SoundMinds

2010-05-24T00:21:00.000-07:00

Oh man. It's been a while. I forgot this was here. Hopefully, so did everyone else.
Working at Valve in Bellevue now. Going back and forth from Spokane. Driving most of the time, and I must say that I'm enjoying the drive more than I thought. I'm getting a chance to catch up on my ipod. There's tunes on there I've never heard... Nice surprises. Also stopping off on occasion to flyfish on the Yakima. Not too much luck so far. Have to learn more about this river and the hatches. Anyone have any suggestions, I'm open.
Really enjoyed this last weekend with the kids before I hd to head out. They have a great sense of humor, and it's fun to see them so amused with themselves and their friends. Good times. Unfortunately, it won't be long and they'll be heading off to college somewhere within the next year or so. You always look forward to the future, and miss the past. Interesting dichotomy.
Been catching up with some old friends recently, speaking of the past, mostly from high school or my days in the bay area. Nice reconnecting. Actually got together with a few. One that I haven't seen since high school came through Spokane abd stayed with us for several days. Really had a great time, almost like we'd skipped the 25 years since we hung out.
Ok, time to get some sleep. Getting an early start working on Portal 2 again tomorrow.
Ciao

6/21

2006-06-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick checkin. Not much going on besides Summer. Did some kayaking on the Little Spokane, 2 trips so far. Lots of water coming down right now. It's been a wet Spring. Just did a few sessions on trumpet for 2 different movies, and have been composing quite a bit, getting a few pieces ready for next tv season. Really enjoying my extra time off as I'm down to only 3 days a week at Cyan. Feel like I'm semi-retired...
More later.

5/10

2006-05-10T22:13:00.000-07:00

OK, things are finally starting to slow down a bit, and not a moment too soon. Warm weather is creeping into the 70's, and the river is looking good for kayaking and fishing. Time to get out and play. Of course, just as things get a bit slow, you start thinking about the next big gig... The last 2 several that I've just finished work on were Half-Life2 Episode 1, and Splinter Cell. I'm also working on some music for a few movie trailers that I'm submitting for, but can't mention them yet. Half Life was a blast to work on, looking forward to starting on the next episode soon hopefully. really great gameplay, and fun stuff to score sound to. Sound design BTW, not music for this one. Same with Splinter Cell Double Agent. Just sound for now. I was able to do some internal music stuff for Ubi, but can't talk about that one either. Oh well.
Words also out that URU live is coming back. Can't wait to get into that music again. That was one of the most rewarding scores I've composed to date. Hope we can get the momentum that game deserves, and keep it going for a long time. I really enjoy writing for that one. It's my aesthetic, and a style in which I've been able to create and continue with. Should be fun.
Just finished a few trumpet sessions from my studio here in the hills of Spokane. Been doing more and more recording from my home studio now instead of the Cyan studio, as I'm only there a few days a week anymore, and really enjoy working here. Just got 2 new Dell 20.1 inch cinema displays that I'm drooling over. they're not working with my system as of yet (long story, more on that later).
I'll try to keep up on this blog a bit more often if I can. Especially as things slow down.
Film at 11.

Game Music Radio

2006-04-10T20:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to check out gamemusicradio.com. Has music from most of the popular games out there. I'm told they even play yours truly on occasion, although I haven't heard any yet...
Still, it's some really great stuff. Check it out.

1/12

2006-01-12T18:59:00.000-08:00

Had a great time in Jamaica. Spent a little over a week in Trelawny Bay.
The whole family went, so I think this will be a lasting memory for the kids. they were able to really get exposed to things that Spokane obviously doesn't offer and see what true poverty is, meet people from all over the world, and also enjoy the natural wonders of Jamaica.
We went swimming in the "Luminous Lagoon". Talk about somethhing different, amn, this was incredible. The water lights up with bioluminescent phytoplankton. It actually turns a BRIGHT blue-green when agitated. All it takes to agitate is to move it. Swimming, or boats... wjatever. Pretty cool. Was a bit ominous at first as we went at night and the water is pretty dark. All you can see is the occasional fish lighting up the depths. But after you get in, and the water was probably about 86 degrees if not more in a sheltered bay, it turns out to be quite fun. Every movement creates light in various patterns. You could see the outline of a jellyfish swimming by. Perfect circle. I didn't see it soon enough however as I was stung in the stomach by one. My daughter got it too. Not too bad, but stings like crazy for a minute or two.
Now it's back to the snow, or rather rain and overcast. Should be snow. What a difference from 86 and clear every day. I've often wondered if it would be as intrigueing to live in a place like that. If the weather would get old, and lose it's novelty. Would you long for the snow again? Wouldn't mind finding out....

