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.

_____________________________

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

Speaking Engagement: PNW AES Section

November 18th, 2014 | By Lance Hayes

Following the score for Forza Motorsport 5 Original Soundtrack at Skywalker Ranch

UPDATE 01/03/14: Click here for the Facebook event

I’m looking forward discussing and dissecting my work on the Forza Motorsport 5 Soundtrack for the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Audio Engineering Society over at Microsoft Research on Thursday, January 8th, 2015 at 7:30pm.

If you want to know more about scoring, adaptive concepts and music for AAA video games then this session is for you. There’s more information from the AES site below. Hope to see you there!

From the AES site:

Steve Malott
AES PNW 2014-2015 Section Chair

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!

Forza Motorsport 5’s tribute to LaFerrari

April 3rd, 2014 | By Lance Hayes

I’m excited that the trailer I scored for Forza Motorsport 5’s tribute to LaFerrari has gone live. It was a thrill to have the opportunity to score these gorgeous shots of this amazing car.

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

Audio Media Looks at Forza Motorsport 5

March 9th, 2014 | By Lance Hayes

The March edition of Audio Media features a fantastic article by brilliant FM5 co-composer John Broomhall on the music and sound of Forza Motorsport 5. I had a great time talking with John about Forza and he followed up with many of the other notable talents that helped create this hallmark installment of the franchise.

There are great interviews with T10 / Microsoft audio team members Nick Wiswell, Chase Combs, Mike Caviezel, John Wendl and more. If you love Forza, game audio and or cars have a look, there’s something in there for you.

If you don’t have access to the print version check out page 28 of the archived digital edition at the links.

PDF file of Audio Media March Digital Edition or you can look over the Yudu version here.

Good reading!

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!

Forza 5 Nominated for Game Developer’s Choice “Best Audio” Award

January 9th, 2014 | By Lance Hayes

Forza Motorsport 5 has been nominated for a 2014 Game Developer’s Choice Award for “Best Audio”. I’m very honored to have played a role on Turn 10’s audio team bringing this title to Xbox One.

(For a list of additional awards, including twin BAFTAs, that Forza Motorsport 5 has been nominated for and or received head over to the Awards page)

Here’s a little more about the Game Developer’s Choice Awards from their site:

14th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards

“The Game Developers Choice Awards are the premier accolades for peer recognition in the digital games industry. Each year, the Choice Awards recognize and celebrate the creativity, artistry and technical genius of the finest developers and games created in the last year.”

Located at the Game Developers Conference

Moscone Convention Center, West Hall
Wednesday, March 19, 2014

6:30 – 8:30 pm
*All badges allowed entry