Simon Franglen is a multi-award-winning British composer and record producer whose music has been included in some of the most critically acclaimed films of recent decades.

Franglen composed the acclaimed score for James Cameron's AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER in 2023, after his collaboration with the late James Horner on the original film in 2009. He received a 2023 World Soundtrack Award and a 2022 IFMCA Award for his efforts. His score was praised for expanding the sonic world of Pandora with both epic scale and profound intimacy and was a global hit, with the soundtrack album surpassing 750 million global streams.

Over the past two years, he has continued his collaboration with Cameron on AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH, released in December 2025, a score that introduced major new themes, textures, and innovative electronica to the AVATAR musical universe.

In January 2026, for TALKING SOUNDTRACKS, Jason Drury had the pleasure of talking to Simon via Zoom at his home in Los Angeles. During the interview, they talked about Simon's work on the AVATAR franchise, how he became involved in film music and his relationship and collaboration with the late great James Horner.

Enjoy!

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Special thanks to our Patreon supporters: Matt DeWater, David Ballantyne, Joe Wiles, Maxime, William Welch, Alan Rogers, Dave Williams, Max Hamulyák, Jeffrey Graebner, Don Mase, Victor Field, Jochen Stolz, Emily Mason, Eric Skroch, Alexander Schiebel, Alphonse Brown, John Link, Matt Berretta, Eldaly Morningstar, Jim Wilson, Glenn McDorman, Chris Malone, Steve Karpicz, Deniz Çağlar, Brent Osterberg, Jérôme Flick, Alex Brouns, Randall Derchan, Angela Rabatin, Larry Reese, Rudy Amaya, Stacy Livitsanis, Carl Wonders, Lee Wileman, Nathan Blumenfeld, Daniel Herrin, Scott Bordelon, James Alexander, Brett French, Ian Clark, Andy Gray, Joel Nichols, Steve Daniel, Corey O'Brien, John Leggett, Mim Williams, Grace Hamilton, Rob Kemp.

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This is part two of Jason Drury’s conversation with Emmy-nominated documentarian and award-winning author Steven C. Smith about his latest book, HITCHCOCK AND HERRMANN: THE FRIENDSHIP THAT CHANGED CINEMA, which chronicles the rise and fall of one of the major composer/director collaborations in the history of cinema.

In part one, they discussed how the book came to be, how Herrmann and Hitchcock met, and the legendary filmmaker and composer's early collaborations. Part two features music from VERTIGO, NORTH BY NORTHWEST, PSYCHO, MARNIE, and the infamous rejected score for TORN CURTAIN.

No film music fan should miss this episode!

Enjoy!

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Special thanks to our Patreon supporters: Matt DeWater, David Ballantyne, Joe Wiles, Maxime, William Welch, Alan Rogers, Dave Williams, Max Hamulyák, Jeffrey Graebner, Don Mase, Victor Field, Jochen Stolz, Emily Mason, Eric Skroch, Alexander Schiebel, Alphonse Brown, John Link, Matt Berretta, Eldaly Morningstar, Jim Wilson, Glenn McDorman, Chris Malone, Steve Karpicz, Deniz Çağlar, Brent Osterberg, Jérôme Flick, Alex Brouns, Randall Derchan, Angela Rabatin, Larry Reese, Rudy Amaya, Stacy Livitsanis, Carl Wonders, Lee Wileman, Nathan Blumenfeld, Daniel Herrin, Scott Bordelon, James Alexander, Brett French, Ian Clark, Andy Gray, Joel Nichols, Steve Daniel, Corey O'Brien, John Leggett, Mim Williams, Grace Hamilton, Rob Kemp.

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Steven C. Smith is a familiar name and voice to listeners of Talking Soundtracks. In 2021, Jason Drury talked to the Emmy-nominated documentary producer and award-winning author about his book, MUSIC BY MAX STEINER: THE EPIC LIFE OF HOLLYWOOD’S MOST INFLUENTIAL COMPOSER.

In 2022, Jason talked to Steven again about his first book, published in 1991, A HEART AT FIRE’S CENTER: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF BERNARD HERRMANN, about another pioneering and influential composer in the history of film music.

