As someone who was on the other side (video game project lead). These are excellent advices. If I may add two more: 11. If the instructions are unclear: Don't be shy to ask for clarifications. Your counterpart doesn't always has the same musical expertise as you. 12. Ask for feedback early. This not only prevents you to work into the wrong direction, but also shows interest and engagement with the project.
YES! Agreed with both of your points. I knew I forgot some things :) Definitely being able to translate non-musical language into music is a good skill to hone.
Its nice to see this type of video on the channel. Your songs are amazing Megan. But also seeing more of you is awesome too. And hearing your take on things. Hopefully this brings the confidence in some to compose more awesome video game tracks! And other media too, I hope everyone takes away the "Be nice" comment to heart the most too. It makes the world a better place. Also. I adore the Oblivion love in the background, that's hardcore!
I'm an aspiring composer that has held off on jumping into composing for games in pursuit of building up my skills in every area that might be needed to effectively tackle the problems that I might face when actually composing for a game, and a lot of the things I learned are super important details that are ALL listed here in this video! I think I'm starting to get a bit more ready for composing an entire soundtrack. I've learned more about working with others, and understanding how to take criticism and use it to improve upon something, also when you're making something for someone else, ultimately, their vision matters first and foremost. Only parts I need to put more time into learning about are all the business related things, which are arguable some of the more important things haha. Absolutely fantastic video, thank you for taking the time to make this video and teach us more about the world of video game music composition!
so glad to see you sharing your proven, earned wisdom. would be fun to see you talk about how you listen to reference music and break it down. jus talk about what goes thru your head when u think about references, re frequency range, arrangement, mood etc. i know that can be a very idiomatic, subjective thing, but i feel creatively it would be fun and informative. regardless, enjoyed the video and enjoy following your musical journey, thanks! fell in love w your music since hearing "the hunt"
So like the badman I am, I pirated River City Girls on my Switch...but I fell in love with your soundrack I knew I had to own it...the problem was I had to buy the game to get the soundtrack. I went from Villain to Hero. Great.
Great video Megan. I was just wondering if you could expand on networking through other means that are not conventions. GDC is amazing but can be prohibitively expensive for some people. Maybe talk about Game Jams if you have any experience with that, networking through social media, email, music supervisors, etc!
I simp for you! What types of songs did you show potential clients? Portfolio building, I'm not sure how different it is compared to something like drawing, did you make specific songs for them up front? Or did you have an album for them to review?
My Lady and I love you and everything you do more than most things! You inspired my friend Ashleigh to create music and as a death metal musician it's refreshing to support her. I almost fell out of love playing nearly 30 years. I've never been so happy to get in the studio
Thanks for watching! That's quite a hot topic. I think AI will become a tool like any technology; not replacing musicians, but enhancing their workflow :)
I believe that videos like this are exactly what RUclips needs. And wanted to see something similar from you. So, thank you kindly! I would like to ask a question related to music. I sometimes make music, but it's only at a beginner level. Drafts that remain so. The main problems are: what to add/change/remove and the volume of instruments. You turn the settings and "bass (or else) is too loud", and then "too quiet", "instruments conflict with each other, what to do?", "the drums are not what i want them to be!". A few hours pass and you just don't have the strength left and you say to yourself "oh, never mind, I'll just do something else". Or you find the right sound, but you need to refine it a little and you just can't find that "THAT'S IT!". You want to add some kind of roaring sound, you do it and it's still "not that!". It's tiring. It's very difficult to find that middle ground and not ruin the whole song/idea. That is, the idea is there, you know for sure that it is good, but how to implement it - no idea! You're thinking, like, "okay, so the background is some kind of factory. So there has to be something mechanical or something like that. Maybe some kind of "production" beat, like a hammer knocking or something. So that it feels like it's factory, yes? But how exactly?" Music is very difficult thing. Maybe you could make a video on this topic? Sometime in the future. When you want. Thanks again! You are wonderful!
Hope you find this helpful! Please comment on what topics you'd like me to make a video about next :)
How fast a composer should a track for a videogame ?
As someone who was on the other side (video game project lead). These are excellent advices. If I may add two more:
11. If the instructions are unclear: Don't be shy to ask for clarifications. Your counterpart doesn't always has the same musical expertise as you.
12. Ask for feedback early. This not only prevents you to work into the wrong direction, but also shows interest and engagement with the project.
YES! Agreed with both of your points. I knew I forgot some things :) Definitely being able to translate non-musical language into music is a good skill to hone.
This video just appeared in my algorithm and probably I am in the composer - producer algorithm everywhere now, thank you for your insight
You’re very welcome, thanks for watching
My biggest musical influence is video game music/sound effects ... as well as cartoon theme songs, now that I think about it.
I don't intend to be a composer but this video is still very fascinating to watch. Love your music!
Cool, thanks!
Your song “Yesterday” is like “Prayer” off of Castlevania SOTN. Not stylistically, but the vibe! So lovely.
Thank you ☺️
Great video and lots of great advice for both game musicians and even game Devs on how to work with musicians!
Glad it was helpful!
Its nice to see this type of video on the channel. Your songs are amazing Megan. But also seeing more of you is awesome too. And hearing your take on things. Hopefully this brings the confidence in some to compose more awesome video game tracks! And other media too, I hope everyone takes away the "Be nice" comment to heart the most too. It makes the world a better place. Also. I adore the Oblivion love in the background, that's hardcore!
Thank you so much 🤘🏻🖤
So great to see you again, Megs! I hope your pinky heals quickly. SUPER informative video! Your music is right up there with Michiru Ayame’s! ❤
Thanks so much!!
