Score: The Podcast

Ryan Lott, Rafiq Bhatia, and Ian Chang of Son Lux share their journey from indie success to scoring Marvel's Thunderbolts. They discuss the challenges and creativity of composing music remotely, incorporating unique sounds that capture different universes. The trio reflects on the balance of personal expression and collaboration, plus their memorable encounters with food and music. Their distinctive approach embraces deeper, melancholic themes, moving beyond typical superhero tropes, and hints at exciting future projects that blend technology with artistry.

Scottish-born composer Paul Leonard-Morgan (Last Breath, Cyberpunk 2077, Tales from the Loop, Limitless) is a master of different mediums — from film/television to video games, concerts and working with recording artists like bands Belle & Sebastian and Snow Patrol, among many others.His latest, survival-thriller Last Breath starring Woody Harrelson, is his second score to this story — he also scored the hit documentary about the real people. Paul details how he evolved his approach for the narrative film, including his own wetsuit dive to record metallic clinks against boats in Malibu, California, in order to create a unique, journalistic feel to the music approach.How his collaborations with legendary composer Philip Glass came about for Tales from the Loop, after they both worked with documentary filmmaker Errol Morris. Plus, how the aggressive and dark sound of Cyberpunk 2077 came together, and why writing tunes — and staying passionate under grueling deadlines — is the magic that unlocks success.Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader.For exclusive and 4K footage inside studios of your favorite composers, follow Score on YouTube Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.Score: The Podcast is presented by Vienna Symphonic Library. Check out Vienna Symphonic Library’s collection of innovating libraries and samples at vsl.co.at — including their flagship Synchron Series, recorded at Vienna Synchron Stage, where hit films and shows for HBO, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Bear McCreary’s score to Rings of Power on Amazon Prime Video, and many more are recorded. Check out Synchron Duality Strings libraries, or check out the free sample player, freebie libraries and demos at http://vsl.co.atTo learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit http://synchronstage.comScore: The Podcast is a presentation of Epicleff Media and is produced by Holmes Productions.Video Timecodes0:00 Intro1:49 Vienna Symphonic Library3:59 Paul Leonard-Morgan Interview6:51 Scoring Drama vs. Documentary9:29 ‘Last Breath’ opening12:51 Recording Boats in Malibu17:28 Finding Unique Sounds19:58 Paulstretch Experimenting and ‘Dredd’20:52 Musical beginnings28:31 Punk-rock heart31:37 Finding a style35:54 Finding Inspiration40:22 Philip Glass collaborations42:00 ‘Tales from the Loop’51:21 ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ & writing1:00:34 Three Things1:06:56 Charles Manson’s music1:12:01 VSL Synchron Series1:13:46 VSL ‘Forrest Gump’ Demo

Daniel Blumberg, a UK-based artist and composer, shares insights into his Oscar-nominated score for 'The Brutalist.' He describes his creative journey, including calibrating sounds in an Italian marble quarry. The discussion dives into the balance of tension and payoff in film scoring and his choice to include raw musical sketches to reflect artistic pursuits. Blumberg candidly expresses his nerves about the awards buzz and reveals a surprising admiration for Wallace & Gromit, adding a whimsical touch to his impressive artistic narrative.

Kris Bowers, an Oscar-winning filmmaker and Emmy-winning composer, shares his journey from jazz roots to scoring his first animated film, The Wild Robot. He discusses the emotional influence of becoming a father on his music. Bowers reveals his innovative blend of orchestral and modern sounds to evoke a vibrant wilderness and reflects on the creative inspirations from legends like Kobe Bryant and Quincy Jones. The conversation also highlights the impact of community support in the evolving landscape of film music.

Director Robert Eggers, known for his haunting films like The Witch, teams up with Robin Carolan, a rising composer scoring Nosferatu and The Northman. They discuss the creation of immersive, gothic soundscapes that enhance horror and tension. Robert shares his lifelong fascination with Nosferatu, while Robin reveals the challenges of blending traditional and modern musical styles. They humorously debate the film's identity as a Christmas movie, all while exploring the transformative power of music in storytelling.

Oscar-winning composer Volker Bertelmann (CONCLAVE, ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT) explains his unique approach to creating analog textures, themes, and layered complexity. How a church piano led him to a breakout hip hop album in Germany, and then into his own musical experimentation with “prepared piano” — including albums and live performances with ping pong balls in pianos. How his prepared piano techniques create sounds many believe are synths, but are actually recorded sounds carefully crafted. How his collaboration with director Edward Berger has led to a new exploration of sound. And why you should always prepare (even for an Oscars speech!) but be ready to go with the flow of the moment as a musician. Special thanks to Nate Gold and Soundbite Studios in Los Angeles. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader.For exclusive and 4K footage inside studios of your favorite composers, follow Score on YouTube Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.Check out Vienna Symphonic Library’s collection of innovating libraries and samples at http://vsl.co.at — including their flagship Synchron Series, recorded at Vienna Synchron Stage, where hit films and shows for HBO, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Bear McCreary’s score to Rings of Power on Amazon Prime Video, and many more are recorded. Check out the free sample player, freebie libraries and demos at http://vsl.co.atTo learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit http://synchronstage.comScore: The Podcast is a presentation of Epicleff Media and is produced by Holmes Productions.

Benjamin Wallfisch, an Emmy and Grammy-nominated composer known for his work on "Twisters" and "Alien: Romulus," shares insights into his explosive summer in film scoring. He discusses the unexpected social media buzz surrounding a romantic twist in "Twisters" and channels Danny Elfman's iconic theme in "The Flash." Wallfisch delves into the innovative score for "Alien: Romulus" that merges themes of light and darkness, creating a haunting emotional experience. Tune in for his journey blending nostalgia with fresh sound in contemporary cinema.

In Score’s season 5 finale, composer Rob Simonsen talks about having the #1 and #2 films in the world on the same weekend (DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE; IT ENDS WITH US), and how one film led to the other being done inside of one month — the biggest time crunch he’s ever had. Plus, what is was like working with Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, poking fun at Marvel in the sound booth with Kevin Feige during recordings, and what’s next with his scoring a major upcoming Pixar release. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Robert Kraft.

Breakout composer Andrea Datzman (INSIDE OUT 2) talks about her initial rejection from film scoring industry, and what led her to persevere. How her struggle with Lyme disease threatened to upend her initial breakthrough with Michael Giacchino on INSIDE OUT, and led to a surprising new revelation about her own brain and neuropsychology. She also discusses her experience learning from Michael Giacchino as a student, during the scoring sessions for ABC’s LOST. Interview by Robert Kraft and Kenny Holmes.

In this bonus interview episode, Andrew Gordon Macpherson talks about his music and TV editing skills leading to his career scoring video games and television documentaries, including the hit Vice series DARK SIDE OF THE RING, and WHO KILLED WCW?, produced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. How the world of professional wrestling drama created a canvas for an epic soap-opera-esque musical approach, finding ways to blend spaghetti western with zen meditation bowls, and making a sub-culture of pro wrestling drama something for the average person to be able to appreciate. Plus, the influence of Jim Johnston on the iconic music all wrestling fans know. Bonus interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader. (Note: Technical difficulties interrupted the interview several times. We have edited to trim out some of these interruptions.)