My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Charlie Rosen, bandleader, The 8-bit Big Band.
Sep 23, 2025
Charlie Rosen, a Grammy-winning musician and the mastermind behind The 8-Bit Big Band, dives into the world of reimagining video game music in a jazzy style. He shares his creative process for selecting iconic game songs, the influence of his Broadway background, and why Ocarina of Time uniquely resonates with him. Charlie also reminisces about forming his band, the audience's enthusiastic response, and his mission to create 'The Great Video Game Songbook.' Plus, he hints at dream collaborations and future projects!
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Choose Familiar Melodies With Occasional Deep Cuts
- Song selection balances recognisability, cross‑audience appeal and occasional deep cuts to reward devoted fans.
- Charlie avoids overly esoteric picks so general listeners can still grasp the arrangement's transformation.
Arranging Is A Reproducible Craft
- Arranging is a set of reproducible, practiced choices that let you realise a piece quickly and consistently.
- Charlie relies on section 'jobs' and genre templates to translate melodies into full ensemble scores.
Produce A Demo And Parts Before Recording
- Write a full score quickly once you have a clear dramaturgical idea to save time later.
- Produce a rough demo and formatted parts before the studio session to speed recording and mixing.