This extensive interview with Andrew Hulshult, a prominent video game composer, delves into his career, creative process, and personal preferences. It covers a wide range of topics, from his early work on canceled projects like Duke Nukem 3D Reloaded and Rise of the Triad: 2013 to his more recent contributions to acclaimed titles such as DOOM Eternal DLC, Nightmare Reaper, and Amid Evil.

Hulshult discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding video game music, emphasizing the importance of both artistic integrity and financial stability. He reflects on his evolution as a musician, highlighting the learning curve involved in navigating industry contracts and managing client expectations. He details his unique approach to composing for different games, explaining how he balances personal style with the need to complement the game's atmosphere and design.

The conversation touches upon specific game soundtracks, including his contributions to ROTT 2013, Bombshell, Nightmare Reaper, Amid Evil (and its DLC, including the popular "Splitting Time"), and Prodeus. He shares anecdotes about his creative process, including the influence of his personal life on his work and the collaborative efforts with developers. The interview also explores his work on the upcoming Iron Lung film soundtrack, his collaboration with Markiplier, and the impact of increased budget on his compositional approach.

The interview also delves into Hulshult's equipment and preferences, including his guitar setup (Caparison guitars, Seymour Duncan pickups), amps (Neural DSP Quad Cortex), and effects pedals. He discusses his daily routine, his approach to continuous learning and self-improvement, and his thoughts on various bands and artists, both inside and outside the video game industry. He concludes by sharing his dream projects: composing for a revitalized Duke Nukem game or Minecraft, and scoring a film like Man on Fire or American Gangster.

The interview concludes with a discussion of his favorite musical memorabilia (a rare Great Southern Trendkill vinyl and tour plaque) and his coffee preference (cold brew, black).

You can find more interviews on TouchArcade covering various games and developers.