Andrew Hulshult 2024 Interview: DOOM IDKFA, Blood Swamps, DUSK, Iron Lung, AMID EVIL, Music, Guitars, Cold Brew Coffee, and More

This extensive interview with Andrew Hulshult, a renowned video game composer, delves deep into his career, creative process, and musical influences. From his early work on the canceled Duke Nukem 3D Reloaded and Rise of the Triad: 2013 to his acclaimed contributions to DOOM Eternal DLC, Nightmare Reaper, Amid Evil, and Prodeus, Hulshult discusses the challenges and rewards of composing for video games.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including:

• His career trajectory: Hulshult recounts his initial foray into game music, the unexpected surge in demand after leaving 3D Realms, and the continuous learning process involved in navigating the industry. He emphasizes the importance of balancing artistic vision with financial stability.

• Misconceptions about video game music: He addresses the common misconception that video game music is easy and underappreciated, highlighting the complexities of understanding and respecting a game's design philosophy while still injecting personal creativity.

• Specific game soundtracks: He delves into the creative process behind his work on Rise of the Triad: 2013, Bombshell, Nightmare Reaper, Amid Evil (including the impact of a family emergency on the DLC soundtrack), and Prodeus, discussing his approach to blending his personal style with the game's aesthetic. He reveals interesting anecdotes, such as the whiskey and coffee-fueled nights composing for Rise of the Triad.

• Musical influences and style: Hulshult discusses his metal influences, the evolution of his style beyond metal, and his ability to create unique soundscapes for diverse games. He addresses concerns about being typecast and explains how he avoids this by experimenting with various instruments and genres.

• Gear and equipment: He details his current guitar setup, including his preferred guitars, pickups, strings, amps, and effects pedals, offering insights into his recording process.

• Working on the Iron Lung film soundtrack: He shares his experiences composing for film, working with Markiplier, and the impact of a larger budget on his approach to composition.

• Chiptune album Dusk 82: Hulshult discusses his foray into chiptune music and the unique challenges of working within the limitations of the format.

• Remastering and revisiting past work: He discusses the process of remastering the IDKFA soundtrack and the challenges of balancing preservation with modernizing the sound.

• The DOOM Eternal DLC: He recounts his experience working on the IDKFA and DOOM Eternal DLC soundtracks, the collaboration with id Software, and the popularity of the "Blood Swamps" track.

• Musical tastes and influences: He shares his favorite bands and artists, both within and outside the video game industry, and discusses his thoughts on the recent works of Metallica and other bands.

• Future projects and aspirations: He speculates on potential future projects, including the possibility of composing for a Duke Nukem reboot or Minecraft.

The interview concludes with Hulshult sharing his coffee preferences and reflecting on his career journey. The interview is interspersed with embedded YouTube videos showcasing his work. The overall tone is informal and engaging, offering a candid glimpse into the life and work of a highly talented and respected video game composer.