STORYOPHONIC

She first came on the radar playing keyboards with the Arsenio Hall band. She’s since performed or recorded with artists from Carole King and Carlos Santana to Mariah Carey.  As a composer, Starr Parodi’s illustrious credits span feature films, episodic television, concert works and solo piano artistry. Recently elected President of the Alliance for Women Film composers, Starr exemplifies a multi-faceted career that continues to expand. Starr shines brightly on Storyophonic.

Through a catalog of songs that are undeniably upbeat, songwriter and Rolling Stone’s Hot Producer of the Year Sam Hollander creates vibrant pop hits like Fitz and the Tantrums’ “HandClap” and eight songs for Panic! At the Disco’s Pray for the Wicked, with the #1 hit “High Hopes.” In conversation, he relates how as a member of the supportive SONA community, he has evolved from a young MC into one of the most in-demand songwriters and producers in modern pop music.

A video feature from our recent podcast with Christophe Beck and Dan Kimpel. Christophe  is one of Hollywood’s foremost composers. Now, with the release of Frozen 2, Beck expands on the glacial Disney soundscape he devised for Elsa and her cohorts in the mega-hit Frozen. He is committed to expanding opportunities in the film music community through SESAC Scores: The Beck Diversity Project.  

Canadian-born Los Angeles-based Christophe Beck is one of Hollywood’s foremost composers. Now, with the release of Frozen 2, Beck expands on the glacial Disney soundscape he devised for Elsa and her cohorts in the mega-hit Frozen. From the Hangover Trilogy to The Peanuts Movie, Christophe Beck explores a remarkable compositional range with powerful emotional substance. He is committed to expanding opportunities in the film music community through SESAC Scores: The Beck Diversity Project

Our music world was stunned by the recent passing of Grammy and Tec Award winning engineer and producer Ed Cherney.  With credits that included the Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan, Ed was one of the greatest board masters of all time.  His prodigious achievements were mirrored in his immense humor and loving heart.  We thank Ed Cherney for the light that he shared and the music that he illuminated with his genius.  In his honor, we present this encore conversation.

In feature films, documentaries and episodic television, the word “eclectic” only begins to describe music from composer Carl Thiel.For the new Netflix animated series, Seis Manos, Carl cross-pollinatesfolkloric Mexican influences, traditional Chinese instruments and retro Seventies sounds to accompany the story of three orphans raised in Mexico and trained in martial arts, on a mission to avenge the murder of their mentor. Sonic sorcery casts a spell as Carl conjures up the score. 

Even if you don’t know his name, you know his sound: you’ve heard Danny Kortchmar’s magical guitar on tracks with legends like James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, and Bob Dylan. As a songwriter, he’s collaborated with Don Henley and Jackson Browne, and he’s produced projects with a roster that includes Billy Joel and Neil Young.  Now touring and recording with Immediate Family, Danny Kortchmar plugs in on this special episode sponsored by Roland Corporation, Boss, and Universal Audio. 

Doreen Ringer Ross, Vice President of Film, Television and Visual Media at BMI, works with all echelons of composers including legends like John Williams, Thomas Newman and Danny Elfman. She also oversees a full slate of BMI initiatives and workshops nurturing the next generation of compositional creators. Meet Doreen Ringer Ross whose depth of knowledge confirms that she most assuredly knows the score. This episode of our podcast is sponsored by BMI, whose “Music Moves Our World.”

Emmy nominated composer Miriam Cutler works exclusively on socially relevant Emmy winning, Sundance and Oscar nominated documentaries including RBG, a story of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.  With over forty film scores, six-time Grammy-winning composer, trumpeter and recording artist Terence Blanchard received his first Academy Award nomination for Spike Lee’s BlackKkKlansman. We highlight two recent guests in this episode who exemplify positive changes in the film music community.

Concluding our third Storyophonic season is Brian Kehew, a musician, producer and keyboardist with golden ears and extraordinary skills. A one-man audio excavation team, he explores deep musical vaults, mining hidden gems for bonus tracks and remasters by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin and hundreds of other artists. Currently touring as a technician with The Who, Brian, who co-authored the book Recording the Beatles, presents an annual lecture series at Abbey Road Studios In London.

