Jej Vinson excels on ‘The Voice’
Last night, USC Thornton Popular Music alum Jej Vinson won a spot on NBC’s The Voice with a performance of Drake’s “Passionfruit” that stunned the judges – Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, John Legend and Blake Shelton. Shelton said, “We all feel like we’re looking at the winner of The Voice this season,” before the 22-year-old… Continue reading Jej Vinson excels on ‘The Voice’
Daniel Carlin quoted in UpRoxx’s article on the scoring of ‘Black Panther’
Daniel Carlin, USC Thornton’s Vice Dean of the Contemporary Music Division and Chair of the Screen Scoring Program, was recently quoted in UpRoxx’s article on the success of the score for Black Panther, composed by Screen Scoring alumnus Ludwig Göransson (GC ’08). Carlin discussed how for much of Hollywood’s history only musicals focused on songs rather… Continue reading Daniel Carlin quoted in UpRoxx’s article on the scoring of ‘Black Panther’
Vince Mendoza featured in Daily Trojan
Daily Trojan profiled USC Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member Vince Mendoza to celebrate his 30 GRAMMY Award nominations for his work in jazz and classical music. This year, Mendoza earned two nominations – for “Mona Lisa” (Best Arrangement, Instrumentals and Vocals) and “If You Really Want” (Best Jazz Vocal Album) – at the music industry’s… Continue reading Vince Mendoza featured in Daily Trojan
Jon Burlingame gives Oscar insights on NPR’s Here and Now
Jon Burlingame, a faculty member in USC Thornton’s Screen Scoring program, joined NPR’s Here and Now last week to give his take on the favorites to win the Oscar for Best Original Song. He said hit songs such as “Shallow” from A Star Is Born, or “All the Stars” from Black Panther, resonate with Oscar… Continue reading Jon Burlingame gives Oscar insights on NPR’s Here and Now
MUNA featured on B-sides and badlands
MUNA, the hit band formed by USC Thornton Popular Music alumnae Katie Gavin ’15, Joesette Maskin ’16 and Naomi McPherson ’15 is featured on B-sides and Badlands’ Hook & Reel, a series showcasing music. They praise MUNA’s debut album, “About U” as still being a “queer-pop masterpiece” even two years after its release.
Lindsay Wolfington wins Guild of Music Supervisors Award
USC Thornton Music Industry faculty member Lindsay Wolfington took home the “Best Music Supervision – Television Limited Series or Movie” award at the Ninth Annual Guild of Music Supervisor Awards on February 13. Wolfington, who shares the award with Laura Webb, was recognized for her work with Netflix’s “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.”… Continue reading Lindsay Wolfington wins Guild of Music Supervisors Award
Rozzi’s new music video featured on MTV
MTV featured USC Thornton Popular Music alumna Rozzi Crane’s ‘13 new single, “Bad Together,” from her debut album of the same name, released in November 2018. Rozzi, as she is known professionally, wrote the song in a hotel in Laguna Beach after an emotional break-up. She said of the video, “it’s a very personal song… Continue reading Rozzi’s new music video featured on MTV
Big beats that were hard to replace
Celebrated drummer Will Kennedy joined the USC Thornton Popular Music faculty this fall, taking over for the late Ndugu Chancler, a longtime faculty member beloved by students and faculty alike. Kennedy was first invited to campus as one of “The Magnificent Seven,” seven remarkable drummers Patrice Rushen, chair of the Popular Music program, called upon… Continue reading Big beats that were hard to replace
Adam del Monte premieres new flamenco opera
Adam del Monte, USC Thornton faculty member and a celebrated flamenco guitarist, showcased scenes from his new flamenco opera, Llantos 1492, at the 2019 Tucson Desert Song Festival in January. The concert version of Llantos 1492, the world’s first flamenco opera concert, features five singers and a piano reduction of the score with del Monte’s wife, Mercedes… Continue reading Adam del Monte premieres new flamenco opera
Sara Gazarek to preview new album in Seattle this weekend
Sara Gazarek, a USC Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member, is set to debut her seventh album in her hometown of Seattle at the Jazz Alley, Jan. 31 to Feb. 3. “Thirsty Ghost,” which is to be released later this year, shows a different side to Gazarek, breaking away from her typical upbeat and more optimistic… Continue reading Sara Gazarek to preview new album in Seattle this weekend