This extensive interview with Andrew Hulshult, a prominent video game composer, delves into his career, creative process, and musical influences. From his early work on projects like Rise of the Triad and Duke Nukem 3D Reloaded to his contributions to major titles such as DOOM Eternal DLC and Nightmare Reaper, Hulshult discusses his evolution as a musician and the challenges and rewards of composing for video games.
The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including:
-
Early career: Hulshult recounts his unexpected entry into the industry and the lessons learned navigating early professional experiences. He details his work on the Duke Nukem 3D Reloaded and Rise of the Triad 2013 projects, highlighting the collaborative spirit and the pressures of working with established IPs.
-
Musical evolution: The interview explores Hulshult's growth as a composer, his exploration of different genres beyond metal, and his ability to adapt his style to suit various game aesthetics. He addresses the misconception that video game music is easy and emphasizes the complexity of the creative and collaborative process.
-
Game-specific soundtracks: Detailed discussions cover the soundtracks for ROTT 2013, Bombshell, DUSK, AMID EVIL, and Prodeus, including the creative choices, influences, and personal experiences that shaped each project. The challenges of balancing personal style with the game's atmosphere are explored, along with anecdotes about the creative process and collaborations with developers.
-
The DOOM Eternal DLC: Hulshult shares insights into his work on the DOOM Eternal DLC, including the creation of the highly popular "Blood Swamps" track and the unique collaboration with id Software. He also discusses the process of revisiting and remastering the original IDKFA soundtrack for the DOOM and DOOM II re-releases.
-
The Iron Lung film soundtrack: Hulshult offers a glimpse into his experience composing for film, working with Markiplier, and the differences between composing for games and movies.
-
Gear and techniques: Hulshult details his current guitar setup, pedals, amps, and recording techniques, providing valuable insight into his creative workflow.
-
Personal life and routine: The interview concludes with a discussion of Hulshult's daily routine, the importance of sleep and exercise, and his passion for gaming outside of his professional work.
The interview concludes with reflections on his favorite bands, both within and outside the video game industry, and a hypothetical scenario exploring his dream projects in both gaming and film. Throughout, Hulshult's passion for music and his insightful perspectives on the creative process make this a compelling read for both gamers and music enthusiasts.
