Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Banjo-Kazooie composer creating soundtrack for Castle of Illusion remake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/banjo-kazooie-composer-creating-soundtrack-for-castle-of-illusio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/banjo-kazooie-composer-creating-soundtrack-for-castle-of-illusio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/banjo-kazooie-composer-creating-soundtrack-for-castle-of-illusio/#commentsBanjoKazooie composer creating soundtrack for Castle of Illusion remake Grant Kirkhope, composer of many standout soundtracks during the Nintendo 64 era, revealed via tweet that he is putting the finishing touches on a collection of tracks for Sega's coming remake of Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse.

Kirkhope began working with developer Rare in 1995, producing music for GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark, among other games. Kirkhope's first solo composition project, Banjo-Kazooie, remains one of the N64's best-known and widely acclaimed soundtracks.

Kirkhope also wrote Donkey Kong 64's unforgettable "DK Rap." You might say that he's one hell of a guy.

Castle of Illusion HD Starring Mickey Mouse will premiere on Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC this summer.

JoystiqBanjo-Kazooie composer creating soundtrack for Castle of Illusion remake originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castle-of-illusion-2013composergrant-kirkhopemicrosoftpcplaystationps3segaxboxWed, 01 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain composer Normand Corbeil passes away, aged 56]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/heavy-rain-composer-normand-corbeil-passes-away-aged-56/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/heavy-rain-composer-normand-corbeil-passes-away-aged-56/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/heavy-rain-composer-normand-corbeil-passes-away-aged-56/#comments Heavy Rain composer Normand Corbeil passes away, aged 56Normand Corbeil, the celebrated screen and video game composer, has died at age 56. Corbeil, twice nominated for Emmy awards for his work on Hitler: The Rise of Evil and Human Trafficking, composed the award-winning music of Quantic Dream's Heavy Rain. He also co-composed Indigo Prophecy, and was working on the studio's next project, Beyond: Two Souls. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2012, Corbeil passed away on January 25.

One of the key components of Heavy Rain, a game Joystiq doled out five stars to, was its powerful, often deeply melancholic music. As our reviewer put it, Corbeil's "superb" accompanying score drew you into the experience because it fit the situation so well.

Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues. Gaming has lost a great composer, but Corbeil's work lives on, and we hope you take the time today to enjoy it.

JoystiqHeavy Rain composer Normand Corbeil passes away, aged 56 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-two-soulscomposerdeathheavy-rainmusicnormand-corbeilquantic-dreamripMon, 28 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Austin Wintory's journey to the 2013 Grammys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/27/austin-wintorys-journey-to-the-2013-grammys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/27/austin-wintorys-journey-to-the-2013-grammys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/27/austin-wintorys-journey-to-the-2013-grammys/#comments Austin WintoryOn the day Grammy nominations were scheduled to be announced, Austin Wintory didn't get much work done. As the composer for Journey, Wintory had an inkling that he might be nominated in Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media, and he was distracted all day, constantly refreshing the Grammy page, scanning for his name. By evening the list still wasn't posted and he gave up on trying to focus. He got in his car, determined to go home, make dinner and then check the page again.

"The instant I got in my car, my email started blinking. Of all people, it was from my friend Christopher Tin, emailing me to say 'CONGRATULATIONS' - in all caps."

Tin won the first Grammy for a piece of video game music, Civilization 4's "Baba Yetu," in 2011. He and Wintory had been friends for years. When Wintory saw that email, he quickly called Tin and the subsequent conversation went something like this:

"What are you - are you on the website?" Wintory asked Tin. "What's going on?"

"Yeah, I'm looking right at it! There you are!" Tin replied. And then, after a second, the situation dawned on him. "Wait a minute - you didn't know this already?"

"No! I'm in my car right now."

"Oh, this is perfect."

Just then Wintory's phone began buzzing, beeping and possibly sobbing under the barrage of emails, texts and calls from friends and well-wishers. Two weeks later, Wintory agrees with Tin's assessment of events.

"As fate had it, I heard from Chris himself," he says. "I had no foresight, I had absolutely no plan, and yet in hindsight, I wouldn't have it any other way."

