Be a Better Artist

Damjan Mravunac is a Croatian composer and musician, best known for his music for the Serious Sam video game series, as well as the Talos Principle 1 and 2 video games.

DAMJAN LINKS:

Website: http://www.damjanmravunac.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4JCHmi2aI31AP3VsVKE2ks?si=dCSHw9drRGa0doPgjPReJA

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/fi/artist/damjan-mravunac/726774063

Bandcamp: https://damjanmravunac.bandcamp.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Parenting

(00:05:02) Music Tech & Production

(00:14:05) Personal Music Journey

(00:24:50) First Gig, Croteam, Serious Sam

(00:31:24) Dreaming Big, Creative Restriction

(00:38:25) Procrastination, Workflow, Routine

(00:45:07) Sound Design

(01:01:09) Studio Setup, Remote Work

(01:14:00) Networking, Game Music Industry, Advice for New Composers

(01:28:15) Talos Principle 1 and 2

(01:45:07) Inspiration, Composition, and Mixing

(02:00:45) Approach to Game Soundtracks

(02:07:31) Mixing and Composing Simultaneously

(02:16:15) Evolution of Technology in Music

(02:27:29) Impact of War on Creativity

(02:30:03) Digital Technology's Impact on Creativity

(02:34:06) Work-Life Balance and Parenting

(02:41:07) Passion for Music and Creative Process

(02:48:20) Fitness Journey and Health

(02:56:24) Future Projects and Aspirations

(03:00:42) Definition of an Artist

(03:10:13) Message sent to Everyone's Smartphone

Markus Junnikkala is a Composer from Finland.

https://www.markusjunnikkala.com/

Want me to answer your question?

Ask it on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/markusjunnikkala/

https://www.facebook.com/markusjunnikkala/

https://twitter.com/markusjunnikkal

https://www.twitch.tv/markusjunnikkala

https://www.reddit.com/user/markusjunnikkala/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusjunnikkala/

Subscribing, sharing, and liking helps the podcast.

Paul Kilduff-Taylor is a composer and artist known for his music as nervous_testpilot as well as _ensnare_. He is also the co-founder of Mode 7, an indie game publisher and development company, known for titles like Frozen Synapse, Fight in Tight Spaces, and Tokyo 42.

PAUL KILDUFF-TAYLOR LINKS:

https://www.nervoustestpilot.com/

https://www.mode7.games/

X: https://x.com/mode7games

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mode7games/

nervous_testpilot Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7zhakwCorTNUwe17WxD3kh?si=Iuf-uikKTKqr9BTCqhe_5A

_ensnare_ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1XYSXyGl3WXrHN7EPBQ1fc?si=bPiDLZzqQHq5Ood8dbfUAg

nervous_testpilot Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/fi/artist/nervous-testpilot/192738401

_ensnare_ Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/fi/artist/ensnare/888028958

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Intro

(02:19:00) Emotional and Spiritual Connection in Music

(05:02:00) Podcast Goals

(07:52:00) Branding Challenges as an Artist

(12:30:00) Game Development background

(15:04:00) Personal Background

(15:12:00) Early Life and Family

(16:46:00) Technology Exposure in Childhood

(18:00:00) Relationship with Technology

(21:30:00) Childhood, Family

(24:21:00) Risk Management, Anxiety, Collaboration

(30:20:00) Early Music Exposure

(32:23:00) Music as a Career Consideration

(39:04:00) Humour in Music and Life

(47:27:00) Early Career in Game Development and Music

(56:02:00) Frozen Synapse (2011)

(01:02:03) Mixing music, Sound selection, Retaining Emotion

(01:06:53) Dynamic Music in Video Games

(01:11:15) Creativity vs. Technical Precision

(01:20:30) Approach to SNES Style Music

(01:34:01) Music Technology in Composition

(01:37:01) Inspiration

(01:42:01) Compositional process

(01:45:01) Musical Influences

(01:53:22) Non-musical Influences

(01:57:50) Time Management and Work Structure

(02:00:30) Balancing Work and Personal Life

(02:05:54) Challenges with Sleep and Coping Mechanisms

(02:15:00) Emotion and Decision Making

(02:23:33) Music Tech Talk

(02:30:02) Mixing Techniques

(02:45:02) Upcoming Exciting Music Tech

(02:49:42) Balancing Work and Life

(02:56:05) Future Plans and Projects

(02:59:12) Definition of an Artist

(03:18:33) Message Sent to Everyone's Phone

Markus Junnikkala is a Composer from Finland.

https://www.markusjunnikkala.com/

Want me to answer your question?

