Episode 262: Yooka-Laylee Part 1 (with Grant Kirkhope)
Apr 10, 2017
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Grant Kirkhope, composer of Yooka Laylee, talks about the game's music capturing a child-friendly spirit with versatility. Topics include: creating the sound for Yooka-Laylee, composers working with directors, challenges of modern game music composition, and Kirkhope's confident approach in utilizing borrowed chords.
The Yooka-Laylee soundtrack showcases a variety of musical styles, including jazz and orchestral elements.
Grant Kirkhope's compositions in Yooka-Laylee demonstrate his growth as a composer, with the Frosty Frey track being particularly delightful.
The importance of memorable melodies and themes in video game music is emphasized, despite the trend of downplaying them in modern music.
Deep dives
Main ideas and key points
In this podcast episode, the Supermarcato Brothers discuss the highly anticipated video game Yooka-Laylee and its music. The first part of the episode focuses on the compositions of Grant Kirkhope, one of the game's composers. They highlight the main theme, which combines modern and cartoon musical styles. The brothers discuss the challenges and rewards of working on the project, as well as the signature sound of Grant Kirkhope. They also mention the musical influences and the importance of melodies in video game music.
Eclectic Music Selection
The podcast episode showcases different tracks from Yooka-Laylee. The Shipwreck Creek track is described as child-friendly and orchestral, while the High-Very Towers track captures the humor and campy qualities of classic cartoon music. The Frosty Frey track is praised for being a delightful composition, demonstrating Grant Kirkhope's growth as a composer. The variety of musical styles in Yooka-Laylee, including jazz and orchestral elements, is noted as a strength of the score.
Working with Other Composers
Grant Kirkhope's collaboration with other composers on the project is mentioned. While they worked separately, each composer's contributions fitted well together, resulting in a cohesive and diverse score. The importance of versatility for composers is emphasized, along with the benefits of drawing from various musical influences. The episode acknowledges the challenges and expectations of composing in the current era, where realistic and well-produced virtual instruments are required.
Humor in Music
The discussion delves into the role of humor in music, particularly in video game music. The contrasting approaches of playing the "straight man" versus exaggerated cartoon music are explored. Grant Kirkhope's style is characterized by its ability to evoke emotions, including humor, through melodies and harmonies. The episode questions the trend of downplaying melodies in modern music and highlights the importance of memorable themes and motifs.
Future Projects and Conclusion
Grant Kirkhope's openness to diverse future projects is highlighted. He expresses interest in returning to different genres and styles, whether it's film, game, or cartoon music. The satisfaction he derives from working on various projects and the desire to continue evolving as a composer are mentioned. The episode concludes with a reminder of the upcoming second part of the Yooka-Laylee special, featuring Dave Wise's music and an interview with him.
Featuring an Exclusive Interview! In this very exciting episode, Karl & Will begin their first in a two-week spotlight on the brand new Playtonic game Yooka Laylee! For week one, the guys focus on the tracks composed by Grant Kirkhope, and also get to chat with Grant as well!
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