![THE SOUND TEST 2 - #07 - The Banner Saga (w/Austin Wintory) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST] @TheSoundTest](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9NVtG4jxH5M/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded February 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
After composing one of the best loved game OSTs of all time with Journey, Austin Wintory was left wondering what could inspire him with the same intensity. Known as a top authority when it comes to composing modern VGM, every project he scores offers a new opportunity to explore and innovate. But, when Stoic – a team of developers led by a trio of ex-Bioware staff – contacted him about their upcoming, crowdfunded game – The Banner Saga – Austin found a veritable wellspring of inspiration.
Following the mythic narrative surrounding a variety of Viking influenced nomads and warriors, the saga is a genuinely epic tale that adapts to player choice as it unfolds. At its heart, the world is one of legend, where the sun itself has frozen in place and dead gods litter the landscape. The story is mostly told through turn-based combat and branching dialogue, while the whole experience is constantly brought to life by strong writing, distinctive art and, most importantly for this podcast, a beautiful soundtrack that shimmers with subtext.
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
twitter.com/GreenT128
Austin Wintory on Twitter:
twitter.com/awintory
Also available through:
Audioboom
audioboom.com/channels/4966905
iTunes
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2
Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC
Stitcher
stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr
and many more...
Early access, unedited interviews, LIVE shows and more:
patreon.com/_secretcave
After composing one of the best loved game OSTs of all time with Journey, Austin Wintory was left wondering what could inspire him with the same intensity. Known as a top authority when it comes to composing modern VGM, every project he scores offers a new opportunity to explore and innovate. But, when Stoic – a team of developers led by a trio of ex-Bioware staff – contacted him about their upcoming, crowdfunded game – The Banner Saga – Austin found a veritable wellspring of inspiration.
Following the mythic narrative surrounding a variety of Viking influenced nomads and warriors, the saga is a genuinely epic tale that adapts to player choice as it unfolds. At its heart, the world is one of legend, where the sun itself has frozen in place and dead gods litter the landscape. The story is mostly told through turn-based combat and branching dialogue, while the whole experience is constantly brought to life by strong writing, distinctive art and, most importantly for this podcast, a beautiful soundtrack that shimmers with subtext.
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
twitter.com/GreenT128
Austin Wintory on Twitter:
twitter.com/awintory
Also available through:
Audioboom
audioboom.com/channels/4966905
iTunes
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-test/id1418674203?mt=2
Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/0nt97mhg0PgE3pqUmDXmhC
Stitcher
stitcher.com/podcast/the-sound-test?refid=stpr
and many more...
Early access, unedited interviews, LIVE shows and more:
patreon.com/_secretcave
![THE SOUND TEST 2 - #07 - The Banner Saga (w/Austin Wintory) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9NVtG4jxH5M/mqdefault.jpg "THE SOUND TEST 2 - #07 - The Banner Saga (w/Austin Wintory) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]
After composing one of the best loved game OSTs of all time with Journey, Austin Wintory was left wondering what could inspire him with the same intensity. Known as a top authority when it comes to composing modern VGM, every project he scores offers a new opportunity to explore and innovate. But, when Stoic – a team of developers led by a trio of ex-Bioware staff – contacted him about their upcoming, crowdfunded game – The Banner Saga – Austin found a veritable wellspring of inspiration.
Following the mythic narrative surrounding a variety of Viking influenced nomads and warriors, the saga is a genuinely epic tale that adapts to player choice as it unfolds. At its heart, the world is one of legend, where the sun itself has frozen in place and dead gods litter the landscape. The story is mostly told through turn-based combat and branching dialogue, while the whole experience is constantly brought to life by strong writing, distinctive art and, most importantly for this podcast, a beautiful soundtrack that shimmers with subtext.
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GreenT128
Austin Wintory on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/awintory
Also available through:
Audioboom
https://audioboom.com/channels/4966905
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 - #05 - Hollow Knight (w/Christopher Larkin) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9bFWUn3DhBk/mqdefault.jpg "THE SOUND TEST 2 - #05 - Hollow Knight (w/Christopher Larkin) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]
Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight, funded by a Kickstarter in 2017, is a prime example of the ongoing strength of indie games. Players quickly became enamoured with its masterful Metroidvania gameplay, brought to life at every turn by a strikingly unique visual style. It’s a title you can truly lose yourself in, through its dark, atmospheric environments and dense sound design.
Besides some individual character voices, the entirety of Hollow Knight’s audio is the work of Christopher Larkin. His soundtrack for the game is a perfect reflection of the dank surroundings you explore, and it becomes all the more immersive as it subtly changes depending on your movements. This episode features Christopher in his first Sound Test appearance, discussing Hollow Knight’s audio at length. His next episode, set for release in 2020, will cover Outfolded and Expand, two smaller games with their own fascinating tales to tell.
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GreenT128
Christopher Larkin on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/composerlarkin
Team Cherry on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TeamCherryGames
Also available through:
Audioboom
https://audioboom.com/posts/7436244-st2-05-hollow-knight-w-christopher-larkin
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")
![THE SOUND TEST #14 - Super Meat Boy (w/Danny Baranowsky) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AOFIRbPM6gk/mqdefault.jpg "THE SOUND TEST #14 - Super Meat Boy (w/Danny Baranowsky) [COMPOSER INTERVIEW / PODCAST]
Super Meat Boy caused a platforming storm when it was first released in 2010. Its steep learning curve and devilish level design have made it something of a pilgrimage for fans of the genre. At release, it was Edmund McMillens biggest game to date — based off a Flash original hosted on Newgrounds. Among its most enduring features was Danny Baranowskys colourful soundtrack, which tumbles deeper into dark territory to match the gameplay. For the final time, Danny joins me on The Sound Test for a look at his multi-faceted OST and how it came to be.
This episode has a follow-up in next weeks look at Super Meat Boy: 5th Anniversary Edition (which invites RIDICULON onto the show).
Lee Tyrrell on Twitter:
(https://twitter.com/GreenT128)
Danny Baranowsky on Twitter:
(https://twitter.com/dannyBstyle)
Team Meat on Twitter:
(https://twitter.com/SuperMeatBoy)
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/7059571-super-meat-boy-w-danny-baranowsky)
Twitch
(https://www.twitch.tv/videos/327286262)
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)")
![Radiohead - KID A MNESIA EXHIBITION - Part Three (PS5 - 60fps) [inc. Little Cinema]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BIJ3V5yFrsE/mqdefault.jpg "Radiohead - KID A MNESIA EXHIBITION - Part Three (PS5 - 60fps) [inc. Little Cinema]
Recorded straight from a PS5, my third complete run through of Radioheads Kid A Mnesia Exhibition.
Although Im pretty sure youre supposed to find this section as part of a regular playthrough, I also think its pretty easy to miss. At least, I missed it until right at the end of my stream. Enjoy what Im calling the Lyric Room!
Additionally, the end of this video features a big chunk of the Little Cinema bonus room, which feels like a perfect ending point. Apologies for the slightly jaunty cut though; Canal+ claimed a section.
Part One:
https://youtu.be/HUJGYrXtCmQ
Part Two:
https://youtu.be/P_HS23LbS58")
![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")
