Over the previous couple of years, I’ve interviewed Playdigious a number of occasions. Playdigious was answerable for bringing Streets of Rage 4, TMNT Shredder’s Revenge and extra to cell. Each of these have music from Tee Lopes, who most individuals know because of Sonic Mania. I’ve been a fan of Tee Lopes for ages now, and have all the time wished to interview him. With the latest announcement of Sonic Superstars from SEGA for all consoles and PC platforms, I figured it was a good time to lastly chat with Tee Lopes about online game music, the present state of Sonic, Sonic Superstars, his favourite soundtracks, composers, and extra. Word that this interview was carried out earlier than Penny’s Massive Breakaway that includes Tee Lopes was lately showcased.
TouchArcade: Inform us slightly bit about your self and the journey you’ve had over time going from beginning out, doing music for video games like Fling, the Sonic 2 HD venture, to the place you’re at the moment as one of many premier composers within the business.
Tee Lopes: It’s been an unbelievable journey to this point. I began out as a hobbyist, creating music for fan tasks and indie video games like Fling and the Sonic 2 HD fan venture. These early experiences helped me refine my abilities and develop my very own distinctive musical model. As I gained extra recognition, alternatives began opening up, main me to work on larger tasks and collaborate with proficient builders. I’m grateful for the help of the gaming group, which has allowed me to develop as a composer and pursue my ardour on knowledgeable degree.
TA: How do you method composing for long-running franchises in comparison with engaged on one thing for a model new property?
TL: When composing for long-running franchises, I method it with a deep respect for the legacy and historical past of the collection. It’s vital to know what makes the music in these franchises iconic and beloved by followers. I research the earlier soundtracks, immerse myself within the universe of the sport, and attempt to seize the essence of what makes that franchise particular whereas including my very own musical voice to it. However, engaged on one thing new provides me extra inventive freedom to discover totally different kinds and experiment with recent concepts. It’s an thrilling alternative to assist form the id of a model new property and contribute one thing distinctive to the gaming world.
TA: Constructing on the earlier query, what was your thought course of on the Streets of Rage 4 Mr X Nightmare DLC: Did you goal to attempt to slot in with the bottom recreation or the collection as an entire?
TL: When engaged on the Mr. X Nightmare DLC, my goal was to strike a steadiness between respecting the bottom recreation’s unbelievable soundtrack whereas additionally including my very own private contact. I wished to keep up the energetic and hard-hitting vibe that the Streets of Rage collection is understood for, but additionally infuse it with my very own musical model. It was vital to create music that might really feel like a pure extension of the bottom recreation whereas enhancing the general expertise for gamers.
TA: You’ve lately been confirmed to be engaged on Sonic Superstars. You’re additionally doing Metallic Slug Techniques this 12 months and the TMNT Shredder’s Revenge DLC. You teased on Twitter many extra tasks. Are you able to say if these will likely be revealed in 2023 or will they be launched this 12 months?
TL: I’m actually excited to be part of these video games! As for the opposite tasks I’ve been teasing, I can’t present particular particulars for the time being. Nevertheless, I can say that a few of them will likely be revealed this 12 months, whereas others are scheduled for launch within the close to future. I recognize the passion and endurance of my followers, and I can’t wait to share extra about these upcoming tasks when the time is correct!
TA: How has it been working with large publishers in comparison with working with indies over time for you?
TL: Working with each large publishers and indies has been an enriching expertise in numerous methods. Massive publishers usually have well-established growth pipelines and bigger groups, which might present a number of sources and help. Collaborating with them permits me to work on high-profile tasks and attain a wider viewers. However, working with indies presents a extra intimate and private expertise. It permits me to be carefully concerned within the inventive course of, have direct communication with the builders, and contribute my concepts and experience in a extra hands-on method. Each varieties of collaborations have their very own deserves, and I’ve loved the distinctive challenges and rewards that include every.
