Andrew Hulshult Discusses Latest Projects, Music, and More

This extensive interview with Andrew Hulshult, a prominent video game composer, delves deep into his career, creative process, and personal influences. From his early work on projects like Rise of the Triad and Duke Nukem 3D Reloaded, to his contributions to major titles such as DOOM Eternal DLC and Nightmare Reaper, Hulshult shares insightful anecdotes and reflects on his evolution as a musician.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including:

His career trajectory: Hulshult discusses the unexpected surge in demand for his services after leaving 3D Realms, and the valuable lessons learned navigating the industry's complexities.
The misconceptions surrounding video game music: He highlights the common misunderstanding that composing for games is easy, emphasizing the artistic challenges and social skills required.
His unique approach to soundtracks: Hulshult explains his process of blending personal style with the game's atmosphere, referencing specific examples from ROTT 2013, Bombshell, and Nightmare Reaper. He addresses concerns about being typecast as a "metal guy," highlighting his diverse musical range.
The emotional impact of composition: He shares deeply personal experiences, revealing how a family emergency influenced his work on the AMID EVIL DLC.
His technical setup and gear: Hulshult details his current guitar setup, pedals, amps, and preferences for strings and pickups.
His collaborations: He discusses his experiences working with developers and other artists, including Markiplier on the Iron Lung film soundtrack.
His work on the DOOM franchise: Hulshult discusses the journey of his IDKFA mod soundtrack to its official inclusion in the DOOM and DOOM II remasters.
His influences and favorite artists: He shares his musical inspirations, both within and outside the video game industry.
Future projects and aspirations: Hulshult discusses potential future projects and his desire to continue pushing creative boundaries.

The interview concludes with a discussion of his coffee preferences (cold brew, black!), further showcasing his approachable and engaging personality. This in-depth conversation offers a fascinating look into the life and work of a truly talented and influential video game composer.