This is something I randomly came across today. I was listening to 104.9 XLNC1 classical radio down here in San Diego, and my song identification software on my phone wasn’t working properly when I was trying to identify a song. I immediately checked the website’s playlist, and noticed that the song before the one I was trying to identify was none other than “Maria and Draco” from the Distant Worlds album. While I didn’t hear it myself, I was surprised to see that it had been played.
Who would have thought growing up that Nobuo Uematsu’s music would be playing on public radio stations around the world? Have you come across any occurrences like this, and do you think it’s a sign of the acceptance of game music and of Uematsu as one of the industry’s most influential composer?
Tags: Distant Worlds, Maria and Draco, Nobuo Uematsu, Radio, Uematsu
That is magical. I haven’t had that experience, but I know exactly how you must have felt; I am excited at the idea of this intersection between game music and the mundane world. 🙂
That is awesome! Many composers, such as Uematsu, would like have game music and mainstream music mixed together, and played together, but I don’t like that XP I prefer to have Game Music separate, on its own. Although most game music is playable out of context, without ever playing the game itself, it’s usually better to play the game 1st. That way the song means alot more to listeners. But whatever! It’s cool to have game music played on radios, but i wish video game music would have its OWN station, as it does in japan. i Love the Final Fantasy radio online, but i wish it was on regular radio. Imagine hearing Metal Gear, then Shadow of the Colossus, followed by FFVII, then songs from DDR or Beatmania. Maybe I should work on that 😀 but then I’d have to go through hell with Konami, Capcom, Nintendo, Sqaure…. ugh
Maybe the entire soundtrack to Super Smash Bros. Brawl should be a station all its own.
Don’t forget college radio stations! Since their programs tend to be more relaxed you can generally find some VGM lurking about. I spent about two hours a week playing VGM over the air, and I know some others have taken up the reins at my alma mater. Other institutions have got to have a similar crowd.
Of course, another VGM fan happened to manage the cathedral bells when I was at college. Every once and a while the noon bell would be the Katamari theme or a catchy Uematsu melody line instead of dreary old traditional pieces.
College doesn’t count! Kids these days have no appreciation for “real” music. ;D
Nah, I think a classical radio station is a whole new level of validation. Although college radio stations DO rock.
My college radio station is really cool with it’s music, and since it’s a technical college for designing games and game audio, I asked if I can DJ nothing but video music. From 8-bit to current. They said I could 😀 I’ll see what I can do. I will try to spread the love for Game Audio!
P.S. I agree with Jayson: “Kids these days have no appreciation for “real” music”. Unfortunate fact.
Considering how much if not nearly all of what is today called “classical” music originated as entertainment music much like that of the movies and video games of today I personally find it more than appropriate to play classical music side by side with its contemporary siblings. 🙂 (And of course I’m especially proud to see the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic there, yay Sweden.)