Interview – IGN Denmark

May 5th, 2015 | By Lance Hayes

IGN Denmark Profile of Lance Hayes

The interview I did with IGN Denmark just went live, and hey, I made the front page! Interviewer Kristian West was interested in learning about my work in the studio and we talked about my background in the industry. (Some of which ties in nicely with my “A Career In Audio” talk I’m slated to give this weekend at DigiPen) We discussed the tools I use, and since he has a particular interest in Reason, we talk specifics about some of my favorite setups and how I use the Propellerhead flagship software.

I had a great time talking shop and was delighted that he selected some of my lesser known works from my indie soundtracks to showcase among the crowd favorites from the Forza series in this interview.

The entire piece is in Danish so, if you’re like me, you will probably need a translator. If so, Google Translate does a reasonable job. Cheers!

Complete Video of AES Lecture Available Online

January 12th, 2015 | By Lance Hayes

Lance Hayes Speaking at Microsoft Research

Update: The PNW AES Section report featuring notes about my Forza 5 presentation is live on the national AES site.

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My session from last weeks PNW AES section January meeting at Microsoft Research was a lot of fun with great questions from the audience. The meeting was well attended by AES members, game audio pros and students. Thanks to everyone that came out!

The video of the talk billed as, “a detailed look at how the soundtrack to the one of the first next gen video game soundtracks for the Xbox One was conceived and executed” is now online here. And, thanks to Microsoft Research, it’s free to view.

This session was lively as well as a little bittersweet as its likely my last public Forza 5 talk. I discuss my work as the lead composer on on the launch title for the Xbox One as well as the cross country recording process so there are audio and video examples and a live demo of the game. I cover composing, adaptive audio, how the soundtrack was prototyped and wrap up by taking questions from the audience.

So if you have an interest in my work on the Forza franchise, next gen game scores and or game audio this talk is for you. Enjoy!

(Special thanks to Gary Louie, Rick Chinn and Ivan Tashev from PNW AES for hosting and coordinating this special event)

Microsoft Research recently reorganized their lecture library, moving all of the talks to YouTube. Here is the new link to the video:

Lance talking about FM5 at the PNW AES meeting

FM5 Soundtrack Nominated for Annual Game Music Awards 2013

April 4th, 2014 | By Lance Hayes

I’m honored that the Forza Motorsport 5 soundtrack has been nominated along with the splendid in-game sound design for two Annual Game Music Awards. In the “Production of the Year” category the soundtrack is up for “Outstanding Achievement – In-Game Music” and sound design is up for “Outstanding Achievement – Sound Design”. Congratulations to all of the nominees, it’s a thrill to be considered in such prestigious company!

Photo Op, Flash Forward from GDC 2014

March 26th, 2014 | By Lance Hayes

Photo of Lance Hayes and Chase Combs taken last week at the Game Developer’s Conference during Flash Forward, the opening event that kicks off the Game Developers Conference. Select talks are given 45 seconds each to pitch their session to a live audience of about a thousand game industry peers.

Photo credit Kathryn Amyotte

A Year of Highlights and Updates

March 3rd, 2014 | By Lance Hayes

Doing a little website housecleaning and since I’ve been having a busy year, I wanted to consolidate some related posts into one place.

• Audio Media Looks at Forza Motorsport 5
• Speaking Engagement at Game Developer’s Conference 2014
• McDonald’s Forza Xbox One Ad Campaign Featuring Music by Lance Hayes
• Game Audio Network Guild Award Nomination
• Forza Motorsport 5 Soundtrack and Game Now Available
• Forza Motorsport 4 Soundtrack Release Announced
• The Forza Motorsport 5 Soundtrack: An Insider’s View
• Music for Xbox Fitness
• Nominations and specifics on FM5’s Game Developer’s Choice “Best Audio” award nomination
• BJ Shea’s Geek Nation Interview
• Game Music Articles for Andertons Music UK

In related news my Game Developer’s Conference 2014 updates are here.

Other site updates include new content on the Media and Music Page (If you want to skip the videos scroll to the bottom for music links). Also check out the newly revised Articles/Awards page as well as an updated Bio/Credits.

And finally, you may also want to check out Twitter and Facebook for more info as I’ll post breaking news and asides there regularly.

Cheers!

Xbox Fitness

January 31st, 2014 | By Lance Hayes

Get out your sweatbands, and your leg warmers, “Xbox Fitness” for Xbox One is a hit. Using cutting edge technology to redefine work outs while the new Kinect sensor tracks your pulse ensuring you get a solid session in. With but rare exception, it seems to be a favorite title with early adopters.

I worked with Microsoft Studios on several tracks for the title, including the various themes that greets you when you start up the game. It was a fun project to work on as I got to flex my 7.1 surround music mixing muscles. I’ve uploaded one of the tracks from the project to my imaginatively titled “Game Music” playlist, along with other new tracks. Featuring the always brilliant Ian Dorsch on guitars and bass, have a listen to “Xbox Fitness Theme” at the link below. Cheers!