![SOUND TEST #13 - Commodore 64 Special (w/Rob Hubbard and Ben Daglish) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST] @TheSoundTest](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EsQXihcNUM4/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded October 2018 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Before today's flood of triple-A console games, way back in the 80s, the Commodore 64 ruled the roost. The most popular home computer in the western world, the C64 became synonymous with homespun programming and the birth of video games as we know them. Then, original soundtracks for video games were forced to use a mere three channels, and were unable to record any real instrumentation. Despite these limitations, musicians like Rob Hubbard and Ben Daglish coded expansive themes that remain beloved today. This episode features both, for a lengthy conversation about the creation of VGM on the C64's lauded SID chip. I hope it does Ben's legacy justice — he sadly passed away during production, and this episode is dedicated to his memory.
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
twitter.com/GreenT128
C64 Manual Extract:
commodore.ca/manuals/c64_users_guide/c64-users_guide-07-creating_sound.pdf
Also available on:
iTunes
(itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2)
Spotify
(open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC)
Audioboom
(audioboom.com/posts/7051870-commodore-64-special-w-rob-hubbard-and-ben-daglish)
Twitch
(twitch.tv/videos/324683651)
Stitcher
(stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr)
Pledge to my Patreon to help support The Sound Test, and next year's second series.
(patreon.com/_secretcave)
Before today's flood of triple-A console games, way back in the 80s, the Commodore 64 ruled the roost. The most popular home computer in the western world, the C64 became synonymous with homespun programming and the birth of video games as we know them. Then, original soundtracks for video games were forced to use a mere three channels, and were unable to record any real instrumentation. Despite these limitations, musicians like Rob Hubbard and Ben Daglish coded expansive themes that remain beloved today. This episode features both, for a lengthy conversation about the creation of VGM on the C64's lauded SID chip. I hope it does Ben's legacy justice — he sadly passed away during production, and this episode is dedicated to his memory.
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
twitter.com/GreenT128
C64 Manual Extract:
commodore.ca/manuals/c64_users_guide/c64-users_guide-07-creating_sound.pdf
Also available on:
iTunes
(itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2)
Spotify
(open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC)
Audioboom
(audioboom.com/posts/7051870-commodore-64-special-w-rob-hubbard-and-ben-daglish)
Twitch
(twitch.tv/videos/324683651)
Stitcher
(stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr)
Pledge to my Patreon to help support The Sound Test, and next year's second series.
(patreon.com/_secretcave)
![SOUND TEST #13 - Commodore 64 Special (w/Rob Hubbard and Ben Daglish) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EsQXihcNUM4/mqdefault.jpg "SOUND TEST #13 - Commodore 64 Special (w/Rob Hubbard and Ben Daglish) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]
Before todays flood of triple-A console games, way back in the 80s, the Commodore 64 ruled the roost. The most popular home computer in the western world, the C64 became synonymous with homespun programming and the birth of video games as we know them. Then, original soundtracks for video games were forced to use a mere three channels, and were unable to record any real instrumentation. Despite these limitations, musicians like Rob Hubbard and Ben Daglish coded expansive themes that remain beloved today. This episode features both, for a lengthy conversation about the creation of VGM on the C64s lauded SID chip. I hope it does Bens legacy justice — he sadly passed away during production, and this episode is dedicated to his memory.
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GreenT128
C64 Manual Extract:
https://www.commodore.ca/manuals/c64_users_guide/c64-users_guide-07-creating_sound.pdf
Also available on:
iTunes
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2)
Spotify
(https://open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC)
Audioboom
(https://audioboom.com/posts/7051870-commodore-64-special-w-rob-hubbard-and-ben-daglish)
Twitch
(https://www.twitch.tv/videos/324683651)
Stitcher
(https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr)
Pledge to my Patreon to help support The Sound Test, and next years second series.
