Interview with frank klepacki
the interview is written by: Tesla7zap
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Hi Frank!
I really appreciate that you took your time to make this interview. Anyway, we better get started. Before i start overwhelm you with questions, please - introduce yourself to the swedish fans!
Hello Sweden!
I'm Frank Klepacki, the composer/recording artist that wrote all the Command & Conquer music (except for the Generals series). For your listening pleasure, come to my website www.frankklepacki.com and listen to your favorite songs in great streaming quality! (no they are not downloadable so please refrain from asking - hehe)
I've written for dozens of other titles as well, having written over 70 albums worth of music for all these games, including Dune 2000, The Lion King, Nox, Blade Runner, and Monopoly just to name a few! Not to mention the cds I put out of my own projects and bands, which you'll find on my website www.frankklepacki.com as well under "projects".
When did you get hired by Westwood Studios? And how come they hired you?
1991, right after I graduated high school. They were expanding their audio department and I showed interest at the right time, and they were impressed by my demos I had made on my own. I initially was at Westwood as a game tester!
What do you use when you create your music? Is it computer software programs or real instruments?
Both - I only use soft synths occasionaly, I'm still very much into using
hardware synths and samplers as my main source of sounds. I also have real
instruments like guitar and bass that I play myself.
What was the last thing you did for Westwood Studios and what did you feel when EA closed them down?
Last thing I did was Earth and Beyond. It was a shock to us all that one day we had to pack up and leave. Definately a sad day, but in an obscure way, it was also a relief from the stress we were all under, wondering if anymore lay-offs were going to happen.
What are you currently doing? Any upcoming projects?
I am working on a project right now but it's confidential for the time being...
When did you start making music? What are your hobbies except the music?
I've been writing my own music since high school. I learned to play guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard at an early age, and I was very into recording studios and computers. It all just came together for me and made me realize what my destiny would be. I'm also a decent artist as a hobby, though back in school I was equally good at both. Obviously the music prevailed and the art took a back seat. But I still do art for fun.
If EA asked you to make music for another C&C game, would you accept the offer or not?
Yes I would. C&C is a huge part of my life and a massive amount of music I've written, and the music continues to have staying power with the fans. I would like to see them go back to the Tiberian era - that would be a lot of fun to work on again!
How come EA chosed Bill Brown to make the music to C&C Generals instead of you. And how do you feel about that?
EA pacific office did all of Generals on their own without any WW help. I offered to help them out, and did a demo piece for them, but after time passed I heard they went with Bill instead. At the time it was indeed a weird feeling that it was the first inseries I hadn't scored, but it really is a much different game than the Tiberian series.
How is your connection with the former Westwood Studios staff?
Still strong! We all still mostly keep in touch and it really was like having a second family.
What is your favorite C&C-game and why do you think that?
Favorite C&C game? Well I like them all for different reasons. I like the units and the storyline in TS alot. I like the action of Red Alert series, and the nostalgia of the original C&C as well. I remember having so much fun playing the first C&C around the office when we were making it.
Well, thats all i had for now. Thank you for your time and cooperation. Is there anything you would like to say to the swedish fans before we end this?
This music has it's own massive cult following, and I appreciate everyone who loves it and listens to it regularly. Just so all of you know, I have released my own cd titled "Morphscape" and its only available on my website as well, and ships to anywhere in the world. If you like the C&C stuff, I'm sure you will like this cd as well! I fully plan to continue the electronic/industrial/rock styles that made this music what it is today, so I hope you all will keep listening! Thanks so much!
Good luck with everything and Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you as well, and thanks for the interview!
/Frank Klepacki
