GameGrooves Uncovered: Recent Episodes
Peter Gilette, Ro Panuganti, Allen Brasch
GameGrooves Uncovered is a show built around the eponymous community of musicians and cover/remix artists tied to the video game world. We take look at the artists behind VGM, see their inspirations, discuss their growth as an artist, and changes in the landscape. On top all of that we look at the surrounding scene in music, video making, and the V.G.M scene as a whole hoping to stir up inspiration, education, and a growing community of creatives.
Ro chats with Matt Silverburg AKA MarimbaMatt about his newest album "Pokemon: Mostly Marimba Version" as well as his experience performing percussion in the game music space. They break down collaborations, working with a less-common instrument, arranging for live as well as Pokemon as a series!
Participants: Ro Panuganti (He/Him), Matt Silverburg (He/Him)
Plugs:
https://www.youtube.com/@MarimbaMatt913 https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Mgt2K3aFoXa2w2uU7Hbjl https://www.mattsilverbergmusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/marimbamatt913/?hl=en
Ro chats with Nikola Whallon, seasoned chiptune, Balkan, and Klezmer VGM artist about starting a video game music live event in Seattle, Washington. The two chat about other conventions and live venues that host game music, celebrating local and nearby artists, and the event's hopes in the PNW area.
Split Screen Seattle will be hosted at Substation in Ballard, in Seattle, WA on May 8th. Doors open at 7:30PM, and show starts at 8PM. The lineup is Ian Cowell's Exceptional Band of Goblins, Ro Panuganti Prog XP, Super Soul Bros., and dannyBStyle and the venue is 21+. There will also be retro game stations.
Participants: Ro Panuganti (He/Him), Nikola Whallon (He/Him)
Plugs:
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/split-screen-seattle-tickets-1316634311669
Bluesky
Ro chats with guitarist Steven Poissant aka Steven Strums about his debut solo album "Acoustic VGM Vol. 1" and arranging retro and modern songs for acoustic guitar. They chat about early Youtube and the video game music scene in 2010s, working with Sam in Super Guitar Bros., experiences recording the album, and playing live as a solo artist.
Participants: Ro Panuganti (He/Him), Steven Poissant (He/Him)
Plugs:
Bandcamp:
Spotify:
YouTube Channel:
Ro speaks with composer Josh Barron about his work on Fallen Aces: Episode 1 and the process of going from cover-creation to orchestration. They discuss learning as Josh wrote a score across several years, writing techniques, and the power of influential video game music.
Participants: Ro Panuganti (He/Him), Joshua Barron (He/Him)
Plugs:
Official Website: https://joshbarroncomposer.com/home
Bandcamp: http://joshbarronstudios.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/artist/5OnSsTZYZgoL0bJfa8YtNm?si=4oqfOQk1TN6-wqImbGS1DA
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/barronjcomposer.bsky.social
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@joshbarron8961
Ro speaks with Sean about his experiences joining the VGM scene and progressively arranging more collaborations. The two discuss the art of getting into collaboration, being a good arranger/guest, and taking on huge projects like Sean's "Beyond the Sky" music video.
Participants: Ro Panuganti (He/Him), Fuzz Pixels (He/Him)
Plugs:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzrfHr9V4UxTI68yteJSjXA
Ro speaks with composer Chase Bethea about getting into composition for games, Game Jams, experiences working on Aground Zero, Stardander School for Witches, and Sunken Stones' soundtracks, and advice for musicians. The two discuss creative ways to write, celebrating more authentic "pirate soundtrack" tropes, and even the interaction of composers and "remixer/cover artists".
Participants: Ro Panuganti (He/Him), Chase Bethea (He/Him)
Plugs:
https://chasebethea.com/
https://linktr.ee/chasebethea
https://chasebethea.bandcamp.com/music
Ro speaks with Vaughn Rowles about the online game music convention, VGMCon, and the events taking place in person and online. They discuss the variety of performers, many game-music bands formed for the con, and panels hosted at the convention. They also discuss the Game Music Remix Awards as well as the VGM Album Jam for charity happening April 4th-7th, including ways for people to get involved with the convention worldwide.
