James Landino Interview | Composer Code Podcast Ep. 9

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4. Check out my favorite gear, software, tools, and equipment for making VGM. 🎧 composercode.com/equipment-fo... James Landino is a rockstar. Well, an EDM-star (if that’s a thing).
He got his start composing electronic music for a Flash game and through grit, determination, and being an all-around nice dude, he landed a gig at Harmonix.
He’s built a career as the go-to guy for all things electronic, and as a result is now a freelancer, working on several projects at once with no shortage of work.
We chatted about his current freelance journey, the intersection of game music and electronic music, and the power of being really good at one single thing.
He shared his perspective on how to break into the industry and habits that hold beginners back from success.
He also gave some really great insights into his workflow (spoiler: use markers!!) and how he finishes tracks.
He’s got some amazing music that I highly recommend you check out. If you want to learn more about James, follow any of the links below. Thanks for listening!
James’ website: james-landino.squarespace.com/
James’ UA-cam channel: / jameslandino (listen to that Super Mario Odyssey remix! STRAIGHT FIRE)
James’ SoundCloud: / jameslandino
Follow him on Twitter @JamesLandino

[@MusicDesign]

Great discussion on James' processes in creating music. The point I took away from this interview was how he starts his songs. He might be the first composer that I know that lays out every section the song has. I usually just write until I feel the song is finished.

[@composercode]

I highly recommend it. It's always great to set constraints for yourself (in this case, literal constraints) as it tends to mitigate overwhelm and option-anxiety. Try setting markers for the beginning and ending of your songs, then set markers for the form (8 bar verse, 16 bar chorus, etc.). You'll find it makes composing in bite-sized chunks much more manageable. :)

[@rudeboyspodcast]

James in the fuckin man and this was a great episode, thanks!

[@lostinlymbo13]

Any suggestions about finding those communities? As someone that has played single player games my whole life I have kind of shunned online communities and I think that has been to my own detriment lol

[@composercode]

That's a great question. James' case is extremely niche, but I would recommend trying to find modding communities for popular games. Typically, mod creators need lots of custom music and it's a great way to get your foot in the door. Another great place to build community and cut your teeth in composition is in local game jams. Hope this helps!

[@lostinlymbo13]

Matt Kenyon thanks for the input!