Attorney Rachel Stilwell represents the legal interests of a vast constituency of the Hollywood entertainment industry in the music, film and literary worlds. Her clients also include the non-profit musicFIRST coalition and she serves on the Board of Governors of the Recording Academy’s LA Chapter and the Board of the Future of Music Coalition. Rachel breaks down the issues and explains vital issues affecting music makers and other creators in this modern age and in the future.

Across a vast span of mediums, Laura Karpman composes for feature films, documentaries, episodic television, concert works, operas and video games. A four time Emmy winner and the composer of the Grammy winning album Ask Your Mama, Laura’s mastery of classic form and modern technology designates her as one of Hollywood’s preeminent creators. We visit her studio at the beach, where surrounded by a museum-worthy collection of instruments, she shares her creative processes and musical methods.

From classic Philly Soul to Progressive Jazz, and beyond: With a career span from the early Seventies until now, recording engineer and producer Don Murray has been behind the board for artists ranging from Phil Collins, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston to jazz icons Terence Blanchard and Dave Grusin. As one of the recording world’s foremost sonic practitioners, with thousands of projects to his credit, Don is a modest and insightful guest in a rare interlude on the other side of the glass.   

A producer-engineer-mixer-composer and player: Irish-born, Liverpool-educated Los Angeles transplant Lynne Earls’ credits include recording K.D. Lang, Calexico, Rumer, Lizz Wright, Wayne Shorter and many others. In this conversation, she compares recording to photography, instinct and intuition guide her as she captures the authentic soul of a sound in the optimal instant. 

This episode features "Is Cuma" produced by Lynne, featuring legendary Celtic recording artist - Moya Brennan with Cormac DeBarra from the album “Timeless” on Beo Records

Artist, songwriter and producer Bonnie McKee might be best known from her multiple award winning collaborations with Katy Perry, as a recording artist, or as a guest vocalist with dance provocateurs Kygo and Armin Van Buuren. If you listen to pop music, you have heard her songs for Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert and many others. Meet the luminous, glamorous and fabulous Bonnie McKee.

Listen to the episode in its entirety on our website http://www.storyophonic.com or on your favorite podcast platform

She’s an “American Girl,” one of the “California Girls,” and a “Teenage Dream” who can “Roar.” Artist, songwriter and producer Bonnie McKee might be best known from her multiple award winning collaborations with Katy Perry, as a recording artist, or as a guest vocalist with dance provocateurs Kygo and Armin Van Buuren. If you listen to pop music, you have heard her songs for Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert and many others. Meet the luminous, glamorous and fabulous Bonnie McKee.

Songwriters, Pam Sheyne and Richard Harris recently teamed up for Songwriting Camps, with a mission of mentoring and educating the next generation of music creators. Check out this clip with our host, Dan Kimpel in the Storyophonic studios and listen to their episode if you haven't already!

Three distinctively different creators: one special show. In honor of this month’s ASCAP Expo, we have curated segments from three very prominent  ASCAP members:  Pinar Toprak, the composer who scored Captain Marvel; songwriter and producer Dave Bassett, whose hits include “Ex’s and Oh’s,” with Elle King, and “Fight Song” with Rachel Platten, and Lindy Robbins, one of Hollywood’s most accomplished pop songwriters with songs recorded by Jason Derulo, Andra Day, David Guetta and many others. 

Although Pam Sheyne is probably best known for “Genie in a Bottle,” her breakthrough hit for Christina Aguilera, she has thousands of additional credits with recording artists plus songs for network television shows. Likewise, Richard Harris has thousands of credits with a roster of international artists plus television shows, films and national advertising spots. The two recently teamed up for Songwriting Camps, with a mission of mentoring and educating the next generation of music creators. 

Songwriter / Composer and co-founder of SONA (Songwriters Of North America) - Kay Hanley and Independent Music Publisher and founder of PEN Music Group - Michael Eames in conversation with Storyophonic's host -Dan Kimpel in our studio. Kay and Michael are advocates for new legislation impacting the future of the music industry.  

