Game started: Shota Nakama, thank you very much for having us, welcome once again to Brazil! To begin with, you've been here in the country a few times, right? What did you discover this time during your stay here in São Paulo?
Shota Nakama: This time I couldn't discover much because I was very busy with the production, but…I drank a lot, I discovered new flavors of caipirinhas! (laughs) Seriously, this time I was able to work with some fantastic Brazilian musicians, I was able to discover and learn a lot from them, it's been great.
Game started: Speaking of yourself, can you tell us about how you started your career as a musician, as a producer and later with game music?
Shota Nakama: I went to a music school in the United States and when I was there I started a project called Video Game Orchestra, to play video game music with an orchestra. At first it was more of a thing between friends, but suddenly it became a hit on YouTube, people called us for presentations, events and so on. That's when some friends asked me: “why, in addition to performing, why don't you also record songs for video games?” and I thought “yeah, that makes sense.” That's how I kind of got into the video game industry. Initially I didn't imagine getting this far, but things worked out and as long as I make people happy I'll keep playing.
Game started: When you started, the idea of mixing video games with an orchestra was strange, but games are increasingly part of popular culture. So do you think public acceptance has also evolved?
Shota Nakama: I believe so. When I started there were few video game concerts happening around the world, so some people at the time thought I was joking, but I wasn't. But now, all these young players think the shows are the coolest thing in the world. Things have really changed over the generations, I think today people accept it better. I think it's kind of inevitable, because a lot of people grew up playing video games, so it's natural for them to look for the songs that were related to that. I think that's why the market is growing.
Game started: And how did Sonic Symphony start?
Shota Nakama: Sonic Symphony started when the presentation for Sonic's 30th anniversary took place in 2021, it was so cool and was so well received that we discussed “what if we do a live show when all this pandemic business is over?” That's kind of how it happened, for us it seemed quite natural to develop the idea of doing the shows live, it seems like everyone enjoys it, the fans are always there and I'm very grateful that it worked out.
Game started: What has it been like working for a video game company as traditional as Sega?
Shota Nakama: So, I've worked for several Japanese and American companies. But working for Sega is an honor, of course. Each company has its own approach to game music and my job is to understand that, adapt and make things happen. I love going to their (Sega) office, it's really cool to see all those games we played and grew up together, the consoles I've had, it's really incredible to see all of this.
Game started: Speaking of the more technical side, briefly what is your approach to transporting a song from a game to the context of a live show?
Shota Nakama: hm…I'll put it this way: imagine a song that has already been composed, or that belongs to a rock band, for example. I don't really like to deviate from the original ideas, particularly with the Sonic the Hedgehog songs, because the fans know those songs so well and they know what they want to hear. Generally I transcribe what's on the original album, and then I start thinking about how I can add an orchestra and maximize the emotional impact of a song. Both as an arranger and as a producer, I have all these ideas about how “this is going to be great in the show, the people and the orchestra will like it, so we play with more intensity…” So I organize these thoughts and tend to consider the impact emotion of the song and try to make it even bigger.
Game started: And in that sense, do you think there are big differences between the Western and Eastern way of composing music for video games?
Shota Nakama: I think there is, yes. I think Western composers tend to be “Hollywood”, you know? More background music, I think it helps you get involved in the game, I think that's what they care about. As for a lot of Japanese companies in particular, the songs tend to be more melody driven, and if that's done right it can be a good thing, because at the same time you don't want to distract players from the game. It's a fine line, and legendary songwriters know how to walk it. I think the songs in the East are more catchy, while the songs in the West are more background. They consider music to be part of the entire experience, while many Japanese companies tend to think of music as an independent element, I mean, they are still part of the game, but they have more independence.
Game started: And what are your future plans? New shows, projects…
Shota Nakama: With Sonic Symphony, I'm going to focus on expanding it internationally, I want to take the show to more countries. I know that shows now tend to take place more in the United States, and it's my job to bring it to more fans abroad. For my part, I want to keep playing shows, keep producing great music, that's all I want to do! (laughs) I want to make more people happy.
Game started: So, in closing, would you like to leave a message for your (many) Brazilian fans?
Shota Nakama: Firstly I would like to thank all of you who support me. It's a privilege to be able to return to Brazil so many times to do what I love (and drink some açaí and enjoy a barbecue!). Honestly, I think Brazilian fans are amazing, they are very welcoming and respectful…I feel the same vibe as in my hometown…I'm from Okinawa, and there I think people are like Brazilians…ok, with less parties (laughs) ). I feel like I belong here, that's great. So thank you very much!
