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 moment — that Ahmir missed at the time) — to his early experiments on potentially directing a live-action THE ARISTOCATS film for Disney, which he reveals likely isn’t moving forward at this time.

Plus, drumming on buckets, acting with John Mayer on an iconic Chappelle’s Show sketch, and why one of his biggest dreams remains getting to perform with The Roots on SNL.

Interview by Kenny Holmes and Matt Schrader at Henson Recordings Studios in Hollywood. Special thanks to John Mayer, Faryal Ganjehei, Jeremy Nielsen and Jeff Butler of Henson Recording Studios, Thomas Mikusz and Chris Galasso of White Bear PR, Kaeleah Isaac, and production coordination by Kyle Bales.

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 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. Production coordination by Kyle Bales.

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.at

To learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit http://synchronstage.com

Score: The Podcast is a presentation of Epicleff Media and is produced by Holmes Productions.

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.at

To learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit http://synchronstage.com

Score: The Podcast is a presentation of Epicleff Media and is produced by Holmes Productions.

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.at

To learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit http://synchronstage.com

Score: The Podcast is a presentation of Epicleff Media and is produced by Holmes Productions.

Video Timecodes

0:00 Intro

1:49 Vienna Symphonic Library

3:59 Paul Leonard-Morgan Interview

6:51 Scoring Drama vs. Documentary

9:29 ‘Last Breath’ opening

12:51 Recording Boats in Malibu

17:28 Finding Unique Sounds

19:58 Paulstretch Experimenting and ‘Dredd’

20:52 Musical beginnings

28:31 Punk-rock heart

31:37 Finding a style

35:54 Finding Inspiration

40:22 Philip Glass collaborations

42:00 ‘Tales from the Loop’

51:21 ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ & writing

1:00:34 Three Things

1:06:56 Charles Manson’s music

1:12:01 VSL Synchron Series

1:13:46 VSL ‘Forrest Gump’ Demo

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.

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 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.

“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

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.at

To learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit http://synchronstage.com

Score: The Podcast is a presentation of Epicleff Media and is produced by Holmes Productions.

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 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.at

To learn more about recording at Vienna Synchron Stage, visit synchronstage.com

Score: The Podcast is a presentation of Epicleff Media and is produced by Holmes Productions.