The relationship between Songwriters and Music Publishers is integral to the music business. Representing both sides are Kay Hanley, a songwriter and recording artist who writes music for television shows like Doc McStuffins and Josie and the Pussycats among many other credits, and Michael Eames, co-founder and president of PEN Music, promoting legendary catalogs and indie songwriters alike. Kay and Michael are advocates for new legislation impacting the future of the music industry.  

2019 Grammy Award winner, Michael Graves is one of the leading audio restoration and re-mastering specialists in music. His award was in the Best Historical Album Category. He mastered the album "Voices Of Mississippi". Michael works with a vast spectrum of projects, from classic jazz, world music and field recordings to obscure rock cult artists and legendary country originators, including Hank Williams. Pairing technical knowledge with a deep reverence for the legacy of these recordings, Michael Graves brings audio to life.  This video clip was taken at our Storyophonic studio as Michael sat down to talk with our host, Dan Kimpel.

Engineer, producer and mixer Leslie Ann Jones has been behind the board for everyone from Rosemary Clooney and Kronos Quartet to Herbie Hancock and Alice in Chains. As Director of Music Recording and Scoring for Skywalker Sound, she records scores for video games and feature films including Apocalypse Now, Requiem for a Dream and Happy Feet. A multiple Grammy Award winner inducted this year into the NAMM TEC Hall of Fame for her achievements, Leslie Ann Jones is an Audio Icon of the first order.

Dan Kimpel interviews Lili Haydn, classically trained violinist, ethereal vocalist, film composer, songwriter and more.  Lili has played with Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, Sting, Josh Groban and George Clinton’s P-Funk, Herbie Hancock and many others. Nominated in the New Age category for a 2019 Grammy with her group Opium Moon, Lili Haydn is also an accomplished film composer who scored, contributed songs and co-music supervised the new darkly sardonic indie film Driver X. 

A classically trained violinist who has played with Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, Sting, Josh Groban and George Clinton’s P-Funk, an ethereal vocalist, and a notable singer-songwriter with a rich catalog of albums. Nominated in the New Age category for a 2019 Grammy with her group Opium Moon, Lili Haydn is also an accomplished film composer who scored, contributed songs and co-music supervised the new darkly sardonic indie film Driver X. Lili Haydn takes the wheel on Storyophonic. 

Sue Fink with our host Dan Kimpel answers a couple of "Storyophonic questions". For 25 years, Angel City Chorale and Artistic Director Sue Fink have been bringing people together with their community-building world music concerts. Celebrating the spirit of diversity, they make music in a wide variety of musical styles and for everyone to enjoy. With their recent performances on America’s Got Talent, a huge television audience could experience this harmonious magic as well. 

For 25 years, Angel City Chorale and Artistic Director Sue Fink have been bringing people together with their community-building world music concerts. Celebrating the spirit of diversity, they make music in a wide variety of musical styles and for everyone to enjoy. With their recent performances on America’s Got Talent, a huge television audience could experience this harmonious magic as well. Angel City Chorale founder artistic director and conductor Sue Fink leads the chorus on Storyophonic. 

With his 10th album Remembrance: A Collection Of Cinematic Portraits, a #2 hit on the Billboard charts, composer and pianist Jim Wilson matches visual imagery to poignant melodies. In addition to his recording career, Jim is well known for bringing the piano into the 21St Century for artists like Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Billy Joel introducing new technologies.  Hear about Jim’s musical odyssey from Texas to Los Angeles, as he shares the inspiration for his luminous compositions.  

With a rich catalog of releases, including her latest, World On Sticks, the songs and music of Sam Phillips entertained an immense audience on the famed television show Gilmore Girls. Her partner in music and life is Eric Gorfain, leader of the Section quartet; a brilliant player who has worked with artists like Beyonce, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. Together, Sam and Eric create the sound of the television hit The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. They are in tune, in time and in tandem on Storyophonic.

