Magnus Pålsson is a composer best known for their soundtrack for the video game VVVVVV under the artist name Souleye. He opens up about ego death, creativity, and building a gamified platform for personal growth. A raw, inspiring conversation about transformation, vulnerability, and what it means to live truthfully in a digital age.

MAGNUS LINKS:

Website: https://www.magnuspalsson.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2wguicPfR7ne0MDX7mYPRq?si=z153KlHtQPGc0SzT4I1KSw

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/fi/artist/magnus-p%C3%A5lsson/806918599

Bandcamp: https://souleyedigitalmusic.bandcamp.com/album/pppppp-the-vvvvvv-soundtrack

X: https://x.com/MagnusRender

Markus Junnikkala is a Composer from Finland.

https://www.markusjunnikkala.com/

Support this podcast by becoming a member:

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) - Technical Issues and Settling In

(00:02:00) - Moving to Portugal for Economic Reasons

(00:04:00) - From Music to Investments and Personal Growth

(00:08:00) - Gamifying Personal Development

(00:12:00) - Transparency, Public Growth, and Personal Accountability

(00:16:00) - Magnus’s Ego Death Experience

(00:24:00) - Living Without an Ego and Resetting Perceptions

(00:28:00) - Integrating the Shadow and Emotional Maturity

(00:34:00) - Impact on Creativity and Expressing a Wider Emotional Range

(00:40:00) - Music, Hopefulness, and Emotional Complexity

(00:46:00) - The Return of the Inner Voice

(00:53:00) - Managing the Ego's Influence in Daily Life

(00:57:00) - Relational Meditation and Circling Practice Explained

(01:03:00) - Building a Gamified Growth Platform

(01:09:00) - Truth, Trolling, and Documenting Transformation

(01:17:00) - Philosophy, AI, and the Search for Truth

(01:19:00) - Facing AI and Redefining Human Connection

(01:23:00) - Human Imperfections and the Future of Authenticity

(01:27:00) - AI Adapting to Mimic Humanity

(01:31:00) - The Futility and Beauty of Seeking Truth

(01:35:00) - Finding Joy in Simplicity and Process

(01:39:00) - Early Music Career and Unexpected Opportunities

(01:44:00) - The Strange Story Behind Magnus’s First Game Soundtrack

(01:49:00) - Creative Integrity Versus External Expectations

(01:55:00) - Sustaining Creativity Amidst Day Jobs and Long Commutes

(02:00:00) - Using Old-School Trackers to Compose Legendary Music

(02:04:00) - Evolving Creativity and Embracing New Horizons

(02:10:00) - Gaming, Childhood Inspirations, and Musical Beginnings

(02:15:00) - The Role of Play and Joy in Developing Skills

(02:20:00) - Building a New Life Focused on Passion Projects

(02:30:00) - Creating a Gamified Platform for Growth and Connection

(02:38:00) - Life Philosophy: Living Authentically and Courageously

(02:45:00) - Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Mudeth is a composer from Bangalore, best known for his soundtrack for The Binding of Isaac Antibirth OST.

MUDETH LINKS:

Website: https://www.mudeth.org/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mudeth

'The Unsung' (Mudeth's podcast): https://unsung.mudeth.org/The_Good_and_the_Flawed

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ERwcThkHmFXYHH3TagPOY?si=AjEodAaXRZOAEUhbS4fZLA

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mudeth/1189772212

Bandcamp: https://mudeth.bandcamp.com/

X: https://x.com/htedum

LINKS FOR THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

The Bioacoustics podcast: https://india.mongabay.com/2024/07/podcast-wild-frequencies-find-wildlfe-with-bioacoustics/

Knytt (video game): https://archive.org/details/Knytt

Iji (video game): https://www.remar.se/daniel/iji.php

Markus Junnikkala is a Composer from Finland.

https://www.markusjunnikkala.com/

Support this podcast by becoming a member:

https://markusjunnikkala.com/membership/

Want me to answer your question? Ask it on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/markusjunnikkala/

https://www.facebook.com/markusjunnikkala/

https://x.com/markusjunnikkal

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https://www.reddit.com/user/markusjunnikkala/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusjunnikkala/

Subscribing, sharing, and liking helps the podcast.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Intro & The Binding of Isaac Mod Origins

