They Scored THIS #6: David Ari Leon

In this episode, we sit down with composer, producer, and music industry veteran David Ari Leon to explore his journey through the world of video game music, film, and television.Known for his contributions to the sound of Marvel animated TV shows, including Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk, Leon shares insights into the creative process behind composing music that brings iconic characters, action-packed adventures, and interactive worlds to life.We explore the challenges of writing for interactive entertainment, the evolution of video game soundtracks, and the importance of melody, atmosphere, and emotional storytelling. From his experiences in the industry to his approach to collaboration and musical creativity, Leon offers a fascinating perspective on the relationship between music and the stories we experience.Whether you're a fan of classic video game soundtracks, superhero adventures, or the creative minds behind the music, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.For more information on David Ari Leon, check out these links:Sound Mind Music | David Ari LeonQuestions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at [email protected]! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.Available on all streaming platforms.Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 10/26/26

In this episode of They Scored THIS, we sit down with acclaimed composer Kevin Manthei, whose dynamic and versatile musical career has left a lasting impression across film, television, animation, and video games.Known for his ability to blend orchestral arrangements, electronic textures, atmospheric soundscapes, and intense rhythmic compositions, Manthei has developed a distinctive musical voice that brings emotion, energy, and personality to the worlds he helps create.From the dark, sci-fi atmosphere of Invader Zim to the action-packed world of Ultimate Spider-Man, Manthei's work demonstrates an extraordinary range of musical storytelling. His contributions to video games, including Shattered, Dead to Rights, Kill Switch, City of Villains, Star Trek Online and Vampire: The Masquerade – Redemption, showcase his talent for creating memorable soundtracks that heighten tension, establish atmosphere, and immerse audiences in unforgettable experiences.Throughout our conversation, we explore Manthei's journey into professional composition, the creative influences that shaped his musical identity, and the challenges of writing music for different storytelling mediums. We discuss his approach to developing themes, experimenting with instrumentation, balancing orchestral and electronic elements, and finding the right musical identity for each project.Beyond the music itself, this conversation explores collaboration, creative experimentation, the evolution of music production technology, and the differences between scoring linear storytelling and interactive entertainment.Whether you're a longtime admirer of Kevin Manthei's compositions, a fan of animation and video game soundtracks, or someone interested in the art of composing for visual media, this interview offers a fascinating look into the creativity and craftsmanship behind the music.Join us on They Scored THIS as we celebrate the career, creativity, and musical legacy of Kevin Manthei—one of the versatile voices behind some of entertainment's most distinctive soundtracks.For more information on Kevin Manthei, check out these links:Kevin Manthei MusicKevinMantheiMusic - YouTubeInstagramStream Kevin Manthei music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloudKevin Manthei Music (@kevinmanthei) / XTriumph Audio - Cinematic Boutique SamplingQuestions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at [email protected]! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.Available on all streaming platforms.Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 10/5/26Outro Track: Invader ZIM: Enter the Florpus (End Credits) Extended

This is all of the footage that was recorded before and after the Isle of Dogs episode. We hope you enjoy!Questions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at [email protected]! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.And please follow and subscribe to our newly launched YouTube page, Score THIS! - YouTubeAvailable on all streaming platforms.Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 9/24/26

In this episode of Score THIS, we take a journey to Trash Island for Wes Anderson’s stop-motion adventure, Isle of Dogs. After the dogs of Megasaki City are banished following an outbreak of canine illness, twelve-year-old Atari Kobayashi steals a small aircraft and embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue his beloved companion, Spots. With help from Chief, Rex, King, Boss, and Duke, Atari uncovers a conspiracy that threatens every dog in Megasaki.We explore Alexandre Desplat’s Oscar-nominated score and his fourth collaboration with Anderson. Rather than relying on a traditional symphonic sound, Desplat creates a distinctive musical palette built around thunderous taiko drums, saxophones, recorders, jazz bass, piano, percussion, and male voices. The score’s persistent rhythms capture the dogs’ movement and survival instincts, while its sparse melodies and unusual instrumental combinations complement the film’s precise stop-motion animation.We break down how cues such as “Shinto Shrine,” “The Municipal Dome,” “Six Months Later + Dog Fight,” “The Hero Pack,” “Sushi Scene,” and “End Titles” shape the story. We also discuss the soundtrack’s use of silence and its musical references to classic Japanese cinema, including selections connected to Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai and Drunken Angel.From the pounding drums that drive the adventure to the quieter musical moments behind Atari and Chief’s growing friendship, Desplat’s score balances suspense, humor, melancholy, and hope. The result is a carefully constructed musical world that feels every bit as handcrafted as the animation itself.Grab your spots and follow the pack as we explore the rhythmic world of Isle of Dogs on Score THIS.Questions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at [email protected]! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.And please follow and subscribe to our newly launched YouTube page, Score THIS! - YouTubeAvailable on all streaming platforms.Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 9/24/26Score THIS Scale explanation voiced by: Mia Shilling

