Amiga Music Preservation -

Interview

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Date of birth:

1-How did your interest for computers start? Which year was that?

My first exposure to a computer was a Commodore PET in 1979. It was at my friend Brad's house living in Westlake, Ca. At the time I was a young gamer on the Magnavox Odyssey 2 though had great interests in the actual creative process of video games. This led me to purchase my first computer, a Commodore 64 in 1982.

2-What machines did you previously have? What did you do with them?

My first computer was a Commodore 64. This exposed me to BBSing, SID music and graphics that til this day, has been the major role in my life. My first computer system was a commodore 64 1982. During these years I had purchased the fast Westridge "300 baud modem" (upgrading not too long after) and Ran a C-NET BBS here on the west coast called (Commodore Connection) under the Sysop handle (Micro Pro). It was semi popular though got alot more traffic when I converted the names to (The Druid's Keep with my Sysop alas was Crystal Warrior) in Westlake, Ca USA. A bit of time passed and my friend Orion (Mage) dad just bough a new computer system as he was a developer at the time called a "Commodore Amiga 1000" from 1985-86 and instantly was blown away. The programs I remember most were Starglider 1, Marble Madness and seeing Juggler. It just blew my mind so that summer I worked incredibility hard at 14 years old, doing whatever I could to save to buy an amiga for myself. One other piece of software

3-For what specific reason did you end up making music rather than gfx, coding?

My father was a great influence. As a child I use to sing to Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love when I was 3 years old so the music was already injected into my persona. My father was a great hobbits guitar player, so when I was old enough, made a drum set out of car washing shammies and buckets. My parents decided if they must listen to drums, then we might as well be a real set (A Pearl Drum set). During this time, being a drummer and guitarist, I was heavily composing SIDs based music! It was my first taste into computer based (sequencing) where I could conduct my own music without band members! I was hooked.

I was also active in art and graphic design during the 1980s, though it was mainly for fun or support for my musical content.

4-Which composing programs have you been using? Which one in particular?

I lost all my old Commodore 64 SIDs long ago. Still hoping one day Ill find them but not holding my breath. So this journey must start at the Amiga. I was introduced to the original soundtracker 1.0 from Karsten Obarski! I think this was 1987 (No wiki heh) I loved the Crystal Hammer soundtrack (Hey and it had part of my name!) Protrackjer was the next step. I did use Bars and Pipes a bit for a more traditional feeling sequencer, though my next leap was OctaMED during this time period.

5-With which module did you feel you had reached your goal?

I think musicians are always reaching, always evolving. I feel like every song is a story being told. This story has not met its end, so Ill keep thinking of that goal ;)

6-Is there a tune you would like not to remember? For what reason?

I have some of these in my unreleased. Are they bad songs, no, but found some wackiness in my musical choices. The primary culpret was Microdeal: AMAS 8-bit sound digitizer. Got a little crazy with sampling. Maybe Ill release these one day, though cover my eyes in the process.

7-In your opinion, what's the value of a music in a demo, game?

A must! A custom soundtrack made for a game tells just as much as a story. Every meeting, every decision, and a long development cycle can mold and shape a soundtrack to the final milestone. I don't think will see a modern day Turrican with a placement soundtrack. For the most part, stock music usually doesn't fit right in a end products. Now, their are always exceptions to this rule which I've heard it work. The problem is creative type see how important a tailor made soundtrack is in delivery.

After months of meetings, placement considerations, making sure the sound design audio dynamics sit right on top of a composition, it is never as simple as drag and drop.

Audio can tell just as much of a story in a finish product.

8-At present, are you still composing? For professional or leisure purposes?

I started working professionally as a sound designer / audio director / song composer in 1992 and have done so ever since. Done quite a few titles, here are a some of the companies I've had the pleasure to work with. Intel, REZN8, 7-Day Software, Packard Bell, Volition Inc, THQ, Novalogic, CBS Studios (Radford, Ca), etc.

Right now I just finished the music for the video game "Repulze" from the sweedish developer Pixelbite. Fun and fast action gaming, can't wait for the release.

9-What do you think of today's pieces of music such as mpeg,wave,midi,etc...?

Im a huge fan of having less while producing something far greater! This is the demo sub culture. to showcase the human spirit, creativity exceeding creative expectations. I love tech, though mostly sit listen to tracker based music and very early trance / soundtracks.

10-Could you tell us some of your all times favourite tunes?

Commodore 64:
Fred Gray - Mutants, Martin Galway - Ye Are Kung Fu, Hyper Sports, Mikie, Rambo First Blood Part 2, Ken Arnold (All ultima music!) Ghost & Goblins (Forget composer) comes to mind.

Amiga:
Fleshbrain, Dr Awesome, Jester, Chris Huelsbeck, Lizardking are all excellent!

11-Are you planning to make an audio cd with some of your music remastered?

I'd consider it. Like Summoner from THQ, if enough want the songs I just may do it. Time will tell.

12-What bands are you currently listening to?

I usually listen to alot of mods! This allows me to stick with my roots, focus on that "working with less" ideal. Otherwise its Depeche Mode, Information Society, Hybrid Throry, Rank 1, etc. I listen to alot of compilations.

13-What does/did the amiga/c64 scene give you?

The best parts of my life. It fueled my creative desire to push, evolve and create something out from nothing. It was a time were tech was not for the masses, but a underground ideal of friendship and common visions. Their was no wiki, no net to pull data from, you have to figure out "how to" or have a ton of fun trying.

14-Are you still active in the scene these days?

I watch from afar these days. I wouldn't mind getting more proactive, who knows? I truly do still admire all the talent in this culture.

15-Anyone to greet? Anything left to say? Feel free...

Greetings!

Greets go out to: Melon Dezign, Dr. Awesome, Fleshbrain, Mage (Elenzil), Quinn (Agile), Crypt Roamer, Thrash Maniac, Hackrat (Fantasy), Dr. Chip (Red Sector), Surfer Bob, Gizmo, The Red sector team, Bamiga, Defjam, Irn_Mdn, Fairlight, and the rest of the old timers.

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This interview was kindly sent to us by Scott Lee via email in Mar 2013. thx!
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