(00:05:00) Burnout from Ad Work & Discovering Creative Joy

(00:12:00) Artistic Integrity vs Client Expectations

(00:20:00) Artist vs Craftsperson: Personal Philosophy

(00:25:00) Fan Favorites and Musical References

(00:30:00) Cultural Influences Growing Up in India

(00:35:00) Host’s Background and Creative Journey

(00:43:00) Making Indie Games: Breachway Development

(00:49:00) Perfectionism, Releasing Music, and Artistic Growth

(00:56:00) Creative Process and Avoiding Overthinking

(01:04:00) Knowing When to Let Go of a Song

(01:10:00) Early Childhood, Curiosity, and Synth Exploration

(01:20:00) Computer Music, Trackers, and DAW Evolution

(01:30:00) Creative Confidence and Trusting Instincts

(01:40:00) Learning Through Releasing Music

(01:50:00) Mixing Tricks & Gaining Perspective

(02:00:00) Fixing Weak Sections and Structural Flow

(02:10:00) Letting Go & Binary Nature of Art

(02:20:00) Music, Emotion, and Avoiding False Satisfaction

(02:30:00) Playfulness, Simplicity, and Authenticity

(02:45:00) Final Reflections on Growth and Creativity

Damjan Mravunac is a Croatian composer and musician, best known for his music for the Serious Sam video game series, as well as the Talos Principle 1 and 2 video games.

DAMJAN LINKS:

Website: http://www.damjanmravunac.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4JCHmi2aI31AP3VsVKE2ks?si=dCSHw9drRGa0doPgjPReJA

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/fi/artist/damjan-mravunac/726774063

Bandcamp: https://damjanmravunac.bandcamp.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Parenting

(00:05:02) Music Tech & Production

(00:14:05) Personal Music Journey

(00:24:50) First Gig, Croteam, Serious Sam

(00:31:24) Dreaming Big, Creative Restriction

(00:38:25) Procrastination, Workflow, Routine

(00:45:07) Sound Design

(01:01:09) Studio Setup, Remote Work

(01:14:00) Networking, Game Music Industry, Advice for New Composers

(01:28:15) Talos Principle 1 and 2

(01:45:07) Inspiration, Composition, and Mixing

(02:00:45) Approach to Game Soundtracks

(02:07:31) Mixing and Composing Simultaneously

(02:16:15) Evolution of Technology in Music

(02:27:29) Impact of War on Creativity

(02:30:03) Digital Technology's Impact on Creativity

(02:34:06) Work-Life Balance and Parenting

(02:41:07) Passion for Music and Creative Process

(02:48:20) Fitness Journey and Health

(02:56:24) Future Projects and Aspirations

(03:00:42) Definition of an Artist

(03:10:13) Message sent to Everyone's Smartphone

Markus Junnikkala is a Composer from Finland.

https://www.markusjunnikkala.com/

Want me to answer your question?

Ask it on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/markusjunnikkala/

https://www.facebook.com/markusjunnikkala/

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https://www.reddit.com/user/markusjunnikkala/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusjunnikkala/

Subscribing, sharing, and liking helps the podcast.

Paul Kilduff-Taylor is a composer and artist known for his music as nervous_testpilot as well as _ensnare_. He is also the co-founder of Mode 7, an indie game publisher and development company, known for titles like Frozen Synapse, Fight in Tight Spaces, and Tokyo 42.

PAUL KILDUFF-TAYLOR LINKS:

https://www.nervoustestpilot.com/

https://www.mode7.games/

X: https://x.com/mode7games

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mode7games/

nervous_testpilot Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7zhakwCorTNUwe17WxD3kh?si=Iuf-uikKTKqr9BTCqhe_5A

_ensnare_ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1XYSXyGl3WXrHN7EPBQ1fc?si=bPiDLZzqQHq5Ood8dbfUAg

nervous_testpilot Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/fi/artist/nervous-testpilot/192738401

_ensnare_ Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/fi/artist/ensnare/888028958

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Intro

(02:19:00) Emotional and Spiritual Connection in Music

(05:02:00) Podcast Goals

(07:52:00) Branding Challenges as an Artist

(12:30:00) Game Development background

(15:04:00) Personal Background

(15:12:00) Early Life and Family

(16:46:00) Technology Exposure in Childhood

(18:00:00) Relationship with Technology

(21:30:00) Childhood, Family

(24:21:00) Risk Management, Anxiety, Collaboration

(30:20:00) Early Music Exposure

(32:23:00) Music as a Career Consideration

(39:04:00) Humour in Music and Life

(47:27:00) Early Career in Game Development and Music

(56:02:00) Frozen Synapse (2011)

(01:02:03) Mixing music, Sound selection, Retaining Emotion

(01:06:53) Dynamic Music in Video Games

(01:11:15) Creativity vs. Technical Precision

(01:20:30) Approach to SNES Style Music

(01:34:01) Music Technology in Composition

(01:37:01) Inspiration

(01:42:01) Compositional process

(01:45:01) Musical Influences

(01:53:22) Non-musical Influences

(01:57:50) Time Management and Work Structure

(02:00:30) Balancing Work and Personal Life

(02:05:54) Challenges with Sleep and Coping Mechanisms

(02:15:00) Emotion and Decision Making

(02:23:33) Music Tech Talk

(02:30:02) Mixing Techniques

(02:45:02) Upcoming Exciting Music Tech

(02:49:42) Balancing Work and Life

(02:56:05) Future Plans and Projects

(02:59:12) Definition of an Artist

(03:18:33) Message Sent to Everyone's Phone

Markus Junnikkala is a Composer from Finland.

https://www.markusjunnikkala.com/

Want me to answer your question?

