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’
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.
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
Two recent USC Thornton grads featured in College Magazine
College Magazine included two recent USC Thornton alumni – Cooper Bell and Nick Kennerly – in their recent article, “Meet 10 Outstanding College Music Students.” A Popular Music major, Bell discussed his dedication to writing and performing music and how his USC instructors helped him grow as an artist. He also touched on the opportunity… Continue reading Two recent USC Thornton grads featured in College Magazine
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Patrice Rushen and Annenberg’s Josh Kun to present at Ableton Loop summit
November 9th-11th, Ableton will sponsor the Loop summit for music makers with three days of talks, performances and hands-on workshops aimed at sharing ideas on music and creative practice. Among the many musicians, creatives, and technologists in attendance will be Patrice Rushen, chair of USC Thornton’s Popular Music program, and Josh Kun, director of the… Continue reading Patrice Rushen and Annenberg’s Josh Kun to present at Ableton Loop summit
Drumming and jazz events honor the memory of Leon “Ndugu” Chancler
In September, world-renowned drummer and USC Thornton faculty member Leon “Ndugu” Chancler, who passed away last Spring, was honored at the 37th annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival at the Watts Towers Arts Center. The day-long event featured a taiko drumming ensemble, percussion artists of all styles, members of the Locke High School… Continue reading Drumming and jazz events honor the memory of Leon “Ndugu” Chancler