This extensive interview with Andrew Hulshult, a prominent video game composer, delves into his career, creative process, and musical influences. From his early work on canceled projects like Duke Nukem 3D Reloaded and Rise of the Triad: 2013, to his acclaimed soundtracks for Dusk, Amid Evil, Nightmare Reaper, and the DOOM Eternal DLC, Hulshult discusses the challenges and rewards of composing for video games.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including:

• His career trajectory: Hulshult recounts his unexpected rise to prominence after initially considering leaving the industry, highlighting the importance of business acumen alongside artistic vision.
• Misconceptions about video game music: He challenges the notion that game music is easy, emphasizing the complexities of understanding game design philosophies and the social skills needed to collaborate effectively.
• His creative process: He details his approach to composing for different games, balancing respect for source material with his own unique style, and the evolution of his sound from metal-influenced tracks to a broader range of styles.
• Specific game soundtracks: The interview delves into the creation of soundtracks for Rise of the Triad: 2013, Bombshell, Nightmare Reaper, Prodeus, Amid Evil (including its DLC), and DOOM Eternal's DLC, offering insights into his creative choices and the challenges faced during development. He shares anecdotes about working with developers and the emotional impact of personal events on his work.
• His gear and equipment: Hulshult describes his current guitar setup, including his preferred guitars, pickups, strings, amplifiers, and effects pedals, showcasing his meticulous approach to sound design.
• His work on the Iron Lung film soundtrack: He discusses the differences between composing for film and games, his collaboration with Markiplier, and the impact of budget on his approach to composition.
• His chiptune album, Dusk 82: He reflects on his experience creating this unique project and the possibilities of future chiptune reinterpretations of his work.
• His musical influences: Hulshult shares his favorite bands and artists, both within and outside the video game industry, highlighting the diverse range of influences that shape his creative output.

The interview concludes with a hypothetical scenario where he chooses his ideal game and movie projects, and offers his thoughts on the evolution of Metallica's sound over time. It's a comprehensive look into the mind of a highly skilled and insightful composer, providing valuable insights into the world of video game music.