Hey Adventurers!

Thanks for checking out this week's MythForce interview with composer Ross Lara!

Ross has been a composer, producer, mix engineer, and sound designer for over a decade. Starting as a writer and producer in the pop and electronic world, Ross has developed a unique blend of musical genres and creative sound design. Over the course of his career, he has amassed over 500 million streams and views across various media platforms. After founding Archipelago Entertainment, he transitioned to composing, producing, and mixing music to be used in film, television, and video games.

What are some of your biggest musical influences?

I have experienced amazing chapters of my life filled with all kinds of musical artists and creators. Electronic music is at the helm of my journey. BT profoundly inspired me through my high school and college days. Pop producers like David Foster and Max Martin, with their pursuit of simplicity and timelessness, have provided the soundtrack to billions around the world. Over the past four years, I dove deep into ambient, neoclassical, and experimental electronica. Olafur Arnalds, Jon Hopkins, and Johann Johannsson have moved me there. Just as important as musical influences, exploring the great unknown and seeking adventure are equally important to me. The sounds of our planet, the gorgeous landscapes, and sharing those experiences with loved ones has truly become one of my recipes for inspiration.

How exactly does one become a composer?

All it takes is an initial interest. That interest can become a passion, and the passion has the potential to carry through the journey of learning an instrument and the technology to support the writing/production process. If making a career out of music is the goal, there are so many things to consider. Find your why, and chase the joy music brings you. Always long to be better, and surround yourself with inspiring folks in the industry. Play the long game, and spend time in a music city to help grow your network.

How does scoring a game differ from scoring a film or other work?

One of the most critical elements of writing for a game is keeping in mind music integration into the game's engine. So often, we find ourselves writing layers and/or different iterations that have the capability of being played on top of another cue of music. A game is all based on the player's control and decisions. Music and sound need to be able instantly to accompany the emotion that comes with game play. Also, when scoring a game, one will become very good at making suites of music seamlessly loopable!

What's your experience with games as a player?

I do not play many games these days, but I sure do enjoy writing music for them! I have played my fair share over the years. I love racing games and classic 007 on N64. I actually really enjoy watching friends play. Games are next level these days. It's like watching a movie.

What elements of MythForce most inspired your compositions?

MythForce is an epic game with an inspiring message. First, I found the environments inspired a lot of the mood and tones. The backbone of the score is fairly dark with the synth tones, reverbs, and sound design textures, with motifs elevating the energy into a heroic sense. MythForce is also a special tip of the hat to 80s media, so that nostalgia came through. For example, in the middle of orchestral cues, we reached for classic 80s drum machines to sample drum toms. Or we re-amped guitars into total hair banger tones. We also weaved in several ethnic instruments from the jungles of the Galapagos and mallet and wood instruments from South America.

What elements of the 1980s most appeal to you?

I love the 80s. During that time, music technology took off. Synthesizers came into the forefront, and outboard gear was becoming big, clean, and rich. These things are total classics and in high demand in 2022! A lot of equipment in our studio is from the 80s, and those pieces of gear were all over the score.

Apart from MythForce, what exciting projects do you have coming up?

MythForce Early Access is just the beginning. We're really stoked to be part of this game and the long-term vision of it. More to come this year!

We have scored two films coming out this year, and a plethora of media projects with Red Bull and Meta. I am also releasing a lot of my own work this year. I also have a band, The Spacies, and we're releasing an album we wrote during our trip to Iceland. It's like a concept album with ten songs. This one will be special. Oh and, we're installing Dolby Atmos in our studio this spring. We are so excited about this new chapter.

Where can people follow you on social media?

Instagram: @rosslara. Releasing music every month! Spotify: Ross Lara. Apple Music: RossLara. https://www.rosslara.com/

That's all for today's interview. Tune in next week for an interview with MythForce development lead, Sophia Lamar.