12/05

2005-12-05T00:17:00.000-08:00

Interesting night. Was watching some tv before going to bed and heard one of my compositions on Spielberg's new movie trailer for "Munich". I knew it was being talked about, but wasn't sure that it was going to be on there for sure, so I was a bit surprised. Pretty nice surprise however. It's been an interesting year. This is really capping it off nicely. Been hearing a bit of my music on tv lately, and even though I'm used to hearing my playing pretty regularly, it's a different feeling hearing your writing as well. I have to admit I still get a rush when something of mine comes on. I guess the fact that it's a Spielberg movie also kicks it up a notch.
In other news, my family and I are heading out on a vacation soon. Hitting the tropics for about 10 days. Will be a nice change from the 20 degree weather and snow here, although I am loving the look of the snow up on our hill here at the new house. Everything is covered. It's incredible. A bit tough getting up the driveway on occasion, but worth it.

11/02

2005-11-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

Just returned from a weekend in Seattle. Attended the VGL concert which sounded much better than the last one. It's a shame that the rest of the series has been cancelled. I think it's a great way to get kids a bit more interested in music and make the connection between a symphony orchestra and their favorite video game. Not many other reasons anymore for youth to attend concerts like that. I did quite a bit as a kid, but I was definitely the exception.

Starting to look a lot like Winter here in Spokane, the temperatures are falling, and so is snow at the higher elevations. Seems like the summers are getting shorter, or just going by quicker.

If you ever had an interest in music from the 50's through the 70's, you have to check out this site. http://porktornado.diaryland.com/albumcover.html It has some classic album covers and commentary on each. Might be a bit offensive to some, but not too bad. I was laughing out loud.

9/26 & VGL Concert

2005-09-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

Been a busy few weeks. Dont see how people can take the time every day to update these things.
Looking like another surgery for my wife, so another busy week or so could be in the near future. Not the best time to be busy with work. The last few weeks worked out well with the temporary layoff giving me a few weeks off. This time, it might be a bit more difficult.
On the brighter side, after this surgery, she should be better than new as far as her back is concerned. Hoping for the best.

I'll also be attending the Video Games Live concert in Seattle on October 29th. Should be fun. I'll be at the meet and greet to start if anyone wants to drop by and say hello. Look forward to seeing any Myst/URU/Pariah fans there.

9/13

2005-09-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

Trying to get the most out of the time off, but seems that it's working out differently than planned. Timing is great actually as my wofe has just had major back surgery. So, I'm around to take care of her, and I'm thrilled that I can do that for her. Funny how things work out. At the same time, I put the word out that I'm a free agent, and all the sudden I have more work than I can handle at the moment. Being a nurse is taking qutie a bit of time not to mention how difficult it is to focus on anything else when there is a moment. It's a bit of a dliema actually while I'm trying to take care of the problems at hand, and still looking down the road past the immediate needs. I guess my problems could be worse. There could be no opportunities, and the future looking grim. I'm not complaining, just stating the current situations. My first priority right now is being home and taking care of my wife who needs me. I can't tell you how good it feels being able to take care and help her in her time of need. I hope I'm doing a good job. Being a nurse is somewhat new to me. :)
Well, it's getting close to medication time, gotta go...

9/04

2005-09-04T21:37:00.000-07:00

I've been reading a few of the posts on UruObsession.com and I must say that overall I'm touched at the support the community feels toward Cyan. Offers of donations, buying every Cyan product known to man... It's really a wonderful community and fan base. Not going to be easy to find another company with such a loyal following. I'll miss that. Even tohugh there have been times that some of them haven't been totally happy with the music I've composed for the games, the comment that I seem to have gotten most often is that it's not enough like Robyn's music, they still seem to have an open mind and accept and enjoy what we produce. And, I guess that's why we've been around this long.... They are why we do it.
Thanks for your well wishes and your support over the years, I really hope that I'm able to create something again that will be appreciated and given to you again.

