Composer and audio producer Pat McCusker joins me to talk about his work creating music for The Ezra Klein Show, his role at The New York Times, and what it’s like touring the world as a musician with actor David Duchovny. Pat's music also appears on The Daily, Modern Love, and many more.

🎶 What we talk about in this episode:

• Composing the theme for The Ezra Klein Show
• Scoring for podcasts and working with The New York Times
• Touring internationally with David Duchovny
• The power of music in shows like Severance and White Lotus
• Tools and gear Pat uses as a composer
• Managing anxiety and building creative community

If you're a composer, musician, or podcast fan, you'll find plenty to connect with in this conversation.

Web page for the episode includes transcript, YouTube link.

Pat McCusker

David Duchovny

Other episodes with some of the media composers I've featured: Pat Irwin, Christoph Zirngibl, Adam Blau, Anže Rozman and Kara Talve

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🎙️ About the show: Conversations with Musicians. with violinist Leah Roseman: weekly episodes featuring a fascinating diversity of musical guests worldwide.

(00:00) Intro

(02:55) how Pat became a podcast composer

(07:16) creative process Magical Tree Creatures theme for “The Ezra Klein Show” with clip

(10:37) composing for podcasts at The New York Times, the function of music in podcasts

(18:01) listening and appreciating great podcasts, Marc Maron

(23:11) The Big Question Mark with clip, "Interesting Times with Ross Douthat”

(26:37) Severance and White Lotus inspirations, Moog synthesizers

(32:09) other episodes you’ll love, ways to support this podcast

(32:58) rock career, Buzzbody, David Duchovny, Pat Irwin

(41:00) Holding Patterns with David Duchovny (website linked in show notes)

(45:57) joy of performing and touring, his dad

(49:35) Pat’s youth, discovering guitar, Berklee

(55:43) Buzzbody Full of Fear, dealing with anxiety

(01:03:12) some personal creative projects, wife Simo

(01:10:52) suggestions for books, podcasts, music