When to Hire a Composer: Game Music Insights with John Robert Matz

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of video game music composition with John Robert Matz, the talented composer behind scores for games like For the King, Tchia, and Gunpoint. John Robert shares his journey from classically trained musician to award-winning game composer, offering insights into his creative process and how he approaches each unique project.

John Robert discusses how he creates authentic musical experiences by incorporating period-appropriate instruments and techniques, from medieval fantasy scores to French Revolution-era compositions. He explains the importance of bringing composers into game development early, revealing how music can shape and enhance the player experience beyond just background ambiance.

With his studio filled with dozens of instruments he plays himself—from French horns and trumpets to ukuleles and medieval wind instruments—John Robert demonstrates his commitment to incorporating live performances in his work. Whether discussing his research into New Caledonian music for Tchia or explaining how UI sounds interact with background scores, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the art and craft of creating memorable gaming soundscapes.

Check out John's Resources:
http://johnrobertmatz.bandcamp.com/
https://johnrobertmatz.com/index.html
https://soundcloud.com/John-Robert-Matz

Socials:
https://x.com/JohnRobertMatz
https://www.youtube.com/viper50bmg
https://www.instagram.com/johnrobertmatz/
https://www.facebook.com/JohnRobertMatz/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-robert-matz-a40b8a60/

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• (00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• (01:07) - John's Favorite Games
• (03:05) - The Composer's Perspective on Game Music
• (05:50) - John's Studio Setup and Instrument Collection
• (09:24) - John's Musical Journey and Career Path
• (15:05) - Approach to Game Music Composition
• (18:39) - Budget Considerations in Game Music
• (23:05) - The Role of Music in Indie Games
• (25:49) - Enhancing Player Immersion with Music and Sound Design
• (26:11) - UI Sound Design and Its Challenges
• (30:12) - Inspiration from Fellow Composers
• (33:32) - Exploring Historical Music for Modern Compositions
• (42:23) - Creating Authentic Soundscapes for Video Games
• (47:11) - Common Misconceptions About Hiring Composers
• (51:16) - Current and Upcoming Projects
• (52:29) - Where to Find More About John Robert Matz

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