GDC 2025 Session Viewer
Fascinating Rhythm: Bending the Power of Groove To Your Will
Jason Graves (Composer, Jason Graves Music. Inc.)
Krisin Naigus (Musician, Field of Reeds)
Eli Bishop (Musician, Independant)
Pass Type: All Access Pass, Core Pass, Audio Pass - Get your pass now!
Track: Audio
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All
Rhythm is the backbone of all music. Composer Jason Graves will break down his rhythmic approach to creating music from a drummer's perspective, including creative patterns for drums/percussion and writing orchestral music in odd time signatures. Topics will include musical phrasing and its impact on gameplay, creating grooves that support the in-game action, and how properly layering rhythms can build to a satisfying interactive game experience. Practical examples of well-known game music will be used in addition to a rhythmic deconstruction of Jason's scores such as Dead Space, Still Wakes The Deep, No Rest For The Wicked, and Tomb Raider.
Takeaway
Attendees will learn specific, real-world techniques for composing music for games, emphasizing rhythmic choices as sources of inspiration and springboards for original ideas. A solid foundation will be formed through well-known game music examples and live audience participation - prepare to stomp, clap, and chant your way to a new rhythmic understanding!
Intended Audience
Ideal attendees include composers, audio directors, and music supervisors at any experience level, plus anyone curious about the building blocks of music and its power in games. We will start simple and build to more sophisticated ideas by the end, but everything will be steeped in known musical examples and the general scope of the talk will be approachable for anyone.