Underscore USC Radio Group

Gwendolyn Sanford is most known as a composer for the TV shows Weeds and Orange Is the New Black, but she got her start as a quirky children's singer. In fact, it was because of her children's band that she and her writing partner Brandon Jay secured the audition for Weeds in the first place. On this episode, we talk about how she crafts suitable music for show characters, listen to some of Gwendolyn's favorite TV cues, and learn more about her hilarious, unbelievably "L.A." tale of spontaneity, opportunity, and good old fashioned grit.

Dorian Wood is a magical typhoon disguised as a humble singer-songwriter. LA Weekly calls them “a fearless artist and performer whose voice inhabits a room like a choir of ghosts,” while Mondosonoro compares their concerts to “a meteor shower and the four elements.” If we had to boil down the essence of Dorian Wood’s music, we’d call it a mixture of theatrical-experimental, folk, gospel-soul, and classical music, with a large dash of performance art. Speaking with Dorian was a rare treat. On this episode, we listen to musical excerpts and talk about sensuality, queerness, classical roots, bittersweet family, Dorian’s “curvy delicious body,” and so much more.

In our last episode, Washing Machine Revelation, we interviewed composer Reena Esmail, who talked about her unique blend of Indian and Western classical music, revealed her composing ritual, and told us about the washing machine that sparked a revelation. For this bonus episode, Reena treated us to a live Hindustani vocal improvisation.

Reena Esmail knows she doesn’t look like a stereotypical composer, but that doesn’t prevent her from making a big impact. Known for her signature blend of Indian and Western classical music, Reena joins us in the studio to discuss stage fright, getting in touch with her heritage, how the #MeToo movement inspired her, and the washing machine that sparked a revelation.

In episode 6, Goofy Baby Songs, we interviewed composer, accordionist, and electronic musician Isaac Schankler, who shared their inspirations and led us in a goofy baby jam session. For this bonus episode, Isaac treated us to an exclusive live studio performance on the accordion.

Isaac Schankler is a composer, accordionist, and electronic musician whose music is described by the LA Times as "the antidote to sentimentality." On this episode, we take an audio tour of some of Isaac’s most inventive pieces, from their Spotify hit "Alien Warp Etude" to their brand new collection of goofy baby songs. The interview is interspersed with live goofy baby performances from Isaac, Chrysanthe, and Thomas.