Score: The Podcast

Composer-rockstar Danny Elfman invites SCORE into his state-of-the-art studio to discuss a lifetime of continuous innovation, from collecting macabre curiosities for his own inspiration to embarking on new musical pursuits with A$AP Rocky (even performing for the first time on SNL).Why Danny searches for the extremes to express human emotion in music, how a Coachella experiment launched a new phase performing next to bands like Tool and Limp Bizkit, and what’s the story behind getting all of those tattoos? Plus, finding the voice for Sam Raimi’s acclaimed new film Send Help, the anxious percussions of Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire, and the sweeping romance of Luc Besson’s Dracula — all at the same time.Also, the harrowing moment with Oingo Boingo in concert that led to him ripping off his shirt in live shows to jam with fellow musicians, and the supernatural energies he taps into when he enters peak creativity.Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader in Los Angeles. Production coordination by Kyle Bales and Bryan Williams. Special thanks to Sydney Worden and Melisa McGregor.

Electronic music pioneer Daniel Lopatin (aka Oneohtrix Point Never) joins SCORE to discuss his explosive new score to A24’s MARTY SUPREME, directed by Josh Safdie, as well as his background as a godfather of the late-2000s “Vaporwave” music genre and his ongoing record producing with singer-songwriter Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd).Daniel dives into his early life and discovery on early electronic musical instruments, and how a meaningless corporate job helped inspire some of the hallmarks of Vaporwave music, as heard in his 2010 release Chuck Person’s Eccojams Vol. 1. Daniel dives into vaporware’s inspirations and it’s ongoing influence on his albums, work with the Safdie brothers (GOOD TIME, UNCUT GEMS, Showtime’s THE CURSE and A24’s MARTY SUPREME), and music producing career with The Weeknd.Plus, Timothee Chalamet’s visit to his studio drinking a Red Stripe — and we ask Daniel if he can confirm or deny that Chalamet may have a secret music career as Liverpool rap artist EsDeeKid. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader at A24 in West Hollywood. Production coordination by Kyle Bales. Special thanks to Rachel Kwon and the A24 team and Ryan Mazie.Score: The Podcast is presented by Vienna Symphonic Library. Check out Vienna Symphonic Library’s collection of innovating libraries and samples — including their flagship Synchron Series, recorded at Vienna Synchron Stage, where hit films and shows for HBO, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, 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.at. To learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit http://synchronstage.com

Superstar composers John Murphy and David Fleming finally enter the same room (you read that correctly) after an unusual but groundbreaking experience co-composing the score for James Gunn’s SUPERMAN. How John’s electric guitar-focused approach (he writes themes on a zany guitar he named Ned Flanders) harnessed the majesty of John Williams’ iconic theme — and why the trailer debut was nerve racking to see if the world would accept his “version” of it. Also, how his precious guitar themes (28 Days Later, Sunshine) helped prep for how to treat this film with the sound needed. David and John discuss their breakthroughs in film composing — an internship leading to working with Hans Zimmer on The Lion King. Blue Planet II and Top Gun: Maverick — and a book titled “How To Write A Film Score” which was promptly discarded for a few pints. The duo also discuss their unique place in the massive re-launch of the DC Universe’s first film — tonally a new direction that called for embracing the campiness a little more, but also the authenticity. How John’s music was critical to filming, and later how David navigated a final push to expand the film’s musical scope thematically. Also, Squirrelgate. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader at Igloo Studios in Burbank. Special thanks to the team at Igloo for making this episode possible!Score: The Podcast is presented by Vienna Symphonic Library. Check out Vienna Symphonic Library’s collection of innovating libraries and samples — including their flagship Synchron Series, recorded at Vienna Synchron Stage, where hit films and shows for HBO, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, 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.at. To learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit http://synchronstage.comVideo Timecodes0:00 ‘Superman’1:39 John Williams’ Theme4:09 Show Open5:06 Vienna Symphonic Library7:02 “How To Write A Film Score”9:10 David’s start with Hans Zimmer12:00 John’s start with Guy Ritchie and Danny Boyle14:00 ’28 Days Later’ Theme Re-Use17:24 ‘Sunshine’19:45 Building from an existing theme22:40 Back part of the Williams theme23:50 John’s early music & James Gunn29:00 David onboarding ‘Superman’32:15 Score vs. record tracks34:00 Finding the tone40:40 Deadline to finish43:10 Sacredness of John Williams’ theme45:20 Trailer release hype47:56 Guitar’s American influence49:54 Ned Flanders52:00 Squirrel rescue & Squirrelgate55:45 Three things1:02:00 Ennio Morricone’s brilliance1:07:40 VSL Synchron Series1:09:26 VSL ‘Forrest Gump’ Demo

Oscar-nominated experimental band/composing trio Son Lux joins Score after their breakout success on EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE, and as their latest film, Marvel’s THUNDERBOLTS*, releases in theaters.How the solo project from Ryan Lott led to working as a trio with Rafiq Bhatia, Ian Chang — incorporating unique electronic instrumentation with crafty sound design (including unique percussion approaches). What it’s like living in three different cities as a band, working on albums, and coming off an indie project with The Daniels to help launch a new phase for Marvel — hence the asterisk in Thunderbolts*.Plus, getting the London Contemporary Orchestra to play “drunker” at Abbey Road, and finding the ideal balance of inner creative spark and broader collaboration on a major film.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 — 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.

