David Harris grew up frightened by the supposed authenticity of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” In fact, until college, the Texas native writer, director and 2008 alumnus of the School of Theater, Film and Television, had no idea that the film, presented as a true story, was a complete work of fiction.

Michael Phillips came to Los Angeles like any other wide-eyed writer in search of opportunity.

For the indelible mark it has left on our culture, it is hard to imagine that just a little over five years ago, we were without YouTube.

Both in her performance and in her life, Mythili Prakash is, quite simply, a bridge.

At 28, Chris Thile has already had a long and storied career.

Begin with a base of classical Persian vocal training. Add touches of nomadic transience from the Middle East and Europe to the mix. Finally, toss in an immigration to Los Angeles and a teenage fondness for rock ‘n’ roll, and you have the cultural melting pot that collectively makes up Mamak Khadem’s distinctive sound.

From its beginning, Vampire Weekend’s “Contra” perpetuates the band’s mission statement ­”“ to simply produce charming, well-executed pop songs and not reinvent the wheel.

It’s hard to imagine a year when one of the most legendary pop icons of all time dies, some crazy lady pops out eight minions, and everyone and their mom lines up to see sparkly, blood-sucking tween icons practice abstinence.

Ethnomusicology professor Chi Li has had a storied career to say the least. An accomplished player of the erhu, a Chinese two-stringed fiddle, she has performed as erhu soloist in the National Traditional Orchestra of China.