Andrew Hulshult: Upcoming Games, Music, Inspirations, and Coffee

This extensive interview with Andrew Hulshult, a renowned video game composer, delves into his career, creative process, and personal preferences. He discusses his work on iconic titles like Rise of the Triad 2013, Bombshell, Nightmare Reaper, Prodeus, DOOM Eternal DLC (IDKFA), and the upcoming Iron Lung film soundtrack.

Hulshult shares insights into his evolution as a musician, the misconceptions surrounding video game music, and the challenges of balancing artistic vision with client expectations. He details his approach to composing for different games, highlighting the unique challenges and creative choices involved in each project. The conversation covers his preferred gear – including his Caparison guitars, Seymour Duncan pickups, and Neural DSP amplifiers – and his creative workflow.

A significant portion of the interview focuses on his experience working with id Software on the DOOM Eternal DLC, the unexpected success of his IDKFA soundtrack, and the subsequent opportunity to complete the DOOM II soundtrack. He reflects on the pressure of working on established franchises while maintaining his distinctive style.

The interview also touches upon his work on the Iron Lung film soundtrack, his collaboration with Markiplier, and the differences between composing for film and games. He discusses his first chiptune album, Dusk 82, and his thoughts on potentially remastering older soundtracks. Hulshult shares personal anecdotes, including the challenges of composing during a family emergency, and offers insights into his daily routine and creative process.

Finally, he reveals his favorite bands (Gojira, Metallica), video game composers (Jesper Kyd), and discusses his hypothetical dream projects: a modern Duke Nukem game and a soundtrack for a Denzel Washington film like Man on Fire or American Gangster. The interview concludes with a discussion of his coffee preferences (cold brew, black) and a glimpse into his personal music memorabilia collection.

This detailed account provides a comprehensive overview of Andrew Hulshult's career and creative philosophy, offering valuable insights for aspiring musicians and video game enthusiasts alike. The interview is interspersed with embedded YouTube videos showcasing his work, enhancing the reader's understanding of his musical style and impact.