TA: Lots of people affiliate Tee Lopes with Sonic music. It virtually feels such as you’re the music equal of when Christian Whitehead or Headcannon are concerned in a recreation to some followers. How do you are feeling about being so carefully related to Sonic?
TL: It’s an unbelievable honor to be carefully related to Sonic and to have the help of such a passionate fanbase. Sonic holds a particular place within the hearts of many avid gamers, myself included, so being entrusted with the accountability of composing music for the franchise is a dream come true. I try to create music that captures the spirit and power of Sonic whereas additionally bringing one thing recent and thrilling to the desk. The optimistic reception from followers motivates me to proceed pushing the boundaries and delivering memorable sonic experiences.
TA: What recreation would you’re keen on to attain given the possibility (one thing that hasn’t occurred but)?
TL: There are such a lot of wonderful video games on the market, but when I needed to choose one, I’d love to attain a Castlevania or a Mega Man recreation. These collection have all the time had a wide ranging musical id, and it might be an exhilarating problem to contribute to their iconic legacy. The wealthy lore, and memorable characters of these universes supply infinite inspiration for creating an eclectic, kick-ass soundtrack.
TA: What do you suppose of the present state of Sonic and Sonic Frontiers?
TL: I believe Sonic is doing wonderful! Sonic has been doing a unbelievable job of reaching out to totally different fan teams and ensuring they don’t depart the older followers behind. Sonic Frontiers, particularly, has been extremely daring by exploring new territory, which is a good transfer. What’s even cooler is that it’s nonetheless rising and altering, which suggests the way forward for the franchise seems to be promising. The Sonic films have additionally been a blast, reaching new heights and even breaking the foundations in some methods. I can’t wait to see what’s coming subsequent for Sonic, and I actually hope I get to be part of it.
TA: Your work in TMNT Shredder’s Revenge is definitely my favourite. How was it working with Jonny Atma on probably the greatest songs of 2022 (Panic within the Sky)?
TL: Thanks for the sort phrases! Collaborating with Jonny Atma on “Panic within the Sky” for TMNT Shredder’s Revenge was an absolute blast. Jonny is a proficient musician, and his vocals added an unbelievable power and depth to the observe. We had an important synergy, and he undoubtedly pushed the tune to new heights. It’s all the time a pleasure to work with fellow passionate artists, and I’m glad our collaboration resonated with followers.
TA: What are your present favourite soundtracks throughout all media?
TL: There are such a lot of unbelievable soundtracks throughout totally different media that it’s laborious to choose only a few favorites. Nevertheless, some soundtracks which have left a long-lasting impression on me embody the works of Nobuo Uematsu, notably the Remaining Fantasy collection, Yuzo Koshiro’s compositions for the Streets of Rage collection, the haunting melodies of Michiru Yamane in Castlevania: Symphony of the Evening, and the long-lasting compositions of Koichi Sugiyama within the Dragon Quest collection. These are only a few examples amongst numerous others that proceed to encourage and captivate me.
TA: Is there a composer you’d like to work with sooner or later that you simply haven’t had the possibility to make occur but?
TL: One composer that I’ve all the time dreamed of collaborating with is Yuzo Koshiro. You’ve undoubtedly heard his unbelievable music in video games like Streets of Rage and the Shinobi collection. He has all the time recognized the right way to make these catchy, high-energy tunes that follow you. I believe teaming up with him can be a blast, and our musical kinds might completely carry one thing distinctive and superior to the desk.
TA: Are you able to give us a touch of what we are able to anticipate out of your rating for Sonic Superstars?
TL: I can’t present particular particulars about my rating for Sonic Superstars for the time being, however I can guarantee you that I put my coronary heart and soul into contributing music that captures the essence of Sonic and brings a recent sonic expertise to the sport. I hope that followers will benefit from the music and really feel a way of pleasure when taking part in Sonic Superstars!
Because of Tee Lopes for his time right here.
