How famed RPG Chrono Cross inspires today’s video game music

As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming under my belt, I can attest that Rich Vreeland, aka Disasterpeace, has truly made his mark in the indie gaming world. His compositions for games like Fez, Hyper Light Drifter, and Solar Ash have been nothing short of extraordinary. Yet, it was Square Enix’s Chrono Cross that ignited his passion for game music.

Known for his highly respected work in independent game music composition under the alias Disasterpeace, Richard Vreeland has gained recognition through his soundtracks for games like Fez, Hyper Light Drifter, Solar Ash, and numerous others. Interestingly enough, some of this impressive body of work was influenced by Square Enix’s iconic title, Chrono Cross.

In the segment below, as part of TopMob FM’s exploration of the connection between gaming and music over a week, he discusses being influenced by the game “Chrono Cross,” creating the track titled “Ford the River,” and the methodology behind the audio in “Hyper Light Drifter.” For a more detailed insight into his work, Vreeland has also shared numerous articles about his creative process on his personal blog.

Was there a game soundtrack or song that inspired you to pursue creating game music?

A memorable instance that springs to thought is the soundtrack from the game “Chrono Cross“. My passion for video game music was significantly influenced, as it revived the melodies of the games I used to play during my childhood.

Yasunori Mitsuda’s music, in one particular game, had an extraordinary quality to it – a blend of modern trends with global styles that was truly remarkable. To my ears, there were hints of Celtic tunes and melodies, folk inspirations, rhythmic patterns evocative of Steve Reich’s minimalist style, and intricate time signatures akin to those found in Fusion or Progressive Rock. The result was a fascinating mix, one that left an indelible impression on me when I first played the game around 13 or 14 years old. Even today, it continues to stand out with some of the most unconventional and enchanting chord progressions you’ll ever encounter in a video game.

Have you composed a track that feels like the result of your many influences?

Title of this tune is “Cross the River”, which is among the three pieces I’ve produced specifically for the Soundodger game collection.

In 2022, I penned a song, my muse being the exquisite game “Alba” I had recently completed. It stirred within me an urge to create something that carried a relaxed, whimsical, optimistic island vibe. Another island-themed game, “Mutazione,” and the music of Antônio Carlos Jobim, my favorite Bossa Nova artist, served as my guideposts in crafting this song’s sound. In homage to Jobim, I incorporated double whistle and piano into the melody, a technique he often employed, using piano for melodies but then harmonizing them with other instruments or effects.

As a long-time music enthusiast with a diverse background in various genres, I find this musical composition truly intriguing. The sound palette is a delightful fusion of earthy and quirky elements that resonates deeply with my own musical journey. It’s reminiscent of the old school boom bap drums from my youth, combined with the smooth, sultry tones of bossa nova, which I discovered during my travels in Brazil. The addition of unconventional instruments like the fretless bass, piano, whistling, giro, shakers, among others, adds a layer of complexity that keeps me engaged and curious. Overall, this unique blend of sounds speaks to my appreciation for innovation while maintaining a strong connection to musical roots, making it an outstanding creation that I believe many music lovers can relate to.

Hey there fellow gaming enthusiast! As I journeyed through the pixelated landscapes of Hyper Light Drifter, I couldn’t help but wonder about the captivating sounds that accompanied my adventure. So, here’s the deal: what kind of musical instruments did you use to create that hauntingly beautiful soundtrack? What was the process behind it?

The score for Hyper Light is largely comprised of synth patches I made from scratch.

In my effort to capture the atmosphere of the world, I carefully crafted sounds that evoked specific feelings – rich, layered, and slightly wavering ones, reminiscent of natural elements such as a dove’s descending pitch or a reptile’s rustling noises. I aimed to blend the essence of untamed nature and decaying technology within the sounds, given that the game has a post-apocalyptic overgrowth vibe.

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2024-08-06 23:19