Participants: Ro Panuganti (He/Him), Vaughn Rowles (He/Him)
Plugs:
https://www.vgmcon.org
https://vgmcon.org/activities/album-jam/
Ro speaks with Epic Game Music AKA James Ronald about his experiences on Youtube and in the video game/nerdcore music scene across a decade, his brand new Snowboard Kids Lo-Fi album, and perspectives on making a career in VGM. The two discuss their enjoyment of Nintendo 64's Snowboard Kids, MAGFest and ConBravo, playing guitar as a lefty, as well as finding shifts in styles as well as James' band Rex Viper.
Participants: Ro Panuganti (He/Him), James Ronald (He/Him)
Plugs:
https://www.youtube.com/EpicGameMusic
www.jamesronaldmusic.com
Ro speaks with Patti Rudisill about her experience creating "Voices in the Dark" and "Dear to the Heart", a Final Fantasy VII Double cover album with arrangements built around violin. They discuss interesting guests inclusions, her experience self-producing a variety of tracks, and how Final Fantasy VII: Remake has influenced arranging classic songs. They also discuss her experience with creating interesting music videos for Youtube, and fan theories for the title Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth.
SPOILER WARNING for Final Fantasy VII (1997) as well as Final Fantasy VII: Remake (2020) from 30:19-45:00, also marked in the podcast!
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Patti Rudisill
Plugs:
https://www.youtube.com/PattiRudisill
https://pattirudisill.com/dark-and-heart
Ro speaks with Alyssa Menes AKA AC Menes about working in game music, sound design, and arranging music for both rock and gaming symphonic groups. They chat about 60s/70s rock, great music coming from the New Jersey Gamer Symphony Orchestra, and what it's like to work on deep cut game music for performances. Lastly the two discuss the upcoming MAGFest music festival in National Harbor MD, what Alyssa plans for her show at the Belvedere, and the great experiences to be had.
The show will be at the Belvedere Lobby Bar on January 19th at 2PM ET
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Alyssa Menes
Plugs:
https://acmenesmusic.com/
https://www.njgso.org/
Ro speaks with Brooke Ferd and Becca Michaelson about their upcoming panel "VGM in Music Education" to be shared at MAGFest 2024 in National Harbor, MD. The three discuss how the panel has grown through its presentation at teacher's conferences and VGMCon 2023, as well as how they've experienced music education as teachers. The trio enjoy the benefits of improving the classroom, inclusive music forms, and how engaging K-12 students with music helps inspire a long-term appreciation.
The panel will be hosted Thursday, January 18th at 5:30PM ET at Panels 6.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Brooke Ferd (Medllix), Becca Michaelson (flootiful)
Plugs:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Flootiful
https://www.youtube.com/@Medllix
https://www.youtube.com/@BeccaMichaelson
Ro speaks with Jay Kim, aka Ronin Op F, about his slew of collaborations, live performances at MAGFest and VGMCon 2023, and his brand new instrumental hip-hop album "Link's Restless Awakening". The two discuss the benefits of joining communities, preparations for good live shows, thoughts on genre "boxes", and how making albums can be therapeutic.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Jay Kim AKA Ronin Op F
Plugs:
https://ffm.to/restlessawakening
https://twitter.com/roninopf
Ro speaks with surf punk/rock and latin rock specialist Audio Mocha/Daniel Florez about his album "Seas of Destiny: A Xenoblade Tropical Tribute" as well as the genre and subculture of surf rock. The two discuss its impact, branching from its 1950s roots, and the many ways it can be arranged for video game music. They also discuss live video game music events and how arranging interesting guitar mods and performances has been, and how the album's creation helped improve various aspects of production.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Audio Mocha
Plugs:
https://audiomocha.bandcamp.com/album/seas-of-destiny-a-xenoblade-tropical-tribute
https://www.audiomocha.com/
Ro speaks with composer Alpha Something about their work scoring the indie game Venba, based on South Indian cooking and the immigrant experience. The two share thoughts on the game, its story, and how composing with inspirations from classic Tamil film scores worked into the game. They discuss Indian food favorites, the navigation of infusing culture into music, the ways Venba tackles key Indian culture, and the "Tandoori Chicken Diet".