In December 2025, Jason had the pleasure of speaking with Steven about his most recent book, HITCHCOCK AND HERRMANN: THE FRIENDSHIP AND FILM SCORES THAT CHANGED CINEMA, which tells the story of the rise and fall of one of the most significant composer-director collaborations in film history.

In part one of this special two-part edition, they discussed how the book came to be, how Herrmann and Hitchcock met, and the first collaborations between the legendary filmmaker and composer. You’ll also hear selections of music from the films Herrmann and Hitchcock worked on together.

Enjoy!

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Special thanks to our Patreon supporters: Matt DeWater, David Ballantyne, Joe Wiles, Maxime, William Welch, Alan Rogers, Dave Williams, Max Hamulyák, Jeffrey Graebner, Don Mase, Victor Field, Jochen Stolz, Emily Mason, Eric Skroch, Alexander Schiebel, Alphonse Brown, John Link, Matt Berretta, Eldaly Morningstar, Jim Wilson, Glenn McDorman, Chris Malone, Steve Karpicz, Deniz Çağlar, Brent Osterberg, Jérôme Flick, Alex Brouns, Randall Derchan, Angela Rabatin, Larry Reese, Rudy Amaya, Stacy Livitsanis, Carl Wonders, Lee Wileman, Nathan Blumenfeld, Daniel Herrin, Scott Bordelon, James Alexander, Brett French, Ian Clark, Andy Gray, Joel Nichols, Steve Daniel, Corey O'Brien, John Leggett, Mim Williams, Grace Hamilton, Rob Kemp.

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In part four of our seven-part series counting down the TOP 25 SCORES OF THE 21st CENTURY, we will continue the countdown with the presentation of scores 20-16.  In this episode, you'll hear selections from Hans Zimmer, Joel McNeely, Abel Korzeniowski, Michael Giacchino and Christopher Gordon. 

Part five will be available soon. Stay tuned.

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Special thanks to our Patreon supporters: Matt DeWater, David Ballantyne, Joe Wiles, Maxime, William Welch, Alan Rogers, Dave Williams, Max Hamulyák, Jeffrey Graebner, Don Mase, Victor Field, Jochen Stolz, Emily Mason, Eric Skroch, Alexander Schiebel, Alphonse Brown, John Link, Matt Berretta, Eldaly Morningstar, Jim Wilson, Glenn McDorman, Chris Malone, Steve Karpicz, Deniz Çağlar, Brent Osterberg, Jérôme Flick, Alex Brouns, Randall Derchan, Angela Rabatin, Larry Reese, Rudy Amaya, Stacy Livitsanis, Carl Wonders, Lee Wileman, Nathan Blumenfeld, Daniel Herrin, Scott Bordelon, James Alexander, Brett French, Ian Clark, Andy Gray, Joel Nichols, Steve Daniel, Corey O'Brien, John Leggett, Mim Williams, Grace Hamilton, Rob Kemp.

——

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Today, after over a year of hiatus, Anime Spectacular is finally back with a brand-new episode. You’ll hear music from four more animes, starting with Apothecary Diaries with music by Satoru Kosaki. Next, you’ll hear magical whimsy through the anime Witch Watch with music by Yukari Hashimoto. In the Retro Look Back, you’ll hear music from the anime Ranma 1/2 from 1989, with music by Hideharu Mori. Finally, in the movie section of the show, you'll find the film Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, Beginning with music by Yoshimasa Terui.

Enjoy!

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Special thanks to our Patreon supporters: Matt DeWater, David Ballantyne, Joe Wiles, Maxime, William Welch, Alan Rogers, Dave Williams, Max Hamulyák, Jeffrey Graebner, Don Mase, Victor Field, Jochen Stolz, Emily Mason, Eric Skroch, Alexander Schiebel, Alphonse Brown, John Link, Matt Berretta, Eldaly Morningstar, Jim Wilson, Glenn McDorman, Chris Malone, Steve Karpicz, Deniz Çağlar, Brent Osterberg, Jérôme Flick, Alex Brouns, Randall Derchan, Angela Rabatin, Larry Reese, Rudy Amaya, Stacy Livitsanis, Carl Wonders, Lee Wileman, Nathan Blumenfeld, Daniel Herrin, Scott Bordelon, James Alexander, Brett French, Ian Clark, Andy Gray, Joel Nichols, Steve Daniel, Corey O'Brien, John Leggett, Mim Williams, Grace Hamilton, Rob Kemp.

