Josh Plotner, a multi-talented musician and producer, has carved out a niche by blending his Broadway experience with video game music composition. He talks about his fascinating journey from playing in The Lion King to embracing the unique challenges in video game soundtracks. Josh shares insights on the versatility of world flutes and how they influence his work. He also discusses the impact of technology on recording and emphasizes the importance of networking and specialization in today’s music industry.
Josh Plotner emphasizes the importance of joy and enthusiasm in music creation, which can enhance overall well-being and fulfillment in one's career.
The integration of unique instruments in video game soundtracks, particularly woodwinds, enriches emotional connections for players and broadens the gaming music landscape.
Deep dives
Joy in Creativity
The conversation emphasizes the joy that creators can find in their work, particularly in music and video games. The guest, a seasoned musician, expresses a youthful exuberance for his craft, highlighting his playful attitude towards music creation. This sense of joy serves as a reminder that pursuing passion can lead to fulfilling careers while fostering a playful and innovative spirit. By embodying this enthusiasm, the musician showcases the importance of enjoying the artistic process, which can contribute positively to overall well-being.
The Impact of Video Game Music
The intricacies of video game music are explored through the musician's experiences with popular titles like 'Tears of the Kingdom' and 'Red Dead Redemption 2'. The discussion delves into how the composition choices, particularly the use of unique instruments, create profound emotional connections with players. For instance, the incorporation of woodwind instruments, such as the shakuhachi, adds a layer of cultural depth and richness to the gaming experience. This illustrates how video game soundtracks not only enhance gameplay but also broaden the musical landscape through innovative instrumentation.
Navigating the Music Industry
The musician shares insights on building a career in the competitive music industry, emphasizing the importance of networking and adaptability. Early opportunities stemmed from remote recording gigs, which he leveraged to connect with various projects and collaborators. This approach led to working on diverse video game soundtracks, illustrating how perseverance and openness to opportunities can lead to a flourishing career. By actively nurturing professional relationships, he showcases how fostering a supportive network can open doors to exciting projects.
Embracing Niche Expertise
The guest highlights the value of specializing in unique instruments and styles while also acknowledging the challenges of being a generalist. By having expertise in a niche area, such as world flutes, the musician positions himself as a go-to resource for projects seeking distinctive sounds. However, he cautions that being a generalist can dilute one's perceived expertise, emphasizing the need for commitment and proficiency in chosen areas. This balance encourages aspiring musicians to find their own paths, either through specialization or by excelling across multiple disciplines.
Josh Plotner is a renowned musician, producer, and arranger known for his work in films, TV, and video games. Based in New York, Josh has been a freelance musician for over a decade, specializing as a saxophonist and woodwind multi-instrumentalist.
At age three, Josh's journey began with a passion for saxophone, eventually expanding to other woodwind instruments. His versatility led him to Broadway, where he currently subs for The Lion King, playing 13 different flutes. This experience sparked his interest in world flutes, leading to a vast collection of instruments from various cultures.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How Josh transitioned from Broadway to video game music
The unique challenges and opportunities in video game music composition
Josh's approach to remote recording and building an online presence
The importance of flexibility and communication when working with clients
How Josh creates educational content to fill gaps in online resources for niche instruments
Josh shares insights on:
The similarities between flutes from different cultures
The impact of 3D printing on instrument manufacturing
Strategies for succeeding in the music industry, including networking and specialization