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Alpha Something
Plugs:
https://alphasomething.bandcamp.com/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1491670/Venba/
Ro speaks with the folk/medieval music duo Axe & Ale about their formation, debut original album Tavern Melodies: Medieval Lute & Flute Dances of the Hobbits Vol. 1, and the music styles of medieval inspired music and fantasy-driven covers. They discuss working together through online real-time streaming, forming a violin streaming group, and their love of Lord of the Rings, Witcher 3, and more fantasy tales.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Diwa AKA String Player Gamer, Isabelle AKA Firamiel
Plugs:
https://axeale.bandcamp.com/album/tavern-melodies-medieval-lute-flute-dances-of-the-hobbits-vol-1
https://twitter.com/axealemusic
https://twitter.com/firamiel
https://twitter.com/StringPlayerGmr
Ro speaks with Carrie Wood about her experience playing bass and band-leading across live groups like Baltimore Gamer Symphony Orchestra, GameGrooves, performing at VGMCon and the upcoming MAGWest convention, as well as her work in the Quick Save band and duo Bi Score with Ian Cowell. The two chat about their cats, gear, and what it takes to create a collaborative album as well.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Carrie Wood
Plugs:
https://twitter.com/supitscarrie
https://biscore.bandcamp.com/
https://baltimoregso.org/
https://www.magwest.org/
Ro speaks with Jeff Penny about going from arranging to sound design and composition, including Jeff's latest soundtrack and first solo work "The Game of Fourtune" based on a visual novel meets death game. The two discuss the experience of working together on a cover for the game's release, drawing from anime and influences, and marketing your own work.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Jeff Penny
Plugs:
https://jeffpenny.com/
https://jeffpenny.bandcamp.com/album/the-game-of-fourtune-original-soundtrack
Ro speaks with Ian Martyn about his completion of the 2022 GameGrooves Album Challenge, releasing Beyond the Wind, VGM and vocal-driven game music, and a long history of community involvement and instrument playing. They discuss the exciting JRPG vocal music and growing scene for performing game music live, as well as the ability to choose songs for the EP.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Ian Martyn
Plugs:
https://twitter.com/IanMartynMusic
https://ianmartyn.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-the-wind
Ro speaks with Vaughn Rowles about the upcoming VGMCon 2023 in Minneapolis, MN featuring exciting guests, panels, and celebration of game music. The two discuss the event's origins, what viewers can expect, the virtual and streamed music, Gamer's Rhapsody, and what the Zelda theme will bring.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Vaughn Rowles
Plugs:
https://vgmcon.org/
https://twitter.com/VGMCon
Ro speaks with Mahn about his new album Mode 8 featuring classic SNES tracks arranged for heavy metal and includes a variety of collaborators from the VGM Space. The two discuss Mahn's interests in game music and playing guitar, exploring the community, as well as performing live and virtually in different game music spaces.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Mahn AKA MahnPlaysMusic
Plugs:
https://mahn.bandcamp.com/album/mode-8
https://www.youtube.com/mahnkiman2
Ro speaks with Austin Green (Katajun) about the upcoming WASD project's album ESCAPE, the preparation for a full band MAGFest show, running and participating in the Dwelling of Duels community, and geek out on modern production tricks for making heavy metal. The two also swap favorite reference tracks and discuss different entrypoints and accessibility into the VGM community.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Austin Green
Plugs:
https://wasdband.com/
https://wasdband.bandcamp.com/album/escape
https://linktr.ee/WASDBand
Returning host Peter Gillette talks with host and progressive-metal musician Ro Panuganti about the process of releasing a new album "Arwing Odyssey: Music from Star Fox 64" and the changes in producing his 15th project in the current VGM space. The two discuss continuity between tracks, good advertisement and PR strategies, engineering music videos and promotional videos, and what makes for interesting albums in game-music.
