Score: The Podcast

The creators of ‘SCORE: A Film Music Documentary’ take you inside the studios of Hollywood’s most celebrated composers & musicians for in-depth conversations, theme breakdowns and studio tours, with hosts Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader. Watch in 4K on YouTube and Spotify or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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 a

Composer Dave Porter joins SCORE to discuss the musical storytelling of paradigm-shattering sci-fi series PLURIBUS on Apple TV, the process of working with creator Vince Gilligan on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, and why a tight-knit creative team is the key to never, ever letting a spoiler leak before an episode is out.Dave discusses his upbringing in the Washington D.C. area, and how his early life competing in piano competitions didn’t really lead him into composing — until the digital revolution unlocked new musical exploration.Plus, how to write a human-sounding opening theme for Pluribus with carefully-chosen syllables, as sung by a choir. Why it takes a day or more to spot a single episode. And how Pluribus’ star, played by Rhea Seehorn, has her own unique sound.Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader in Hollywood. Production coordination by Kyle Bales. Special thanks to Christian Endicio, Chandler Poling and Thomas Mikusz of White Bear PR.Score: The Podcast is presented by Vienna Symphonic Lib

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 M

Drummer, DJ, producer, Oscar-winning documentary director, composer and musical director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson joins SCORE from John Mayer’s private writing room at Henson Recording Studios!Ahmir discusses the absolutely bonkers music mashup from 50 years of Saturday Night Live, featured in his Emmy-nominated documentary LADIES & GENTLEMEN: 50 YEARS OF SNL MUSIC. Plus, how he discovered SNL really doesn’t have any “theme song” despite its iconic sound. He also discusses his two other Emmy nominations for SLY LIVES!, a documentary about the great Sly and the Family Stone, and as musical director for SNL50: THE HOMECOMING CONCERT.How his start in a performing arts school in Philadelphia led him to meet Tariq Trotter (Black Thought) and form the band The Roots. Questlove reveals the long-anticipated new album, 10 years in the making, will be released in early 2026.He also dives into his other ventures — from Oscar-winning SUMMER OF SOUL (which won right after the infamous Will Smith / Chris Rock slap mo

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

Oscar and Grammy-winning songwriter and composer Finneas O’Connell breaks down his journey into film composing and working with Oscar winning director Alfonso Cuarón on the hit miniseries DISCLAIMER. Finneas dives into his work with Billie Eilish and how it led to meeting Cuarón, the frightening first steps and self doubt of getting started (VENGEANCE and THE FALLOUT), and how his album FOR CRYIN’ OUT LOUD came together so fast with a “jam session” model of musical collaborators. Plus, the backstory of submitting a 007 James Bond theme song for NO TIME TO DIE, and how he eventually found out that he and Billie Eilish got the gig and began working with Hans Zimmer. And why he is eager to collaborate with Rihanna and the band Cake.Plus, Finneas’ most memorable experience performing on tour with Billie Eilish (post-hurricane in Mexico City without any access to power), and how Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ THE SOCIAL NETWORK opened his eyes to what scoring could be.Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader. P

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 Libr

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.Inte

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.F

Oscar-winning filmmaker (The Last Repair Shop) and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers details a series of life experiences that propelled him to a groundbreaking score on his first animated film, The Wild Robot. How his parents’ nudge into music led to him developing a “life plan” he still employs today. Why his jazz origins are so useful in the way he approaches film music. Plus, how new emotions (unlocked from recently becoming a father himself) impacted his approach to the themes of The Wild Robot. Kris dives into how he discovered a sound and music palette to channels a vibrant “wilderness” alongside an orchestral approach (with a futurist vibe), and his fond memories of working with both Kobe Bryant and Quincy Jones who influenced and inspired his creative energy to new projects. 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 Sympho

“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 no

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 innovat

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 Library In 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 col

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.)

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.

We catch up with composer extraordinaire Christophe Beck (UNFROSTED, ROAD HOUSE) for the first time in six years! Christophe shares how early piano lessons led to dreams of making his own album (now in the works). Plus, how years leading a composer team on major films refreshed his love of teaching and sharing, his creative rapport with director Doug Liman, and working with comedy icon Jerry Seinfeld in his directorial debut on the Netflix satire/“Pop Tart biopic” UNFROSTED. Interview by Kenny Holmes, Matt Schrader, 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.