This extensive interview with Andrew Hulshult, a prominent video game composer, delves into his career, creative process, and musical influences. He discusses his work on various titles, including Rise of the Triad: 2013, Bombshell, Nightmare Reaper, Prodeus, Amid Evil, and the DOOM Eternal DLC, offering insights into his approach to composing for different games and genres.
Hulshult recounts his early experiences, the unexpected surge in demand after his work with 3D Realms, and the evolution of his musical style. He addresses common misconceptions about video game music, emphasizing the complexity and demanding nature of the work. He details his creative process, highlighting the importance of respecting source material while injecting his unique style.
The conversation touches upon his gear – guitars, amps, pedals, and string gauges – and his compositional techniques. He shares anecdotes about specific tracks, revealing the emotions and influences behind them, including the challenges and personal experiences that shaped the Amid Evil DLC soundtrack. He also discusses his experience composing for the Markiplier film Iron Lung, highlighting the differences between game and film scoring.
The interview further explores his foray into chiptune music with Dusk 82, his thoughts on remastering older soundtracks, and his collaboration with id Software on the DOOM remasters, including the creation of new music for DOOM II. Hulshult reflects on his career, favorite bands (Gojira, Metallica, Jesper Kyd), and offers insights into his daily routine and creative process. The interview concludes with a hypothetical scenario where he chooses to compose for a Duke Nukem game and a film like Man on Fire or American Gangster.
This detailed account provides a comprehensive overview of Andrew Hulshult's career and perspectives on the art of video game music composition.
