![THE SOUND TEST 2 - #02 - Fable (w/Russell Shaw) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST] @TheSoundTest](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BK0q68J5S4Q/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded November 2019 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
I always wanted the second episode of ST2 to cover a classic, and I think I got that in spades when I spoke to Russell Shaw about the Fable series. Its first release is a real RPG benchmark, and though the games slowly slipped into a less enthusiastic reception, Russell Shaw's music was always highly regarded as some of the best in the industry.
After an interesting collaboration with Danny Elfman, Russell really made Fable his own. Despite being new to orchestration, he stepped up to the lofty task more than admirably, making huge improvements in his approach with every successive game. Even considering his growth as an orchestral composer, the first Fable's music undoubtably holds up to this day, providing VGM with some of its most accomplished and satisfying themes.
Russell and I talk about every release in the series, from Fable itself to the unreleased Fable: Legends, which had a whole soundtrack composed before its cancellation. This releases alongside a much shorter Black & White episode, and the two together serve as an extended special on Lionhead Studios. That Black & White edition is available here:
youtu.be/5Bk4lrmxvos
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
twitter.com/GreenT128
Russell Shaw on Twitter:
twitter.com/_GoesLikeThis_
Also available through:
Audioboom
audioboom.com/posts/7415374-st2-02-fable-w-russell-shaw
Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC
iTunes
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2
Stitcher
stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr
and many more...
Support, early access, unedited interviews, backdated LIVE shows and more:
patreon.com/_secretcave
I always wanted the second episode of ST2 to cover a classic, and I think I got that in spades when I spoke to Russell Shaw about the Fable series. Its first release is a real RPG benchmark, and though the games slowly slipped into a less enthusiastic reception, Russell Shaw's music was always highly regarded as some of the best in the industry.
After an interesting collaboration with Danny Elfman, Russell really made Fable his own. Despite being new to orchestration, he stepped up to the lofty task more than admirably, making huge improvements in his approach with every successive game. Even considering his growth as an orchestral composer, the first Fable's music undoubtably holds up to this day, providing VGM with some of its most accomplished and satisfying themes.
Russell and I talk about every release in the series, from Fable itself to the unreleased Fable: Legends, which had a whole soundtrack composed before its cancellation. This releases alongside a much shorter Black & White episode, and the two together serve as an extended special on Lionhead Studios. That Black & White edition is available here:
youtu.be/5Bk4lrmxvos
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
twitter.com/GreenT128
Russell Shaw on Twitter:
twitter.com/_GoesLikeThis_
Also available through:
Audioboom
audioboom.com/posts/7415374-st2-02-fable-w-russell-shaw
Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC
iTunes
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2
Stitcher
stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr
and many more...
Support, early access, unedited interviews, backdated LIVE shows and more:
patreon.com/_secretcave
![THE SOUND TEST 2 - #02 - Fable (w/Russell Shaw) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BK0q68J5S4Q/mqdefault.jpg "THE SOUND TEST 2 - #02 - Fable (w/Russell Shaw) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]
I always wanted the second episode of ST2 to cover a classic, and I think I got that in spades when I spoke to Russell Shaw about the Fable series. Its first release is a real RPG benchmark, and though the games slowly slipped into a less enthusiastic reception, Russell Shaws music was always highly regarded as some of the best in the industry.
After an interesting collaboration with Danny Elfman, Russell really made Fable his own. Despite being new to orchestration, he stepped up to the lofty task more than admirably, making huge improvements in his approach with every successive game. Even considering his growth as an orchestral composer, the first Fables music undoubtably holds up to this day, providing VGM with some of its most accomplished and satisfying themes.
Russell and I talk about every release in the series, from Fable itself to the unreleased Fable: Legends, which had a whole soundtrack composed before its cancellation. This releases alongside a much shorter Black & White episode, and the two together serve as an extended special on Lionhead Studios. That Black & White edition is available here:
https://youtu.be/5Bk4lrmxvos
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GreenT128
Russell Shaw on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/_GoesLikeThis_
Also available through:
Audioboom
https://audioboom.com/posts/7415374-st2-02-fable-w-russell-shaw
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...
Support, early access, unedited interviews, backdated LIVE shows and more:
http://patreon.com/_secretcave")
![THE SOUND TEST 2 - #06 - Ori and the Blind Forest (w/Gareth Coker) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BuuXEke1dAQ/mqdefault.jpg "THE SOUND TEST 2 - #06 - Ori and the Blind Forest (w/Gareth Coker) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]
When Ori and the Blind Forest first released in 2015, it made waves for its beautifully realised landscapes and emotional narrative. Inspired by a number of classic platformers, gameplay concentrates on running, jumping, climbing and shooting through a plethora of striking environments. It was developed by Moon Studios, who represent a collective of talented and experienced creatives from around the globe, all coming together for a single, breathtaking, work of art.
Music plays a gigantic role in Ori and the Blind Forest, which always sounds as gorgeous as it looks. Composed by Gareth Coker, the soundtrack was quickly noted for its evocative melodies and rich sound, which is thankfully set to continue into the upcoming sequel – Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Previously, Gareth and I discussed the five albums of material he wrote for Minecraft, which can be found here: https://youtu.be/15hFI95dmzo
Follow-up, covering Ori and the Will of the Wisps:
https://youtu.be/3X-uk Ps8w
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GreenT128
Gareth Coker on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/garethcoker
Also available through:
Audioboom
https://audioboom.com/posts/7450891-st2-06-ori-and-the-blind-forest-w-gareth-coker
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...
Support, early access, unedited interviews, backdated LIVE shows and more:
http://patreon.com/_secretcave")
![SOUND TEST 2 - #03 - No Mans Sky (w/65daysofstatics Paul Wolinski & Paul Weir)[COMPOSER INTERVIEW]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CFobGjeO8Wg/mqdefault.jpg "SOUND TEST 2 - #03 - No Mans Sky (w/65daysofstatics Paul Wolinski & Paul Weir)[COMPOSER INTERVIEW]
For ST2s third episode, I specifically wanted to explore something more up-to-date. No Mans Skys soundtrack is among the best received VGM OSTs of the past few years, and thats even more impressive considering the games initial negative reception. Though the title itself has been updated numerous times, significantly warming peoples perceptions in the process, 65daysofstatics great music remains intact.
In this podcast, Im joined by one of the bands principle members - Paul Wolinski - for a long talk about No Mans Skys infinite music machine. We discuss how an electronic and post-rock band has to adapt to composing video game music, and some of the challenges that come with the process. I also spoke to Paul Weir, who was heavily involved in the design and implementation of the systems that govern the soundtrack. He also helmed the games sound effects and creature vocals, which we talk about in a dedicated section.
Between the two Pauls, this is a truly detailed episode that I hope does justice to No Mans Sky and its fascinating legacy. Once a game I disregarded myself, I now absolutely love its subjective space exploration and gorgeous landscapes. If you havent yet given it another try, this episode may just inspire you to!
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GreenT128
Paul Wolinski on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/polinski
Paul Weir on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/earcom
65daysofstatic on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/65dos
No Mans Sky/Sean Murray on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/NoMansSky
Now available through:
Audioboom
https://audioboom.com/posts/7421235-st2-03-no-man-s-sky-w-65daysofstatic-s-paul-wolinski-paul-weir
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...
Support, early access, unedited interviews, backdated LIVE shows and more:
http://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")