9/3

2005-09-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

Well, the news is out. Cyan has closed. The place that I have worked for the last 6 years might soon be just a memory. I still have a studio set up there, but should move that out by the end of the month, or sometime in October.
In the meantime, things are pretty busy. Not all work related stuff, but lots of other things to deal with right now.
I do plan on doing all I can to stay in Spokane however, so I guess I'm back to being a full time free agent.

8/25

2005-08-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

Well, Myst V is done, out the door, gone, put to bed. It really is a good game overall. I think we definitely broke some ground with the way we've integrated real actors, voice and animation. The process wasn't too easy, but I think the end result is pretty stunning at times. The game feels like pieces from many of the other Myst games, as does the score. I intentionally tried to capture some of the Myst, Riven, Exile and URU feel as well as giving it a personality of it's own. It was a fun score, and I'll miss not working on an aesthetic that has been a part of my life for almost the last ten years, starting with Riven. But, change is good, and new perspectives are always refreshing. Riven was quite different for me at the time I started, although I knew at the time I was attracted to that style of sound design and music. Can almost do it in my sleep now, so I guess that's a good sign that it's time to move on.

8/15

2005-08-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

Just spent the last weekend in Idaho fly fishing. Just getting started in the sport, but really enjoy it. Nothing like walking up a river, in the river, on a nice morning or evening. Didn't even mind if I wasn't getting bites, although it was much more fun when the fish were hitting. The feel of spending the days outdoors in the woods brought back so many memories of camping and fishing trips from years ago. It's been too long. The sights and smells, the hint of Autumn in the air. It was awesome. As much as I enjoy coming home, I'm looking forward to going back. Would love to get my kids out there when they're a bit older. It isn't always easy crossing a river with a current washing up to your waist.
Did have one great fish story... We were walking down to the river Friaday night right after we set up camp, and flopping around about 2 feet up the shore was a good 3 pound Cut-throat trout. Talk about a good start. The fish were just throwing themselves at us! Didn't get anything quite that big the rest of the trip, but it was well worth it anyway. Really need to get motivated more and head out there. Always look back on it with great memories.
Is it just me, or does that autumn feel give you somewhat of a melancholy feeling. The loss of the hazy long hot summer days, the impending winter ahead. Makes me think about the times I had as a kid sailing on the lagoon or going to the beach. Those summers used to seem like they would never end. Now, autumn is just a reminder that another year is almost at an end. Just makes you think...

Trees

2005-07-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

The other night, I was standing out on my deck after dark, decent warm wind blowing. I never realized what incredible strength the surrounding trees have, and I don't mean structural integrity. If you want to experience something in one of the most primal levels, go out at night and experience the trees during the wind. It's funny how daytime puts an entirely different perspective on this. The trees don't seem as daunting, obviously. But when you think of how long they've been there, what they've survived and what types of unseen animals cruise by them at night, they suddenly gain a bit more of my respect. If you don't feel something in your gut looking at these dark, swaying, living goliaths, I'd be very surprised. It's not like I haven't been around them my entire life, but something was different the other night, or maybe I was more open to the experience. I'm not sure. Try it, I gaurantee you'll be affected.

A few Bowl photos

2005-07-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

This one's from the press event and party right before the concert. From what I understand, Elijah is quite the game fan.

Signing with Michael Gicchino, composer for "The Incredibles".

Finally, taking a bow on the stage itself. Yeah, I'm up there about 2/3 over on the right. Gotta look hard...

The Bowl

2005-07-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the Hollywood Bowl concert of video game music, which included music I had composed for URU: Ages Beyond Myst. I have to say that it was quite an incredible feat. Hats off to Tommy and Jack. Well organized amongst the possible chaos. It was also quite a feeling to be seated in the 15,000 seat theater for the first time knowing your music is about to be played by the LA Philharmonic. Who ever thought that video game music would come to this... and actually, every interview I did, I was asked exactly that. This medium has definitely become an artform in it's own right. The industry is beginning to show it's maturity and strength. It's a good thing.
I'll post some pictures from the evening soon.