Continue reading Austin Wintory's journey to the 2013 Grammys

JoystiqAustin Wintory's journey to the 2013 Grammys originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013-grammysAustin-Wintorycomposergrammy-awardsgrammysjourneyleisure-suit-larryleisure-suit-larry-in-the-land-of-the-lounge-lizardsmicrosoftmonacomusicpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 27 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite to be scored by resident series composer Garry Schyman]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/bioshock-infinite-to-be-scored-by-resident-series-composer-garry/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/bioshock-infinite-to-be-scored-by-resident-series-composer-garry/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/bioshock-infinite-to-be-scored-by-resident-series-composer-garry/#comments
The man responsible for lending BioShock and BioShock 2 their respective aural atmospheres will be returning to the orchestra pit for BioShock Infinite, creative director Ken Levine revealed during his Reddit AMA.

"We're proud to announce that Garry Schyman, composer of BioShock 1 and 2 has returned to the composer's chair for BioShock Infinite," Levine said in the comments. "His score is very different from the first two games, yet very much guided by the same aesthetic principles. We were lucky to have him and I can't wait until you get to hear some of his stuff. He's working in a different, sparer style, but it's awesome."

Aside from the BioShock series, Schyman's resume also includes work on XCOM: Enemy Unknown and Dante's Inferno, among others, though nothing he's worked on before now has featured such a strong emphasis on psychic horse repair. Well, we assume; we've never seen Horseplayer.

Update: This post originally listed XCOM: Enemy Unknown among Schyman's previous work, which is incorrect. In actuality, Schyman has worked on Take-Two's completely different XCOM.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite to be scored by resident series composer Garry Schyman originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infinitecomposerGarry-SchymanIrrational-GamesmicrosoftmusicOSTpcplaystationps3scoresoundtrackxboxThu, 20 Dec 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey composer Austin Wintory writing score for Leisure Suit Larry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/journey-composer-austin-wintory-writing-score-for-leisure-suit-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/journey-composer-austin-wintory-writing-score-for-leisure-suit-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/journey-composer-austin-wintory-writing-score-for-leisure-suit-l/#comments
We can't think of two games that could possibly be more disparate from one another than Journey and Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards, but we apparently live in the wackiest of all possible universes because Journey's Grammy-nominated composer Austin Wintory will also be lending his talents to Larry's upcoming adventure. Weird.

"That's my era as a gamer growing up," Wintory told Polygon. "This was like a fantasy to work on a game like that." Leisure Suit Larry creator Al Lowe confirmed with Wintory that he was okay with writing "seedy, back alley kind of stuff" before finalizing the deal, so we probably shouldn't expect the same sort of grand, sweeping orchestral majesty that Wintory penned for Journey, as heard above.

Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards is slated to really class up the joint sometime next year.

JoystiqJourney composer Austin Wintory writing score for Leisure Suit Larry originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Al-Loweaustin-wintorycomposerjourneykickstarterleisure-suit-larry-in-the-land-of-the-lounge-lizardsmusicpcReplay-GamesscoresoundtrackTue, 11 Dec 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This dude can control a pipe organ using Kinect [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/this-dude-can-control-a-pipe-organ-using-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/this-dude-can-control-a-pipe-organ-using-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/this-dude-can-control-a-pipe-organ-using-kinect/#comments
Image
Last year Chris Vik modded a Kinect to play the Melbourne Town Hall Organ, and he did it with way more style than any of those sweet Dance Central moves we've attempted to throw down in front of our own little camera boxes. The Melbourne Town Hall Organ is four stories tall, but Vik used his own software, Kinectar, with the organ's MIDI connection to play the whole thing from one moodily lit spot on the stage.

Vik and vocalist Elise Richards composed Carpe Zythum and performed it in November, and finally the full video will be available next week, according to Kinect Hacks. The above teaser plays a clip of the performance and reveals the madness behind the music, waving arms and invisible instruments included.

Update: As a few of you have mentioned below, the full performance is available now on YouTube. Enjoy!