Ask it on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/markusjunnikkala/

https://www.facebook.com/markusjunnikkala/

https://twitter.com/markusjunnikkal

https://www.twitch.tv/markusjunnikkala

https://www.reddit.com/user/markusjunnikkala/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusjunnikkala/

Subscribing, sharing, and liking helps the podcast.

Peppsen (Petter Sumelius) is a Finnish composer now residing in Sweden. He is known for his music mod for the video game Rimworld, as well as Shapez; a factory-building and automation game. He is also the composer for the upcoming and awaited Shapez 2.

PEPPSEN LINKS:

Website: https://www.peppsen.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Peppsen

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VmuJa5WFTghyy3P2ng9HO?si=CbcW9Q5VQZS0jogbNYssiw

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/fi/artist/peppsen/1439733884

Bandcamp: https://peppsen.bandcamp.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

• (00:00:00) Intro
• (06:43:00) Background, growing up, family, hobbies
• (22:12:00) Video game influence
• (30:01:00) Music theory, Playing instruments
• (45:01:00) Early DAW experiences, Adolescence, Music mods
• (49:06:00) Pursuing music as a profession
• (01:02:05) Work process, Mindset, Networking
• (01:10:30) Creative freedom, Constraints, Feedback
• (01:42:02) Silence in music, dynamic/adaptive music in games
• (01:48:15) Full-time job and composition, finances
• (01:57:40) Profession VS Hobby
• (02:00:02) Expectations, Pressure, Criticism
• (02:17:03) Iterative Process of Creation
• (02:20:16) Sources of Inspiration
• (02:25:04) Avicii
• (02:30:05) Cost of living, Music gear, Software Updates
• (02:36:13) Inspiration (continued)
• (02:38:56) Life and work balance, Collaboration, Time management
• (02:47:47) Software and Virtual Instruments
• (02:50:19) Using Loops in Composition
• (03:03:24) Definition of an Artist
• (03:07:08) Message to Everyone's Smartphone
• (03:12:10) Wrapping up

Markus Junnikkala is a Composer from Finland.

https://www.markusjunnikkala.com/

Want me to answer your question?

Ask it below in the comments or on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/markusjunnikkala/

https://www.facebook.com/markusjunnikkala/

https://twitter.com/markusjunnikkal

https://www.twitch.tv/markusjunnikkala

https://www.reddit.com/user/markusjunnikkala/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusjunnikkala/

Subscribing, sharing, and liking helps the podcast.

Chris Christodoulou is a composer based in Athens, Greece, writing music for video games (Risk of Rain series, The Sea Will Claim Everything), movies and other media (audio drama Gospels of the Flood), as well as stand-alone compositions.

CHRIS CHRISTODOULOU LINKS:

Website: https://www.chrischristodoulou.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/63OPPk7uHFdcpTuOFYpNfV?si=ZChNAaDnQGenP5pdEDnWOw

Bandcamp: https://chrischristodoulou.bandcamp.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AstronautDown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astronautdown

X: https://twitter.com/AstronautDown

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Workspace, Workflow, Need for change, Gear Organization

(14:01:00) Value of the long-form conversation format

(25:04:00) Turning professional, Creative freedom, Work project selection

(39:58:00) Early life, Upbringing, Parental influence on music, Cultural influences

(56:25:00) Realizing and pursuing a career in music, Band Environment

(01:06:30) Evolution of music culture, Formalized music education, Impact of social media on musicianship, Value of being an Instrumentalist

(01:15:04) Understanding musical instruments as a composer, Importance of musical education

(01:22:42) Creativity, Inspiration, and the Creative process

(01:30:00) Originality in music composition, Studying music theory in Athens

(01:38:22) Studying music for film in Amsterdam, Love for film editing

(01:46:42) Reinventing yourself, Personal growth, Social pressure and expectations

(01:54:35) Becoming a video game composer, Proactivity, Dealing with rejection

(02:01:27) Taking risks, Trusting your creative intuition

(02:05:06) Inspiration beyond music

(02:14:32) Writing process, Creative block, Dealing with negative thoughts

(02:21:03) Work-Life balance, Becoming a father

(02:27:50) Lovecraftian themes and gaming

(02:30:48) Risk of Rain soundtrack process

(02:33:09) Daily routine and Creative process

(02:39:11) Knowing when to step away, Taking breaks

(02:44:30) Excitement about new audio gear, Thoughts on overreliance on modern tools

(02:56:38) Lessons learned from cats

(03:00:01) Lessons learned by becoming a parent

(03:05:59) Definition of an Artist

(03:10:13) Message sent to everyone's smartphone

(03:12:02) Finland and Greece

Adam Fligsten is a composer for games and other media, based in Los Angeles, California. Video game credits include Outreach (Pixel Spill) and Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, and his music has been licensed to countless TV shows and commercials. He is the founder of Silen Audio, a full service video game audio house, and also now maker of virtual instruments.