I'm an aspiring composer that has held off on jumping into composing for games in pursuit of building up my skills in every area that might be needed to effectively tackle the problems that I might face when actually composing for a game, and a lot of the things I learned are super important details that are ALL listed here in this video! I think I'm starting to get a bit more ready for composing an entire soundtrack. I've learned more about working with others, and understanding how to take criticism and use it to improve upon something, also when you're making something for someone else, ultimately, their vision matters first and foremost.
Only parts I need to put more time into learning about are all the business related things, which are arguable some of the more important things haha.
Absolutely fantastic video, thank you for taking the time to make this video and teach us more about the world of video game music composition!
You're very welcome, I'm glad you found it insightful!
so glad to see you sharing your proven, earned wisdom.
would be fun to see you talk about how you listen to reference music and break it down. jus talk about what goes thru your head when u think about references, re frequency range, arrangement, mood etc. i know that can be a very idiomatic, subjective thing, but i feel creatively it would be fun and informative.
regardless, enjoyed the video and enjoy following your musical journey, thanks!
fell in love w your music since hearing "the hunt"
Awesome, thank you! Great idea, I’ll keep that in mind
Welcome back Meg! Good to see you Your hair looks super cute.
Thank you!! 😊
Great advice! Thanks for sharing! ✨
You're so welcome!
Very good video, Megan! 🎮🖥🎶
For topic, definitely Horror films soundtracks is a plus! :D
Thanks! Cool, noted
This is awesome and really cool to see your breakdown on this!!!
Glad you liked it!
That was really informative! thank you for the insight!
My pleasure!
Brilliant video
Thanks dude!
This was Very Helpful! thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
So like the badman I am, I pirated River City Girls on my Switch...but I fell in love with your soundrack I knew I had to own it...the problem was I had to buy the game to get the soundtrack. I went from Villain to Hero. Great.
I appreciate your character arc 😂
Cool video! That is totally a big point with video game music, the tracks generally loop seamlessly which takes talent and work!
Thanks!
👏👏👏👏👏
You've done a great job, Megan!
Many thanks for your time and efforts! 🙏🖤
With much appreciation, Ivan 🍀
Thank you! 😃
I am a 3D animator and video editor. You have phenomenal talent Megan. Cheers 🥂
This was a very helpful video. Many thanks miss!
You're very welcome!
Great video Megan. I was just wondering if you could expand on networking through other means that are not conventions. GDC is amazing but can be prohibitively expensive for some people. Maybe talk about Game Jams if you have any experience with that, networking through social media, email, music supervisors, etc!
Great suggestion! And yes, GDC does usually come with a hefty price tag, depending on how you do it.
This is really great insight, as someone who's trying to get into video game composing soon. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
i clicked on this video cause you are amazing :)
Wow, thank you! ☺️
Great to see you putting out these videos now!! 🤘
Glad you like it!
I simp for you! What types of songs did you show potential clients? Portfolio building, I'm not sure how different it is compared to something like drawing, did you make specific songs for them up front? Or did you have an album for them to review?
Good topics, I’ll keep them in mind!
Great talk Megan!
Thanks 😊
You look so lovelyyy and once again, thank u so much for your work in RCG absolutely awesome
Thank you 😊
Megan you are best of the best!
Aw, thanks friend
Amazing 😍
Thank you! Cheers!
Hi Megan, I hope you are doing okay and well today. A topic, I would like you to tackle, is how to compose a score for a horror film.
Good to know, I’ll maybe do that
Cool. 😎 Thank you. And again, I am sorry that I did not reply back to you, on your Blue Monday video.😞
My Lady and I love you and everything you do more than most things! You inspired my friend Ashleigh to create music and as a death metal musician it's refreshing to support her. I almost fell out of love playing nearly 30 years. I've never been so happy to get in the studio
That's so cool to hear
You're so lovely to hear! We can't wait for this album! We love you and know you're going to kill it! Please take care of yourself and rest well
Thank you so much, Megan! Let me ask you, how do you think AI is impacting the future of this profession?
Thanks for watching! That's quite a hot topic. I think AI will become a tool like any technology; not replacing musicians, but enhancing their workflow :)
What game is that on the background? The one with the ship flying…?
It’s called Gravitar Recharged (by Atari)
So GDC next year 👉😎👉
Likely!
I was curious, how did you know?
Magic ✨
I believe that videos like this are exactly what RUclips needs. And wanted to see something similar from you. So, thank you kindly!
I would like to ask a question related to music. I sometimes make music, but it's only at a beginner level. Drafts that remain so. The main problems are: what to add/change/remove and the volume of instruments. You turn the settings and "bass (or else) is too loud", and then "too quiet", "instruments conflict with each other, what to do?", "the drums are not what i want them to be!". A few hours pass and you just don't have the strength left and you say to yourself "oh, never mind, I'll just do something else". Or you find the right sound, but you need to refine it a little and you just can't find that "THAT'S IT!". You want to add some kind of roaring sound, you do it and it's still "not that!".
It's tiring. It's very difficult to find that middle ground and not ruin the whole song/idea. That is, the idea is there, you know for sure that it is good, but how to implement it - no idea!
You're thinking, like, "okay, so the background is some kind of factory. So there has to be something mechanical or something like that. Maybe some kind of "production" beat, like a hammer knocking or something. So that it feels like it's factory, yes? But how exactly?"
Music is very difficult thing.
Maybe you could make a video on this topic? Sometime in the future. When you want.
Thanks again! You are wonderful!
Thank you for the kind words! I’ll keep this in mind for future topics 🤘🏻