Composer Duo Ninja Tracks talk Forza Motorsport and Music Publishing
Feb 5, 2024
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Composer Duo Ninja Tracks, Kaveh Cohen and Michael Nielsen, discuss their composing partnership, work in video games, TV shows, and films, and venture into music publishing. They share humorous gaming memories and reflect on the evolution of music scoring in video games, emphasizing collaboration and growth in the music industry.
Ninja Tracks formed from diverse musical backgrounds and entrepreneurial spirit, starting with Splinter Cell collaboration.
Transition to remote work enhanced efficiency and creativity, fostering tailored creative processes outside traditional work structures.
Collaborative partnership of Michael and Kave exemplifies harmonious task delegation, mutual respect, and continuous growth in music production.
Deep dives
Founding of Ninja Tracks and Inception of Gaming Collaborations
Ninja Tracks, a music production company led by Kave and Michael, originated from their diverse backgrounds in music production and their joint entrepreneurial spirit. Their initial foray into the gaming industry occurred through Splinter Cell Conviction in 2007, showcasing a convergence of their passion for gaming and music.
Transition to Remote Work and Home Studios
The evolution of their work environment from a professionally designed studio to individual remote setups marked a pivotal shift towards accessibility and productivity. Michael adapted his home space during the pandemic, finding increased efficiency outside the conventional nine-to-six work structure, allowing for a more tailored and flexible creative process.
Gaming Experience and Workflow Adaptations
Their pre-existing enthusiasm for gaming, including memorable Halo all-nighters, provided a solid foundation for transitioning into video game music production. In developing soundtracks for games like Splinter Cell, they creatively navigated the non-linear narrative threads, adjusting their workflow to align with the interactive nature of gaming environments.
Artistic Vision and Mastery of Craft
Their proficiency in crafting intricately detailed mixes and compositions demonstrated their deep understanding of music production beyond the tools at their disposal. Their ability to convey emotional depth and storytelling through music transcended mere technical expertise, showcasing a mastery honed over years of dedication and skill development.
Evolution in Game Music Technology
The discussion highlights the technological advancements in game music over the years, emphasizing the shift from limited audio capabilities to more elaborate music systems. The episode contrasts the challenges faced in earlier game development, like working with constrained audio footprints, with the current capabilities that allow complex and expansive soundscapes. It also touches upon the evolution of game music alongside technological progress, showcasing examples like the game 'The Pathless' being playable on both PS5 and iPhone, demonstrating the vast changes in gaming technology.
Collaborative Partnership in Musical Composition
The episode delves into the collaborative process between composers, shedding light on the dynamic partnership between Michael and Kavi in their music creation. It discusses the seamless delegation of tasks based on each other's strengths and interests, showcasing a harmonious working relationship. The composers' mutual respect, lack of ego, and diverse backgrounds enrich their musical output, allowing for continuous learning and growth. Their approach highlights the importance of shared passion, continuous education in technology and music, and a deep respect for each other's talents.
Austin Wintory chats with the composing team collectively known as Ninja Tracks, Kaveh Cohen and Michael Nielsen. Together they discussed how they first met and what drove them to create a composing partnership; how they've worked together across various video games, TV shows, and films; and why they decided to add music publishing to their repertoire.
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The Game Maker's Notebook is sponsored by Xsolla. To learn more, go to xsolla.pro/AOIAAS.
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