Dina LaPolt sits down with our host: Dan Kimpel and reveals personal details of her journey from rocker to leading Hollywood Intellectual Property and Entertainment Lawyer.  Check out this clip and listen to the full episode only on Storyophonic!

She’s been described as “a relentless advocate for creators rights,” who filed suit against the U.S. Department of Justice. Now, with the signing of the Music Modernization Act, Dina LaPolt emerges victorious in her ongoing mission on behalf of songwriters. As Dina explains for us the changes inherent for worldwide creators in the new digital landscape, she reveals personal details of her journey from rocker to leading Hollywood Intellectual Property and Entertainment Lawyer. 

Blues, Roots and Soul vocalist, Teresa James answers some "Storyophonic" questions with our host, Dan Kimpel. Teresa leads Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps with a rich vein of blues and roots influences informed with a gritty vocal prowess.

“Music from the roadhouse,” is how Teresa James describes her music. With Teresa James and the Rhythms Tramps, she mines a rich vein of blues and roots influences informed with a gritty vocal prowess. Performing at concerts and festivals across the U.S., and on soundtracks and sessions, she is proof positive that timeless music and dedicated artists will always have an audience. You can hear it all on her latest release, Here in Babylon. Teresa James rips it up on Storyophonic. 

Dave Bassett answers a couple of "Storyophonic Questions" with our host, Dan Kimpel. Dave possesses an eclectic résumé. “Ex’s and Oh’s,” co-written and produced with Elle King, and the anthem “Fight Song,” co-written with Rachel Platten, have added substantially to his diverse portfolio.

With songs recorded by artists ranging from Shinedown to Josh Groban, Dave Bassett possesses an eclectic résumé. “Ex’s and Oh’s,” co-written and produced with Elle King, and the anthem “Fight Song,” co-written with Rachel Platten, have added substantially to his diverse portfolio. The Storyophonic team travels to Dave’s solar-powered studio high in the mountains above Malibu for an elevated look into the art and craft of this industrious and inventive songwriter, producer and musician.  

2018 USA Fellow and five time Grammy-winning composer, trumpeter and recording artist Terence Blanchard is a national treasure. His score, recorded with his quintet E-Collective and a 75-piece orchestra for the film BlackKkKlansman, bolsters the film’s devastatingly timely message. His latest Blue Note release with E-Collective, titled Live, reveals bitter frustration with these times juxtaposed with a healing emotional balm. Consciousness, conscience and commitment: Terence Blanchard goes deep.

An excerpt from our conversation with Grammy winning composer and musician Terence Blanchard.  His score, recorded with his quintet E-Collective and a 75-piece orchestra for the film BlackKkKlansman,bolsters the film’s devastatingly timely message. 

In this special AES Pro Audio Convention edition, we feature conversation highlights with three prominent engineer/producers: 18-time Grammy winning Al Schmitt has worked on over 150 gold and platinum records with everyone from Bob Dylan to Paul McCartney; Ed Cherney’s credits include the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton, and Greg Wells produced and mixed the soundtrack to The Greatest Showman, the first No. 1 selling album of 2018. Join three masters of the craft in this very special episode. 

Maia Sharp and Anna Schulze are celebrated songwriters and artists with vibrant solo careers – together, they have appropriated the names of a pair of antique guitars to create a shared musical persona as Roscoe & Etta as they explore a musical landscape of vibrant Americana, underscored by quirky electronica and on their self-titled debut. 

Here's a chance to be a fly on the wall and check out this excerpt from our upcoming conversation with "Roscoe & Etta" Maia Sharp and Anna Schulze. Tune in Monday, Oct. 15 to hear the full episode as we launch our season 3 of Storyophonic!

A Storyophonic Exclusive:  Judith Owen and Leland Sklar perform "Hot Stuff" for our podcast listeners.  This song is featured on Judith Owen's new album "Rediscovered".

Judith Owen & Leland Sklar answer a few "Storyophonic questions" with our host - Dan Kimpel.   With her latest release Rediscovered, Judith invests her spellbinding artistry into an ambitious repertoire that she claims for her own. We travel to Judith’s home as master bassist Leland Sklar joins the interview and Judith talks about her connection to the classic collection of amazing songs that she will help us rediscover.