——

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In part three of our seven-part series counting down the TOP 25 SCORES OF THE 21st CENTURY, we will be begin the countdown proper with the presentation of scores 25-21.  In this episode, you'll hear selections from James Newton Howard, Mark McKenzie, Roque Banos, Andy Hull, Robert McDowell, and Panu Aaltio.

Part four will be available next week.

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Special thanks to our Patreon supporters: Matt DeWater, David Ballantyne, Joe Wiles, Maxime, William Welch, Alan Rogers, Dave Williams, Max Hamulyák, Jeffrey Graebner, Don Mase, Victor Field, Jochen Stolz, Emily Mason, Eric Skroch, Alexander Schiebel, Alphonse Brown, John Link, Matt Berretta, Eldaly Morningstar, Jim Wilson, Glenn McDorman, Chris Malone, Steve Karpicz, Deniz Çağlar, Brent Osterberg, Jérôme Flick, Alex Brouns, Randall Derchan, Angela Rabatin, Larry Reese, Rudy Amaya, Stacy Livitsanis, Carl Wonders, Lee Wileman, Nathan Blumenfeld, Daniel Herrin, Scott Bordelon, James Alexander, Brett French, Ian Clark, Andy Gray, Joel Nichols, Steve Daniel, Corey O'Brien, John Leggett, Mim Williams, Grace Hamilton, Rob Kemp.

——

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In this special show, Jason Drury continues to celebrate 50 episodes of THE ARCHIVE by concluding the countdown of his favourite LONG James Horner cues!

Enjoy!

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Special thanks to our Patreon supporters: Matt DeWater, David Ballantyne, Joe Wiles, Maxime, William Welch, Alan Rogers, Dave Williams, Max Hamulyák, Jeffrey Graebner, Don Mase, Victor Field, Jochen Stolz, Emily Mason, Eric Skroch, Alexander Schiebel, Alphonse Brown, John Link, Matt Berretta, Eldaly Morningstar, Jim Wilson, Glenn McDorman, Chris Malone, Steve Karpicz, Deniz Çağlar, Brent Osterberg, Jérôme Flick, Alex Brouns, Randall Derchan, Angela Rabatin, Larry Reese, Rudy Amaya, Stacy Livitsanis, Carl Wonders, Lee Wileman, Nathan Blumenfeld, Daniel Herrin, Scott Bordelon, James Alexander, Brett French, Ian Clark, Ron, Andy Gray, Joel Nichols, Steve Daniel, Corey O'Brien, John Leggett, Mim Williams, Grace Hamilton.

——

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Cinematic Sound Radio Fanfare and Theme by David Coscina

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In part two of our seven-part series counting down the TOP 25 SCORES OF THE 21st CENTURY, we will be featuring three more honourable mentions.  In this episode, you'll hear selections from Hans Zimmer, James Horner and Thomas Newman. If you haven't listened to part one yet, I highly recommend doing so first.

Part three will be available next week.

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Special thanks to our Patreon supporters: Matt DeWater, David Ballantyne, Joe Wiles, Maxime, William Welch, Alan Rogers, Dave Williams, Max Hamulyák, Jeffrey Graebner, Don Mase, Victor Field, Jochen Stolz, Emily Mason, Eric Skroch, Alexander Schiebel, Alphonse Brown, John Link, Matt Berretta, Eldaly Morningstar, Jim Wilson, Glenn McDorman, Chris Malone, Steve Karpicz, Deniz Çağlar, Brent Osterberg, Jérôme Flick, Alex Brouns, Randall Derchan, Angela Rabatin, Larry Reese, Rudy Amaya, Stacy Livitsanis, Carl Wonders, Lee Wileman, Nathan Blumenfeld, Daniel Herrin, Scott Bordelon, James Alexander, Brett French, Ian Clark, Ron, Andy Gray, Joel Nichols, Steve Daniel, Corey O'Brien, John Leggett, Mim Williams, Grace Hamilton, Rob Kemp, Joel Nichols.