Ask it on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/markusjunnikkala/

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https://www.reddit.com/user/markusjunnikkala/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusjunnikkala/

Subscribing, sharing, and liking helps the podcast.

Peppsen (Petter Sumelius) is a Finnish composer now residing in Sweden. He is known for his music mod for the video game Rimworld, as well as Shapez; a factory-building and automation game. He is also the composer for the upcoming and awaited Shapez 2.

PEPPSEN LINKS:

Website: https://www.peppsen.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Peppsen

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VmuJa5WFTghyy3P2ng9HO?si=CbcW9Q5VQZS0jogbNYssiw

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/fi/artist/peppsen/1439733884

Bandcamp: https://peppsen.bandcamp.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

• (00:00:00) Intro
• (06:43:00) Background, growing up, family, hobbies
• (22:12:00) Video game influence
• (30:01:00) Music theory, Playing instruments
• (45:01:00) Early DAW experiences, Adolescence, Music mods
• (49:06:00) Pursuing music as a profession
• (01:02:05) Work process, Mindset, Networking
• (01:10:30) Creative freedom, Constraints, Feedback
• (01:42:02) Silence in music, dynamic/adaptive music in games
• (01:48:15) Full-time job and composition, finances
• (01:57:40) Profession VS Hobby
• (02:00:02) Expectations, Pressure, Criticism
• (02:17:03) Iterative Process of Creation
• (02:20:16) Sources of Inspiration
• (02:25:04) Avicii
• (02:30:05) Cost of living, Music gear, Software Updates
• (02:36:13) Inspiration (continued)
• (02:38:56) Life and work balance, Collaboration, Time management
• (02:47:47) Software and Virtual Instruments
• (02:50:19) Using Loops in Composition
• (03:03:24) Definition of an Artist
• (03:07:08) Message to Everyone's Smartphone
• (03:12:10) Wrapping up

Markus Junnikkala is a Composer from Finland.

https://www.markusjunnikkala.com/

Want me to answer your question?

Ask it below in the comments or on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/markusjunnikkala/

https://www.facebook.com/markusjunnikkala/

https://twitter.com/markusjunnikkal

https://www.twitch.tv/markusjunnikkala

https://www.reddit.com/user/markusjunnikkala/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusjunnikkala/

Subscribing, sharing, and liking helps the podcast.

Chris Christodoulou is a composer based in Athens, Greece, writing music for video games (Risk of Rain series, The Sea Will Claim Everything), movies and other media (audio drama Gospels of the Flood), as well as stand-alone compositions.

CHRIS CHRISTODOULOU LINKS:

Website: https://www.chrischristodoulou.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/63OPPk7uHFdcpTuOFYpNfV?si=ZChNAaDnQGenP5pdEDnWOw

Bandcamp: https://chrischristodoulou.bandcamp.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AstronautDown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astronautdown

X: https://twitter.com/AstronautDown

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Workspace, Workflow, Need for change, Gear Organization

(14:01:00) Value of the long-form conversation format

(25:04:00) Turning professional, Creative freedom, Work project selection

(39:58:00) Early life, Upbringing, Parental influence on music, Cultural influences

(56:25:00) Realizing and pursuing a career in music, Band Environment

(01:06:30) Evolution of music culture, Formalized music education, Impact of social media on musicianship, Value of being an Instrumentalist

(01:15:04) Understanding musical instruments as a composer, Importance of musical education

(01:22:42) Creativity, Inspiration, and the Creative process

(01:30:00) Originality in music composition, Studying music theory in Athens

(01:38:22) Studying music for film in Amsterdam, Love for film editing

(01:46:42) Reinventing yourself, Personal growth, Social pressure and expectations

(01:54:35) Becoming a video game composer, Proactivity, Dealing with rejection

(02:01:27) Taking risks, Trusting your creative intuition

(02:05:06) Inspiration beyond music

(02:14:32) Writing process, Creative block, Dealing with negative thoughts

(02:21:03) Work-Life balance, Becoming a father

(02:27:50) Lovecraftian themes and gaming

(02:30:48) Risk of Rain soundtrack process

(02:33:09) Daily routine and Creative process

(02:39:11) Knowing when to step away, Taking breaks

(02:44:30) Excitement about new audio gear, Thoughts on overreliance on modern tools

