i've noticed an interesting phenomenon slowly rising. music and video games are melding. i'm not really sure where it's going, but it's beginning to snowball a little. i'll hear about someone doing something here and there but i've yet to hear anyone report about the actual movement. the public is incorporating games into their own culture! is gaming going to translate well to music? it’s been an uphill battle with films (tomb raider, final fantasy, resident evil, etc.).
mtv has a show called video mods special. they make music videos with video game assets. although it’s a boring show, mtv is offering us two of our favorite things at once -- games and music. my last entry tells you what i think about this.
it's been reported that several rap acts have produced music with video game music samples. like, bubba sparx & outkast. note to readers: if you know the titles of these songs, please write me!
malcolm mclaren, ex-sex pistol manager is throwing a party on january 8th in italy celebrating this collaboration. his latest joy, hong kong’s wild strawberries will be appearing alongside gameboy musicians -- kids who use our favorite subway companions to create electronic music. mclaren declares the sound, “underground, authentic and sexy.”
sibling duo made up of hot teen actress, taryn manning and her brother, kellin, called boomkat is generating positive press for their unique sound. the ny times ran a profile on them awhile back. the times link is no longer free, but you can read a full reprinted version here. from this story, my friends over at gamegirladvance wrote a short article on making music with gaming tools. msnbc did too.
in florida there is a four person band called the neskimos. they take nintendo theme songs and translate them to rock. they’re also friends with the mini bosses who do the same thing. why can't these midi cover bands find the same success as punk band, the ataris? kris roe, band leader, named his group after his favorite console. he had after all, collected about 550 games. dedicated to his craft he is.
anyone who loves video games probably has a favorite theme song. mine is the classic donkey kong song. this song is always in my head along with the wacka wacka noise of mario’s movements as he desperately attempts to climb ladders, jump barrels and rescue the princess. it's old and simple. much how i like most things these days.
gamespot has already written a short history of video game music. if you’ve forgotten your favorite gaming theme song, you’ll most likely find a few after tuning into the number one 24 hour video game music radio station. ok, time to rock out to some mario music.
for an exciting cross-breed sample, check out marxy's short song, super ashika adventure.
update: reader john conley offered this fine example: Game Over by Li'l Flip (Houston, TX). thanks john!