Wise, witty and Welsh - Judith Owen is a songwriter and recording artist who defies easy description, but she's certainly an evocative storyteller. With her latest release Rediscovered, Judith invests her spellbinding artistry into an ambitious repertoire that she claims for her own. We travel to Judith’s home as master bassist Leland Sklar joins the interview and Judith talks about her connection to the classic collection of amazing songs that she will help us rediscover, on Storyophonic.

Pianist, composer, arranger and producer Dayramir González radiates effervescent beams of dazzling creativity. With multi-layered compositions built on striking melodies, his exuberant conversation is counterpoint to his remarkable artistry. His latest release, The Grand Concourse, honors his adopted Bronx homeland while paying tribute to his birthright as a Cuban musician. Meet an inspiring artist who shares an exclusive solo performance with us in this very special Storyophonic episode.

Pianist, composer, arranger and producer Dayramir González radiates effervescent beams of dazzling creativity. With multi-layered compositions built on striking melodies, his exuberant conversation is counterpoint to his remarkable artistry. His latest release, The Grand Concourse, honors his adopted Bronx homeland while paying tribute to his birthright as a Cuban musician. Meet an inspiring artist who shares an exclusive solo performance with us in this very special Storyophonic episode.

Our host, Dan Kimpel with award-winning composer, Gordy Haab who creates music across sonic platforms of television and feature films, Gordy Haab’s epic scores to top video games like Microsoft’s Halo Wars Two and EA’s Star Wars Battlefront 1 & 2 reveals an unsurpassed understanding of the orchestra and a genius for blending contemporary and traditional sounds into one. Millions of gamers are transported into miraculous universes courtesy of his expansive scores and consummate creativity. The force is certainly with Gordy Haab.

An award-winning composer who creates music across sonic platforms of television and feature films, Gordy Haab’s epic scores to top video games like Microsoft’s Halo Wars Two and EA’s Star Wars Battlefront 1 & 2 reveals an unsurpassed understanding of the orchestra and a genius for blending contemporary and traditional sounds into one. Millions of gamers are transported into miraculous universes courtesy of his expansive scores and consummate creativity. The force is certainly with Gordy Haab.

A musical alchemist of the highest order, Grammy-winning producer Om’Mas Keith segues from jazz, to hip-hop to pop music and propels projects with a genre-defying mastery. As a member of the group Sa-Ra, as a solo artist, and in tandem with a roster including Vic Mensa, Ty Dolla $ign and Frank Ocean his historic roots, with an enlightened embrace of the unexpected and deep reverence for the art form, Om’Mas breathes music. He’s on the other side of the glass on Storyophonic. 

Welcome to the "Storyophonic Questions" segment of our conversation with vocalist / songwriter and poet, Luciana Souza.   Luciana talks about her latest release "The Book Of Longing"

Brazilian-born Luciana Souza has been releasing acclaimed solo recordings since 2002, while also performing and recording with greats including Herbie Hancock, Paul Simon and James Taylor. A notable composer, with her newest project, The Book of Longing, Luciana matches her melodies to the words of poets Leonard Cohen, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Emily Dickinson and Christina Rossetti, plus three of her own poems. Luciana Souza reveals the map for her latest creative expedition on Storyophonic.

“I can’t keep quiet, I’m a one woman riot,” are the words of singer-songwriter MILCK from her song “Quiet,” a gift to the world that went viral from the Women’s March in Washington. A musical activist who creates what she calls “cathartic pop,” her latest release is titled This is Not the End. MILCK comes from a family of doctors, and she shares that her goal is to be a sonic healer. Incisive, challenging, and inspiring – discover a vibrant artist with a vital message on Storyophonic.

Although you might not know the name Amy Keys, if you are a music lover, her magical voice has probably touched you. With live performance and studio credits encompassing superstars like Phil Collins, Johnny Hallyday, Herbie Hancock, Neil Young, Don Henley, Sting and Barbra Streisand, Amy is one of music industry’s most in demand session singers whose incredibly soulful chops are matched by a fascinating perspective on her journey and her artistry. Amy Keys is center stage on Storyophonic.

