Music Production Aids Cancer Recovery at USC

A student survivor finds that songwriting serves as a vital emotional outlet during his ongoing healing process.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Cancer

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of studio headphones on a wooden desk, symbolizing the creative process in music-based emotional recovery. — Malakai Carey, a music industry major at USC, is channeling his personal experience with liver cancer into songwriting and music production as a tool for emotional healing. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you find that engaging in creative hobbies helps you process personal stress or life challenges?

Malakai Carey, a sophomore music industry major at the University of Southern California, uses songwriting to process his experience with a rare form of liver cancer. After undergoing 60 rounds of chemotherapy and a liver transplant, he now channels his creative energy into music production.

Why it matters

Engaging in creative outlets can provide a structured way for patients to process complex emotions and the long-term physical toll of intensive medical treatments. For survivors, integrating personal experiences into artistic expression offers both a coping mechanism and a path forward after major health events.

Carey's journey includes a confirmed history of a rare liver cancer diagnosis at age 11 and a liver transplant in 2019 following 60 rounds of chemotherapy. While this is an individual case study, it highlights the role of creative expression in managing post-treatment recovery.

The players

Malakai Carey

A University of Southern California sophomore music industry major and survivor of a rare form of liver cancer.

Diego Arratia

A fellow student at the University of Southern California who collaborates with Carey on music production.

The details

Carey utilizes digital audio workstations and various plugins on his computer to produce original tracks, often collaborating with fellow student Diego Arratia to record spontaneously. By translating his past health challenges into song, he uses music as a tangible tool for emotional processing and continued personal healing.

Carey underwent a liver transplant in 2019.
Carey hosted dorm jam sessions during his freshman year.
Carey plans to release new singles during the fall semester of 2026.
Carey intends to release a debut album or EP in the summer of 2027.

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Health Landscape

The use of expressive arts in oncology is increasingly recognized as a complement to traditional clinical recovery. It follows the model of the Thornton School of Music Desktop Music Production curriculum in providing formal tools for survivors to synthesize life experiences through technical mastery.

Finding an expressive outlet after significant health challenges can be a productive part of emotional recovery. If you or a loved one are navigating life after intensive cancer treatment, consider discussing creative therapies with your healthcare provider to support your overall well-being.

The takeaway

Creative pursuits like music production can serve as powerful tools for processing the emotional residue of pediatric cancer. Survivors looking for similar outlets may benefit from consulting with oncology social workers about local support programs that emphasize art, music, or writing.