PORTFOLIO — Gustav Erlangsen

Portfolio for MA Composition for Film, TV and Games

As someone interested in working in the games industry, I produced the following 8 tracks with this in mind. I focused on a variety of different genres, musical instruments, and recording methods - ranging from atmospheric horror to composed piano pieces that were recorded in one take.

Playlist

Ludum Dare 55 - Sorcerer’s Folly

I wrote two songs for the Ludum Dare gamejam. The theme was “Summoning” and in 72 hours I wrote two songs and all the sound effects, as well as the level design as well.

I had a great time writing these songs, I feel that they fit the theme really well, despite being slightly less polished than I would have liked (something you can’t really avoid when you’re working on a time crunch!)

You can check out the game here: https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/55/$392047

Track 1 - Almost There

This piece was written with a combination of synthesised sounds as well as orchestral VSTs, and was written to fit a section or level in a game that precedes the final boss - hence the name “Almost There”.

My inspirations for this were David Fenn (Death’s Door), as well as Toby Fox (Undertale).

Track 2 - Atmospheric and Unknown

Some games feature very minimalistic and atmospheric pieces, which often culminates (in tandem with the game) into a feeling of being “lost”. This particular piece was written with an ancient untouched forest in mind - and was composed in a way that allows for adaptive music in the game, where the song evolves as you progressively delve deeper into the forest.

My inspirations for this were Lifeformed and Janice Kwan (Tunic), Koji Kondo (Zelda), as well as Disasterpeace (Hyper Light Drifter)

Track 3 - Better on the other side

This particular track was written in mind to accompany a narrative sequence in which a character has to overcome a difficult situation. I particularly enjoyed using Guitar as the focal point of this piece.

My inspirations for this were Joel Corelitz (Eastward) and Joel Baylis (Cassette Beasts).

Track 4- Contact Lost

Psychological horror is a genre that has long interested me, due to how their soundtracks not only vastly differ from most other soundtracks, but also have the ability to create genuine fear or unease. This particular piece was written in mind with the player exploring a crashed spaceship.

This track was also composed with adaptive music in mind - where the different elements of the song would build up as the character moves through the spaceship.

My inspirations for this were Cicada Sirens (Signalis) and Akira Yamaoka (Silent Hill).

Track 5 - Looking for Hope

This piece was written to play following harrowing events. During the writing process, I was imagining townsfolk dealing with the aftermath of their village being destroyed, in which the player would have a part to play in helping those affected.

My inspirations for this were Keiichi Okabe (Nier: Automata) and Koji Kondo (Zelda).

Track 6 - Just a Vibe

This piece was written initially for a previous project, but I decided to extend it into a full piece. The piece was inspired by the beat I made using my water bottle, which was accented by the mandolin sound effect I use here. With this piece I wanted to create a funky and upbeat theme for a small beachside town.

My inspirations for this were Koji Kondo (Zelda), and William Cho (Phoenotopia Awakening).

Track 7 - Flight

The last two pieces are different from the rest, in that I composed them for piano and recorded them on piano. This particular piece was written with a plot in mind that I’ve been working on, in which a character betrays the main character - this would be the music that accompanies said fight.

My inspirations for this were David Fenn (Death’s Door), Joel Corelitz (Eastward), and Koji Kondo (Zelda).

Track 8 - Fight

Similar to the last piece, this was composed and recorded for the piano. This particular piece would during the resolution of the dispute from Track 7 - Flight, with the main character finally facing the person who turned on them.