6/29+

2005-06-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

OK, just finished listeneing to the master. Needs a few tweaks yet. Overall, mastered too soft. But after listening to the whole thing, there's some pretty cool themes and sections. It really does feel like a Myst soundtrack. Has the dark ambient feel, along with some uplifting sections. Hope the fans enjoy it. It was definitely the quickest soundtrack and sound design for a game that I've ever had to put together. I'm definitely enjoying the game over all. It really looks impressive, and sounds good. Definitley a great ending to a great series. :)

6/29

2005-06-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

For those who might be interested... The M5 soundtrack is being mastered as I type. Should get a reference to approve sometime today. Quite a different set of tracks than the URU soundtrack. More of a blend of orchestral and ambient. Some similar to the original Myst. However, these pieces definitely take on more of the story at the moment as opposed to themes. The context raelly makes a difference in the feel of things.
Heading down to LA on Wednesday of next week to hear the LA Phil play one of my pieces from URU. A bit disappointed that the M5 music didn't make it in in time for the concert, but hearing the Gallery theme live should be interesting. I feel sorry for the soprano that has to sing it though. Not an easy piece. I'll be staying with a composer friend in Santa Monica, Mark Adler. Looking forward to hanging out with him a bit. He's in the middle of working on several documentaries right now, so I know he'll be busy, but I always enjoy hanging out with him regardless.
I'll try to make the concert again in Seattle should they add a date there. Much closer.
I'll let you know how it goes after I get back.

2005-06-08T21:32:00.001-07:00

Finally figured out how to post photos, so you're in for it.
Above is a photo from the Survivor Finale a few weeks back. This was taken right after the show ended with Jeff Probst. Great guy, loves to get his picture taken. :) I really appreciate seeing him do his job. He's really quick and fits into the role very well. A real pro.

A picture of the entire band on the set.

And finally, a picture taken on the set during a rehearsal warming up.

6/6/05

2005-06-06T23:28:00.000-07:00

Been taking advantage of the area lately. Went kayaking 4 times in the last 2 weeks, and biking on the Hiawatha trail, a must do for any locals. Interesting experience going through a tunnel that's totally dark and is about 1.6 miles long. First you definitely need a light. Not something like I had, but a real light. I was holding a aa flashlight in one hand a the handlebars in the other. In front of me was a disappearing, pale image that skirted across the void of black in front of me. I was riding on faith. Faith that there was indeed a path without potholes, or nothing else of consequence anywhere near me cause I wouldn't have seen it. I felt like I was riding in space... No real sense of direction or even up and down. What a rush. The 200 ft high train trestles that you end up riding over pale in comparison to that 1st tunnel. Be prepared for the uneasy, but exhilerating experience, as well as being cold. Then tunnel felt about 40 degrees or so. We had on shorts and a sweatshirt, and if the day hadn't been somewhat warm, I don't think we would've thawed until we were back in the car... five hours later.
Great views on the trestles above the river crossings, and it's all downhill. A real plus. Also, be prepared to ride back through the tunnel at the end of the ride back on the bus. He doesn't go through to the parking lot. Only takes you back to the tunnel. Something we weren't expecting. And after a day of riding, and eyes that have been adjusted to a very bright afternoon sun, the ride back through is even more of a rush that the first time through. I'm sure you'll know what I mean.
Saw a moose on the way back to top the experience off. Give it a shot when you've got a day to spare.

2005-05-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

Meant to take some time today and post a few pics, but it's getting late, so I'll save it for later.
Had a great trip to NY. I realized once again how lucky I am to have the career that I do. I get to experience things that not many others do, and I get paid to be there. I've traveled extensively throughout the years, met some amazingly talented people, played music with some of the best there are. Seen the behind the scenes goings on from the circus, to movies, tv shows, live shows, awards shows and presidential campaigns... you name it. It's amazing when I look back on it all.
But the best thing about Survivor in NY was that my wife was finally able to hang out for the whole thing and experince it as well. I wasn't just coming home after the job and telling her all the stories like usual. I was really glad she could get the first hand version this time. I've tried to explain how lucky I am to my kids and I think now that they're old enough to understand, they finally start to get it. Especially since coming home from NY, and particpating in something that they were interested in.

Can't stress enough how important it is to do something that you love to do in life. I work every day with a really great team of people at Cyan, work other music jobs with other composers and musicians around the country that have almost all become great friends. I get to hear my music and playing in films and video games and tv shows. It really is a wonderful life. Doesn't hurt to have a great wife and kids, and a beautiful place to live. I'm a very fortunate human being. I hope you can take a moment now and then to look at the things in your own life that are unique to you and appreciate them. I'm sure I don't do it enough.