——

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Today’s episode is all about personal favourites. Over the next seven episodes of THE FLAGSHIP SHOW, I’ll be counting down my  TOP 25 SCORES OF THE 21st CENTURY.  These are the soundtracks that have resonated with me the most, scores that I believe deserve a special place in any discussion about the best music of the last quarter-century. While my list may not align with everyone’s tastes, it’s a reflection of the music that has left a lasting impression on me.

In this special series, you’ll hear a mix of fan-favourite classics and perhaps a few surprises along the way. These are the scores that have stuck with me over the years, whether for their emotional depth, unforgettable themes, or the way they perfectly enhanced the films they were written for. I invite you to join me as we celebrate the music that has inspired and moved me personally. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this journey through 25 years of remarkable film music.

In this opening episode, you'll hear three honourable mentions from composers John Williams, Frederic Talgorn and Alexandre Desplat. Part two will be available later in the week.

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Special thanks to our Patreon supporters: Matt DeWater, David Ballantyne, Joe Wiles, Maxime, William Welch, Alan Rogers, Dave Williams, Max Hamulyák, Jeffrey Graebner, Don Mase, Victor Field, Jochen Stolz, Emily Mason, Eric Skroch, Alexander Schiebel, Alphonse Brown, John Link, Matt Berretta, Eldaly Morningstar, Jim Wilson, Glenn McDorman, Chris Malone, Steve Karpicz, Deniz Çağlar, Brent Osterberg, Jérôme Flick, Alex Brouns, Randall Derchan, Angela Rabatin, Larry Reese, Rudy Amaya, Stacy Livitsanis, Carl Wonders, Lee Wileman, Nathan Blumenfeld, Daniel Herrin, Scott Bordelon, James Alexander, Brett French, Ian Clark, Ron, Andy Gray, Joel Nichols, Steve Daniel, Corey O'Brien, John Leggett, Mim Williams, Grace Hamilton, Rob Kemp, Joel Nichols.

——

Cinematic Sound Radio is fully licensed to play music by SOCAN.

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Cinematic Sound Radio

Cinematic Sound Radio Fanfare and Theme by David Coscina

Bumper voice artist: Tim Burden

In this special show, Jason Drury celebrates 50 episodes of THE ARCHIVE with a countdown of his favourite LONG James Horner cues!

Enjoy!

——

Special thanks to our Patreon supporters: Matt DeWater, David Ballantyne, Joe Wiles, Maxime, William Welch, Alan Rogers, Dave Williams, Max Hamulyák, Jeffrey Graebner, Don Mase, Victor Field, Jochen Stolz, Emily Mason, Eric Skroch, Alexander Schiebel, Alphonse Brown, John Link, Matt Berretta, Eldaly Morningstar, Jim Wilson, Glenn McDorman, Chris Malone, Steve Karpicz, Deniz Çağlar, Brent Osterberg, Jérôme Flick, Alex Brouns, Randall Derchan, Angela Rabatin, Larry Reese, Rudy Amaya, Stacy Livitsanis, Carl Wonders, Lee Wileman, Nathan Blumenfeld, Daniel Herrin, Scott Bordelon, James Alexander, Brett French, Ian Clark, Ron, Andy Gray, Joel Nichols, Steve Daniel, Corey O'Brien, John Leggett, Mim Williams, Grace Hamilton, Rob Kemp.

——

Cinematic Sound Radio is fully licensed to play music by SOCAN.

Support us on Patreon

Check out our NEW Cinematic Sound Radio TeePublic Store!

Cinematic Sound Radio

Cinematic Sound Radio Fanfare and Theme by David Coscina

Bumper voice artist: Tim Burden