Norihiko Hibino

Japanese, Reviews

Prescription For Even More Sleep: Hibino Sound Therapy Lab (Review)

July 26, 2010 | Patrick Gann | 1 Comment Share this

I had talked about the music for this strange, relaxing iPhone App last year. But, at the time, only four songs were available to check out via the app. Let’s face it: that’s not good enough! We need *more* sleep medication! And by “medication,” I mean “soft music from Norihiko Hibino!” No drugs required here.

Though, it should be noted, there is currently a P4S package sold in Malaysia containing this CD along with an “herbal supplement” in tow. Unfortunately, when reviewing this album, I did not get to try any of said herbal supplement. Maybe it’s not FDA-approved or something.

In any case, you should just click the “more” button, because after the jump, we have a full review of the complete 11-track album, entitled “Hibino Sound Therapy Lab.” (more…)
Game Music

Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker Interview: The East Meets West Soundtrack

May 18, 2010 | Jayson Napolitano | 2 Comments Share this

Norihiko Hibino has been a long time friend of OSV. He actually was the subject of one of our first interviews on the site, which was about his and GEM Impact’s involvement with Metal Gear Solid 4: Sons of Liberty, which he felt his team didn’t get enough credit for. Well, here we are nearly two years later with Norihiko Hibino and GEM Impact once again contributing to the latest Metal Gear Solid outing, but this time, Hibino has brought along some friends from the West.

In our interview, Norihiko Hibino talks about GEM Impact’s involvement with the score, including their shift in role and the change in direction that Konami was aiming for with this installment. He also discusses bringing Jeremy Soule on board, his preference when it comes to working with Western composers, and what he has lined up in the future. While you’re waiting for the worldwide release of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, check out our interview and look into picking up the official soundtrack featuring music from Konami, GEM Impact, Jeremy Soule, and Todd Haberman.

Hit the jump for the interview. (more…)
Game Music, Reviews

The Music of Prescription For Sleep, Featuring GEM Impact (Review)

August 19, 2009 | Patrick Gann | Comments Off on The Music of Prescription For Sleep, Featuring GEM Impact (Review) Share this

It’s like Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” but without all the creepy undertones of death and darkness. It was in March of this year that the iTunes / iPhone App Prescription for Sleep was released. The App, published by Mission One, features “soothing visuals and accompanying melodies composed by Norihiko Hibino and performed by a small ensemble of live players.” The press release goes on to say that “Each piece has been meticulously crafted to aid in sleep, with a measured pace and inaudible frequencies that replicate sounds heard in nature.”

Most surprising is that, in Japan, this App rose to the #2 spot for Apps in the “health and fitness” category. But really, all it is are some pretty images and about 20 minutes of music (spread across four musical pieces). For $2.99, it’s worth the price for the music alone. Attempting to use it as an alternative sleep aid, that’s your choice. I will say that it didn’t work on my kids; they slept better to recorded children’s nursery rhymes. After the jump, you can check out my thoughts on the four pieces GEM Impact put together for this special little App.

(more…)
Japanese, Miscellaneous, Reviews

Hibino + American and Canto Pop = Gentle Love (Review)

May 8, 2009 | Patrick Gann | 1 Comment Share this

We at OSV have had a lot of exposure to Norihiko Hibino and GEM Impact. But the vast majority of it has been for games and anime. But what about smooth jazz covers of pop/ballad standards in America and China? I bet you didn’t see this one coming.

“Gentle Love” is an album that Hibino-san is trying to promote in East and Southeast Asia to showcase his talents as a performer. The entire album is a jazz trio of piano (Yuichiro Onuki), guitar (Syuji Narikawa), and saxophone (Norihiko Hibino). And you wouldn’t believe the song selection.

Find out what they chose to cover, as well as what I thought of this strange demo album, after the jump! (more…)
Game Music

GDC 2009: G.A.N.G. Awards, the “wow, it’s bright up here.” drinking game.

March 31, 2009 | Tim Sheehy | 7 Comments Share this

Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G.) held it’s annual awards show this past week at the 2009 Game Developers Conference in San Fransisco, CA. This would mark the guild’s 7th award show since it’s inception, and as in previous years, featured a number of performances, speeches and a bar–albeit not an open bar as I had hoped. On the topic of alcohol though, the show could make for an interesting drinking game should anyone go back and try to watch recordings of it.

Find out what I mean and check out the winners after the jump. (more…)
Game Music

GDC 2009: Norihiko Hibino Means Business, Extends Hand To West

March 28, 2009 | Tim Sheehy | 6 Comments Share this

It’s been a long week at the Game Developers Conference here in San Fransisco. Thankfully, there were plenty of panels, interviews and events to keep us busy. One of those said panels included a presentation by none other than composer and OSV contributor Norihiko Hibino. He provided us with an in-depth look into Japanese business practices surrounding game audio and dispelled a rumor or two in the process.

Learn about some of the gritty details after the jump. (more…)