Golden Dragon Interview: David John

[BenWH]

Today we have an interview with David John, who won the Golden Dragon for Best Sound/Music for NWN for 2006. He talks about his inspirations, how he got into NWN, how he composes work and the Mysteries of Westgate adventure pack...

How did you first get involved with NWN?

First and foremost I was interested in NWN as a gamer - I couldn't wait for it to come out.  After playing the game for awhile and attempting to create some modules (don't ask!). I decided that I would try my hand at creating some music for NWN.  I had already been a musician for 10 or so years at that point, but NWN really got me interested in composing for games specifically.

Initially I created some music for various persistent worlds, and as I became more acquainted with the community I got in touch with a mod group intent on bringing the Dragonlance Chronicles to life, DLA.

You did a lot of work in 2006 (for which you won your Golden Dragon Award). Which was your favourite project or favourite piece to work on?

The projects that come to mind for 2006 are Darkeness Over Daggerford for Ossian Studios, Tyrants of the Moonsea for Alazander and of course Wyvern Crown of Cormyr developed by DLA for BioWare.  Initially all three of these modules were slated for Premium Module releases. Unfortunately DoD and TotM didn't get released as premium modules. Nevertheless, the music was done and Ossian and Alazander both decided forge on and release their creations.

I can't say I have a specific project or piece that is my personal favourite.  All of the projects were enjoyable experiences.  I had the opportunity to learn, create and generally have lots of fun with some very bright and friendly people

Was 2007 another good year?
It was, the majority of my time composing for games was working with Alan Miranda and Ossian once again on the upcoming Mysteries of Westgate adventure pack.  An exciting project to be a part of, and I can't wait till the seedy underbelly of Westgate makes its appearance on NWN2 fans monitors.

I composed approximately 25 minutes of music for MoW.  My intent was  to capture nature of the story unfolding, as well as the melting pot of cultural variety that abounds in a port town such as Westgate.

How do you get the inspiration for your music?
If a game is in a playable state – it's a great source of direction and inspiration.  Characters, story, the setting and concept art are also great sources to 'get in the mood'.

Beyond drawing directly from the project I'm working on, I believe artists of any kind draw heavily on their own individual experiences throughout life and apply those events to whatever they may be creating; consciously or not.

Of course, I get a lot of  inspiration from composers such as Debussy, Ravel, Holst, Stravinsky and many more!

Could you briefly describe how you put a track together?

As a whole my approach has changed quite a bit over time.  Initially I focus on the general emotion I'm trying evoke from the piece, be it a sense of ethereal wonder, frantic combat or a fun tavern tune.  I then proceed to compose the barebones structure of the piece on piano, or sometimes guitar.  At this point, its time to start orchestrating, choose your instruments, range, voicings and so on. Finally it's time to mix and master the piece for the game.  Setting levels and making sure the volume is right.

That said, it really is a different process for each track.  Sometimes I'll sit down with a great idea and it falls flat, and others times I'll sit down with absolutely no clue what I'm going to do and it just comes together.

What are you up to now?
I have a few upcoming projects.  Unfortunately I cannot elaborate on what or who they are for at this point.

Thanks to David John for taking the time to do this interview. We're looking forward to hearing his creations in Mysteries of Westgate...

Want to listen to some of David John's music? You can check out the music for Tyrants here

[QSW]

An excellent interview folks, David sounds like a very interesting fellow as well as a 'talent'. I'm enjoying reading these interviews very much, keep em coming won't you?

[kookoo]

Good interview.  I find it very impressive when custom music is introduced into modules.