NoSo performs new single on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”
NoSo—USC Thornton popular music program alum Baek Hwong (‘19)—performed their song “Sugar” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on May 19. The single is from NoSo’s upcoming album, When Are You Leaving?, due Oct 10 via Partisan Records. View tour dates and information about the artist here. *** Photo courtesy of NPR.
Yohanna Bauerdorf up for 2025 NPR Tiny Desk Competition
Yohanna Bauerdorf, a student in the USC Thornton Popular Music program, is up for NPR’s annual Tiny Desk Competition with the song “Everything’s About Me,” which she co-wrote with Thornton alumna Chloe Gardner (’24). Out of 7,500 music submissions this year, Bauerdorf’s is among 49 others that were selected to be highlighted in the NPR… Continue reading Yohanna Bauerdorf up for 2025 NPR Tiny Desk Competition
Kevin Randolph
Kevin Randolph is a distinguished music producer, composer and keyboard virtuoso whose dynamic career spans iconic film scores, chart-topping albums and performances alongside legendary artists. With notable contributions to major films like Dreamgirls, Kung Fu Panda, Pitch Perfect, Sing 1 and 2 and The Help, as well as the acclaimed TV show Star. Randolph has… Continue reading Kevin Randolph
Mark Batson
Mark Batson is a classically trained pianist, award-winning music producer and visionary composer whose contributions have helped sell over 130 million albums worldwide across pop, hip hop, R&B, rock, jazz and classical music. His work has shaped the sound of some of the most influential artists in modern music, including Eminem, Beyoncé, Nas, Alicia Keys, Anthony… Continue reading Mark Batson
Drummer Savannah Tweedt Profiled by Daily Trojan
On Feb. 19, the Daily Trojan published a profile on Savannah Tweedt, a drummer and student in the USC Thornton Popular Music program. Tweedt discussed her journey participating in various music projects and ensembles at USC and championing opportunities for women in percussion. In 2020, she won first prize in the Hit Like A Girl… Continue reading Drummer Savannah Tweedt Profiled by Daily Trojan
Wildflower Performs at L.A. Times Festival of Books
USC Thornton Popular Music program students in the band Wildflower will perform at the L.A. Times Festival of Books, taking place April 26-27. The members of Wildflower include Meghan Chen (keytar and vocal), Ivan Cuevas (electric guitar and vocal), Ryan Deack (drums), Marco Lenzi (bass), Manuel Martinez (electric guitar), Eyén Paredes (keyboard and vocal) and… Continue reading Wildflower Performs at L.A. Times Festival of Books
L.A. Times Interviewed Raphael Saadiq on 5 Greatest Hits
Raphael Saadiq, the inaugural member of the USC Thornton Dean’s Creative Vanguard Program, discussed the five greatest hits of his career in a recent interview with the L.A. Times. The award-winning, multi-talented artist, producer, instrumentalist, composer, and songwriter mentioned his work mentoring Thornton students. In February, Saadiq won his third Grammy Award as a writer… Continue reading L.A. Times Interviewed Raphael Saadiq on 5 Greatest Hits
Remi Wolf Nominated at the GLAAD Media Awards
Remi Wolf (‘18), a USC Thornton Popular Music program alumna, was nominated for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist in the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. The GLAAD Media Awards honor those in the media who have shown exemplary achievements for fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of the LGBTQ community and the issues that affect their lives.… Continue reading Remi Wolf Nominated at the GLAAD Media Awards
Mk.gee Makes “Best Albums of 2024” List
USC Thornton non-degreed alumnus Michael Gordon’s (Mk.gee) Two Star & The Dream Police, released on February 9, 2024, via R&R, was named on WePlugGoodMusic‘s “Best Albums of 2024” list in the UK. “Mk.gee delivers a cohesive and immersive experience with Two Star & The Dream Police that not only showcases his technical skills but also… Continue reading Mk.gee Makes “Best Albums of 2024” List
Patrice Rushen receives Roland Corporation Lifetime Achievement Award
USC Thornton Popular Music program faculty member Patrice Rushen received Roland Corporation’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show in Anaheim, CA. Roland Corporation is a manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments. Rushen was awarded for impacting the music industry as a trailblazer and mentor to young musicians.… Continue reading Patrice Rushen receives Roland Corporation Lifetime Achievement Award