Participants: Peter Gillette
Plugs:
https://twitter.com/RoPanuganti
https://ropanuganti.bandcamp.com/album/arwing-odyssey-music-from-star-fox-64
Ro speaks with Alasdair aka Celestial Fury about his djent/modern metal sound, working on 7-8 string guitars, recording albums, and finding the VGM community through local musician scenes. They discuss the resources for mixing and producing modern metal and his experience performing at the VGMTogether Virtual convention.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Alasdair Cooper AKA Celestial Fury
Plugs:
https://twitter.com/alasdair_cooperhttps://www.youtube.com/c/CelestialFuryhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/0YAER6hS3BG9vlm8xlCqTp
Ro speaks with FirahFabe AKA Fabian about his work in VGM, fusing Filipino music styles of Rondalla and Kulintang, and the rich origins of these musical styles. They discuss the representation of Asian folk music in video game music, communities, and similarities between Filipino music and other folk styles.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Fabian (FirahFabe)
Plugs:
http://www.twitter.com/firahfabe
https://firahfabe.itch.io/
https://learnfilipinorondalla.netlify.app/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5MwSQ5vfamJ2RZSeP12ql5
Ro speaks with Daniel Dockery about his writing credits on fandom and video game culture, specifically Pokémon and its huge influence beyond the core game series. They discuss the brilliance of its release, how the world reacted to PokeMania, Dockery's research for his book "Monster Kids: How Pokémon Taught a Generation to Catch Them All" and unique discoveries about the monumental series.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Daniel Dockery
Plugs:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0762479507?tag=hacboogrosit-20
http://www.twitter.com/dandock
Ro speaks with Dean Dimarzo AKA LongestSoloEver about his music journey, guitar playing and utilizing Friday Night Funkin' and strategic yet creative videos to grow into a full time Youtube musician. They discuss challenges and misnomers about the "Algorithm", assisting the community, great ways to make creative videography, and with LSE's new direction away from weekly FNF videos.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, LongestSoloEver
Plugs:
https://www.youtube.com/c/longestsoloever
Ro speaks with Austin Wintory, composer behind Journey, ABZU, The Pathless, and dozens more about the video game music world in 2022, approaching composition, advice and ideas for new musicians, and working with artists and guests. We also chat about covers of Austin's works, the challenges of writing for games that feel dramatic/cinematic and nuances behind terminologies and hear exciting thoughts on where musicians can go.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Austin Wintory
Plugs:
https://www.austinwintory.com/
https://twitter.com/awintory
Ro speaks with Allison Martin about her professional experience playing trombone, her Youtube channel skits and music-videos, working on Line Them Up: A Paper Mario Project and The Game Brass, as well as her debut trombone quartet album See the World releasing in May 2022. They also discuss the challenges in arranging modern and retro game tunes for 4-tracks, collaborating and co-producing See the World together, and discovering preferences in workflows.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Allison Martin
Plugs:
www.youtube.com/AllisonMartinTrombone
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HXpGcF1n811c3PmUNuk2P
Ro speaks with Kent Ward of Ongaku Overdrive about the upcoming Ongaku Overdrive 20XX Live Event, running Virtual Shows during the Pandemic, and what it's like to coordinate and run video game and nerdcore/anime concerts in the hot seat!
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Kent Ward
Plugs:
https://ongakuoverdrive.com/
https://twitter.com/GreatKentWardhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/6bhqUlzYH1HlCc9EUCgfzYhttp
Ro speaks with Allen from GameGrooves about the 2021 Discography of GG, directing and leading the latest release Skario Kart, the challenges of managing VGM and changes in their 5+ years working together, and other bonus questions from listeners!
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Allen Brasch
Plugs:
https://www.game-grooves.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6bhqUlzYH1HlCc9EUCgfzY
Ro speaks with Noteblock and AJ DiSpirito, the arranger/coordinator and co-arranger respectively behind the Ultimate Smash Bros. Medley featuring over 90 Musicians and every Smash Bros. characters' theme represented!
