Here it goes... I've only finished part 1 cos I need some sleep right now (it's 11PM here)
will finish it by tomorrow.
Part 1: Combination of electronic music & symphonic orchestra
Q: What is the concept of the music production in this game?
A: Final Fantasy XIII has a great background setting with strong near-futuristic elements, while retaining the grandiosity which this series always have. Therefore, the basic concept of creating music for this game is [red]the keyword "combination". which means combining near-futuristic musical ideas with the broadness of large-scale symphonic orchestra.[/red]
Q: How much time did you use to compose all the music?
A: The proper work had not started until Sept. to Oct. 2008. I composed pieces like "FFXII ~Promise~" and "Saber's Edge" so that they can be used in the trial version back then. The actual work on composing takes about 1 year. Fortunately all of my compositions are used in the game without scrapping any pieces.
Q: Compared to FFX, which was a collaborated effort, did you feel great pressure when you were going to score this game alone?
A: That is, of course (laugh). I have been playing the FF and DQ series for quite some time, [red]and I have wanted to create music for this kind of games since long ago.[/red] Therefore when I was asked whether I wanted to take charge in the music production of FFXIII, I was very happy. However, compared to the age of Famicon sound sources, game music nowadays is able to use real orchestras, and also player feedback can be easily reached to the creator via the Internet. The whole environment is changed a lot, and that naturally has brought me quite some pressure.
Q: It seems that this time you have frequently employed the technique of adding layers of live orchestral recordings upon the accompaniment of electronic sequence (sound sources composed and stored in the computer).
A: If I were to only use the recordings of domestic orchestra, they surely sound beautiful and not bad at all, but in some places, domestic orchestra lacks power. Furthermore I hope [red]I can bring more depth into my compositions,[/red] so the way I get things done is create a full rendition of the song on computer first, then it is mixed with orchestral recordings. In this way the music can sound more powerful.
Q: It sounds like a lot of work to first create complete songs on the computer then work on that further...
A: Another way is to create a sketch on the computer, then hand the data to the arranger to get the piece orchestrated. I prefer to finish those things that needs to be done on the computer first. If this step can be done well, with the mixing of orchestral recordings, I think I can [red]create a unique listening experience[/red] in this way.
Q: Some music was recorded in Warsaw. Why choose this place for recordings?
A: Yes, we have recorded some live performances in Warsaw. We used an over 100-piece orchestra including voice. The reason for choosing Warsaw, aparted from the fact that I like Eastern Europe music myself, is that my compositions are often quite heavy in harmony, and rich in subtle changes. I think my composition style fits the music of this area. Another reason is that I have used the sound of piano in many pieces. I think when it comes to better integrating piano and orchestra, Warsaw is the best choice.