From Intern to Emmy: Chanda Dancy's Inspiring Composer Journey

Emmy-nominated composer Chanda Dancy joins us for an inspiring conversation about her remarkable journey in music and film scoring. Known for her work on the acclaimed miniseries "Lawmen: Bass Reeves," Dancy's impressive portfolio includes "Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody," "Devotion," and the documentary "Aftershock."

In this captivating interview, Dancy delves into her creative process, discussing the meticulous research and preparation behind crafting the perfect orchestral language for "Lawmen: Bass Reeves." She also shares her profound sense of responsibility when composing for the Whitney Houston biopic.

From her early days in Houston, where her classical musician mother introduced her to violin at preschool age, to her pivotal moment at Houston Baptist University where her passion for film scoring ignited, Dancy's story is one of perseverance and "divine timing." We explore how a short film she wrote, directed, and scored became her ticket to USC's prestigious film scoring program.

The conversation is peppered with fascinating anecdotes, including a pivotal encounter with legendary composer Mike Post (known for "Law & Order" and "NYPD Blue") during her internship days. Dancy's journey wasn't without challenges - after USC, she found herself serving coffee and working at an internet company. But for this determined dreamer, these humble beginnings were just the prelude to an extraordinary career.

Join us as we uncover the story of a talented artist who refused to give up, leading to a snowball of opportunities that shaped her into the acclaimed composer she is today. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring musicians, film enthusiasts, and anyone who believes in the power of perseverance.