Andrew Hulshult Talks DOOM, AMID EVIL, GUITARS, COLD BREW & MORE

This extensive interview with Andrew Hulshult, a renowned video game composer, delves into his career, creative process, and personal influences. From his early work on projects like Rise of the Triad and Duke Nukem 3D Reloaded to his contributions to major titles such as DOOM Eternal DLC and Nightmare Reaper, Hulshult discusses the evolution of his musical style and the challenges of composing for different game genres.

The conversation touches upon several key aspects:

• Early Career: Hulshult recounts his initial foray into game music, the unexpected surge in demand after leaving 3D Realms, and the valuable lessons learned throughout his career. He emphasizes the importance of balancing artistic vision with financial stability.

• Misconceptions about Game Music: He addresses the common misconception that video game music is easy, highlighting the complexities of understanding a game's atmosphere, collaborating with developers, and advocating for a unique musical direction.

• Specific Game Soundtracks: The interview delves into the creative processes behind soundtracks for various games, including Rise of the Triad 2013, Bombshell, DUSK, Amid Evil, Nightmare Reaper, and Prodeus. Hulshult discusses his approach to reinterpreting existing themes while adding his own signature style, the influence of metal music, and the challenges of balancing diverse musical elements within a game's dynamic environment. He also shares anecdotes about the creative process, including the impact of personal experiences on his work.

• Iron Lung Soundtrack: Hulshult briefly discusses his work on the soundtrack for the Iron Lung film, highlighting the differences between composing for film and games, and his collaboration with Markiplier.

• Dusk 82: He discusses his first chiptune album, Dusk 82, and the unique challenges of composing within the limitations of chiptune technology.

• Gear and Setup: Hulshult details his current guitar setup, including his preferred guitars, pickups, strings, amplifiers, and effects pedals.

• Daily Routine and Influences: He describes his daily routine, emphasizing the importance of sleep and a structured approach to work. He also shares his favorite musical artists and bands, both within and outside the video game industry.

• Hypothetical Projects: The interview concludes with a discussion of hypothetical projects, including which games and films he would like to compose for if given the opportunity.

The interview is interspersed with embedded YouTube videos showcasing Hulshult's work, further enriching the reader's understanding of his musical style and contributions to the video game industry. The interview concludes with a discussion of his favorite coffee – cold brew, black.