Penning songs for an impressive roster of artists including Jason Derulo, Demi Lovato, David Guetta, Dua Lipa, Jennifer Hudson, One Direction and Zedd, Lindy Robbins is one of Hollywood’s most accomplished songwriters. As she shares, it took a combination of talent, timing, chutzpah and perseverance to illuminate her long path from writing cabaret and special material in New York to Hollywood, where she is now one of the pop music’s most respected collaborators.

With close to 700 sync uses for her songs in feature films, television shows, trailers and promos, Kari Kimmel is a singer-songwriter who songs are rich with emotion and filled with heart. Now celebrating the release of her new full length, Glitter and Gold, Kari reflects on what makes songs adaptable for visual mediums, founding her own company Glow Music, and the fine balance between family life and Hollywood enterprises as she pledges her spirit to the fine art of songwriting

Emmy-nominated composer Miriam Cutler is passionate about scoring documentaries, among them Emmy winning, Sundance, and Oscar nominated films: Ethel, The Hunting Ground, and now RBG - A look at the life and work of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Over two decades, Miriam has forged a successful career in Hollywood composing scores for socially relevant documentaries that she believes in. Miriam Cutler joins us to talk music and the art of activism.

With a portfolio of songs recorded by everyone from Cher to Kelly Clarkson to a cast of Trolls, Emmy-nominated Grammy award- winning Alex Geringas scores feature films, animated television and much more. His musical expertise is fired by a vivid imagination as he contributes to this spectrum of visual mediums. Hear how he adapts his style of composing to fit this variety of platforms, and experience his enthusiasm for new projects as we meet Alex Geringas on Storyophonic.

As a songwriter, producer, artist and musician, Chris Price explores sonic landscapes of vintage instruments and real songs. In 2017, his collection Stop Talking made many year-end favorite lists, and now with his latest full-length,  Dalmatian, he reveals a new 13-song journey. A notable producer and musician, whether he is behind the board recording the works of overlooked geniuses or orchestrating his own artistry, Chris reveals a potent creative sensibility that is smart and soulful.

With a Grammy nomination, and the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year and Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year honors, Janiva Magness connects to a broad base of devoted fans at concerts, festivals and club dates. Now, with her latest release, Love is an Army, she blends Americana influences into fiery proclamations that are both personal and political. Explore the deep roots and inspiring story of an American original and her musical mission on this episode of Storyophonic.

Julia Michels is one of the most sought-after music supervisors in Hollywood. She began her career as a music executive for Twentieth Century Fox.  She left Fox to run the soundtrack department across all labels in the EMI Records’ family and then went on to oversee music for MGM Pictures. Recently awarded Top Honors from the Guild of Music Supervisors, among her latest projects is A Star is Born with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. 

A preeminent music clearance specialist whose client list includes Fox Broadcasting Co, Warner Bros Entertainment, Refinery 29 and Funny Or Die as well as indie filmmakers and producers, Suzanne Coffman oversees the complex process of clearing music through her company, MUSIC RIGHTZ. Film, television, promos, marketing, trailers and all visual formats – explore the labyrinth mechanisms of pairing music to visual mediums with a Hollywood music insider in this enlightening and educating episode.   

He’s retro, he’s contemporary – he is Scott Bradlee, the creator of Post Modern Jukebox, a celebrated series of current songs recast in historic styles as loved by an immense online audience. With his just released book, Outside the Jukebox: How I Turned My Vintage Obsession Into My Dream Gig, and in this conversation, he reveals how creating YouTube Videos in a basement apartment led to performances at Radio City Music Hall and prestigious venues worldwide.

If there were a Mount Rushmore for bass players, the magnificently bearded face of Leland Sklar would certainly be carved into it. Sklar’s bass lines have framed the sounds of classic singer-songwriters like James Taylor and Jackson Browne, underscored the vocals of Linda Ronstadt and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and built the musical firmament for everyone from Dolly Parton to Diana Ross. Estimating that he has played on over 2,000 sessions, he continues to tour the world with Phil Collins and Judith Owen. Meet the man behind the bass in this career encompassing conversation.

