The legendary composer behind some of Nintendo’s most unforgettable soundtracks, Kazumi Tanaka, is eager to dive back into video game music. After an iconic career that spans decades, he’s ready to create new auditory experiences for gamers.
Tanaka is one of the pioneers of chiptune music, having joined Nintendo in 1980. He played a crucial role during the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, contributing not just as a composer but also in designing and programming the audio hardware for the Famicom/NES and Game Boy. His unforgettable works include classics like Super Mario Land, Metroid, and the Game Boy version of Tetris.
Despite his illustrious past, Tanaka’s journey took a turn when he began writing songs for the Pokémon anime. This led to a resignation from Nintendo to join Creatures Inc., Pokémon’s co-owner, where he shifted his focus primarily to game production, stepping back from music creation for over two decades.
Now, after years away from full soundtracks, Tanaka is rekindling his passion for composing. Recently, he contributed music for an upcoming game called Awaysis, developed by Jake Kazdal, a former Sega artist. “If someone came up to me and said, ‘Hey, do you want to make music for a game?’ I’d be like, ‘Yeah, sure, sounds like fun,’” he stated, expressing his excitement.
Tanaka clarified that he’s not just dabbling; he’s actually working on 70-80% of the music for Awaysis. Reflecting on his previous experience, he noted that his strength lies in creating complete soundtracks that embody a game’s theme, enhancing the overall gaming experience. “I think the thing I’m best at as a composer is defining an entire audio experience around a single color, or theme,” he explained.
The resurgence of Tanaka in the gaming music scene signals exciting possibilities for fans. With his rich history in the industry and recent endeavors, we might just witness the birth of new beloved soundtracks, enriching the gaming world once again.