ADAM FLIGSTEN LINKS:

Website: https://adamfligsten.com/

Silen Audio: https://www.silen.audio/

https://x.com/adamfligsten?s=20

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:01:09) - Creativity and sleep patterns

(00:05:14) - Credits

(00:07:03) - Silent Audio

(00:10:12) - Background and upbringing

(00:15:03) - Live music, studio music, working in a band

(00:16:28) - Transitioning towards electronic music

(00:18:59) - Music as a coping mechanism

(00:21:14) - Music as a teacher and inspiration

(00:24:05) - Pursuing music professionally

(00:29:58) - Staying creative while working another job

(00:35:03) - Negotiation skills

(00:38:00) - Longevity in a career as a film composer

(00:43:08) - Finding passion in media composition

(00:49:42) - Experience working for a composer

(00:52:52) - Adaptability and growth

(00:59:03) - Managing stress in high-pressure situations.

(01:01:28) - Leadership - Cultivating a positive atmosphere

(01:11:23) - Experience at UCLA's music composition program

(01:15:00) - Education and Transition to Entrepreneurship

(01:19:25) - Business Lessons Learned

(01:30:06) - Building Trust and Collaboration in the Creative Industry

(01:32:45) - Selling Yourself as a Composer

(01:36:00) - Understanding Clients' Needs and Expectations

(01:45:04) - Pouring Heart and Soul into Work

(01:46:17) - Commitment to Artistry

(01:51:30) - Effective Branding as a Composer

(01:56:20) - Transitioning to Full-time Entrepreneurship

(02:00:00) - Existential fear and dread

(02:11:19) - Time and the creative process

(02:15:01) - Trusting instincts

(02:19:01) - Challenges of maintaining inspiration

(02:22:08) - Ego, humility, and the creative process

(02:30:03) - Work and self-worth.

(02:35:22) - Infinite Flow Synth

(02:42:49) - Importance of interface design

(02:45:03) - Silen Audio future plans

(02:52:28) - Retaining creativity

(02:55:52) - Definition of an artist

(02:58:48) - Message sent to everyone’s smartphone

Arnaud Roy is a composer, music producer, and sound designer. He has written music for video games and films, and is most notably known for composing the music for Amplitude Studios' Endless video game series, Humankind, and Neoproxima.

ARNAUD ROY LINKS:

http://www.arnaudroy.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ArnaudRoyMusic/

https://www.instagram.com/arnaudroymusic/

https://twitter.com/ArnaudRoyMusic

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:02:18) - The Harp, professional harp players, harp tech

(00:11:04) - Early life

(00:15:01) - Music education and classical music

(00:19:14) - Finding the bass guitar

(00:21:31) - Discovering improvisation

(00:26:15) - Benefits of classical music education

(00:28:00) - Hands-on instrument playing as a part of composition

(00:29:04) - Early life continued

(00:34:20) - Choosing a career path

(00:39:02) - Discovering compositional potential

(00:45:02) - Texture and flow as compositional elements

(00:47:10) - Sound design and mixing for animation

(00:54:00) - Perfectionism

(00:57:23) - Reflecting on career milestones

(01:02:34) - Childhood influences

(01:09:27) - Non-musical sources of inspiration

(01:12:05) - Musical influences

(01:25:31) - Composition process

(01:30:54) - Collaboration and Creativity

(01:34:05) - Personal Limits and Style

(01:39:06) - Balancing Work and Life

(01:49:51) - Dealing with Creative Blocks

(01:54:12) - Studio Setup and Gear

(02:06:05) - Mixing

(02:19:55) - Overcoming Challenges and Maintaining Perspective

(02:25:40) - Live Music Performances

(02:35:03) - Collaboration with Amplitude Studios

(02:42:21) - Qualities in Collaborators

(02:47:04) - Definition of an Artist

(02:49:57) - Message to Everyone's Smartphone

Peter Dyer is an LA-based keyboardist, producer, and sound designer. He has toured extensively with artists like Mariah Carey, Adam Lambert, Aloe Blacc, & St. Vincent, as a keyboardist, musical director, and sound designer. He is currently in the house band for American Idol on ABC. Notable cowrites include Avicii’s #1 hit “Wake Me Up”, "Shame On Me", & Flo Rida’s “Wobble” & “Can’t Believe It”. He also works as a sound designer and consultant for Sequential, Novation Music, Strymon Effects, Moog Music, & Pioneer DJ, and has scored commercials for B.M.W., Chevrolet, and WWE.