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Noteblock (Evan), AJ DiSpirito
Plugs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Kk01MoYmWc
https://twitter.com/AJDiSpirito
Ro speaks with Gab (Gabocarina96) about his Youtube music career, growing and changing styles over ten years, and his first original EP inspired by Castlevania and similar horror/game soundtracks.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Gabocarina
Plugs:
www.youtube.com/Gabocarina96
https://gabocarina96.bandcamp.com/
Ro speaks with Dom Palombi about drumming on Twitch, his musical journey into video-game music, and the upcoming crowdfunded Game Night album that surpassed all expectations.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Dom Palombi
Plugs:
https://www.twitch.tv/dompalombimusic
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dom-palombi-s-game-night-album#/
Ro speaks with Steven Morris about his eclectic musical career, the new Zelda EP Bossa De Hyrule, recording and producing workflow and experiences, as well as the various games and scores that inspired him.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Steven Morris
Plugs:
https://open.spotify.com/album/6cKqRG61hxeyFlNLHjICdL
https://www.youtube.com/user/StevenMorris
Ro speaks with TeraCMusic about her Youtube career, discovering her unique Hybrid Violin-Voice driven arrangements, creating her first monumental video-game cover album based on Chrono Cross with a slew of collaborators.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, TeraCMusic AKA Tera Catallo
Plugs:
https://teracmusic.bandcamp.com/album/crossing-worlds-music-from-chrono-cross
https://www.youtube.com/user/TeraCMusic
Ro speaks with The GameBrass about their virtual band experience, the brand new Legend of Zelda arrangement album Horns of Hyrule, working on themed albums, elaborate After Effects addled music videos, and our experience in the VGM scene.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Robby Duguay, Thomas Kresge, Daniel Romberger
Plugs:
https://thegamebrass.bandcamp.com/album/horns-of-hyrule
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZy2mMSsI5tJP2nF2ognaCQ
Allen speaks with community leaders Austin Green, of Dwelling of Duels, and Josh Pendlebury of Bonus Stage, about creating spaces for video game music fans and cover artists. They discuss differences in approach, hosting events frequently, and the special crossover event Bonus Duels bringing both scenes together.
Participants:
Allen Brasch, Austin Green, Josh Pendlebury
Plugs:
Dwelling of Duels is an online collective of video game music artists participating in themed, monthly remix competitions. Bonus Stage is an event producer creating monthly virtual concerts for the video game music scene. On January 9th, 2021, these two titans clash and collaborate to bring you Bonus Duels: an all-day, streamed convention for fans of video game music. Bonus Duels will feature live music performances, special showcases of past Dwelling of Duels entrants, and panels on arrangement and the history of the Dwelling of Duels community. This online convention will be hosted by Bonus Stage live on Twitch.
Participants:
Allen Brasch, Lame Genie (Kyle, Mike, Jeff)
Plugs:
http://www.youtube.com/LameGenie
Peter speaks with Psamathes about her experience producing "Her Theme" an all-women tribute to video game music, as well as the tutorial space. They discuss her experience as a vocalist-driven artist in the video game music space.
Participants:
Peter Gillette, Psamathes
Plugs:
www.youtube.com/Psamathes
CW: Sexual Violence
Allen Brasch speaks with Cass Cuttlefish about the chiptune community and Ikenfell. The two also discuss preventative efforts in the chiptune community against violence and harassment.
Participants:
Allen Brasch, Cass Cuttlefish
Plugs:
https://soundcloud.com/casscuttlefish
Bystander Intervention: Preventing Sexual Violence In Chiptune Part 1: https://abitofchiptune.com/bystander-intervention/
Allen speaks with David Kang AKA Legendav about his musical experience coming from metal and math rock into VGM. They discuss his love of Persona 5, anime, and defining his own style mixing meters, tapping, sweeping, and fun metal.
Participants:
Allen Brasch, Legendav
Plugs:
https://www.youtube.com/Legendav
Peter speaks with Charles about their experiences getting into the video game cover scene and eventually learning at Berklee School of Music. The two discuss arranging big jazz fusion projects and growing more through the game music scene.
Participants:
Peter Gillette, Charles Ritz
Plugs:
www.youtube.com/CharlesRitz
Allen speaks with Andy-Ru about his experience joining the GameGrooves Album challenge, an ongoing event to invite artists to develop a video game cover album with helpful guidance and resources from the label. They discuss its challenges, motivation, the workflow, and choosing Super Mario Galaxy as its basis.
Participants:
Allen Brasch, Andy-Ru
Plugs:
https://www.youtube.com/c/andyru
Peter speaks with Eric L. about his experience marathoning music covers for a month to observe trends, and push himself. They discuss his work ethic, ability to produce quickly, and takeaways to his grand experiment.
