Thornton students talk transition to remote classes with Daily Trojan
In an article published April 13, the Daily Trojan interviewed students from USC Thornton and other USC performing arts schools about the unique challenges they faced in the transition to remote instruction, and how they and their instructors have adapted to the new format. Dominic Anzalone, a sophomore in the Popular Music program, told the… Continue reading Thornton students talk transition to remote classes with Daily Trojan
Kathleen Grace releases single ahead of April 17 album release
Jazz Studies alum and current faculty member Kathleen Grace (MM ’04) has released a new song, “Everywhere,” off of her forthcoming album Tie Me To You, made in collaboration with pianist Larry Goldings. The duo released the album’s first single, “Where Or When,” on Feb. 10. “It’s a strange time to be releasing music but… Continue reading Kathleen Grace releases single ahead of April 17 album release
Daily Trojan highlights Live! From Somewhere performance series
The Daily Trojan, USC’s student-led newspaper, recently highlighted USC Thornton’s new video series, Live! From Somewhere. The series was launched on March 16 in response to recent closures and event cancellations, and as the school’s artists have looked for ways to continue making music while social distancing. Live! From Somewhere presents homemade performances by Thornton… Continue reading Daily Trojan highlights Live! From Somewhere performance series
Ludwig Göransson featured on new single from Vargas and Lagola
USC Thornton Screen Scoring alum Ludwig Göransson (GC ’08) is featured on a new single from Swedish songwriters and producers Vargas & Lagola, titled “Somebody That Understands Me.” The ‘80s rock-inspired song includes an extended guitar solo by Göransson, who’s most known for his GRAMMY and Oscar-winning work as a producer and composer. Vargas &… Continue reading Ludwig Göransson featured on new single from Vargas and Lagola
King Princess nominated for GLAAD Media Award
King Princess, known off-stage as Mikaela Straus, has been nominated for a 2020 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist. Her nomination comes after the success of her debut album, Cheap Queen, that released in the fall of 2019. Straus is a non-degreed USC Thornton alum who studied in the popular music program. Her keyboardist,… Continue reading King Princess nominated for GLAAD Media Award
King Princess performs for Cindi Lauper’s annual benefit show for LGBTQ homeless youth
Mikaela Straus, a non-degreed Popular Music alum who performs under the name King Princess, recently performed for Cindi Lauper’s annual benefit concert, Home for the Holidays, which supports LGBTQ homeless youth. Straus sang her hit single “Hit the Back” off of her debut album “Cheap Queen,” before joining a duet of Lauper’s “Time After Time”… Continue reading King Princess performs for Cindi Lauper’s annual benefit show for LGBTQ homeless youth
Nate Sloan to release new book about mechanics of popular music
Popular music scholar and Musicology faculty member Nate Sloan will release a new book, “How Popular Music Works, and Why It Matters,” on Dec. 13, co-authored with songwriter and podcasting partner Charlie Harding. The pair host the popular podcast “Switched on Pop,” which, like their forthcoming book, makes pop music history accessible and deconstructs the… Continue reading Nate Sloan to release new book about mechanics of popular music
King Princess to make SNL debut and open for Harry Styles on tour
Mikaela Straus, who performs under the name King Princess, will make her Saturday Night Live debut on Nov. 23 with host Will Ferrell. Straus is a non-degreed alum of the USC Thornton Popular Music program, and has become an emerging alt-pop sensation. Her band includes Popular Music alum Melody Ector (BM ’19) on keyboard. The… Continue reading King Princess to make SNL debut and open for Harry Styles on tour
Amir Kelly and Ayoni Thompson named among Best Young Music Artists of 2019
Two USC Thornton Popular Music students, Amir Kelly and Ayoni Thompson, were recently named to PopSugar Magazine’s list of Best Young Music Artists 2019. The list highlights talented up-and-coming artists who are soon to make waves in pop music. Senior Amir Kelly creates music he describes as “Blindian Pop,” a nod to his Black and… Continue reading Amir Kelly and Ayoni Thompson named among Best Young Music Artists of 2019
Patrice Rushen returns to Monterey Jazz Festival with Christian McBride Situation
Patrice Rushen, chair of the USC Thornton Popular Music program, was recently featured in the San Francisco Chronicle ahead of her return to the Monterey Jazz Festival on September 27 with the Christian McBride Situation. Rushen first performed at the festival as a senior in high school in 1972, when she led her combo to… Continue reading Patrice Rushen returns to Monterey Jazz Festival with Christian McBride Situation