Composer (Kirby, Wario, Yoshi)
Firstly, could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit of what you’ve been up to nowadays?
Hello everyone, I primarily create music and sound effects (SFX) for games. Most of my career was spent at Konami. Some notable titles I’ve worked on include TMNT (NES) and Animaniacs (SNES).
Later on, I also contributed to Nintendo titles such as Wario, Kirby, and Yoshi.
Recently, I’ve been involved in projects like the Tokyo Game Show VR and Magic the Gathering VR event. Additionally, I’ve mainly participated in SFX for Cricket: Jae’s Really Peculiar Game.
What was it like to work on Nintendo games creatively, how much freedom were you given?
I believe I was able to create very freely. Regarding the direction of the music, I was able to control it myself, so it was an ideal environment without unnecessary stress. 🎵🎶
Out of all the series you’ve composed for throughout your career, which is your favorite?
Certainly, Kirby, Yoshi, and Wario!
It was very fulfilling to be able to compose music again after not doing so for a while at Konami. And yes, even listening to the NES titles like TMNT and ContraForce now, they don’t sound bad at all lol
What’s a series would you love to compose for?
Hmm, let me think. For now, there’s nothing specific. But if I had to say, I’d love to create funkier music for a game like Wario! 🎶😄
Is there any piece you composed that you wish you could rework/add to?
Certainly! While there are a few songs where I’d like to redo the mixing, I’m generally satisfied with my compositions. Hmm, perhaps there are a few areas I’d like to tweak after all. 🎶😄
The track “Yoshi and Cookies” from Yoshi’s Woolly World includes a motif from “Flower Fields” from Kirby’s Epic Yarn, do you recall how this came to be? Did anyone notice within Good-Feel?
I don’t think anyone noticed. At least, no one has pointed it out to me. I created this song with the concept of a band performance by kids around 13 years old who are still learning to play instruments. Using Kirby’s motif in the intro was my little mischief. 🎶😄
As you’re composing, do you ever worry that what you’re writing sounds too “samey” to something you’ve already written?
I haven’t thought of it in that particular way, but…🤔
Do you like Yoshi or Poochy better?
haha, let me answer that I like both equally
Nintendo doesn’t upload their soundtracks online to listen to officially, from your perspective why do you think they don’t?
I will refrain from speculation. Sorry
Do any of your compositions include live instrumentals? Or do you use VSTs (Virtual Instrument Libraries) most of the time? If the latter, which ones do you typically like?
For Yoshi, I play and record instruments like harmonica and guitar, but most of the time, I use VSTi (Virtual Studio Technology Instruments). As someone who loves technology, I get excited about VSTs that evolve day by day. When I come across well-crafted VSTi or sample libraries, I feel a sense of deep respect for the developers.
The reason I focused on piano in Kirby is because I listened to Synthogy’s Ivory2. It left a lasting impression on me🎶🎹
Do any of your compositions have an interesting backstory that stand out to you?
I’ll try to recall it. Dark Manor – Kirby’s Epic Yarn. Just before lunch, I received a call from the director. They asked me to submit the haunted house level data to Nintendo within 30 minutes. Despite thinking it was impossible, a few seconds later, I replied, ‘Sure, interesting! I’ll give it a shot.’ I hung up and excitedly took on the challenge.
I remember composing while hearing countdowns like ‘5 minutes left!’ and ‘2 minutes remaining!’. Of course, this isn’t something we normally do (laughs). Accomplishing that was quite an intriguing experience
While working on Kirby, I found myself needing to create another game. Upon calculation, I realized this new game required 40 tracks. To make matters more challenging, my production schedule for Kirby was already behind.
However, I had an idea: if I composed 4 tracks per day, I could complete the new project in 10 days and then return to Kirby’s development. It was an ambitious plan, especially considering the circumstances. Most people would likely refuse if their boss said, ‘Write 40 tracks in 10 days.’ But I embraced the situation, found excitement in the challenge, and went for it
While working on Yoshi, I decided to use an acoustic guitar. I played and recorded the title track myself, but I keenly felt my own lack of skill in playing. As a result, I attended guitar lessons for a while
Do you have any advice for those wanting to become a game composer?
Hmm, let’s see. While it’s a common piece of advice, I recommend listening to various types of music, not just game music. Also, when playing games or watching movies, try to pay a little more attention to the soundtrack than you normally would.
Oh, and this is just my observation, but many people aspire to create game music, yet there seem to be fewer individuals interested in handling game sound effects (SFX). Exploring that area might be worthwhile
What’s it generally like collaborating with Nintendo when part of a 2nd party studio? Were they more involved than you expected, or the opposite?
Yes, indeed. In my case, as I mentioned earlier, I was able to create more freely than I had anticipated. Whether this applies to others remains to be seen
That’s all, thank you for accepting this interview! Do you have any closing words?
Thank you for offering the interview! If you’d like, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel! 😊
Tomoya Tomita’s socials:
YouTube: Tomoya Tomita
Twitter/X: https://x.com/tomoya_tomita
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