Participants:
Peter Gillette, Eric Ladish
Plugs:
http://www.youtube.com/EricLadish
Peter speaks with composer David Wise about his history composing for the Donkey Kong Country franchise and his most recent works. The two discuss the impact his work has on cover artists and the approaches Wise takes to composition today.
Participants: Peter Gillette, David Wise
Plugs:
https://www.instagram.com/mrdavidwise/?hl=en
Host Allen Brasch speaks with Lacey Johnson about her streak of high-quality Youtube music videos, rock and synth-oriented covers, and breadth of collaborations with other musicians in the scene.
Participants: Allen Brasch, Lacey Johnson
Plugs:
http://www.youtube.com/LaceyJohnsonMusic
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Diwa Felipe de Leon
Plugs:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZF_RZUVo-5jUfdlp76G-lQ
SPG Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HaGjPC-CYY
VGM: From Carts to Hearts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AihKnpbUsB8
GameGrooves Article: https://www.game-grooves.com/blog/7-tips-success
Savvy Musician Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-savvy-musician-show/id1346925621
Peter talks with FamilyJules about everything from his work on Cadence of Hyrule to becoming the "Door Bell Guy". The two discuss Jules' breadth of work from Youtube video game covers to live performances and composition.
http://www.youtube.com/FamilyJules
Jules' VGM Recommendations:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiEgF-KugOA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnaeR29vVE8
Ro speaks with Jason aka Fuzz Pixels about his experience creating pop-punk and hardcore video game music and his album "Fuzz Fantasy". The two discuss learning guitar, nostalgia for different consoles and games, and using live experience to create more arrangements.Participants: Ro Panuganti (He/Him), Fuzz Pixels (He/Him)Plugs:https://bio.site/fuzzpixelshttps://www.youtube.com/c/fuzzpixelshttps://www.instagram.com/fuzzpixels/
Ro speaks with composer Chase Bethea about getting into composition for games, Game Jams, experiences working on Aground Zero, Stardander School for Witches, and Sunken Stones' soundtracks, and advice for musicians. The two discuss creative ways to write, celebrating more authentic "pirate soundtrack" tropes, and even the interaction of composers and "remixer/cover artists".
Participants: Ro Panuganti (He/Him), Chase Bethea (He/Him)
Plugs:
https://chasebethea.com/
https://linktr.ee/chasebethea
https://chasebethea.bandcamp.com/music
Ro speaks with Vaughn Rowles about the online game music convention, VGMCon, and the events taking place in person and online. They discuss the variety of performers, many game-music bands formed for the con, and panels hosted at the convention. They also discuss the Game Music Remix Awards as well as the VGM Album Jam for charity happening April 4th-7th, including ways for people to get involved with the convention worldwide.
Participants: Ro Panuganti (He/Him), Vaughn Rowles (He/Him)
Plugs:
https://www.vgmcon.org
https://vgmcon.org/activities/album-jam/
Ro speaks with composer Alpha Something about their work scoring the indie game Venba, based on South Indian cooking and the immigrant experience. The two share thoughts on the game, its story, and how composing with inspirations from classic Tamil film scores worked into the game. They discuss Indian food favorites, the navigation of infusing culture into music, the ways Venba tackles key Indian culture, and the "Tandoori Chicken Diet".