She is a composer of otherworldly music: Turkish-born Los Angeles based composer Pinar Toprak creates music for feature films, videogames – including the massively popular Fortnite --and now the SYFY series Krypton.Born in Istanbul, Pinar earned a degree in classical guitar, a degree in film scoring from Boston’s Berklee School of Music, and then a masters in classical composition. She spent a year interning, then programming, at Hans Zimmer’s studio and assisted composer William Ross before landing a videogame, Ninety-nine Nights, and a direct-to-video film, Behind Enemy Lines II: Axis of Evil. Creating additional music for Justice League, at Warner Bros., helped put her in the Krypton producers’ sights. There was a time when most producers didn’t believe that a woman could write an aggressive action score. Times have changed. Meet a very composed Pinar Toprak.  

She's a Grammy, Emmy, Tony and Webby award-winning and nominated songwriter, performer, visual artist, director, collector, social artist, and party thrower. Her hits-including Earth, Wind & Fire's "September" and "Boogie Wonderland," The Pointer Sisters' "Neutron Dance," and The Rembrandts' "I'll Be There For You (Theme From Friends)" have sold more than 60 million records. She was recently inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. Willis also co-authored the Oprah Winfrey-produced Tony and Grammy-winning Broadway musical The Color Purple. Meet a fierce goddess who is always into the future.

12-time Grammy-winner, producer/mixer/engineer Rafa Sardina has been behind the hits for Stevie Wonder, Alejandro Sanz and Josh Groban among so many others. In the world of films, soundtracks and movie scores, he has given voice to features with Tyler Perry, and Johnny Depp. Helping others realize their vision is his creed - find out the secrets behind the sounds with this acclaimed recording luminary.

As one of pop music’s most distinguished songwriters, Billy Steinberg has collaborated on such career-defining songs like “True Colors” (Cyndi Lauper);  “Eternal Flame” (The Bangles), “Like a Virgin” (Madonna), “I’ll Stand By You” (The Pretenders) and “Falling Into You” (Celine Dion). Meet this Songwriters Hall of Fame honoree as Billy recounts his history of growing up in Palm Springs, CA, an education at Bard College, and his unsuccessful career with the band Billy Thermal where he realized that writing songs for other artists would be his destiny.

35 million records, sold out arenas worldwide, enshrinement in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: Nancy Wilson is by any measure, rock and roll royalty. A guitar virtuoso from the age of 10, Wilson and her sister Ann led the multi-platinum rock group Heart, for whom she co-wrote classic songs including “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You,” “Barracuda,” and “Straight On.” As a film composer, Nancy’s credits include Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire, Say Anything, Elizabethtown and Vanilla Sky. Always moving forward, she is now recording and touring with her new band, Roadcase Royale, and is the Executive Music Producer for Muscle Shoals, a limited music-intensive drama series. Nancy lights up in this vivacious conversation that extends from historical milestones to her newest endeavors.

Season Two of Storyophonic will launch on Monday, April 30th.We’re excited to be bringing you interviews with rock stars, composers, engineers, record producers, hall of fame song writers and music supervisors.Our special guests include Nancy Wilson Of Heart, Leland Sklar, acclaimed bassist for James Taylor, Jackson Brown and Phil Collins.  Platinum producer and President of Blue Note Records, Don Was and the creator of Post Modern Jukebox, Scott Bradlee.  We’ll introduce you to Emmy winning Television composer, Snuffy Walden,  Grammy & Tony winning Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductee, Allee Willis, Billy Steinberg, the co-writer of True Colors and Like A Virgin, and many more.

Tune in as we roll out twenty two new episodes of our podcast!You can help support our podcast by becoming a monthly Patron at patreon.com/storyophonic  Subscribers will automatically be entered in a contest to win a beautiful Fender guitar signed by our guests, as well as cool Storyophonic swag.  Tune in to Storyophonic on your favorite podcast platform.

