018: Problem solved: designing music for puzzle games with Rupert Cole and Zach Jones
A good problem to have
Episode:
Listen to the latest episode of Dialogue Tree here:
Intro:
A consistent theme that came out of both of my chats for the episode was the idea that, when making something that you want people to enjoy, less is more. It’s not about you. Keep your ego out of the way.
I talked with Rupert and Zach about a number of things. With Rupert, we diverted into Super Mario Sunshine, the PlayDate, Deku Deals and a bit more about Belgium. He also said something about bassoons that is still making me laugh. With Zach, we talked about a lot of music (see below), but even more about Blue Prince. Zach raised a few points about that acclaimed game that I’d never heard before, resulting in a chat that made me dread it a lot less.
This was all nice ambience around the main conversation, but I cut it for cohesion, time, and the fact that I don’t me “umm”-ing, “like”-ing and laughing far too loudly makes for good podcasting. It was good though, and gives greater insight into these artists, who they are, and where they are coming from. It got me thinking about where to host extended audio, if that’s something that would be worthwhile. As usual, more on that another time.
If you know a puzzle game with a killer soundtrack perfect for thinking to, let me know in the comments. Talk to you next time.
Rupert Cole:
Rupert Cole (personal website)
Rupert Cole (Bandcamp)
Rupert Cole - Is This Seat Taken? OST (Bandcamp)
Paul McCartney demonstrates the mellotron (YouTube)
Zach Jones:
Zach Jones (personal website)
Zach Jones - Mind Over Magnet OST (Bandcamp)
DEEPMESS trailer (YouTube)
Takuya Nakamura @ The Lot (excellent DJ set from the esteemed composer of a load of classic Sega games, plus Lumines, that Zach referenced, streamed via The Lot on YouTube)
Outro:
Next week:
