a quiet inner strength, and TÁR created a mirror opposite of Hildur's approach to her music. Interview by Robert Kraft and Matt Schrader.
Composer Chanda Dancy talks about I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY, the Whitney Houston biopic, as well as her film DEVOTION. She also talks about her career rise and a music industry overlapping with film music industry. Interview by Robert Kraft.
Special Episode! Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle sits down with his composer Justin Hurwitz ahead of their new film, BABYLON. Why Chazelle involves his composer long before his script is "final," and how he uses it to create storyboards. How the music of WHIPLASH and LA LA LAND were informed by music, and the challenges of bringing to life the 1920s-era BABYLON with all its brilliant, raucous and cacophonous musical splendor. Interview by Robert Kraft and Matt Schrader.
Composer Pinar Toprak dives into her performance with Billie Eilish and Finneas at the Oscars, and her process creating a theme suite for the NFL and Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video. Then, why the music for SLUMBERLAND is some of the most personal she's ever written. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader.
Composer Gabriel Mann talks through his decision to leave Pre-Med in college to become a musician — and why his parents fully supported him. Then, how working with David Schwartz led to him leaving composer altogether — and why David brought him back to collaborate on ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT. Later, we talk about writing lyrical melodies for A MILLION LITTLE THINGS, why Disney's musical machine is so vast, and a top-secret musical stage play in the works now (based on an 1980s classic) from Gabriel's band, The Rescues, coming in 2023. Interview by Matt Schrader.
The great David Newman has been scoring memorable and iconic films since the mid-1980s, and after his own prolific career has found himself being a part of a unique world — live film music concerts. From conducting John Williams concerts at the world-famous Hollywood Bowl, to conducting orchestras live-to-picture at Walt Disney Concert Hall, David has stumbled into a world of new opportunities. We talk about why film music concerts feel more like rock concerts than classical ones, and why experimenting with the performances can trigger massive audience responses. This is everything you wanted to know about the experience of seeing a film music concert! Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader.
Composer Henry Jackman joins to talk about THE GRAY MAN, his musical relationship with the Russo brothers, how the birth of his son during the pandemic changed his perspective, and what kind of obsession it takes to truly make something meaningful. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader.
Composer David Buckley talks about his Netflix hit THE SANDMAN out now, finding the surreal, melancholy sound of a dream world. Plus, David talks about his unique start in film scoring (as a choirboy singing in a Scorsese film, then “toilet roll” ads), and how that led him to Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell (as well as Danny Elfman, Hans Zimmer and Rupert Gregson-Williams) and finding his own breakout hit films like JASON BOURNE and the recent hit NOBODY, plus his TV work on THE GOOD WIFE and THE GOOD FIGHT. Interviewed by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader on MORE SCORE.
Composer Daniel Hart and director David Lowery talk about the upcoming World Soundtrack Awards in Ghent, their musical collaboration and workflow on THE GREEN KNIGHT and how they met, other projects currently in the works, and even vegan French fries. Interviewed by Robert Kraft, only on MORE SCORE. THEN: Around the 45:00 mark, Robert and Carol Kuswanto catch us up on the nominees for the World Soundtrack Awards, and what to look for in October!
Special episode of MORE SCORE on SCORE: THE PODCAST! (For year-round interviews like this one, and 49 bonus interviews to date, subscribe to our bonus show MORE SCORE using any of the links below. IN THIS EPISODE OF MORE SCORE: Dave Porter, the prolific composer of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, reflects on 15 years making what some (including Matt) consider to be the best television shows ever made. The bumps along the road, the phrases Dave hears in his head still from creator Vince Gilligan, whether the Breaking Bad universe is really over, and how his career's future is in the hands of his TV family built over the last two decades. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader. MORE SCORE is a fan-supported show available on Patreon, Apple Podcast and Spotify. To support for $10/month and get full episodes from inside the film score world, use the links below: Apple (iOS 15+): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/score-the-podcast/id1357882784 Spotify (via Anchor): http://anchor.fm/score/subscribe Patreon: http://Patreon.com/MoreScore
Composer Rè Olunuga talks about composing in Lagos, Nigeria, and how that helped to inform the sound of the Disney+ film RISE, a biopic about NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpos. Olunuga talks about working to find the sound of RISE, his four rules of composing for film, and how one opportunity leads to the next. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Robert Kraft, only on MORE SCORE. MORE SCORE is a fan-supported show available on Patreon, Apple Podcast and Spotify. To support for $10/month and get full episodes from inside the film score world, use the links below: Apple (iOS 15 or later): http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/... Spotify (via Anchor): http://anchor.fm/score/subscribe Patreon: http://Patreon.com/MoreScore
Composer Dave Palmer breaks down his Dallas-based recording artist career journey that culminated in his home studio in Ojai, California, and meeting Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Farrelly to score THE GREATEST BEER RUN EVER starring Zac Efron. Dave talks about the key to a piano cue packing a heart-wrenching punch, meshing original score with songs of the Vietnam War era, and why this film feels different tonally than any other you've seen before. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader.
