Posts Tagged ‘Contemporary Music’


Photo of director Christopher Nolan, composer Ludwig Göransson and producer Emma Thomas holding Golden Globe awards as they attend a post-show party reception.

Ludwig Göransson and Raphael Saadiq nominated in 2026 Golden Globes

December 8, 2025

Composer and USC Thornton alumnus Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ’08 – Screen Scoring) has been nominated for two categories at the 2026 Golden Globes: Best Original Score for Sinners (written, directed & produced by USC School of Cinematic Arts alumnus Ryan Coogler) and Best Original Song for “I Lied to You,” also from Sinners, co-written with… Continue reading Ludwig Göransson and Raphael Saadiq nominated in 2026 Golden Globes


Logo for USC Thornton School of Music.

Ken Stacey

September 15, 2025

artist seated at a piano, starting at the camera

Crystal Barron

September 15, 2025

Crystal Barron is a somatic vocal coach, singing voice specialist and vocologist whose work bridges artistry, science, and somatic awareness to support sustainable and expressive vocal performance. She is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters and professional voice users cultivate authenticity, resilience and joy in their creative practice. Holding certifications in multiple cross-disciplinary modalities, Barron’s comprehensive… Continue reading Crystal Barron


Photo of keyboardist Greg Phillinganes

Greg Phillinganes

September 15, 2025

Greg Phillinganes is one of the world’s most sought-after keyboard artists. A Detroit native and music veteran for 50 years, he began his career in 1975 with Stevie Wonder as part of his band, Wonderlove. Since leaving Stevie in 1979, Phillinganes went on to record, perform, tour and/or write with a staggering array of Grammy… Continue reading Greg Phillinganes


Headshot of Daniel Davila.

Daniel Dávila

July 17, 2025

Daniel Dávila is a Los Angeles native and a distinguished vocalist, producer, songwriter and engineer. With a career spanning multiple facets of the music industry, he has collaborated with globally renowned artists such as Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign, Katy Perry and Robert Glasper, amassing over one billion streams worldwide across his credits. Dávila began… Continue reading Daniel Dávila


Jensen McRae surrounded by vines looking into the camera.

Jensen McRae to open for Hozier on 2025 tour

July 16, 2025

USC Thornton Popular Music program alumna Jensen McRae will open for Irish singer-songwriter Hozier on his 2025 “Unreal Unearth” tour. McRae is scheduled to perform two shows on August 1 and 2 at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in Salt Lake City. Tickets are available here. *** Photo courtesy of The OK Times.


Jeff Brabec included in The Mechanical Licensing Collective’s Teacher Appreciation Week celebration

June 25, 2025

The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) included USC Thornton Music Industry program faculty member Jeff Brabec in a press release celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, which took place May 5–9. The MLC highlighted its educational initiatives aimed at empowering both educators and the next generation of music industry professionals. “The MLC’s website and Educator Toolkit are filled… Continue reading Jeff Brabec included in The Mechanical Licensing Collective’s Teacher Appreciation Week celebration


Headshot of Haleigh Bowers.

Haleigh Bowers

June 19, 2025

Haleigh Bowers is a Los Angeles–based songwriter, performer and educator whose creative work pushes the boundaries of each of her disciplines. Known for her evocative melodies and compelling lyrical narratives, Bowers draws inspiration from both literature and music to craft songs that resonate with diverse audiences. She has performed at renowned venues across the country and… Continue reading Haleigh Bowers


Headshot of Natasha Pasternak

Natasha Pasternak

June 19, 2025

Natasha Pasternak is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, arts educator and professor originally from Toronto, Canada. Classically trained in acting, voice, musical theatre and dance at Randolph College for the Performing Arts, she launched her solo music career under her own name, producing her debut EP alongside Chris Koster (The Glorious Sons) at The Tragically… Continue reading Natasha Pasternak


Popular music artist Remi Wolf performs on stage.

Remi Wolf to headline Make the World Better Concert in Philadelphia

June 16, 2025

Remi Wolf (‘18), a USC Thornton Popular Music program alumna, will co-headline Connor Barwin’s Make The World Better Concert Weekend in Philadelphia with artist Lucy Darcus. The concerts will take place on July 25 and 27 at FDR Park. The shows benefit Barwin’s Foundation, which rebuilds playgrounds and public spaces in partnership with the City… Continue reading Remi Wolf to headline Make the World Better Concert in Philadelphia