Podcast - Roger Neill

David Fogel and Fiona Gehrke Interview Golden Globe and Emmy Winner 

Roger Neill

Roger Neill is a celebrated composer, conductor, and recording artist recognized for his distinctive and expressive scores across film, television, and video games. His diverse body of work includes acclaimed films such as 20th Century Women, Don’t Think Twice, Beginners, and Marie Antoinette, along with major television series such as Amazon’s Mozart in the Jungle and Fox TV’s long-running animated hit King of the Hill. Known for his versatility and deep musical artistry, Neill seamlessly blends classical orchestration with contemporary sounds, electronica, and global musical influences. His masterful musicianship and innovative approach have made him one of the most sought-after composers in the industry.

Roger’s work has earned him numerous ASCAP, BMI and SESAC awards, an Emmy for King of the Hill, a Golden Globe for Mozart in the Jungle, and the LA Weekly Theater Critics Award for the operetta, The Beastly Bombing.

A native of Southern California, Neill grew up in El Cajon, a town where gun racks outnumber surfboards. He began playing music at the age of nine, exploring electric guitar and keyboards in bands while also mastering the flute in youth orchestras. His academic journey led him to the USC Thornton School of Music and Harvard University, where he earned a Ph.D. in Music Composition.

Beyond composing, Neill is a sought-after arranger, orchestrator, and conductor, having worked with a diverse roster of artists, including Beck, Michael Jackson, The Kronos Quartet, John Legend, Sondre Lerche, Spoon, Stereolab, David Sylvian, and Kygo. He has enjoyed a long-standing creative relationship with French electronic duo AIR, leading orchestral performances with them at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Paris’ Salle Pleyel.

Please enjoy this long-format conversation between David Fogel (CEO, The Symphonina Foundation), Fiona Gehrke (Symphonina Foundation Ambassador) with Roger.