JoystiqThis dude can control a pipe organ using Kinect [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chris-Vikcomposerkinectkinectarmelbournemelbourne-town-hall-organmidimusicxboxThu, 24 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 4's music composed by Neil Davidge [update: samples]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/halo-4s-music-composed-by-neil-davidge-and-matt-dunkley/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/halo-4s-music-composed-by-neil-davidge-and-matt-dunkley/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/halo-4s-music-composed-by-neil-davidge-and-matt-dunkley/#comments
With Bungie moving away from the Halo series, audio lead Marty O'Donnell is gone as well, meaning that Halo 4 will probably sound different. Edge revealed the identity of the new, non-O'Donnell music team today: composer Neil Davidge, formerly of Massive Attack, and orchestrator/conductor Matt Dunkley (The Dark Knight, Black Swan, Inception).

"Hopefully the Halo fans will see that we're being respectful," Dunkley told Edge, "but we've also taken it somewhere else, and maybe onto a higher plane. If you're always trying to reference back, you're not creating new things."

"It's a new journey, it's a new story, it's a new arc," said self-professed Halo fan Davidge, "and so I feel like my job is not to revolutionise or reinvent but to continue the evolution, and I have a slightly different voice to those guys."

Update: Check out a "ViDoc" about the new composers above. And listen to some samples after the break.

Continue reading Halo 4's music composed by Neil Davidge [update: samples]

JoystiqHalo 4's music composed by Neil Davidge [update: samples] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriescomposerhalo-4matt-dunkleymicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosmusicneil-davidgexboxWed, 11 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet basically every game composer ever in Burbank on June 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/meet-basically-every-game-composer-ever-in-burbank-on-june-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/meet-basically-every-game-composer-ever-in-burbank-on-june-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/meet-basically-every-game-composer-ever-in-burbank-on-june-11/#comments Ever wanted to personally thank a video game composer for creating a particularly catchy anthem? Perhaps with a plate of cookies, or a hearty handshake? You'll get your chance next month, provided you live in Southern California -- Sumthing Else Music Works has arranged for a smattering of musicians to speak at a "Maestros of Video Games" panel on June 11 at Dark Delicacies Books and Collectibles in Burbank, CA.

Attendees will be able to listen to and meet composers like Uncharted's Greg Edmonson, Dragon Age's Inon Zur, BioShock's Garry Schyman and a lot more. Check out the full list of participants and event details after the jump! (And we were just kidding about the "plate of cookies" thing. That would be creeptastic.)

Continue reading Meet basically every game composer ever in Burbank on June 11

JoystiqMeet basically every game composer ever in Burbank on June 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 May 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composereventsgreg-edmonsoninon-zurmusicscoresoundtracksumthing-else-music-worksWed, 04 May 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deus Ex: Human Revolution composer talks about his score's influences]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/deus-ex-human-revolution-composer-talks-about-his-scores-influ/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/deus-ex-human-revolution-composer-talks-about-his-scores-influ/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/deus-ex-human-revolution-composer-talks-about-his-scores-influ/#comments If you like the Tron: Legacy soundtrack, you'll love the Deus Ex: Human Revolution score -- if this sample posted on the PlayStation Blog is any indication. Composer Michael McCann doesn't actually mention the popular Daft Punk-penned tracks from last year's CGI spectacular, but you don't need a music degree to hear the similarities.

It makes sense, though -- McCann said he was inspired by Deus Ex's "transhumanist" themes, and tried to blend more human, acoustic music in with electronic tones. Vangelis gets a mention, and it of course did the Blade Runner soundtrack, which this latest iteration of Tron also draws influence from.

The first Deus Ex has surprisingly little influence on McCann's soundtrack (there's just one cue he deliberately used), but that doesn't mean we won't hear it. McCann said that audio director Steve Szczepkowski did find "a few clever ways of using DX1 cues, but not in the places, or in the ways, that you'd expect." Intriguing! Our ears will be open when the game comes out in August.

JoystiqDeus Ex: Human Revolution composer talks about his score's influences originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composerdeus-ex-human-revolutionmichael-mccannmicrosoftpcplaystationps3soundtracksteve-SzczepkowskixboxMon, 25 Apr 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic fans remix Sonic 4 intro, get way too excited]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/sonic-fans-remix-sonic-4-intro-get-way-too-excited/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/sonic-fans-remix-sonic-4-intro-get-way-too-excited/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/sonic-fans-remix-sonic-4-intro-get-way-too-excited/#comments Oh, Sonic fans. Every time a new Sonic is announced, you joke about not getting fooled again and you promise that, this time, you won't be taken in. And we believe you -- why would you go back to Sonic after everything he's done to you? But then a few weeks go by, and suddenly we click a link and find you remixing the 10 seconds of intro screen music that's been revealed from Sonic 4.