4/29

2005-04-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

Will be doing some consulting for Valve, so I played some of HL2 today. Great game. I think they really know how to keep someone engaged. It's more than just a shooter. There's a great story, and you really feel a part of what unfolds. Great physics interaction, and interesting sound. Very abtract in places, simple, but extremely well done. I'm looking forward to contributing. I'm really resigned to the fact that the game industry survives on shooters and sports games. we're seeing what has happened to Myst, and without that reaction being required of the player, as well as the game reacting to the player, people aren't that interested in just story telling in a game anymore. Don't get me wrong, I think that what the Myst series started and continued with is brilliant. I love the aesthetic of the games, and exploring new worlds, but hey, I can do that in HL2, and I get to blow things up.... Isn't that what most gamers are looking for? Kind of sad. Myst almost has a season really. You kind of want to hunker down in a dark, cozy corner to play Myst. Put the blanket on, throw a log on the fire... that sort of thing. However, it's Spring now, and I want to shoot things and ride around on hoverboats.... Anyway, I'm thinking tht we've technologied ourselves out of the wonder of the beauty that exists in a Myst game. Heck, you can do that in a shooter now. I really wonder what the next gaming frontier will be. Anybody?

4/28

2005-04-28T21:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's official. I'm going to NY in a few weeks to play on the Survivor season finale/reunion show. What amazes me about all this is that I've known Russ for about 5 years, only via email. And, I did a session for him for Survivor never having heard his voice nor him hearing mine. Until a week ago, we were only pixals to one another although we had corresponded and knew histories etc. Amazing what technology has done. Good or bad? I think it's great. He actually heard me play trumpet before ever talking with me. And even that was transmitted over the internet. I did some work a while back for one of the 48 hours investigates composers, and we finally spoke after he recieved my files, and was rather disappointed that it wasn't done totally electronically, from transfering the parts, to using Paypal for the fee. I did realize that I do miss the live interaction of playing with other players, especially since Spokane is so dry when it comes to live opportunities. Feel like I'm coming out of semi-retirement to play the gig. Looking forward ot being abck in NY again though, and Russ sounds like a fun guy to hang out with. My wife is coming along as well and were stretching out the the 4 day trip to 5. Playing at the Ed Sullivan theater. Should be quite a gig. I'll keep you posted.
Gotta get some parts transcribed for the show, although IO'm guessing most of it will be a live jam session of sorts. Can't wait.

3/28

2005-03-28T21:05:00.000-08:00

It's been interesting to me how these things go in cycles. The last few days, there has been several calls out of the blue about job offers. One I'm only toying with at the moment is overseas. Would be quite an adventure, and sometimes I think that is what life is really about. Not always working in your comfort zone, but taking risks here and there. It's one of those things that really looks scary at the moment, but in 10 years when you look back on it, you'd be really thrilled that it happened. For both you and your family. Still, the possibility is extremely remote, and I'm not sure if I'm really that type of thrill seeker.
Still working hard on M5, and really looking forward to wrapping it up. Getting headaches staring at my computer for 12 hours a day. So why the heck am I writing this, spending even more time at the computer...... CYA.

3/24

2005-03-24T21:02:00.000-08:00

First time for everything. 1st blog entry.
Been wanting to do this although i'm not sure why... but here goes.
Been working like a dog trying to get the M5 music completed along with the rest of the sound design. Lots of work, late hours etc. Hoping for that light at the end of the tunnel soon. Sure is an incredible relief when it's done though. Just finished the score for the endings yesterday. Felt quite a weight lift off my shoulders getting that done. That is the most difficult to score, trying to set the moods, create tension and relief for a 7 minute cue. Looking forward to a possible film score gig this summer that will test those skills to the fullest I'm sure, although I'm told there are quite a few fight scenes that they're looking forward to having my percussive style of music create the underscore for. Should be quite a challenge, but also quite a bit of fun.
Just got my new studio and house up and running a few weeks ago. I'll post some pics as soon as I figure out how. It's great to have a complette studio at home to work as well as the office. Just need to get this room heated right and I'll be in business. Tends to get a bit chilled in here during the Winter. The heater vent doesn't put out enough for the square footage.
We built the house over the last year on 10 acres in Green Bluff, on the side of a hill overlooking a valley. It's definitely more than I deserve, but I guess I'll stay anyway.
Guess that'll do for now. Should be interesting to see who stumbles across this blog. Not planning on publicizing it.
I'll be back soon.