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 musical influences. We explore his work on titles like Rise of the Triad: 2013, Bombshell, Dusk, Amid Evil, Prodeus, and his contributions to the DOOM Eternal DLC, including the highly acclaimed "Blood Swamps."

The conversation covers a wide range of topics:

• Early Career: Hulshult recounts his unexpected entry into the industry, initially working on a canceled Duke Nukem project, and how his involvement with Rise of the Triad: 2013 unexpectedly launched his career. He discusses the challenges of navigating early industry agreements and the importance of financial stability for creative longevity.

• Musical Evolution: He reflects on his growth as a musician, the evolution of his style beyond metal influences, and the misconceptions surrounding video game music composition. He emphasizes the importance of respecting source material while injecting his unique personality into each soundtrack.

• Game-Specific Insights: The interview features in-depth discussions of his work on various games, including the creative processes behind soundtracks for ROTT 2013, Bombshell, Dusk, Amid Evil, Prodeus, and DOOM Eternal DLC. He shares anecdotes and reveals the challenges and inspirations behind specific tracks, including the creation of "Blood Swamps" and "Splitting Time."

• Gear and Techniques: Hulshult details his current guitar setup, pedals, amps, and recording techniques, offering insights into his preferred equipment and workflow. He discusses his use of Neural DSP plugins and his approach to mixing and mastering.

• Iron Lung Soundtrack: He offers limited insights into his work on the soundtrack for the upcoming Iron Lung film, highlighting the differences between composing for film and games, and his collaboration with Markiplier.

• Chiptune Album: The discussion touches upon his Dusk 82 chiptune album and the unique challenges of working within the constraints of limited technology.

• Future Projects and Influences: The interview concludes with Hulshult's thoughts on potential future projects, his favorite bands (including Gojira and Metallica), and his admiration for composers like Jesper Kyd and Trent Reznor. He shares his dream projects – composing for a potential Duke Nukem reboot or Minecraft, and scoring films like Man on Fire or American Gangster.

The interview offers a comprehensive look into the mind of a highly skilled and creative video game composer, revealing his artistic process, technical expertise, and personal journey within the industry.