Garry Schyman, a celebrated composer known for his work on games like Bioshock and Dante’s Inferno, shares his fascinating journey through the world of game scoring. He discusses the art of blending creativity with project needs and the importance of delivering your best work. Garry also tackles the impact of AI on music, presenting it as both a tool and a challenge for artists. Additionally, his experiences at USC reveal the significance of mentorship, while his anecdotes from Abbey Road Studios add a touch of magic to his creative process.
Garry Schyman emphasizes the importance of always delivering your best work, as even seemingly minor projects can lead to unexpected opportunities.
He discusses the unique challenges of video game scoring, highlighting the need for composers to adapt to players' various engagement styles and dynamics.
Deep dives
Core Principles for Composers
One essential principle for composers is to always do their best work, regardless of the project's perceived quality. A composer may underestimate the impact of a seemingly mediocre piece, as it could present unexpected opportunities in the future. This notion underscores the importance of valuing every project, no matter how small or insignificant it may appear at the time. By consistently striving for excellence, creators set a standard that can lead to unforeseen chances for growth and recognition.
Interactive Music Scoring
In the realm of video game music, scoring is highly influenced by the nature of interactivity, which differentiates it from traditional film and television scoring. Composers must understand the unique gameplay experiences, as players may engage with the game differently—some may explore leisurely, while others move rapidly through levels. This variability requires a flexible approach to scoring, often utilizing looping music that can adapt to each player's pace. Additionally, advancements in game technology allow for dynamic audio responses based on player actions, enhancing the immersive experience.
The Creative Process
The creative process for scoring video games involves collaboration and experimentation, where composers often engage deeply with the game developers' vision. Initially, composers might receive direction from the team, which can vary from vague ideas to precisely curated references. Through a trial-and-error approach, composers are encouraged to explore new sounds and styles, often facing the challenge of finding the right emotional tone for their compositions. This iterative process highlights the importance of being open to feedback and adapting based on the developers' insights, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
The Impact of AI and Future Of Composing
The emergence of AI technology poses both challenges and opportunities for composers in the music industry. While some fear that AI could replace human creativity, others view it as a potential tool that could enhance the composing process. For established composers, the impact may be less immediate, whereas aspiring composers must consider how to navigate this evolving landscape. Embracing change and thinking outside the box will be crucial as the industry adapts to integrating artificial intelligence in music creation.
Garry Schyman, a renowned composer for film, television, and video games. Garry shares insights from his prolific career, discusses the intricacies of game scoring, and offers valuable advice on creativity and composing. He also delves into his experiences teaching at USC, the impact of AI on the music industry, and the joy of working on games like Bioshock and Dante’s Inferno. This episode is a deep dive into the world of game music composition and the evolving landscape of the industry.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Always Do Your Best Work: Garry highlights the importance of always putting your best effort into every project, as you never know who will hear it and what opportunities might come from it.
Understanding the Project's Needs: Learn how Garry navigates the process of defining the musical needs for a game or film, balancing client expectations with creative experimentation.
AI as a Tool or Threat: Understand Garry’s perspective on the role of AI in music composition, seeing it as a possible tool for creativity but also a threat to traditional compositional work.
Teaching and Mentoring: Appreciate the value of mentorship and education through Garry’s experiences teaching aspiring composers at USC.
Scoring Hell: Enjoy intriguing stories from Garry's career, like the unique experience of scoring for Dante’s Inferno and recording at the famed Abbey Road Studios.