Composer Siddhartha Khosla on his massive hit that is ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING (now midway through Season 2), where those incredibly catchy melodies came from and why he loves to write them. The thematic reason why Sidd says the show needed an orchestra — and how SCORE: THE PODCAST's own Carol Kuswanto ended up playing piano for the score! (She joins to break it down.) We also chat with Sidd about whether discovering true-crime podcasts in between seasons changed the tone of his music, working with top-notch editors, and the hidden clues in season 1's score. Interview by Robert Kraft and Matt Schrader, with Carol Kuswanto, only on MORE SCORE.
The composer behind the hit miniseries THE DROPOUT talks about her upbringing, recording electronic and orchestral music for film, and how she overcame not being able to “hook” the music until she discovered Elizabeth's theme in theme. Plus, what Robert learned from Jim Henson about bringing kids into the workplace and a dream TV series Robert plans to do with Anne!
Theodore Shapiro is one of the emerging superstars of film and television composing, with a background in comedies and recent breakout hits such as Apple TV+'s SEVERANCE, directed by Ben Stiller. Teddy talks about getting started on another breakout hit YELLOWJACKETS before handing off the series to his friends Craig Wedren and Anna Waronker. Then, we dive into the intensely cinematic, deeply intimate and isolated music for SEVERANCE. Plus, how Teddy and Ben Stiller found their groove during pandemic lockdowns. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader on MORE SCORE.
Icelandic composer Herdís Stefánsdóttir talks about crafting a modern score for the Victorian-era THE ESSEX SERPENT on AppleTV+, alongside co-composer Dustin O'Halloran, and her score to Y: THE LAST MAN on FX. How her path from law-school dropout to writing music for dance students worried her parents. Plus, how Herdís ended up working with the late Jóhann Jóhannsson (ARRIVAL, THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING) and meeting Hildur Guðnadóttir (JOKER) in Reykjavik — and what its like scoring films and television with Icelandic musicians. Interview by Matt Schrader on MORE SCORE.
Anna talks about her hit show Yellowjackets, her father Lenny's legacy in music and at Warner Bros., Randy Newman's generous coaching of her early music, and making music that you are passionate about. Interview by Robert Kraft on More Score!
Composer Natalie Holt talks about her theremin-infused score for Marvel's LOKI, her first love of film music (John Williams' E.T.), and how incredible it was to be able to utilize a new theme from John Williams for OBI-WAN KENOBI. Plus, how her pop string quartet helped pay the bills and led her into film composing — and why she threw an egg at Simon Cowell on Britain's Got Talent in 2013. Interview by Matt Schrader on MORE SCORE.
Composer Mac Quayle (AMERICAN HORROR STORY, MR. ROBOT, GASLIT, AMERICAN CRIME STORY: IMPEACHMENT) talks about how he scaled up his music team to be able to take on multiple shows he loves. What he thought about Danny Elfman's Coachella performance and what it means for composers. Plus, how getting stoned in a college music theory class — he flunked the assignment — helped him discover the value of experimental music (with his NY-based band Fibre.) Interview with Matt Schrader and Kenny Holmes on MORE SCORE!
Composer John Lunn (DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA) talks about scoring six seasons of one of TV's most prolific successes, and the transformation into a hit movie franchise. Why A NEW ERA (out today) is the score he's most proud of, the joy of scoring at Air Lyndhurst with 70-piece strings, and why the quiche in the Air cafeteria is so delicious — as Robert can attest! Interview by Robert Kraft and Matt Schrader on MORE SCORE! MORE SCORE is a fan-supported show available on Patreon, Apple Podcast and Spotify. To support for $10/month and get full episodes from inside the film score world, use the links below: Apple (iOS 15 or later): http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/... Spotify (via Anchor): http://anchor.fm/score/subscribe Patreon: http://Patreon.com/MoreScore
Hesham Nazih is a composer based in Cairo, and the first Egyptian composer to score a Marvel project with MOON KNIGHT. In this interview, Hesham details how he got the job, the spectacular vocal effects in the music, and the difference between the Hollywood sound of Egypt and the real thing — and how they've grown together. Plus, Hesham's story of being unable to afford musical training, and his process of self-teaching from playing in bands to meeting young filmmakers who needed scores. And the lesson one filmmaker shared with him about being unafraid to say “no” when you don't believe in the project. Interview by Matt Schrader.
Breton Vivian is an English-Australian composer known for his scores to Yellowstone (with Brian Tyler) as well as the recent miniseries 1883. We talk about how working at Brian's studio (and helping him move it) helped Breton come into his own as a composer. Plus, the different ways themes, unique solo instruments, and orchestra can play together in western-inspired score. He also talk about his entry into film scores (growing disillusioned with the UK band scene) and how there's no substitute for taking lots of meetings with potential creative collaborators. Interview by Matt Schrader on MORE SCORE.
Composer Joseph Stephens (EASTBOUND & DOWN, VICE PRINCIPALS, UPLOAD) talks about creating songs and score for the dark comedy THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES on HBO, how he works directly with Danny McBride on the songs and lyrics, and his strange path to scoring through several experimental bands. Plus, how he sources musicians and plugs in virtually, post-pandemic! Interview with Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader on MORE SCORE!
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