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 prominent video game composer, delves deep into his career, creative process, and musical influences. From his early work on projects like Rise of the Triad (2013) and Duke Nukem 3D Reloaded, to his more recent contributions to titles such as DOOM Eternal DLC, Nightmare Reaper, and Amid Evil, Hulshult discusses the evolution of his style and the challenges of composing for different games.

The conversation covers a broad range of topics:

• Career trajectory: Hulshult recounts his unexpected rise to prominence after initially considering leaving the game industry, highlighting the learning curve and the importance of fair compensation.
• Misconceptions about video game music: He debunks the notion that game music is easy, emphasizing the complexity of understanding game design philosophies and the social skills required to collaborate effectively.
• Specific game soundtracks: The interview delves into the creative choices behind the soundtracks for ROTT 2013, Bombshell, Nightmare Reaper, Amid Evil, and Prodeus, exploring his approach to balancing personal style with the game's atmosphere and the challenges faced during development. The discussion includes anecdotes about the creative process and the impact of personal events on his work.
• Gear and equipment: Hulshult details his current guitar setup, including his preferred brands, pickups, string gauges, and amps, offering insights into his recording process and the evolution of his sound.
• Working on film: The interview touches upon his work on the Iron Lung soundtrack, comparing the experience of composing for film versus games and highlighting his collaboration with Markiplier.
• Chiptune album Dusk 82: He discusses the challenges and rewards of working within the constraints of chiptune music.
• DOOM Eternal DLC: The interview extensively covers his work on the DOOM Eternal DLC, including the highly popular "Blood Swamps" track, and the process of revisiting and remastering the IDKFA soundtrack.
• Musical influences: Hulshult shares his favorite bands and artists, both inside and outside the video game industry, and discusses the influence of artists like Nine Inch Nails, Metallica, and Jesper Kyd on his work.

The interview concludes with a look into Hulshult's daily routine, his thoughts on recent Metallica albums, a glimpse into his personal music memorabilia, and his preferences for cold brew coffee. It's a comprehensive and insightful look into the world of a highly successful video game composer.