Seriously? Did you have to create a rock version, an 8-bit version and even a Dreamcast-style version? Sure, they're cool, and sure, we've embedded them after the break, but isn't this exactly the kind of excitement we all agreed we wouldn't have for the new game? Yes, we're glad to see that longtime Sonic musician Jun Senoue has been announced as the composer for new game, and we're looking forward to hearing more music when the Sega blog releases it. But as your history teacher said, those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. Let's wait until we play the game before we start remixing it 10 seconds at a time.

Continue reading Sonic fans remix Sonic 4 intro, get way too excited

JoystiqSonic fans remix Sonic 4 intro, get way too excited originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogcomposerintrojun-senoueMicrosoftmusicNintendoremixsegasonicsonic-the-hedgehog-4sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1WiiXbox-360Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Void soundtrack taking off February 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/dark-void-soundtrack-taking-off-february-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/dark-void-soundtrack-taking-off-february-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/dark-void-soundtrack-taking-off-february-9/#comments Though Capcom's jetpack-infused action title Dark Void may be getting universally panned by critics, one element of the game seems to be garnering praise from reviewers: Its Bear McCreary-composed soundtrack. Thanks to an announcement from music publisher Sumthing Else Music Works, we now know when said soundtrack will get its own release: February 9. Unless, of course, that's when Modern Warfare 2's soundtrack gets released, in which case they'll probably push it back a little bit.

Personally, we can't wait to pick up the album, which will be shipped to retailers and available for purchase on Sumthing Else's site. Soon, we'll be able to sit back, close our eyes and listen to McCreary's orchestral jams without worrying about jetpacking into a cliff face.

JoystiqDark Void soundtrack taking off February 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airtight-gamesbear-mccrearycapcomcomposerdark-voidMicrosoftscoresoundtrackXbox-360Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Final Fantasy XIII composer leaves Square Enix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/rumor-final-fantasy-xiii-composer-leaves-square-enix/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/rumor-final-fantasy-xiii-composer-leaves-square-enix/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/rumor-final-fantasy-xiii-composer-leaves-square-enix/#commentsHot off the release of Final Fantasy XIII, composer Masashi Hamauzu has ... left Square Enix, according to a report on Square Enix Music Online. Hamauzu has been with the company since 1996, and composed the soundtracks for SaGa Frontier II, Musashi: Samurai Legend and others, while contributing to many others including Final Fantasies VII and X.

If true, Hamauzu will likely join the growing ranks of Japanese game industry figures to go freelance -- with the most famous example in game music being Square's own Nobuo Uematsu, who left in 2004 to form his own company. Previous to Hamauzu's reported departure, Square Enix Music Online notes, Square Enix sound team members Kenichiro Fukui and Junya Nakano left the publisher. The site also suggests that more of Square's composers will exit in the next few months.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqRumor: Final Fantasy XIII composer leaves Square Enix originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composerfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiimasashi-hamauzuMicrosoftmusicsquare-enixXbox-360Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hans Zimmer believes in the legitimacy of games, approached MW2 as a 'novice']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/hans-zimmer-believes-in-the-legitimacy-of-games-approached-mw2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/hans-zimmer-believes-in-the-legitimacy-of-games-approached-mw2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/hans-zimmer-believes-in-the-legitimacy-of-games-approached-mw2/#comments
Hans Zimmer may have a laundry list of feature films he contributed to on his resume, but the renowned film composer says he still had to approach his work on Modern Warfare 2 "truly as a novice." In an interview with USA Today, he speaks like a true convert. When asked about the legitimacy of games as an art form, he frankly states, "Absolutely, that we can't even question anymore."

Zimmer says his first experience working on a game has, unsurprisingly, been very different than working on a film. "I had never done this before, so it was nice to sort of go at it a little fresh." Due to the length of major video games (even the shorter ones), Zimmer was forced to create considerably more music than the average project. "I never added it up [because] then I would have panicked," he admits. Looks like that "ridiculous" budget was good for something!

