June 17, 2025 — Dr. Martin McCain with the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music has traveled across the world for his work as a professional trombonist, from London to Tokyo and many places in between. Just recently, however, one of his more widely known contributions was made right here in Memphis. If you listen closely, you can hear him on the studio soundtrack of the newly released live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch,” a shock for McCain when he heard the news.
“I actually found out a few weeks later when the check came in,” he said. “(The project) didn’t say ‘Disney’ or ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ but after doing some light research, I learned and thought it was very cool to be on a Disney soundtrack.”
McCain, a born and bred Memphian, is a member of the Royal Studio Horns in Memphis. Since coming on in 2021, he’s worked with Grammy winning producers and artists like Boo Mitchell and Bruno Mars. It was Mars who called on the horns to be involved in the “Lilo & Stitch” Soundtrack, particularly the song “Burning Love.” The song is sung by Mars’ nephews.
“The only thing I was told was Bruno Mars was going to be involved,” McCain elaborated. “As a studio musician, you don’t always know who or what you are recording for. We just have to be extremely flexible to get this job done.”
Trombone became a part of McCain’s life in the 5th grade. His parents were both raised by musicians and understood the importance of taking lessons. And so, they instilled that into McCain. Fast forward to freshman year in high school, and that’s when he knew he wanted to pursue a career in music. Today, juggling the roles of professional musician and associate professor of trombone is something he’s still working on, he says, but loving every minute of it.
“One of the many things I love about my job is the flexibility to be able to teach the next generation of musicians/educators while being able to perform as part of my scholarly/creative activity,” said McCain. “This also gives me the opportunity to do what I’m teaching my students to do. I feel very blessed that I get to do what I love.”
McCain, who still practices the trombone at least two hours a day, offered some advice to aspiring musicians.
“If you are extremely passionate about something, then dream big, work very hard at your craft and surround yourself with people who inspire you and have your best interest in mind.”
“Lilo & Stitch” has raked in nearly $859 million in global box office revenue, to date, putting it on course to be one of Disney’s most successful live-action remakes.
Parker King, Assistant Director
University Media and Public Relations
University of Memphis
(O) 901.678.4822