(https://www.patreon.com/_secretcave)")
![THE SOUND TEST Bonus - Grand Theft Auto (w/Colin Anderson) [INTERVIEW / PODCAST]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/F7zyXKYrUgU/mqdefault.jpg "THE SOUND TEST Bonus - Grand Theft Auto (w/Colin Anderson) [INTERVIEW / PODCAST]
For this bonus, its my great honour to welcome Colin Anderson onto The Sound Test for a lengthy talk about Grand Theft Auto. Colin was heavily involved in the music and audio of the franchise in its early days, and we talk in-depth about his contributions to both GTA 1 and 2. At the end, we even fit in a little discussion of Crackdown - another game Colin worked on, which we both consider to have more than a few connections to Grand Theft Auto.
This is a real dream interview for me, as I consider the GTA franchise to be just about my favourite of all time; especially thanks to some of my earliest memories playing the original top-down classics that started it all. If youre familiar with their innovative radio stations and impressive bespoke tracks, this episode is guaranteed to please. We cover it all, from The Ballad of Chapped Lips Calhoun to the infectious funk of Stylus Exodus; from forgotten prog. rock stations to that pedestrian who shouts, Dickwad! whenever you drive past.
My inner child can hardly believe Im releasing this particular episode, and I hope you enjoy it too!
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GreenT128
Colin Anderson on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/denkicolin
The Sound Test is also available through:
Audioboom
https://audioboom.com/channels/4966905
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC
iTunes
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2
Stitcher
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr
and many more!
Pledge to https://patreon.com/_secretcave to help support The Sound Tests second season, and unlock backdated episodes of its LIVE version (and other content)!
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #GrandTheftAuto")
![THE SOUND TEST 2 - #09 - Outer Wilds (w/Andrew Prahlow) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW/PODCAST]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HLdUewwExis/mqdefault.jpg "THE SOUND TEST 2 - #09 - Outer Wilds (w/Andrew Prahlow) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW/PODCAST]
Outer Wilds, a unique sci-fi adventure released in 2019, has been a huge hit with critics and players alike. Scored by Andrew Prahlow, a lot of the soundtrack is built on banjos, guitars and other fireside classics (like simple whistling). However, the music also makes clever use of soundscapes, synths and textures, all contributing to a decidedly post-rock sound that perfectly captures the setting.
After Outer Wilds’ incredible haul of Game-of-the-Year wins at the end of 2019, it’s a huge pleasure to welcome Andrew Prahlow onto the show. But, it’s only fair that I warn you of the multiple story spoilers throughout this episode. One of Outer Wilds’ greatest strengths is its mystery, and I’m keen to maintain the power of that narrative for those who haven’t yet completed it, or are interested in starting.
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GreenT128
Andrew Prahlow on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/andrewprahlow
Also available through:
iTunes
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC
Stitcher
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr
and many more...
Early access, unedited interviews, LIVE shows and more:
http://patreon.com/_secretcave")
![THE SOUND TEST 2 - #11 - Rakuen (w/Laura Shigihara) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IDD1yU3-izw/mqdefault.jpg "THE SOUND TEST 2 - #11 - Rakuen (w/Laura Shigihara) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]
Styled as a 2D RPG adventure, Rakuen follows the emotional journey of an unnamed Boy and his mother. Hospitalised by a difficult illness, the boy finds solace in stories of a magical land.
As the narrative unfolds, music becomes integral to the experience. Melodies tie directly into plot threads, and help drive gameplay in some inventive ways. You’d expect nothing less from Laura Shigihara, who joins me for her third Sound Test appearance.
Throughout this podcast, we’ll explore some of Rakuen’s key themes, and what inspired them. There are also a few details about story beats, including the ending, so be warned of spoilers!
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GreenT128
Laura Shigihara on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/supershigi
Extra credits:
Visualisations by the incredible Laundry_Hamper!
Instrumental version of Jump by goodpea2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvFsitAqRzM
Instrumental version of Build a Little World with Me by AndrewFMs:
https://youtu.be/E2z1glM4aE8
Also available through:
Audioboom
https://audioboom.com/posts/7629350-st2-11-rakuen-w-laura-shigihara-composer-interview-podcast
iTunes
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC
Stitcher
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr
and many more...