JoystiqHans Zimmer believes in the legitimacy of games, approached MW2 as a 'novice' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2composerfilmhans-zimmerinfinity-wardMicrosoftmodern-warfaremodern-warfare-2musicXbox-360Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[300 and Watchmen composer Tyler Bates scoring The 40th Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/10/300-and-watchmen-composer-tyler-bates-scoring-the-40th-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/10/300-and-watchmen-composer-tyler-bates-scoring-the-40th-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/10/300-and-watchmen-composer-tyler-bates-scoring-the-40th-day/#comments Remember that scene in 300 where that guy is giving that other guy lip, and that guy's all like "No sir!" and he kicks him into that big pit? And then the music's all like "DUHN DUHN DUHN, DUHN DAAH?" What about that scene in the latest episode of Californication where that girl is giving David Duchnovny lip, and Duchovny's all like "No sir!" and he kicks her into that big pit? And then the music's all like "DUHN DUHN DUHN, DUHN DAAH?"

We'll be experiencing similar situations in a video game context soon, as Tyler Bates, the composer for both of those projects (as well as Watchmen, Dawn of the Dead and The Day The Earth Stood Still), will be providing musical accompanyment for Army of Two: The 40th Day. Check out the above video to get a sampling of his mood-altering rock, which carries a surprising amount of intensity, even when divorced from acts of brutal pit-kicking.

Joystiq300 and Watchmen composer Tyler Bates scoring The 40th Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>army-of-twoarmy-of-two-the-40th-daycomposereaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftmusicsoundtracktyler-batesXbox-360Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Talent agency lists Hans Zimmer scoring Modern Warfare 2 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/talent-agency-lists-hans-zimmer-scoring-modern-warfare-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/talent-agency-lists-hans-zimmer-scoring-modern-warfare-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/talent-agency-lists-hans-zimmer-scoring-modern-warfare-2/#comments
Update: Robert Bowling has confirmed Zimmer is contributing music to Modern Warfare 2.

Hans Zimmer is a pretty prominent composer on the Hollywood circuit, winning awards for his music for such films as Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean and As Good As It Gets. He's even worked on a game before, contributing original material to The Simpsons Movie: The Game.

If the composer's listing (PDF link) at GSA Music is to be believed, he's also composing the score to surefire multi-billion seller, Modern Warfare 2. We've reached out to Infinity Ward for comment and will get back to you as soon as we can.

[Via Kotaku]

Source - Hans Zimmer's profile at GSA Music (PDF link)

JoystiqTalent agency lists Hans Zimmer scoring Modern Warfare 2 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncomposerhans-zimmerinfinity-wardMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2musicsoundtrackXbox-360Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Another video game soundtrack to suffer Bear attack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/another-video-game-soundtrack-to-suffer-bear-attack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/another-video-game-soundtrack-to-suffer-bear-attack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/another-video-game-soundtrack-to-suffer-bear-attack/#comments
Listen, we don't have a dude-crush on Battlestar Galactica and Dark Void compose Bear McCreary -- rather, we have an ear-crush on his musical creations. Once you finally get your hands on Capcom's jetpack-infused action title, you'll understand why -- though during a recent interview with Examiner, McCreary revealed that those who suffer from unbearable jetpackphobia might be able to hear his work on yet another video game in the near future.

In the Examiner interview, McCreary revealed he's "doing another video game this summer," as well as "a couple other non-science fiction projects [he] can't announce just yet." We hope one of those projects is following us around, composing live musical accompanyment for our every action. We'd just love to hear some sweeping violins as we enjoy our daily bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios, you know?

JoystiqAnother video game soundtrack to suffer Bear attack originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galacticabear-mccrearycomposerdark-voidmusicsoundtrackFri, 10 Jul 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlestar Galactica composer previews music for Dark Void]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/battlestar-galactica-composer-previews-music-for-dark-void/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/battlestar-galactica-composer-previews-music-for-dark-void/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/battlestar-galactica-composer-previews-music-for-dark-void/#comments
Hey, guy -- what's the matter? We've noticed you've been looking positively sullen these past few weeks. Has the series departure of Battlestar Galactica got you down in the frakking dumps? There's not much we can do about that, though your spirits may be lifted by checking out a recent blog post from Battlestar composer Bear McCreary, the recently revealed songsmith behind the score of Dark Void. His blog contains a video (posted after the jump) previewing a few clips from the game's soundtrack, which is shaping up to sound just as awesome as the title looks.

