Andrew Hulshult 2024 Interview: DOOM IDKFA, Blood Swamps, DUSK, Iron Lung, AMID EVIL, Music, Guitars, Cold Brew Coffee, and More

This extensive interview delves into the career of Andrew Hulshult, a prominent video game composer known for his work on titles like Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition, Dusk, Amid Evil, Prodeus, and the DOOM Eternal DLC. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from his early career and unexpected rise to prominence, to his creative process, musical influences, and equipment.

Hulshult discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding video game music, emphasizing the importance of both artistic vision and financial stability. He details his approach to composing for different games, highlighting the balance between respecting existing themes and injecting his unique style. The interview also explores his experiences working with various developers, including the collaborative efforts on DOOM Eternal's DLC with David Levy and Chad Mossholder.

A significant portion of the interview focuses on Hulshult's equipment and techniques. He describes his preferred guitars (Caparison Dellinger 7 and Brocken 8), pickups (Seymour Duncan), string gauges, amplifiers (Neural DSP Quad Cortex with Engel cabinets), and effects pedals. He also shares anecdotes about his creative process, including the inspiration behind specific tracks like Prodeus's "Spent Fuel" and Amid Evil's "Splitting Time."

The interview further touches upon his work on the upcoming Markiplier film Iron Lung, highlighting the differences between composing for film and games. He discusses his chiptune album Dusk 82, and reflects on his career, offering insights into his daily routine, favorite bands (Gojira, Metallica, Jesper Kyd), and his aspirations for future projects. The conversation concludes with a discussion about his favorite pieces of music memorabilia and his preferred coffee (cold brew, black).

The interview provides a comprehensive look into the life and work of Andrew Hulshult, offering valuable insights into the world of video game music composition and the creative journey of a highly successful artist. It's a must-read for fans of his work and anyone interested in the art and business of video game soundtracks.