This is all of the footage that was recorded before and after the SNK Fighting Game Music Roundtable. We hope you enjoy!Questions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at [email protected]! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.And please follow and subscribe to our newly launched YouTube page, Score THIS! - YouTubeAvailable on all streaming platforms.Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 9/19/26Tray-Digga:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0f6thciAcEGfybhV0LW88i?si=-gznk0HbT0Kxp61iAt2a9Qhttps://youtube.com/@diggakpa?si=fEEpFrpQd4H451hehttps://www.instagram.com/uknotraydigga_bob2?stkn=cTg0Y2xncG12aHc4Steve Sxaks:https://open.spotify.com/artist/22QlvrTev8e4Z23VbWLLELwww.letsgoguy.comInstagramOnlyOneRonin:https://www.facebook.com/onlyoneronin?mibextid=ZbWKwLInstagramInstagramOutro Track: The RR (Rugal Bernstein)/Showdown R&D (Omega Rugal) (The King of Fighters '98)

Get ready for a musical showdown as we step into the legendary world of SNK fighting games! In this special music roundtable episode, Malfred and three special guests celebrate the unforgettable soundtracks that helped define some of the most iconic fighting games in video game history.From the explosive energy of The King of Fighters to the hard-hitting sounds of Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting, and Samurai Shodown, the discussion explores SNK's incredible musical legacy and the composers who brought these unforgettable battles to life.The panel dives into a selection of standout tracks, breaking down their compositions, instrumentation, arrangements, and the unique blend of jazz, rock, funk, electronic music, and traditional Japanese influences that gave SNK its distinctive sound. Along the way, they discuss the evolution of SNK's arcade soundtracks, the legendary arranged albums, and how these compositions elevated the atmosphere, characters, and intensity of each fight.Whether you're a longtime Neo Geo enthusiast, a fighting game veteran, or simply a fan of incredible video game music, this episode celebrates the creativity, innovation, and lasting influence of SNK's musical history.Choose your fighter, turn up the volume, and join us we explore the music behind SNK's greatest battles in the SNK Fighting Game Music Roundtable!Questions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at [email protected]! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.And please follow and subscribe to our newly launched YouTube page, Score THIS! - YouTubeAvailable on all streaming platforms.Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 9/19/26Tray-Digga:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0f6thciAcEGfybhV0LW88i?si=-gznk0HbT0Kxp61iAt2a9Qhttps://youtube.com/@diggakpa?si=fEEpFrpQd4H451hehttps://www.instagram.com/uknotraydigga_bob2?stkn=cTg0Y2xncG12aHc4Steve Sxaks:https://open.spotify.com/artist/22QlvrTev8e4Z23VbWLLELwww.letsgoguy.comInstagramOnlyOneRonin:InstagramInstagramIntroduction Track: Burning DNA (Title) (The King of Fighters '99)Outro Track: Trash Head (Goenitz Theme) (The King of Fighters '96)

