Music Interviews

Star Wars: Squadrons, created by Motive Studios and published by Electronic Arts, gives players the  authentic thrill of piloting an Imperial or New Republic ship for missions that extend the story beyond the Battle of Endor. Composer Gordy Haab says he was thrilled to provide a high-octane soundtrack that let him reconnect with the excitementl of pretending he was piloting fighters as a kid.

Signs of the Sojourner, created by Echo Dog Games, is all about building relationships, making connections and exploring the wider world. As the main character, you are tasked with restocking your late mother's store in the quiet town of Bartow. Composer Steve Pardow of Skewsound says this was a dream project to work on. He created an intimate folksy sound, giving each intriguing town you visit its own character.

It's 1907 and President Teddy Roosevelt has been kidnapped! That's the premise of Barttlow's Dread Machine, a fantastic creation by Tribetoy and Beep Games, which looks as if the mechanical game actually dates from 1907. Now that the full game and soundtrack have been released, I caught up with composer Steve Kirk, who filled me in on how he created a (mostly) authentic soundtrack with period instruments including a temperamental banjo.

Metamorphosis, created by the studio Ovid Works, is inspired by the Kafka story of the same name.  There's a bit of the plot of The Trial woven into the story as well.  The main character, Gregor, finds he's been turned into an insect, and it's up to him to investigate why his friend Joseph has been taken away to be interrogated. Both Mikolai Stroinski and Garry Schyman say working on the soundtrack was one of the most artistically rewarding projects they've ever done.

The Stamford Symphony Orchestra is presenting a virtual Gala, "Together Again," on October 24.  Music Director Michael Stern invited long-time friend, world-renowned violin virtuoso Pinchas Zukerman to be part of the celebration.  Kate Remington talks with both of them.