DOOM, DUSK, AMID EVIL Creators Talk Shooters, Music, More

This extensive interview with Andrew Hulshult, a prominent video game composer, delves deep into his career, creative process, and musical influences. From his early work on resurrected classics like Rise of the Triad and Duke Nukem 3D to his contributions to modern hits like DOOM Eternal and Nightmare Reaper, Hulshult shares insightful anecdotes and perspectives.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics:

• Career trajectory: Hulshult discusses his accidental entry into the industry, the challenges of navigating early contracts, and the unexpected surge in demand after leaving 3D Realms. He emphasizes the importance of balancing artistic vision with financial stability for long-term success.

• Misconceptions about game music: He debunks the common belief that video game music is easy, highlighting the complexities of understanding game design philosophies, collaborating with developers, and effectively conveying emotions within a pre-existing game world.

• Specific game soundtracks: The interview features detailed discussions of his work on Rise of the Triad 2013, Bombshell, Dusk, Amid Evil, Nightmare Reaper, and Prodeus, exploring his creative choices, influences, and the challenges faced during production. He reveals personal connections to some of the music, notably the Amid Evil DLC, created during a family emergency.

• Musical influences and style: Hulshult addresses concerns about typecasting, emphasizing his diverse musical tastes and the constant evolution of his style, showcasing his ability to adapt his approach to different games and genres while remaining true to his signature sound. He cites bands like Gojira and Metallica as key influences.

• Gear and equipment: He provides a detailed overview of his current guitar setup, pedals, amps, and recording process, including his preference for Neural DSP plugins and his recent acquisition of a Neural DSP Quad Cortex.

• Work on Iron Lung: He offers insights into his experience composing for the Iron Lung film, working with Markiplier, and the impact of a larger budget on his creative process.

• Chiptune album Dusk 82: Hulshult discusses his foray into chiptune music and the challenges of working within the limitations of the format.

• IDKFA and DOOM Eternal DLC: He shares the story behind his involvement with the DOOM franchise, the creation of the IDKFA soundtrack, and the process of composing new music for the DOOM Eternal DLC, including the popular "Blood Swamps" track.

• Future projects: The interview concludes with Hulshult’s thoughts on potential future projects, including the possibility of revisiting older soundtracks and his dream collaborations.

Throughout the interview, Hulshult’s passion for music and his deep understanding of the gaming industry are evident. He offers valuable insights for aspiring game composers and provides a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind some of the most memorable video game soundtracks of recent years. The inclusion of numerous YouTube video embeds throughout the original text further enhances the reader's understanding of the music discussed.