At 34, UK-based artist and composer Daniel Blumberg is the youngest person nominated for this year’s Best Score at the Oscars. His work on The Brutalist, nominated for 10 Academy Awards, is a continuation and evolution of Brady Corbet’s directorial talent — a longtime friend and collaborator. Daniel talks us through his formative experience at Cafe Oto in London — a hub for eccentric and inventive musical talents, which has also inspired Daniel’s own highly reviewed solo albums. Daniel explains why he had to visit Italy himself to calibrate the echoes of a marble quarry, why he and Brady always envisioned the opening as a balance of tension and payoff, and why he left in raw recordings of musical “sketches” on purpose to help convey the endless pursuit of creative perfection the film depicts. Why the rising awards buzz around his unique score makes him nervous, and the unlikely (but true!) admiration for Wallace & Gromit.Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader. Recorded at A24 Studios in Los Angeles.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.atUse promo code SCORESMART10 for 10% off Synchron Smart Orchestra 2.0, valid until March 17To 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.

“Music that will bring Beethoven to his knees”We couldn’t pass up the chance to record with BOTH visionary director Robert Eggers and composer Robin Carolan, whose period-horror NOSFERATU released on Christmas Day. (Robert confirms for the record it IS — sort of — a Christmas movie.) This interview done remotely, with Robert and Robin together in the same room in London.How Robert’s breakout film THE WITCH led to a creative partnership with Robin, a UK-based music producer who had never scored a film before. Why he took 6 weeks to agree to take Robert’s Viking epic THE NORTHMAN — and how it proved a trial by fire for his composing career. Robert talks about his history with NOSFERATU going back to high school (once thought of as an imitation of Dracula, but has achieved its own legendary mythological status). How Robert challenged Robin to “bring Beethoven to his knees” in the opening scene, and the decision to craft hypnotic “spirals” and haunting vocals to keep the danger close even when Nosferatu is not on screen. And why Robert’s films — dripping with rich mythology — extend the traditional orchestral approach into unsettling, aleatoric music and modern sounds that carry the audience in and out of comfort.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 our 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 Intro4:05 Vienna Symphonic Library7:16 Robert Eggers & Robin Carolan21:00 'The Northman'31:18 Starting 'Nosferatu'40:28 Hypnosis of 'Nosferatu'48:56 Most Difficult Scenes of 'Nosferatu'1:01:53 VSL Synchron Series1:03:47 VSL "Batman" Demo

Score: The Podcast returns for a sixth season with in-person interviews filmed in 4K, and new original footage inside composers’ studios. Presented by Vienna Symphonic LibraryIn this season premiere episode, Benjamin Wallfisch breaks down his explosive blockbuster summer with TWISTERS and ALIEN: ROMULUS becoming sensations. The inside scoop on whether Glen Powell’s romantic ending in TWISTERS was intended to have a kiss (which became a social media firestorm), and how Benjamin channeled Danny Elfman’s iconic BATMAN theme in Michael Keaton’s masked return in THE FLASH. Plus, how the score for the hit ALIEN sequel broke new ground with themes echoing sunlight in darkness and an experimental DNA strain that appropriate mutates the score for a powerfully haunting emotional reaction from audiences.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 our 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. Use code ScoreVienna through December 18 for 20% off five Synchron Duality Strings libraries, or check out the free sample player, freebie libraries and demos at vsl.co.atTo learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit synchronstage.comScore: The Podcast is a presentation of Epicleff Media and is produced by Holmes Productions.

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.

Composer Andrew Lockington (ATLAS, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN) joins SCORE to talk about Toronto, working with and under the tutelage of fellow Canadian Mychael Danna after wanting to start a rock band, and how his interest in orchestration led to his composing breakthroughs. Plus, working with Jennifer Lopez, creating “suites” of music, what makes temps so tricky to work with, and how he’s built a relationship with director Brad Peyton across multiple big-budget action films. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Robert Kraft.

Composer Chris Benstead talks about being Guy Ritchies’ musical maestro on multiple projects, including THE GENTLEMEN on Netflix and THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE. How his musical education led him into music mixing and eventually working in the “sound” departments on major projects, before his work with Patrick Doyle, Steven Price, Alan Menken and Hans Zimmer brought him back into the “composer” role for Guy Ritchie. Why Guy sometimes asks him to be “braver” with a cue, and how to delegate (aka “let go”) of certain parts of the music composition process that you’re good at. Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader.

Composer Laura Karpman joins Score to talk about her work on the Oscar-nominated score for AMERICAN FICTION, breaking down how jazz informed a story rich in satire and wit to give it a unique musical edge and voice intertwined with characters. Then, she discusses her path from likely music professor into at one point being one of the only women working in film and TV composing. Plus, Robert shares the personal influence Thelonious Monk had on his own life and love for jazz.

The Miami-based Carlos Rafael Rivera with two series releasing now (Griselda, Monsieur Spade) joins to talk about his massive breakout with The Queen’s Gambit, followed by Hacks and Lessons in Chemistry. Why Sofia Vergara's dramatic turn as a drug kingpin in Miami deserved an operative approach. How he manages to maintain his Miami location for an industry that is largely located in Los Angeles. Plus, he revisits his 2017 adventure to go see Score: A Film Music Documentary in New York, and how he’s brought some of his teaching skills (and musicians) into his music work. Before that, Kenny and Matt break down the Oscar nominees, as Robert joins a few minutes later to explain why Oppenheimer’s score (by Ludwig Gorannsson) is so groundbreakingly original.