This is my third and final in my first series of interviews with three video game music bands. It is with the band Armcannon who reside in the town of Buffalo, NY, You can check out their official site or check them out on myspace. Enjoy! Names: Dan - guitar Mike - guitar Chris - keyboard Dave - bass Brian - drums
Band Name: Armcannon
Where did you get the idea for your band name? We had the idea to call ourselves "The Armcannons" in that cheesy 50's vibe, however we decided that just "Armcannon" sound much more bad-ass.
Where do you currently reside? Buffalo, NY
What was the first video game console you ever owned? Dan - NES Mike - NES Chris - NES Dave - Atari Brian - NES
What is your favorite console? Why? Dan - NES, classic Mike - SNES, a classic perfected Dave - NES, classic Chris - SNES, a classic perfected Brian - Xbox, (traitor....)
What is your favorite video game soundtrack? Why? Dan - Megaman 3, covers the gamut of awesome Mike - Command and Conquer, Hell March... 'nuff said Chris - Super Metroid, possibly the most brooding awesome soundtrack ever Dave - Ninja Gaiden, upbeat ninja music Brian - Super Metroid, see above
What is your favorite video game? Why? Dan - Blaster Master, it's Metroid with a jumping tank Mike - Metal Gear Solid, stealth = good Chris - Super Metroid, this game is pure genius Dave - Ninja Gaiden, fast paced, great story. Brian - Halo, multiplayer rules
Do you still play a lot of video games? Which ones have you been playing most lately? Dan - Tetris DS Dave, Mike - not regularly Chris - Tetris DS, Metroid Prime Hunters, F-Zero GX, Zelda Windwaker Brian - Halo 2
What type of music besides video game music is most influental to you? Dan - metal, Opeth and Meshuggah Mike - metal, Michael Romeo and John Petrucci Dave - jazz, Victor Wooten, Bela Fleck Chris - classical, Mozart's Requiem Brian - metal, Marilyn Manson, KMFDM
When did you first start making video game related music? Dan and Chris have been making their own humble arrangements for a while just for fun for maybe the last 2 years. Brian, Mike, and Dave have never played VG tunes before.
What instruments and electronics do you use to make your music? Live, we use 2 guitars, bass, keyboard and drums. Mike also handles the vocal duties when necessary.
Any advice to other people trying to make it in this genre of music? Really focus on your playing ability and practicing. Most video game tunes require a greater than average amount of skill to play. All of the old-school songs were never meant to be played on regular instruments besides maybe a keyboard, so many times the melodies reflect an impossible rate of speed or wacky fingering. Try and be original with your remixes without losing the original feel of the song. Note for note versions for songs have been done already, and done well. Try and think of something to add to the song, tastefully. Have fun, making remixes is really fun, but requires more hard work than you might think. The more work you put into your remix, the more it will show in the end product. Good luck.
I would like to thank Armcannon for their time. Remember to check them out!