In this episode of They Scored THIS, we sit down with acclaimed composer Carl Johnson to explore his remarkable career in film, television, and animation scoring. From crafting memorable musical moments for beloved animated series to bringing emotional depth, excitement, and personality to storytelling through music, Johnson has built an impressive body of work that spans generations of entertainment.Throughout our conversation, we explore Carl's journey into the world of professional composing, his musical influences, and the experiences that helped shape his distinctive approach to storytelling through sound. We discuss his work on animated productions, including Gargoyles, Goof Troop, Bonkers, Batman: The Animated Series, Freakazoid!, Pooh's Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin, Looney Tunes Cartoons, Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, examining the creative challenges of writing music that balances action, comedy, suspense, and emotion.Carl shares insights into the collaborative nature of television scoring, the importance of musical themes and character identity, and the process of composing for animation, where every movement, expression, and dramatic shift can influence the music. We also explore the role of orchestration, the demands of television production schedules, and how composers bring cinematic quality to the small screen.Beyond the technical aspects of composing, our discussion celebrates the lasting impact of music in animation and the creative contributions of the composers working behind the scenes. We reflect on the legacy of the classic Warner Bros. animation sound, the evolution of scoring techniques, and the ways music continues to shape how audiences remember their favorite characters and stories.Whether you're a longtime admirer of animated television soundtracks, an aspiring composer, or simply someone fascinated by the art of film and television music, this episode offers an engaging look into the creative world of Carl Johnson.For more information on Carl Johnson, check out these links:Film Music | Carl Johnson MusicFacebookInstagramCarl Johnson Music - YouTubeQuestions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at [email protected]! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.Available on all streaming platforms.Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 9/17/26

In this special interview of They Scored THIS, we sit down with legendary video game composer, musician, producer, and industry veteran, Tommy Tallarico for a conversation about his career and the evolution of video game music.Tommy discusses his journey into the gaming industry, his approach to creating memorable and interactive music, and his work across titles including Earthworm Jim, MDK, Cool Spot, and Advent Rising. We also explore how game audio evolved from the technological limitations of early consoles into the cinematic and orchestral soundscapes heard in modern games.The conversation also dives into Video Games Live, the concert experience Tallarico created to bring video game music to the stage with orchestras, choirs, synchronized visuals, and rock-concert energy. Since its Hollywood Bowl debut in 2005, the production has taken game music to audiences around the world.From the creative process behind classic game soundtracks to the growing recognition of video game music as an art form, this interview celebrates the sounds, technology, and ideas that Tommy has helped shape generations of gaming.For more information on Tommy Tallarico, check out these links:Tommy Tallarico official websiteTommy Tallarico | SpotifyInstagramTommy Tallarico - YouTubeTommyTallarico (@TommyTallarico) / XFacebookVideo Games Live™ – Video Games Live™Video Games Live | SpotifyQuestions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at [email protected]! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.Available on all streaming platforms.Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 9/14/26.

This is bonus content of footage that was recorded before and after the recording of the Tekken Music Roundtable. We hope you enjoy.Questions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at [email protected]! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.And please follow and subscribe to our newly launched YouTube page, Score THIS! - YouTubeAvailable on all streaming platforms.Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 9/7/26Drago:WavyDrago - YouTubeInstagramTHEFOODLORD:Music | THEFOODLORDSEX AFTER BIBLE STUDY | THEFOODLORD & KiiiNG MZA | KiiiNG MZAInstagramKiiiNG MZA:Music | KiiiNG MZAInstagram

Get ready for the next battle!On this special episode of Score THIS, we step into the King of Iron Fist Tournament for a Tekken Music Roundtable, celebrating the music that have helped define one of fighting games’ most iconic franchises.Malfred and three special guests each bring selected Tekken tracks to the table, breaking down the production, instrumentation, melodies, rhythms, personal memories, and what makes each piece stand out.It’s part soundtrack appreciation, part fighting-game nostalgia, and a celebration of how Tekken’s music has evolved alongside the franchise.Questions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at [email protected]! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.And please follow and subscribe to our newly launched YouTube page, Score THIS! - YouTubeAvailable on all streaming platforms.Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 9/7/26Drago:WavyDrago - YouTubeInstagramTHEFOODLORD:Music | THEFOODLORDSEX AFTER BIBLE STUDY | THEFOODLORD & KiiiNG MZA | KiiiNG MZAInstagramKiiiNG MZA:Music | KiiiNG MZAInstagram