If soaring orchestral tunes aren't really your thing, you might still want to check out the preview for a few new Dark Void gameplay clips. Then again, if you've yet to be swept off your feet (and propelled hundreds of feet into the air) by Capcom's jet pack-centric action title, you may be entertained by McCreary's declaration of love for Mega Man -- any composer who creates 8-bit versions of their pieces then saves them on hard drives named after Robot Masters is okay in our books.

Continue reading Battlestar Galactica composer previews music for Dark Void

JoystiqBattlestar Galactica composer previews music for Dark Void originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We may take offense to mainstream media's characterization of early game music as "annoying loops of ear candy," but there's no denying that today's game soundtracks are truly professional endeavors. The Seattle Times today published a profile of some of the industry's most established composers and their processes -- not to mention their paychecks. By the article's estimate, composer Garry Schyman (he scored BioShock, ya know) could earn something like $126,000 for his work on the Resistance: Retribution soundtrack.

Currently, Schyman is working with a nine-piece brass ensemble in the London Bridge Studio in Shoreline, Washington -- the grunge era haunt of Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden, to name a few. While those bands grew out their hair and donned pop's, uh, grungy flannels, Schyman was breaking into the game scene, being among the first to record orchestral music for a game (Voyeur, if you must know). Today, Schyman works almost exclusively on game soundtracks. "Film music can be very soft and ambient," says Schyman. "But game developers want strong musical statements. So from a creative standpoint, games are a great place to be right now."

JoystiqFilm composers record new highs in game scores originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composergarry-schymanPSPresistance-retributionMon, 29 Dec 2008 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Composer explains what to expect from the Chrono Trigger DS soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/composer-explains-what-to-expect-from-the-chrono-trigger-ds-soun/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/composer-explains-what-to-expect-from-the-chrono-trigger-ds-soun/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/composer-explains-what-to-expect-from-the-chrono-trigger-ds-soun/#commentsFiled under:

Yasunori Mitsuda is probably just as excited about Chrono Trigger as you are. If that name doesn't ring a bell, those of you who've played the original SNES title might know his work -- he composed most of the soundtrack, after all.

Mitsuda's reaction when he heard about the remake ... er, we mean, port? "Finally!" That pretty much sums it up in one word. In an interview with 1UP, he told the gaming site, "I had the music for the Nintendo DS version stay as close as possible to the SNES original, so I think you'll like how it turns out. Whether you're playing for the first time or reflecting on the past as you go, I hope all of you enjoy it." It sounds to us like the music is almost as similar to its roots as the rest of the port, but that's one element that's completely timeless in our eyes to our ears. To find out more about Mitsuda and the Chrono Trigger soundtrack, though, we recommend checking out 1UP's interview with the composer.

Do those of you that played the game remember the music in it at all? Or was that one aspect that's evaporated from your brain over time?

JoystiqComposer explains what to expect from the Chrono Trigger DS soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrono-triggerchrono-trigger-dscomposermitsudamusicportremakesoundtrackyasunori-mitsudaWed, 09 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts composer Yoko Shimomura talks PS3 musical freedom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/kingdom-hearts-composer-yoko-shimomura-talks-ps3-musical-freedom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/kingdom-hearts-composer-yoko-shimomura-talks-ps3-musical-freedom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/kingdom-hearts-composer-yoko-shimomura-talks-ps3-musical-freedom/#commentsFiled under: ,


While video game music is no longer simply the series of 'beeps' and 'boops' it was in the past, it has nonetheless remained one of game design's -- groan -- unsung heroes. This isn't lost on tune-focused Music4Games, and in a recent interview with Kingdom Hearts composer Yoko Shimomura, she spoke out on a number of topics, including her thoughts on creating music for the PlayStation 3.

