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 into his career, creative process, and equipment. We explore his work on titles like Rise of the Triad, DOOM Eternal, Nightmare Reaper, and Amid Evil, uncovering the stories and inspirations behind his unique sound.

Hulshult discusses his evolution as a musician, navigating the challenges of the industry and the misconceptions surrounding video game music. He reveals the collaborative nature of his work, emphasizing the importance of respecting the source material while adding his distinctive flair. The conversation touches on specific tracks, highlighting his creative choices and the emotional context behind certain compositions, including the impact of a family emergency on the Amid Evil DLC soundtrack.

A significant portion of the interview focuses on Hulshult's gear, including his favored guitars (Caparison Dellinger 7 and Brocken 8), string gauges, pickups (Seymour Duncan), amps (Neural DSP Quad Cortex with Engel cabinets), and effects pedals. He shares anecdotes about his workflow, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and self-challenge. The discussion extends to his current projects, including the soundtrack for Markiplier's Iron Lung, revealing the differences between composing for games and films.

Finally, Hulshult shares his favorite bands (Gojira, Metallica), his thoughts on revisiting past works (IDKFA), and his approach to balancing his demanding career with personal life. The interview concludes with a glimpse into his future aspirations and a discussion of his preferred coffee – cold brew, black.

This in-depth conversation provides invaluable insights into the mind of a highly successful video game composer, offering a fascinating blend of technical details, creative philosophy, and personal reflections. The inclusion of embedded YouTube videos further enhances the reader's understanding of Hulshult's work.