(02:56:38) Lessons learned from cats

(03:00:01) Lessons learned by becoming a parent

(03:05:59) Definition of an Artist

(03:10:13) Message sent to everyone's smartphone

(03:12:02) Finland and Greece

Adam Fligsten is a composer for games and other media, based in Los Angeles, California. Video game credits include Outreach (Pixel Spill) and Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, and his music has been licensed to countless TV shows and commercials. He is the founder of Silen Audio, a full service video game audio house, and also now maker of virtual instruments.

ADAM FLIGSTEN LINKS:

Website: https://adamfligsten.com/

Silen Audio: https://www.silen.audio/

https://x.com/adamfligsten?s=20

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:01:09) - Creativity and sleep patterns

(00:05:14) - Credits

(00:07:03) - Silent Audio

(00:10:12) - Background and upbringing

(00:15:03) - Live music, studio music, working in a band

(00:16:28) - Transitioning towards electronic music

(00:18:59) - Music as a coping mechanism

(00:21:14) - Music as a teacher and inspiration

(00:24:05) - Pursuing music professionally

(00:29:58) - Staying creative while working another job

(00:35:03) - Negotiation skills

(00:38:00) - Longevity in a career as a film composer

(00:43:08) - Finding passion in media composition

(00:49:42) - Experience working for a composer

(00:52:52) - Adaptability and growth

(00:59:03) - Managing stress in high-pressure situations.

(01:01:28) - Leadership - Cultivating a positive atmosphere

(01:11:23) - Experience at UCLA's music composition program

(01:15:00) - Education and Transition to Entrepreneurship

(01:19:25) - Business Lessons Learned

(01:30:06) - Building Trust and Collaboration in the Creative Industry

(01:32:45) - Selling Yourself as a Composer

(01:36:00) - Understanding Clients' Needs and Expectations

(01:45:04) - Pouring Heart and Soul into Work

(01:46:17) - Commitment to Artistry

(01:51:30) - Effective Branding as a Composer

(01:56:20) - Transitioning to Full-time Entrepreneurship

(02:00:00) - Existential fear and dread

(02:11:19) - Time and the creative process

(02:15:01) - Trusting instincts

(02:19:01) - Challenges of maintaining inspiration

(02:22:08) - Ego, humility, and the creative process

(02:30:03) - Work and self-worth.

(02:35:22) - Infinite Flow Synth

(02:42:49) - Importance of interface design

(02:45:03) - Silen Audio future plans

(02:52:28) - Retaining creativity

(02:55:52) - Definition of an artist

(02:58:48) - Message sent to everyone’s smartphone

Arnaud Roy is a composer, music producer, and sound designer. He has written music for video games and films, and is most notably known for composing the music for Amplitude Studios' Endless video game series, Humankind, and Neoproxima.

ARNAUD ROY LINKS:

http://www.arnaudroy.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ArnaudRoyMusic/

https://www.instagram.com/arnaudroymusic/

https://twitter.com/ArnaudRoyMusic

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:02:18) - The Harp, professional harp players, harp tech

(00:11:04) - Early life

(00:15:01) - Music education and classical music

(00:19:14) - Finding the bass guitar

(00:21:31) - Discovering improvisation

(00:26:15) - Benefits of classical music education

(00:28:00) - Hands-on instrument playing as a part of composition

(00:29:04) - Early life continued

(00:34:20) - Choosing a career path

(00:39:02) - Discovering compositional potential

(00:45:02) - Texture and flow as compositional elements

(00:47:10) - Sound design and mixing for animation

(00:54:00) - Perfectionism

(00:57:23) - Reflecting on career milestones

(01:02:34) - Childhood influences

(01:09:27) - Non-musical sources of inspiration

(01:12:05) - Musical influences

(01:25:31) - Composition process

(01:30:54) - Collaboration and Creativity

(01:34:05) - Personal Limits and Style

(01:39:06) - Balancing Work and Life

(01:49:51) - Dealing with Creative Blocks

(01:54:12) - Studio Setup and Gear

(02:06:05) - Mixing

(02:19:55) - Overcoming Challenges and Maintaining Perspective

(02:25:40) - Live Music Performances

(02:35:03) - Collaboration with Amplitude Studios

(02:42:21) - Qualities in Collaborators

(02:47:04) - Definition of an Artist

(02:49:57) - Message to Everyone's Smartphone