According to Shimomura, who is responsible for the tunes we'll be humming along to in Square Enix's upcoming Final Fantasy Versus XIII for the PS3, composing on Sony's current platform is much less limiting than it was in previous generations. "With the PlayStation 2, sound production...was a constant battle with memory and limitations," she recalled, adding that "with the PlayStation 3, I'm expecting to have it sound the way I please, without limitations." It's encouraging to hear someone at any level talk about creating content on the PS3 that doesn't involve the words "difficult" or "costly." However, with Square Enix continuing to play coy with regards to when its decade of Final Fantasy will actually kick off, it may be some time before our ears ring with the fruits of Yoko Shimomura's musical labor.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts composer Yoko Shimomura talks PS3 musical freedom originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composerfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-versus-xiifinalfantasyfinalfantasyversusxiiikingdom-heartskingdomheartsmusicPS3square-enixsquareenixyoko-shimomurayokoshimomuraMon, 02 Jun 2008 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Creating the music of Lair -- Part 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/creating-the-music-of-lair-part-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/creating-the-music-of-lair-part-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/creating-the-music-of-lair-part-2/#commentsFiled under: ,

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/08/15/the-lair-score-part-two/
John Debney, the composer of Lair has updated the PlayStation.Blog again with more details behind the musical score of the game, as well as an additional theme you can listen to. Titled "Crossing at Dawn-Bridge Battle," Debney describes it as a more brutal and primal theme versus the track he posted earlier which he felt displayed a more high-culture sensibility.

While this is probably way over the head of most of us, the new track is indeed quite beautiful to listen to and is worth checking out (sorry no direct link this time). For the more visually oriented of us though, they also included a new screenshot (shown above), which can be checked out in full resolution here.

JoystiqCreating the music of Lair -- Part 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composerjohndebneylairWed, 15 Aug 2007 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost, Alias composer scored Medal of Honor Airborne]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/lost-alias-composer-scored-medal-of-honor-airborne/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/lost-alias-composer-scored-medal-of-honor-airborne/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/lost-alias-composer-scored-medal-of-honor-airborne/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Anyone who has turned on a TV in the last few years has probably heard some of Michael Giacchino's compositions. Check the credits on Lost or Alias and you'll see his name, and stick around after The Incredibles and Ratatouille to find him there as well. Now Giacchino has added another videogame to his growing body of work. EA announced today that the award-winning composer scored the music for Medal of Honor Airborne, set for release in late August. This comes just after he was announced as the composer for Turning Point: Fall of Liberty.

But Michael Giacchino aren't the first to take a game's soundtrack seriously. James Michael Dooley created the music for SOCOM 3, while composer Austin Wintory has focused more on video games as of late, including both the PC and PS3 versions of flOw. And let's not forget the cosmic Legend of Zelda soundtrack.

JoystiqLost, Alias composer scored Medal of Honor Airborne originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Authentic.Videogame music has come a far cry from the beeps of yesteryear, with amazing works coming from both studios and independent remixers alike. A musical score is now a critical component of game design, and the big names in gaming are some of the most forward-thinking pioneers in the musical world today.

Most classic Nintendo themes have been crafted by the well-known Koji Kondo, but Nintendo's consoles have been host to dozens upon dozens of brilliant composers. So, who's your favorite? There's a ridiculous list composing for Super Smash Bros. Brawl, found here (which interestingly omits the famed Nobuo Uematsu, who already composed the game's title theme). Which names stand your hair on end?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Composure originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawlbroscomposerkojikondomusicnobuoOCremixsmashsuperuematsuwwuTue, 19 Jun 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Oblivion composer to score Duke Nukem Forever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/21/rumor-oblivion-composer-to-score-duke-nukem-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/21/rumor-oblivion-composer-to-score-duke-nukem-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/21/rumor-oblivion-composer-to-score-duke-nukem-forever/#commentsFiled under:

It sounds like brothers Jeremy and Julian Soule will bring music to 3D Realms' Duke Nukem Forever. 1UP believes so, and lays out its case with two intertwining pieces of evidence:
  1. 3D Realms developer Raphael Van Lierop discussed in his blog about a recent visit from Julian Soule.
  2. In an Insiders-only interview with IGN, Jeremy left one hint about his secretive upcoming project: "When it's done!!!" Okay, that alone would be enough of a confirmation since Duke Nukem Forever, still one of the most ironic titles in the history of entertainment, has kept to a release date of "when it's done."
Add to that previous relations when Jeremy Soule composed the soundtrack for 3D realms' Prey. Is Duke Nukem Forever really in full production? Minuscule screenshot notwithstanding, we'll have to see to believe it.

