Andrew Hulshult: '90s FPS Pioneer Talks New Games, Music

This extensive interview with Andrew Hulshult, a prominent composer for video games and burgeoning film scores, delves deep into his career, creative process, and personal influences. From his early work on the Rise of the Triad (ROTT) 2013 soundtrack, where he successfully blended his unique style with the legacy of the original, to his contributions to high-profile titles like DOOM Eternal's DLC and Nightmare Reaper, Hulshult discusses the challenges and rewards of video game music composition.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Early career: Hulshult recounts his unexpected entry into the industry, initially working on a canceled Duke Nukem project, and how that led to opportunities with Apogee and the creation of the ROTT 2013 soundtrack. He reflects on the steep learning curve, navigating industry challenges, and the crucial balance between artistic vision and financial stability.

• Misconceptions about video game music: He addresses the common misconception that game music is easy, highlighting the complexities of understanding game design philosophies, collaborating with developers, and advocating for creative choices.

• Evolution as a musician: Hulshult's journey from remaking classic FPS soundtracks to crafting his own distinctive style is explored. He discusses the evolution of his sound, his move towards more metal-influenced compositions, and how he avoids being typecast.

• Game-specific soundtracks: The interview dives into the creation of soundtracks for ROTT 2013, Bombshell, Dusk, AMID EVIL (including its DLC, composed during a family emergency), Nightmare Reaper, and Prodeus. Hulshult shares anecdotes about his creative process, collaborations with developers, and the unique challenges of each project.

• Gear and setup: Hulshult details his current guitar setup, pedals, amps, and recording process, offering insights into his preferences and how they influence his sound.

• Iron Lung soundtrack: He briefly discusses his work on the soundtrack for the upcoming Markiplier film, Iron Lung, highlighting the differences between composing for film versus games and the collaborative nature of the project.

• IDKFA and DOOM Eternal DLC: The interview focuses on Hulshult's work on the IDKFA soundtrack and its subsequent official release for the DOOM Eternal DLC. He explains the process of revisiting and remastering the original tracks, creating new music for DOOM II, and his collaboration with id Software. He also addresses the popularity of "Blood Swamps" and the challenges of its limited availability.

• Future projects: Hulshult offers a glimpse into his future projects and discusses the possibility of remastering past soundtracks.

• Personal influences: He shares his favorite bands and artists, both within and outside of the video game industry, and discusses his musical inspirations.

• Daily life and routine: The interview concludes with a discussion of Hulshult's daily life, his approach to maintaining a creative routine, and his thoughts on balancing work and personal life.

Throughout the interview, Hulshult's passion for music, his collaborative spirit, and his insightful reflections on the creative process shine through. The interview is a valuable resource for aspiring game composers and music enthusiasts alike. The included images remain in their original format and location.