PETER DYER LINKS:

Website: https://www.peterdyer.net/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgfrmrO0pxm920zbVZw7mrQ

https://www.instagram.com/peterjdyer/

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:00:16) Audio equipment tech issues, SM7B and Cloudlifter

(00:01:22) Sleep problems

(00:07:21) Stress management

(00:21:01) Benefits of exercise and diet, lifestyle changes, stoic philosophy

(00:25:55) Change takes time

(00:30:01) Pandemic, stress, insomnia

(00:45:01) Adversity and change

(01:00:01) Seizing opportunities

(01:11:04) Creativity and artistic sensibility as an instrumentalist

(01:17:11) Teamwork and social skills in professional music settings

(01:30:01) Managing emotions and the ego, humility

(01:34:14) Significance of Social Connections

(01:37:30) Managing Expectations

(01:39:15) Personal Background and Inspirations

(01:45:05) Synths, Moving, Musician's Institute, networking, Van Hunt

(01:46:23) Time at the Musicians Institute (MI), audition for Mariah Carey, stage fright

(02:00:05) Humility and observation as skills

(02:04:05) Career choices, honesty in musical preferences

(02:09:02) Emulation, crossing boundaries, parental influence

(02:15:04) Learning music theory by singing in a choir

(02:17:08) Software vs hardware

(02:19:06) Favourite synths

(02:23:50) Music tech

(02:30:03) General public understanding of an audio engineer

(02:35:46) Collaboration with Strymon and Sequential

(02:40:17) Creative retention

(02:45:00) Purity of creation

(02:47:03) Definition of an artist

(02:52:04) Message sent to everyone's smartphone

Danimal Cannon (Dan Behrens) is an artist and musician best known for his guitar-driven Gameboy/chiptune music. He's also a mixing and mastering engineer, and has toured and performed live extensively.

DANIMAL CANNON LINKS:

Website: https://www.danimalcannon.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0AqwYovalxngrN9eVyiUXg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danimalcannonmusic

X: https://twitter.com/armcannon

Bandcamp: https://danimalcannon.bandcamp.com/music

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1RFcDZxxdM1jEchZNxJMAs?si=wmbYBTnVT7K-teJIiioqCA

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/danimal-cannon/617198535

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:02:03) Finland trivia

(00:03:59) About Danimal Cannon

(00:09:37) Importance of music production

(00:12:36) Working with non-musician clients

(00:16:36) How people perceive music

(00:20:30) Relationship between composition, arrangement, and orchestration

(00:26:16) Danimal Cannon’s mixing process

(00:30:51) Danimal Cannon’s reference audio tracks

(00:33:11) Markus’ musical background

(00:38:51) Reference audio tracks (continued)

(00:45:30) Thoughts on Hans Zimmer

(00:52:30) Oblivion (movie) OST by M83 and Joseph Trapanese

(00:55:29) Working on the video game Soundfall OST

(00:58:52) Modern sample libraries

(01:06:32) Soundfall OST continued

(01:08:13) Creative constraints, creative block

(01:17:15) Current work and life situation

(01:21:23) Current gaming industry landscape

(01:22:05) Balancing personal life with work

(01:29:16) Luck and Preparation

(01:31:28) Future of the industry and AI

(01:45:01) Dealing with change

(01:47:29) Staying a student and preparing

(01:50:43) Perfectionism

(01:54:07) Studying video game music

(02:00:01) Chiptune music and the indie video game industry

(02:01:30) Modern music technology

(02:06:13) Music tool user interfaces, Sample libraries

(02:10:12) How Danimal Cannon got into music

(02:15:04) Central musical concepts

(02:18:20) Musical notation/scores

(02:30:02) Music engineering

(02:33:04) Guitar playing

(02:35:37) Collaboration, ego, competitiveness, trusting yourself

(02:43:06) Retaining creativity; Obsession

(02:49:13) Balancing personal life with work, Loneliness in creativity

(03:05:03) Definition of an Artist

(03:08:10) Sending a message to everyone’s smartphone

Creatives need to be open. It's what allows them to see the depth and nuance of life. You then take those observations, and speak of them through your creative medium. But that openness is a two-way street. While it feeds your creativity, it can leave you open to attack. In this episode, we discuss why it's still important to remain open, and how one can manage this state constructively and effectively.

In this episode we talk about complaining and how it drains your time, energy, and willpower. I discuss my past experiences with it, as well as some of the approaches I've taken to reduce the amount of it, and how it has positively impacted my life.