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Game Music

Pimptacular Interview With MadWorld Composer Naoto Tanaka

May 12, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 4 Comments Share this

Yeah, that’s right. Naoto Tanaka apparently ordered rapper Sick-YG to write “pimp-themed” rhymes for the game’s final battle, and it sounds awesome. For those who weren’t aware, MadWorld’s soundtrack was a collaboration between PlatinumGames composer Naoto Tanaka and eight different hip-hop and rap artists, and Tanaka has generously taken time away from his next project to talk with us about his unique score for MadWorld.

Topics include his inspiration for the game’s unique sound (Linkin Park & Jay-Z?), the lack of a soundtrack release in Japan and the United States, and Tanaka’s past works that was credited to his secret alias. Tanaka also reveals that he’s an oldschool game music fan who used to recreate chiptunes in his free time, which definitely makes him a cool dude in my books.

Hit the jump for our exclusive interview with PlatinumGames’ Naoto Tanaka. (more…)
Game Music

The Conduit Soundtrack Confirmed… Official Remix Contest In Progress!

May 1, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | Comments Off on The Conduit Soundtrack Confirmed… Official Remix Contest In Progress! Share this

How does a chance to win a professional version of the ACID software suite, five sample libraries, merchandise from High Voltage, and an appearance on The Conduit’s official soundtrack album sound? The Acid Planet website is currently running a remix contest where the grand prize is just that. You have until June 11th to enter, so get writing!

Even if you’re not the musician type, you can hear a track from the game as well as download 66 individual instrument tracks by visiting the contest website. It’s cool to finally hear some music from the game which is due out later in June, so be sure to check it out. We mentioned that composer Diego Stacco would be handling the game’s score, and I’m looking forward to hearing more of his music. I’m just happy that they’re releasing a soundtrack album!

Have you been following The Conduit? Think we’re going to see the standard trance remix take the win in this contest?
Game Music

Interview with Deadly Creatures Composer Dave Lowmiller

April 14, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 1 Comment Share this

Deadly Creatures is one of those Wii casualties that deserved more attention than it received. While it appeared to be your typical 3D action platformer on the surface, there were a number of innovations that made it a worthwhile experience for those looking to get more out of their Wii. What I found particularly interesting was the game’s sound, both in terms of music and sound design.

The world of Deadly Creatures is experienced through the perspective of the a tarantula or scorpion, but the story is told through overheard conversations of humans that appear throughout the game. A pretty unique concept. And the music? It’s not what you’d expect, as it blends indistinctly into the sound effects and dark atmosphere generated by the visuals. Fortunately we’ve been able to catch up with Dave Lowmiller at Rainbow Studios to discuss his “music” for the game, which is an interesting discussion about blurring the lines between soundtrack and sound design. I highly recommend checking this one out on iTunes to get an idea of what it’s all about if you didn’t play the game.

Hit the jump for our interview with Deadly Creatures audio lead, Dave Lowmiller. (more…)
Game Music

M’s Galore: Major Minor’s Majestic March Interview with Masaya Matsuura

March 26, 2009 | Jayson Napolitano | 4 Comments Share this

Major Minor’s Majestic March is finally out next week. We loved this game when we saw it last at E3 2008, and were disappointed when it didn’t make it in time for Christmas. I suppose “March” is a better month for the game’s release, and you know what’s even more great? Matsuura himself has been calling the game M4 in magazine articles I’ve read since this interview… pretty cool!

Anyway, we’ve been fortunate to catch up with Masaya Matsuura regarding his latest project. We talk about the game, why it’s different, Matsuura’s take on current rhythm games and music in games, and even discuss the music that Matsuura creates outside of games.

Read our majestic interview with Masaya Matsuura after the jump. (more…)
Game Music

New research reveals “Tapmania” is highly contagious!

March 18, 2009 | Carl Larson | 5 Comments Share this

Researchers have announced their findings today that the Let’s Tap Soundtrack is highly contagious, and are warning listeners that coming within close proximity of this album will put them at risk for developing “Tapmania.” Confirmed symptoms of Tapmania may include but are not limited to: Interspace Disco Infernos, Boogie Fevers, and Rocketing Stars.

Analysts have concluded that trace amounts of Basiscape are reacting with the heavy concentrates of Supersweep, which then attract and bond with the free radicals from Prope. This highly infectious mixture of ingredients is believed to cause musical euphoria if the pattern of repeated listening is left unchecked.

Further test results after the jump. (more…)