Harvey Mason Jr. has not only penned and produced songs for industry legends like Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, and Elton John, but also for modern superstars including Jennifer Hudson, Justin Bieber and Britney Spears. Simultaneously, He has been instrumental in producing memorable music for many of the biggest musical films from the past decade: Dreamgirls, Pitch Perfect, Sing and Straight Outta Compton. In this episode, Harvey reveals untold stories behind his best-known projects.

A prodigiously talented composer, pianist and arranger, in 2018 Los Angeles native Billy Childs was honored at the 60thAnnual Grammy awards for Best Jazz Instrumental album for his solo project Rebirth. Billy works in diverse musical mediums, spanning classical music and jazz, and his ever-expanding spectrum of projects includes classical commissions, spoken word and music fusions, and worldwide tours as a headliner at concerts and festivals. We visit Billy in his writing room as he reveals the roots of his musical diversity on Storyophonic.  

Known for hit songs like “Don’t Cry Out Loud” and “Midnight Blue,” decades into a storied career, Grammy winning singer-songwriter and actress Melissa Manchester continues to enthrall audiences with sterling song-craft and impassioned performances. Join a legendary artist always moving in new creative dimensions. 

From his emergence with the rock en espanol legends Heros del Silencio through his celebrated career as a solo artist, Enrique Bunbury is recognized as an ever changing and enigmatic rock legend, whose distinctive baritone voice is instantly recognizable by his legions of fans worldwide. He talks about life, creativity and the inspiration that drives him.

With Twenty Two Grammy awards, 160 Gold and Platinum albums and a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, the term "legendary" doesn't begin to describe the career of Al Schmitt.  He has recorded, mixed and produced the most notable artists of the 20th and 21st Centuries - from Sinatra to Neil Young to Michael Buble and beyond. Join Al as he tells the tales of the hit-makers and their times.

Meet the experts who breathes life into recorded sound: Gavin Lurssen has won four Grammys including two for Album Of The Year for Raising Sand, performed by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss and produced by T Bone Burnett, and another for the soundtrack of O Brother Where Art Thou? His counterpart, Reuben Cohen, is a Latin Grammy winner and the winner of a TEC award for his work on “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.

Two time Grammy nominated Mindi Abair has toured with Aerosmith, played with Springsteen, sat in on The Late Show and the Tonight Show and appeared for two Seasons on American Idol all while recording a string of top charting Billboard solo albums. Mindi goes for the high notes as she recounts her journey on this episode.

California-born, British-educated Christopher Tin is a two-time Grammy-winning composer whose music has been performed and premiered in many of the world's most prestigious venues. From feature films to concerts to video games - Christopher introduces new perspectives in the creation of compelling music across an eclectic spectrum of visual mediums.

From pop star Katharine McPhee to pop band R5, and from singer/songwriter, Shawn Colvin to the classical trio Il Volo -- a short list of artists who have breathed life into the words and melodies of songwriter Michelle Lewis. A founding member of SONA, Songwriters or North America, and a board member of ASCAP, Michelle is a powerful advocate for an ever -increasing community of musical creators worldwide.

Inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, Claudia travels the world as one of the most prolific songwriters in modern music, writing for artists including like Ednita Nazario, Gloria Trevi, Luis Fonsi, Thalia, Alejandro Fernández, David Bustamante and Paulina Rubio; crossover artists Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin and Il Volo and pop hit makers Fifth Harmony, John Legend, Josh Groban, Fantasia, Michael Bublé and Barbra Streisand. Meet a creator whose words and melodies cross all borders as they resonate worldwide

Larry Klein might be best known as the go-to producer for strong, individualistic women including Joni Mitchell, Shawn Colvin, Madeline Peroux and Luciana Souza. But his work with artists like Herbie Hancock, Steely Dan’s Walter Becker and most recently with modern jazz greats on the Passion of Charlie Parker reveals Klein’s incredible musical dimensions. In this episode he reveals his path from bassist to Grammy-winning producer.