Famed Aussie producer What So Not and rising Floridian producer/writer Diablo recently made a collaborative song together called OOGAHDAM! and we couldn't help but think that the track's explosive sound echoes the fast-paced, energetic soundtracks of many video games.
It's glitchy, excitable and has a certain urgency to it - much like a video game - so we asked the two producers to recall their favourite games and the songs that they loved on them.
WHAT SO NOT
I remember in Zelda you had to play certain songs on the Ocarina to unlock parts of the game. You could also just play this instrument free form and I was fascinated with bending between notes (later performing this same concept with pitch wheels on synthesisers).
It’s crazy to think and look back at how much influence the music from games had on my writing style. Those themes were incredible.
Apart from the unique scores, video games were also the first places I heard Rage Against The Machine, The Crystal Method, Rancid and many more.
Original Halo Theme by Martin O'Donnell - Halo
Woah. A truly epic game theme. A perfect introduction to the otherworldly story line. I think Halo was the sole reason most of us bought an Xbox in the first place. Might need to do a festival edit for this.
Windmill Hut (Song Of Storms) by Koji Kondo - The Legend Of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time
Zelda was all about fun, catchy AF riffs, medieval in style, setting the tone for the rooms and tasks in front of you.
Lut Gholein (Act II Town) by Matt Uelmen - Diablo 2
This game was littered with intense, dark and broody mood setters. Each score suited to the landscape you found yourself traveling through.
Guerrilla Radio by Rage Against The Machine - Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2
This is where I got my first taste of counterculture rock, breaks and hip hop. Rage Against The Machine, Fu Manchu & The High & Mighty were all featured on this game.
GoldenEye 007 Theme Song by Graeme Norgate, Grant Kirkhope, Robin Beanland - GoldenEye 007
One of the first riffs I ever learned on guitar!
DIABLO
The Legend Of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time Theme - The Legend Of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time
This song is literally my whole childhood, when I listen to it; it reminds me of a simpler time in my life where everything made sense. Sometimes I like to listen to this song to remember nostalgic memories.
Lost Woods - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Sorry to pick two songs from one game but this song makes me so fucking happy every time I listen to it haha.
Luck - HALO 3
Probably the favourite time in my life was when I would get home and log on to my Xbox 360 and play Halo 3 with all my cousins and friends. This is one of the first songs you hear in the Halo 3 campaign. Beautiful.
Kingdom Hearts Theme - Kingdom Hearts
Dearly beloved Kingdom Hearts is one of the coolest games ever and this song makes me so emotional.
Coffee Shop Music - Club Penguin
I wouldn’t feel okay if I didn’t include this one. Club Penguin used to be my favourite game growing up and just brings me good vibes memories.
