'DUSK & Blood Swamps Dev Talks DOOM, Quake, & Gaming's Bleeding Edge'

This extensive interview with Andrew Hulshult, a renowned video game composer, delves into his career, creative process, and musical influences. From his early work on canceled projects like Duke Nukem 3D Reloaded and Rise of the Triad (2013), to his acclaimed soundtracks for DOOM Eternal DLC, Nightmare Reaper, and Amid Evil, Hulshult discusses his evolution as a musician and the challenges of composing for video games.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics:

• Early Career: Hulshult recounts his initial foray into game music, the unexpected surge in demand after leaving 3D Realms, and the lessons learned navigating industry contracts. He emphasizes the importance of balancing artistic vision with financial stability.

• Misconceptions about Game Music: He addresses the common misconception that video game music is easy, highlighting the complexities of understanding game design philosophies, collaborating with developers, and advocating for artistic choices.

• Specific Game Soundtracks: He details his approach to composing for various titles, including his respectful yet distinctive interpretations of classic Rise of the Triad tracks, the metal-infused soundtracks of Bombshell and Nightmare Reaper, the atmospheric soundscapes of DUSK, and the unique challenges of composing for Amid Evil during a family emergency. He also discusses the creative process behind Prodeus, emphasizing the integration of real-world sounds into the music. The interview touches on his work on WRATH: Aeon of Ruin, noting the collaborative challenges and the unique stylistic choices made for the game.

• DOOM Eternal DLC: Hulshult shares insights into his work on the DOOM Eternal DLC, including the significance of IDKFA and the collaboration with id Software. He discusses the creative freedom granted by id and the collaborative process with David Levy and Chad Mossholder. The popularity of "Blood Swamps" is addressed, along with the complexities of its legal availability.

• Iron Lung Soundtrack: He briefly discusses his experience composing for the Iron Lung film, highlighting the differences between composing for film and games, his collaboration with Markiplier, and the impact of a larger budget on his creative process.

• Dusk 82: Hulshult reflects on his first chiptune album, Dusk 82, and the unique challenges of working within the limitations of chiptune technology.

• Gear and Setup: The interview includes a detailed discussion of Hulshult's current guitar setup, including his choice of guitars, pickups, strings, amps, and effects pedals.

• Daily Routine and Influences: Hulshult shares his daily routine, emphasizing the importance of sleep, planning, and incorporating cardio into his schedule. He also discusses his favorite bands (Gojira, Metallica), video game composers (Jesper Kyd), and his thoughts on the evolution of Metallica's music.

• Hypothetical Projects: Finally, Hulshult speculates on his ideal game and movie projects, expressing a desire to work on a Duke Nukem reboot or a Minecraft soundtrack, and a preference for composing for films like Man on Fire or American Gangster.

Throughout the interview, images are included showcasing the screenshots of the game mentioned in the interview. The interview concludes with a discussion of his favorite coffee (cold brew, black) and a reflection on his career and creative process. The interview provides a comprehensive overview of Andrew Hulshult's career and his contributions to the world of video game music.