Singer-Songwriter Lera Lynn Discusses Creating Music for Endless Dungeon
Introduction
Singer-songwriter Lera Lynn, known for her work on HBO’s True Detective series, has ventured into the world of video game music with Endless Dungeon. In an interview with Game Informer, Lynn discusses her involvement in the project, the process of creating music for games, and the themes and inspiration behind the songs in Endless Dungeon.
Getting Involved with Endless Dungeon
Lynn reveals that the team at Amplitude Studios approached her to work on the soundtrack for Endless Dungeon. They were fans of her music and felt that she would be a great fit for the project.
A New Medium
As this was Lynn’s first game project, she acknowledges that there was a learning curve in adapting her music to fit the unique world and themes of Endless Dungeon. However, she praises the Amplitude team for giving her creative freedom and allowing her to make her own contributions to the game.
Writing Music for a Developed World
Lynn shares that working on a project with an existing world and character was actually easier for her. The longer process of creating the music allowed her to fully immerse herself in the game’s lore and find ways to incorporate it into her lyrics. She also aimed to make the music accessible to listeners outside of the game, ensuring that it could be enjoyed as standalone music.
Reflecting on the Pandemic and Social Issues
Creating music for Endless Dungeon during the pandemic influenced Lynn’s lyrics, evoking feelings of isolation and fear. She also touches on incorporating political undertones into her work, reflecting the social climate at the time. Lynn describes her experience as a mirror, capturing the emotions of the world through her music.
Connecting with the Audience
Lynn acknowledges that every song takes on a life of its own once it reaches the audience. She is intrigued by how her music connects with listeners and becomes a part of their personal experiences.
Endless Dungeon’s Long Journey
With Endless Dungeon being in development for several years, Lynn reflects on her own songs and the satisfaction she feels when revisiting them after time has passed. Like any artist, she recognizes areas for improvement but overall is proud of the music she created for the game.
Exploring the Songs
Lynn discusses two of the songs from Endless Dungeon: “The Garden” and “Free Again.” “The Garden” was initially written as a battle song, incorporating the game’s specific vernacular and themes. “Free Again,” created during lockdown, reflects the experience of being trapped and the desire for freedom. Lynn emphasizes that these songs hold personal meaning to her and encompass a range of emotions.
The Interactive Aspect of Endless Dungeon’s Music
Lynn expresses excitement about the interactive element of the music in Endless Dungeon. She mentions that the music is diagetic, meaning it interacts with the players and the game world. Different characters in the game’s band can play different instruments, adding to the immersive experience. Lynn also highlights the unexpected outcome of having an avatar in the game, never imagining she would be represented as a character.
A Connection Between True Detective and Endless Dungeon?
When asked about the similarities between her role in True Detective and Endless Dungeon, Lynn humorously notes her apparent typecasting as a musician in bars. While she acknowledges the connection between the two roles, she finds it interesting to see how her characters and music overlap.
The Americana Style and Juxtaposition
Although Endless Dungeon has a Western feel, set in space, Lynn explains the indie rock style of the songs she created. She also touches on the collaborative process between herself, her band, and composer Arnaud Roy, who added game elements to the music. Lynn appreciates the juxtaposition of the music style with the game’s setting, as it adds an unexpected twist.
The Impact of Lynn’s Involvement
Lynn hopes that players will connect with the music of Endless Dungeon on a human level, finding meaning in the songs beyond their association with the game. As a songwriter, she wants the music to resonate with people and evoke emotions that extend beyond the game itself.
Conclusion
Lera Lynn’s venture into video game music with Endless Dungeon illustrates her adaptability as an artist. Collaborating with Amplitude Studios, Lynn created songs that capture the essence of the game while offering a personal touch. With her music serving as an interactive element, Lynn’s involvement in Endless Dungeon promises to elevate the gaming experience and provide players with a memorable soundtrack.
[Image Credit: Game Informer / Lera Lynn]
Endless Dungeon hits PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on October 19.