Will Kennedy
Will Kennedy is a drummer whose musicality and finesse are legendary in the jazz world and beyond, performing with luminaries such as Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Snarky Puppy, Bobby McFerrin, Esperanza Spalding, George Benson, and Lee Ritenour. His career is marked by pushing musical boundaries and a desire to be inspired yet be an inspiration.… Continue reading Will Kennedy
Jessi Mason receives ASCAP’s Molly Hymen Scholarship
Jessi Mason, a senior in USC Thornton’s Popular Music program, is the recipient of the 2018 ASCAP Foundation Molly Hymen Music Scholarship. The annual scholarship benefits an outstanding undergraduate of the school’s Division of Contemporary Music who is also undertaking Music Industry classes. Mason recently released her second EP, Night Owl, which received a nomination… Continue reading Jessi Mason receives ASCAP’s Molly Hymen Scholarship
Lyndia Johnson
Lyndia Johnson, also known as “MzLyndia,” is the founder and visionary behind Sterling Voice Coaching, an elite vocal studio trusted by Grammy winners, global touring acts and rising stars across pop, R&B, gospel, rock and musical theatre. With decades of touring, studio collaboration and artist development behind her, she has built a signature method that… Continue reading Lyndia Johnson
Michael Arrom
Michael Arrom launched his professional career at 18, when he embarked on an international tour playing keyboards for multi-GRAMMY-winning guitarist Steve Vai. He has been featured on national television, performing alongside country icon Keith Urban and appearing on multiple episodes of the popular television series, Glee. Born in New Jersey, Arrom grew up with a… Continue reading Michael Arrom
Alumnus Ross Golan releases podcast recorded at Thornton
And The Writer Is…, a podcast by multi-platinum songwriter and USC Thornton alumnus Ross Golan (BM ’01, Music Industry), recently released an episode recorded at a Spring 2018 Popular Music Forum, featuring Thornton students and vice dean Chris Sampson. The podcast’s featured guest, GRAMMY-nominated producer Joe London, has released hit singles with Pitbull, Jason Derulo,… Continue reading Alumnus Ross Golan releases podcast recorded at Thornton
“Billboard” features Fabriq single
Billboard recently profiled the band Fabriq on the release of their third single, “Get Behind the Feeling.” Band members Daniel Davila (BM ’18) and Cooper Bell (BM ’18) are both recent graduates of the USC Thornton Popular Music program and draw inspiration from Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, and Jamiroquai. https://youtu.be/NIfEOlIKJPY According to the musicians, “Get… Continue reading “Billboard” features Fabriq single
Pop artist King Princess (Mikaela Straus) featured on ASCAP panel
Mikaela Straus, a pop artist who performs under the name King Princess, recently took part in a panel discussion at the ASCAP “I Create Music” Expo, alongside musician St. Vincent and journalist Evelyn McDonnell. Straus, who is a non-degreed alumna of the USC Thornton Popular Music program, is the first artist to be signed to… Continue reading Pop artist King Princess (Mikaela Straus) featured on ASCAP panel
USC band highlighted among NPR “Tiny Desk” entries
The band Treehouse, which includes seven USC students, was featured on NPR’s list of “Tiny Desk Contest Entries We Love,” highlighting the band’s video for “Wildberry Poptart.” Described as “a critique of the traditional American dream, direct from the mouth of the oppressed,” the performance features vocals/rap by USC School of Cinematic Arts sophomore Mato… Continue reading USC band highlighted among NPR “Tiny Desk” entries
Rozzi is featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live
https://youtu.be/c7jqsXBuvc0 USC Thornton Popular Music alumna Rozzi Crane recently performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live with her new single, “Never Over You.” The song will be featured on her new album, to be released by Columbia later this year. Rozzi, as she is known professionally, has previously performed alongside Kendrick Lamar and Maroon 5 and became… Continue reading Rozzi is featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Patrice Rushen featured in “Variety” article about award show orchestration
USC Thornton Popular Music chair Patrice Rushen was mentioned in a Variety article, “Awards Ceremonies Are the ‘Super Bowl’ for Orchestras” exploring the challenges of performing orchestral music for major awards shows. The article explores Rushen’s work as the first female music director for top awards broadcasts, including the Emmys and the NAACP Image Awards.… Continue reading Patrice Rushen featured in “Variety” article about award show orchestration