Russ Landau | |
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 Landau in 2005 | |
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| Formerly of | Paul Winter Consort |
| Awards | Primetime Emmy Award (2008) |
Russ Landau is an American composer and musician best known for his work in television, including the theme music for the reality series Survivor . His career includes a Primetime Emmy Award [1] , multiple Emmy nominations, over 40 ASCAP Film & Television Music Awards, and a Grammy nomination from his time with the Paul Winter Consort.
Landau earned a bachelor's degree in music from the University of Bridgeport and was awarded an honorary doctorate [2] by the university in 2010.
Landau began his musical career as bassist and contributing composer with the Paul Winter Consort, working on world-fusion and environmental music that led to a Grammy nomination. [3] In television, he received his first Primetime Emmy nomination [4] in 1996 for the title theme of seaQuest DSV and another in 2001 for the Survivor series theme "Ancient Voices". [5] [6]
Landau's work on Survivor became iconic; he composed for over 580 episodes from 2000–2022, and his theme and underscore music became integral to the show's atmosphere. [7] [8] [9]
In 2008, he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music [10] for Pirate Master . [11] His notable credits also include composing music for Fear Factor , Average Joe , Combat Missions , Eco‑Challenge Borneo, The Net , and other reality and competition shows. [12]
He explored field recording and indigenous sound on assignments like Survivor: China , traveling in Mainland China to source traditional music for use in the score. [13]
Landau's career is marked by multiple top industry honors: [17]
Landau's Survivor themes have evolved into a cult phenomenon. The fan community recreates the music online—often calling it the emotional core of the show's experience, likening it to revered instrumental compositions from classical or video game genres. [22] [23]
Landau noted: "Music helps tell the story, music helps indicate what the people on the island are feeling."
Landau is a licensed pilot living in Topanga, California.