JoystiqRumor: Oblivion composer to score Duke Nukem Forever originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 01:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d realms3dRealmscomposercompositiondnfduke nukemduke nukem foreverDukeNukemDukeNukemForeverjeremy souleJeremySoulemusicsouleWed, 21 Mar 2007 01:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears composer interviewed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/30/gears-composer-interviewed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/30/gears-composer-interviewed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/30/gears-composer-interviewed/#commentsFiled under: , ,


IGN has an interesting article where they interviewed the composer of all those pretty sounds you hear in Gears of War Kevin Riepl. In the interview, Kevin discusses how he came up with the feel of the music, what inspired him and how much interaction there was between him and the devlopment team. It's actually kind of interesting to get to see this side of the development process, one a lot of people don't think about. Head on over to IGN and hear (get it, hear him ... yeah) what Kevin has to say about his experience working on Gears of War.

JoystiqGears composer interviewed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Nov 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composerepicepic gamesEpicGamesgears of warGearsOfWarkevin rieplKevinRieplThu, 30 Nov 2006 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago signing for Uematsu, Aki, & Roth tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/26/chicago-signing-for-uematsu-aki-and-roth-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/26/chicago-signing-for-uematsu-aki-and-roth-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/26/chicago-signing-for-uematsu-aki-and-roth-tonight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Angela Aki, Arnie Roth, and Nobuo Uematsu in an entirely Photoshopped group shotAre you in Chicago tonight for the big PLAY! concert tomorrow, but weren't willing to shell out $125 for the VIP meet-and-greet at the event? Well, you might be in luck (even if you're not attending), as a few famous folks from the concert will be on hand to sign autographs in Chicago proper for free tonight.

From 7 to 9 PM (presumably Central time) at the Tower Records store on 2301 N. Clark St., Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu, bilingual songstress Angela Aki (who wrote and sang the theme song for FFXII), and Principal Conductor and Music Director of PLAY! Arnie Roth will be signing autographs to promote the world-tour premiere of 'PLAY! A Video Game Symphony' and the CD for More Friends - Music from FINAL FANTASY.

While this blogger is sadly occupied with prior engagements tonight, gamers in the area are more than welcome to mob that Tower Records and cause the store's employees much consternation and bewilderment. If you don't have any imported CDs to sign, however, don't fret: the store's web site claims to have "some awesome Japanese imports available for you to purchase and have autographed at the event." Not only that, Angela Aki will be performing live as well. Score! Anybody wanna tell us how this evening turns out when it's all sung and done?

[Via The Daily Northwestern; image culled from Angela Aki's blog, Nobuo Uematsu's Squenix profile, and Arnie Roth's 2005 interview with IGN]

See also:

JoystiqChicago signing for Uematsu, Aki, & Roth tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 May 2006 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>$1252301 N. Clark St.2301N.ClarkSt.AkiAngela AkiAngelaAkiArnie RothArnieRothattendattendingautographautographsbilingualCDCDsChicagocomposerconcertconductordirectoreventFFFF 12FF XIIFf12FfXiiFinal FantasyFinal Fantasy 12Final Fantasy XIIFinalFantasyFinalFantasy12FinalFantasyXiifreeimportimportedJapanJapaneselivemaestromeet and greetmeet-and-greetMeetAndGreetMore FriendsMoreFriendsMusic DirectorMusic from Final FantasyMusicDirectorMusicFromFinalFantasyNobuoNobuo UematsuNobuoUematsuperformperformingPLAY!PLAY! A Video Game SymphonyPlay!AVideoGameSymphonypremierePrincipal ConductorPrincipalConductorpromotepromotingpromotionPS2RothsangsignsigningsingsongsongstressSquare-Enixsungsymphonythemetheme songThemeSongtourTowerTower RecordsTowerRecordsUematsuVIPworld tourworld-tourWorldTourFri, 26 May 2006 14:40:00 EST