Early access, unedited interviews, LIVE shows and more:
http://patreon.com/_secretcave
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #Rakuen #Supershigi")
![The Sound Test LIVE - 13/11/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast] (feat. Barry Leitch)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IRFbV7u4b3A/mqdefault.jpg "The Sound Test LIVE - 13/11/20 [Weekly VGM Radio & Podcast] (feat. Barry Leitch)
The Sound Test welcomes yet another big interview guest this week, as Barry Leitch joins me for a chat about his whole legendary career. From his music and sound for a string of popular racing games to his intriguing work on childrens toys, we cover a lot of interesting ground. It was fantastic to have Barry on the show, and I hope we talk again soon!
The theme for this week otherwise, though, is final bosses; main antagonists. Along with my own top five, we of course hear some great choices from listeners as we explore some of the most iconic and interesting end baddies of all time.
This weeks playlist:
Part 3 – Mike Richmond [Cocoa and the Time Machine 2: 24 Hour Parsley People]
Dracula’s Castle – Michiru Yamane [Castlevania: Symphony of the Night]
Imaginary Places – Busdriver [Tony Hawk’s Underground]
Escape – Jonah Senzel [Pony Island]
Bigfoot Party – Clint Bajakian, Michael Land and/or Peter McConnell [Sam & Max: Hit the Road]
Eeeeeeeeeeeeee – Terry Scott Taylor [Skullmonkeys]
Buttville – Tommy Tallarico [Earthworm Jim]
Final Zone – Masato Nakamura [Sonic the Hedgehog]
EOL Boss 2 – Marten Joustra and Andy Blythe, Michael Giacchino or Matt Furniss [Mickey Mania]
Gang-Plank Galleon – David Wise [Donkey Kong Country]
Undercaves – Spencer Nilsen, Brian Coburn and/or Andras Magyari [Ecco the Dolphin]
Snake Eater – Norihiko Hibino and Cynthia Harrell [Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater]
Flame of the Ancient World – Mark Morgan [Fallout]
Laniakiea – Valentine Parkhomenko [Cradle]
Las Vegas – Barry Leitch [Top Gear]
A Very Final Finale – Barry Leitch [Horizon Chase Turbo]
Deadbeard’s Battle Theme – Motoi Sakuraba [Golden Sun]
Formidable Oak (Exterior, Interior, Plasm Wraith Battle!) – Asuka Hayazaki, Atsuko Asahi and/or Hajime Wakai [Pikmin 3]
Escape – Kazuki Muraoka, Hiroyuki Togo, Takanari Ishiyama, Lee Jeon Myung and/or Maki Kirioka [Metal Gear Solid]
The Prince of Darkness – Koji Kondo [The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]
Battle in Japan – Akira Yamaoka and Andrius Klimka [World of Tanks]
Terracotta Army (The End) – Gareth Coker [Minecraft: Chinese Mythology]
Select – Junk Ozawa and/or Jesahm [Donkey Konga]
Master Hand – ??? [Super Smash Bros. for 3DS]
Theme of M. Bison – Masahiro Aoki, Hideyuki Fukasawa, Keiki Kobayashi, Takatsugu Wakabayashi and/or Zac Zinger [Street Fighter V]
One-Winged Angel – Nobuo Uematsu [Distant Worlds]
Ultimate Koopa – Koji Kondo [Super Mario 64]
MAIN THEME:
Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Koji Kondo & Yasuake Iwata - World 8 [Super Mario 3D World]
Discord:
https://discord.gg/xeMfzWy
Requests and contact:
https://twitter.com/GreenT128
The Sound Test on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thesoundtest/
Original episodes of The Sound Test LIVE, with Dale Fowler, are available through Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/_secretcave
Also available through:
Audioboom:
https://audioboom.com/posts/7730449-live-13-11-20-weekly-vgm-radio-podcast-feat-barry-leitch
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC
iTunes
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2
Stitcher
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr
#VGM #VideoGameMusic #FinalBosses")
