Artist-in-residence Young Guru profiled by Wall Street Journal
USC Thornton artist-in-residence Gimel “Young Guru” Keaton was profiled in a Wall Street Journal article about his technical contributions to hip hop music. The Grammy Award-nominated engineer, DJ and producer, best known for his collaborations with rapper Jay-Z, has also worked artists such as Eminem, Notorious BIG, Beyonce, Mariah Carey and Rihanna. Young Guru has… Continue reading Artist-in-residence Young Guru profiled by Wall Street Journal
Kiven opens for indie band Sad Robot on recent tour
The rock band Kiven, which features several USC Thornton alumni, recently completed a series of performances opening for the indie rock group Sad Robot. Kiven is comprised of alumni Daniel Schnair (BA ’11), Tyler Demorest (BS ’11), Jake Reed (MM ’10, DMA ’13) and USC alumnus Matt Cohen (BS ’11). The band released its debut… Continue reading Kiven opens for indie band Sad Robot on recent tour
Ron McCurdy composes jazz soundtrack for new stage play
Music composed by USC Thornton Jazz Studies professor Ron McCurdy served as a backdrop for Dreaming of Harlem Under a Southern Sky, a new play by Gabrielle Pina that premiered at USC’s Bovard Auditorium on March 28th. The play, which tells the story of three women from New Orleans who travel to Harlem during the… Continue reading Ron McCurdy composes jazz soundtrack for new stage play
Popular Music alum Rozzi Crane featured in Today Show appearance
Vocalist and Popular Music alumna Rozzi Crane was featured as a musical guest on the Today Show, accompanied on guitar by alumnus Brandon Bae (BA ’12, Studio/Jazz Guitar). Crane is the first artist signed to the record label of Maroon 5 lead vocalist Adam Levine and will tour with the band this summer. She will… Continue reading Popular Music alum Rozzi Crane featured in Today Show appearance
Students join band for late night TV performances
USC Thornton students Dan Fox (BM ’15), Jeremy Trezona and Greg Johnson (MM ’12, DMA) performed on two late night TV shows recently with the band Saint Motel. They appeared on the March 24th episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live and the April 7th episode of The Late Late Show with James Corden. A clip of… Continue reading Students join band for late night TV performances
Melissa Manchester featured in New York Times review
USC Thornton Popular Music professor and Grammy Award-winning vocalist Melissa Manchester was featured in a New York Times review of her recent performance at Manhattan’s 54 Below nightclub. Her twentieth album, You Gotta Love the Life, was released in February and features guest performances by artists such as Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder and Al Jarreau.… Continue reading Melissa Manchester featured in New York Times review
Student jazz quartet featured at short film screening
A quartet of USC Thornton students performed a concert of live jazz in conjunction with a screening of the USC alumni-produced short film, David’s Reverie. Paul Cornish (BM ’17, keyboard), Henry Solomon (BM ’17, saxophone), Stephen Davis (BM ’17, trumpet) and Celeste Butler (BM ’17, popular music) complimented the screening with interpretations of jazz standards,… Continue reading Student jazz quartet featured at short film screening
Members of the USC Thornton Board of Councilors offer career advice for aspiring professionals
The USC Thornton Alumni Association and Board of Councilors recently presented an interactive career panel for aspiring music industry professionals. Moderated by musician and producer Randy Jackson, the panel of industry veterans and members of the USC Thornton Board of Councilors offered Thornton students insight and advice about pursuing careers in artist management, music licensing… Continue reading Members of the USC Thornton Board of Councilors offer career advice for aspiring professionals
Popular Music students take center stage at T.C. Boyle celebration
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Rozzi Crane featured on NBC during tour with Maroon 5
USC Thornton alumna Rozzi Crane was interviewed on NBC in South Florida about her current tour in support of Maroon 5 and her new EP “Space” that was released on February 16th. She also performed her new single, “Psycho.” “Space” features the first four songs off her debut album due out later this year. The… Continue reading Rozzi Crane featured on NBC during tour with Maroon 5