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Alpha Something
Plugs:
https://alphasomething.bandcamp.com/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1491670/Venba/
Ro speaks with the folk/medieval music duo Axe & Ale about their formation, debut original album Tavern Melodies: Medieval Lute & Flute Dances of the Hobbits Vol. 1, and the music styles of medieval inspired music and fantasy-driven covers. They discuss working together through online real-time streaming, forming a violin streaming group, and their love of Lord of the Rings, Witcher 3, and more fantasy tales.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Diwa AKA String Player Gamer, Isabelle AKA Firamiel
Plugs:
https://axeale.bandcamp.com/album/tavern-melodies-medieval-lute-flute-dances-of-the-hobbits-vol-1
https://twitter.com/axealemusic
https://twitter.com/firamiel
https://twitter.com/StringPlayerGmr
Ro speaks with Carrie Wood about her experience playing bass and band-leading across live groups like Baltimore Gamer Symphony Orchestra, GameGrooves, performing at VGMCon and the upcoming MAGWest convention, as well as her work in the Quick Save band and duo Bi Score with Ian Cowell. The two chat about their cats, gear, and what it takes to create a collaborative album as well.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Carrie Wood
Plugs:
https://twitter.com/supitscarrie
https://biscore.bandcamp.com/
https://baltimoregso.org/
https://www.magwest.org/
Ro speaks about the latest in 2023 Spring game music news, including VGMCon 2023 and their in-person/virtual events, GameGrooves' latest albums and Summer of 64 event, and the upcoming Ongaku Overdrive fundraiser "Tears of Ongaku". Ro details the donation goals, roster of musicians performing, and how Ongaku Overdrive's JUNE 11TH stream will go.
Participants: Ro Panuganti
Plugs:
www.twitch.tv/ongakuoverdrive
https://gamegrooves.com/gazette/tears-of-ongaku?fbclid=IwAR2dp6uU1N9fl4V2FT5iJwHatfJxHSDt8NQC-GQaF6So9lUnxW7kxgAozpQ
Ro speaks with Jeff Penny about going from arranging to sound design and composition, including Jeff's latest soundtrack and first solo work "The Game of Fourtune" based on a visual novel meets death game. The two discuss the experience of working together on a cover for the game's release, drawing from anime and influences, and marketing your own work.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Jeff Penny
Plugs:
https://jeffpenny.com/
https://jeffpenny.bandcamp.com/album/the-game-of-fourtune-original-soundtrack
Ro speaks with Ian Martyn about his completion of the 2022 GameGrooves Album Challenge, releasing Beyond the Wind, VGM and vocal-driven game music, and a long history of community involvement and instrument playing. They discuss the exciting JRPG vocal music and growing scene for performing game music live, as well as the ability to choose songs for the EP.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Ian Martyn
Plugs:
https://twitter.com/IanMartynMusic
https://ianmartyn.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-the-wind
Ro speaks with Vaughn Rowles about the upcoming VGMCon 2023 in Minneapolis, MN featuring exciting guests, panels, and celebration of game music. The two discuss the event's origins, what viewers can expect, the virtual and streamed music, Gamer's Rhapsody, and what the Zelda theme will bring.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Vaughn Rowles
Plugs:
https://vgmcon.org/
https://twitter.com/VGMCon
Ro speaks with Mahn about his new album Mode 8 featuring classic SNES tracks arranged for heavy metal and includes a variety of collaborators from the VGM Space. The two discuss Mahn's interests in game music and playing guitar, exploring the community, as well as performing live and virtually in different game music spaces.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Mahn AKA MahnPlaysMusicPlugs:
https://mahn.bandcamp.com/album/mode-8
https://www.youtube.com/mahnkiman2
Ro speaks with Austin Green (Katajun) about the upcoming WASD project's album ESCAPE, the preparation for a full band MAGFest show, running and participating in the Dwelling of Duels community, and geek out on modern production tricks for making heavy metal. The two also swap favorite reference tracks and discuss different entrypoints and accessibility into the VGM community.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Austin GreenPlugs:https://wasdband.com/https://wasdband.bandcamp.com/album/escape
https://linktr.ee/WASDBand
Returning host Peter Gillette talks with host and progressive-metal musician Ro Panuganti about the process of releasing a new album "Arwing Odyssey: Music from Star Fox 64" and the changes in producing his 15th project in the current VGM space. The two discuss continuity between tracks, good advertisement and PR strategies, engineering music videos and promotional videos, and what makes for interesting albums in game-music.
