MC Death Bear

• Game Music, Music Production

  Original SoundCAST: Episode #017 (DJ Cutman / Know Your MAG)

  November 23, 2012 | Patrick Gann | Comments Off on Original SoundCAST: Episode #017 (DJ Cutman / Know Your MAG) Share this Original SoundCAST: Episode #017 (DJ Cutman / Know Your MAG)

  

  One part remixer, one part business entrepreneur, all parts party animal, Chris Davidson aka “Dj CUTMAN” aka “Video Game DJ” (website / Twitter) is someone you need to know about. His career in game music started a few years ago, at a MAGFest event. Since then, he and his label “GameChops” have begun to proliferate the scene. And, with the help of the newly-formed Joypad Records, they’re doing it in a way that allows for proper licensing of the source material.

  To learn more about that process, the label, and what Dj CUTMAN will be laying down at MAGFest 11, as well as his latest release (a free set called Pinball Wizardry), be sure to listen to this latest episode! For this one, the co-hosts are myself (Patrick) and Brenna Wilkes.

  Download: Original SoundCAST Episode #017

  Intro music: “I Am Error” from Bagu and the Riverman
  Outro music: “I Know Nothing” from Bagu and the Riverman

  PS – Happy Black Friday. Buy something from a GameChops artist and I’ll personally high-five you at MAGFest. Twice.

• Chip Music, Doujin, Game Music

  MAGFest 8: Day 1 and Night 1 (Feat. Metroid Metal)

  January 2, 2010 | Patrick Gann | 4 Comments Share this MAGFest 8: Day 1 and Night 1 (Feat. Metroid Metal)

  

  I’ve been to a fair number of conventions in my time. I used to think it couldn’t get any better than E3. You know, seeing new and upcoming games, hanging with industry big-wigs. That’s all good stuff.

  But today, I experienced my first MAGFest. Music And Games has been going on in Alexandria, VA (just outside Washington DC) once a year for eight years now. It’s remarkably close to my hometown. How am I only finding out about it now?

  During the day, I took in all the sights. LAN parties, a huge gaming room where people bring their own consoles and equipment to share all kinds of good stuff from the last 3 decades. Classic arcade cabinets lined the hallways of the Hilton Hotel. And merch, merch, merch! All sorts of cool stuff for sale. Hats and prints and some hand-made “Pixel Art” using legos (thank you MC Death Bear!). Good stuff.

  One of the best panels I went to today was “The Being, The Business, and the Evolving of an Indie Game Composer,” led by composer Josh Whelchel. Josh talked about interacting with a game’s designer or producer, and how to sell yourself without “selling out.” A lot of people that attend MAGFest have their own fan projects, and Josh (who has begun to break into the industry himself) gave some great tips for everyone at the panel.

  This isn’t a big convention with game developers and the like. This is by the fans, and for the fans. All of the people here, male or female, young or old, have an undying love for games and game music. I witnessed that love, firsthand, later in the evening, when the second round of concerts started. Sadly, I missed the New Year’s Eve show, and I won’t be staying for the rest of the convention. But if there was one night to make, I think this is the one I wanted, and needed, most. Find out why after the jump. (more…)

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