An ode to more discreet music
In a video posted on his personal channel, Austin Wintory tells how he learned the happy news and obviously thanks all his colleagues and the public who gave him their support. He also delivers a most necessary speech by showing to what extent, usually, this kind of ceremonies has the habit of ignoring a certain type of soundtrack and explains why a gaming soundtrack should be celebrated:
“ When composers have to write for something, say a video game, there are two considerations to take into account. On the one hand, are these good songs? Is the melody catchy? Is the orchestration carried out well? The creative and aesthetic aspect in a way. And then there’s a more essential question: does it work as a soundtrack? It’s not just like we’re making albums and then wondering how to put them into games. This music is written to accompany the gameplay. And sometimes the best way to write a good soundtrack is to be subtle in the context of the game. So that doesn’t make the best album to put on Spotify, because sometimes it’s music that’s like a whisper. And one of the sad realities is that music that is often hidden in plain sight like this rarely gets any attention, because we tend to only notice the bolder pieces. »
He compares this to actors’ performances in the cinema, where the ceremonies reward more the artists who impress (and who make a splash) rather than the others who are more discreet but who serve the film perfectly.
Fortunately for him, this year his work was rewarded, but he cannot help but say a word about the work of Lorien Testard, composer of Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33who according to him has succeeded in producing songs that bring together the best of both worlds:
“ I simply have to confide a feeling that is undoubtedly shared by many. A soundtrack like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, by my great friend Lorien Testard… When a soundtrack manages to reach this level, everyone should celebrate it. Because it’s not just a good soundtrack – it is because it serves the moments of the game well, but the depth and subtlety, the nuance that it brings in addition to the pieces that blow our minds… Without forgetting that Sandfall has wonderfully built its game around its music, a rare thing. On top of that, it’s really an excellent album for Spotify, and it’s even become more than that by becoming almost generational […] So I just want to say, that while I don’t want to diminish my accomplishment and the support I’ve received, I would have been absolutely thrilled to be nominated alongside Lorien and see him walk onto the stage [des Grammy Awards]. So I say thank you, and I dedicate this award to Lorien and Sandfall. »
Very fair play, and couldn’t be more interesting to listen to. We can only recommend that you go listen to his work on Sword of the Seawhich is clearly worth the detour (both the soundtrack and the game).