Participants: Peter Gillette
Plugs:
https://twitter.com/RoPanugantihttps://ropanuganti.bandcamp.com/album/arwing-odyssey-music-from-star-fox-64
Ro speaks with Alasdair aka Celestial Fury about his djent/modern metal sound, working on 7-8 string guitars, recording albums, and finding the VGM community through local musician scenes. They discuss the resources for mixing and producing modern metal and his experience performing at the VGMTogether Virtual convention.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Alasdair Cooper AKA Celestial Fury
Plugs:
https://twitter.com/alasdair_cooper https://www.youtube.com/c/CelestialFury https://open.spotify.com/artist/0YAER6hS3BG9vlm8xlCqTp
Ro speaks with FirahFabe AKA Fabian about his work in VGM, fusing Filipino music styles of Rondalla and Kulintang, and the rich origins of these musical styles. They discuss the representation of Asian folk music in video game music, communities, and similarities between Filipino music and other folk styles.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Fabian (FirahFabe)
Plugs:
http://www.twitter.com/firahfabe https://firahfabe.itch.io/ https://learnfilipinorondalla.netlify.app/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/5MwSQ5vfamJ2RZSeP12ql5
Ro speaks with Daniel Dockery about his writing credits on fandom and video game culture, specifically Pokémon and its huge influence beyond the core game series. They discuss the brilliance of its release, how the world reacted to PokeMania, Dockery's research for his book "Monster Kids: How Pokémon Taught a Generation to Catch Them All" and unique discoveries about the monumental series.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Daniel Dockery
Plugs:
http://www.twitter.com/dandock
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0762479507?tag=hacboogrosit-20
In this GameGrooves Chats, host Ro Panuganti discusses the way game conventions specific to game music host myriads of social events, community-minded fun, and work to represent and celebrate the growing scene. Ro also discusses the ways virtual festivals can include more musicians and recounts his experience with conventions early on.
Links Mentioned:
https://www.game-grooves.com/
https://www.magfest.org/
https://vgmtogether.com/
Ro speaks with Dean Dimarzo AKA LongestSoloEver about his music journey, guitar playing and utilizing Friday Night Funkin' and strategic yet creative videos to grow into a full time Youtube musician. They discuss challenges and misnomers about the "Algorithm", assisting the community, great ways to make creative videography, and with LSE's new direction away from weekly FNF videos.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, LongestSoloEver
Plugs:
https://www.youtube.com/c/longestsoloever
In this new segment, GameGrooves Uncovered Chats, podcast host Ro Panuganti introduces these shorter solo podcast segments to share significant tutorials, guides, community moments, and otherwise helpful tips! Ro breaks down the updated GameGrooves website and its guides, legacy articles, and helpful tricks shared so far and reaches out for suggestions on new resources and topics to share on the podcast.
Links Mentioned:
https://www.game-grooves.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyh0KWcnpXs
Ro speaks with Austin Wintory, composer behind Journey, ABZU, The Pathless, and dozens more about the video game music world in 2022, approaching composition, advice and ideas for new musicians, and working with artists and guests. We also chat about covers of Austin's works, the challenges of writing for games that feel dramatic/cinematic and nuances behind terminologies and hear exciting thoughts on where musicians can go.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Austin Wintory
Plugs:
https://www.austinwintory.com/
https://twitter.com/awintory
Ro speaks with Allison Martin about her professional experience playing trombone, her Youtube channel skits and music-videos, working on Line Them Up: A Paper Mario Project and The Game Brass, as well as her debut trombone quartet album See the World releasing in May 2022. They also discuss the challenges in arranging modern and retro game tunes for 4-tracks, collaborating and co-producing See the World together, and discovering preferences in workflows.
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Allison Martin
Plugs:
www.youtube.com/AllisonMartinTrombone
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HXpGcF1n811c3PmUNuk2P
Ro speaks with Kent Ward of Ongaku Overdrive about the upcoming Ongaku Overdrive 20XX Live Event, running Virtual Shows during the Pandemic, and what it's like to coordinate and run video game and nerdcore/anime concerts in the hot seat!
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Kent Ward
Plugs:
https://ongakuoverdrive.com/
https://twitter.com/GreatKentWardhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/6bhqUlzYH1HlCc9EUCgfzYhttp
Ro speaks with Allen from GameGrooves about the 2021 Discography of GG, directing and leading the latest release Skario Kart, the challenges of managing VGM and changes in their 5+ years working together, and other bonus questions from listeners!
Participants: Ro Panuganti, Allen Brasch
Plugs:
https://www.game-grooves.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6bhqUlzYH1HlCc9EUCgfzY