Russ Landau


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, multiple Emmy nominations, over 40 ASCAP Film & Television Music Awards, and a Grammy nomination from his time with the Paul Winter Consort.

Early life and education

Landau earned a bachelor's degree in music from the University of Bridgeport and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the university in 2010.

Career

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. In television, he received his first Primetime Emmy nomination in 1996 for the title theme of seaQuest DSV and another in 2001 for the Survivor series theme "Ancient Voices".
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.
In 2008, he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music for Pirate Master. 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.
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.

Select discography

Television soundtracks

Landau's career is marked by multiple top industry honors:
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.
Landau noted: "Music helps tell the story, music helps indicate what the people on the island are feeling."

Personal life

Landau is a licensed pilot living in Topanga, California.