Forza

Interview – IGN Denmark

May 5th, 2015 | By Lance Hayes

IGN Denmark Profile of Lance Hayes

 

The interview I did with IGN Denmark just went live, and hey, I made the front page! Interviewer Kristian West was interested in learning about my work in the studio and we talked about my background in the industry. (Some of which ties in nicely with my “A Career In Audio” talk I’m slated to give this weekend at DigiPen) We discussed the tools I use, and since he has a particular interest in Reason, we talk specifics about some of my favorite setups and how I use the Propellerhead flagship software.

I had a great time talking shop and was delighted that he selected some of my lesser known works from my indie soundtracks to showcase among the crowd favorites from the Forza series in this interview.

The entire piece is in Danish so, if you’re like me, you will probably need a translator. If so, Google Translate does a reasonable job. Cheers!

 

IGN Denmark 02 Lance Hayes

What Can We Do For You?

January 27th, 2015 | By Lance Hayes

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Over the years I’ve had the good fortune to work on projects of all sizes for developers and publishers such as Microsoft, Activision and Nintendo. To assist me I’ve assembled a crack team of audio professionals and contractors. I’ve worked with the best on projects ranging from composing 8bit to orchestral soundtracks, creating original sound design and field recordings to implementation and more.

As an independent contractor I’ve spent years crafting audio that fits perfectly into titles so my team and I are focused on delivering great audio experiences. With award winning talent from projects that span next gen consoles, handheld and PC titles our skills range across the entire spectrum of audio disciplines, (a list of some of the titles we’ve worked can be found here). We specialize in bringing the sound of the games we work on to life.

We’re available for new projects, no game is too big or too small, Indie to Fortune 500. Please contact djdm at djdm.com for more information to make your project’s audio stand out!

For the latest updates about the studio please see our Twitter and Facebook pages.

 

Complete Video of AES Lecture Available Online

January 12th, 2015 | By Lance Hayes

Forza 5 OST Lecture

Lance Hayes Speaking at Microsoft Research

 

Update: The PNW AES Section report featuring notes about my Forza 5 presentation is live on the national AES site.

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My session from last weeks PNW AES section January meeting at Microsoft Research was a lot of fun with great questions from the audience. The meeting was well attended by AES members, game audio pros and students. Thanks to everyone that came out!

The video of the talk billed as, “a detailed look at how the soundtrack to the one of the first next gen video game soundtracks for the Xbox One was conceived and executed” is now online here. And, thanks to Microsoft Research, it’s free to view.

This session was lively as well as a little bittersweet as its likely my last public Forza 5 talk. I discuss my work as the lead composer on on the launch title for the Xbox One as well as the cross country recording process so there are audio and video examples and a live demo of the game. I cover composing, adaptive audio, how the soundtrack was prototyped and wrap up by taking questions from the audience.

So if you have an interest in my work on the Forza franchise, next gen game scores and or game audio this talk is for you. Enjoy!

(Special thanks to Gary Louie, Rick Chinn and Ivan Tashev from PNW AES for hosting and coordinating this special event)

Microsoft Research recently reorganized their lecture library, moving all of the talks to YouTube. Here is the new link to the video:

 

Lance talking about FM5 at the PNW AES meeting

Speaking Engagement: PNW AES Section

November 18th, 2014 | By Lance Hayes

Following the score for Forza Motorsport 5 Original Soundtrack at Skywalker Ranch

Following the score for Forza Motorsport 5 Original Soundtrack at Skywalker Ranch

UPDATE 01/03/14: Click here for the Facebook event

I’m looking forward discussing and dissecting my work on the Forza Motorsport 5 Soundtrack for the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Audio Engineering Society over at Microsoft Research on Thursday, January 8th, 2015 at 7:30pm.

If you want to know more about scoring, adaptive concepts and music for AAA video games then this session is for you. There’s more information from the AES site below. Hope to see you there!

From the AES site:


 

NOTE: anyone can attend this meeting regardless of their status as an AES member.
AES MEMBERSHIP IS NOT REQUIRED.
PNW AES Section
January Meeting Notice
The Forza Motorsport 5 Original Soundtrack
An Insider’s View
Presented By
Lance Hayes – DJDM
Thursday, January 8th, 2015, 7:30pm
Microsoft Research, Building 99, Room 1919
14820 NE 36th Street, Redmond, WA 98052

Directions to MS Research In 2013, the AES PNW Section learned all about the sound effects for “Forza Motorsport 4.” Meeting Report

Now, we can see how the music score for the franchise update is created and recorded from Lead Composer, Lance Hayes.

This will be a detailed look at how the soundtrack to one of the first next gen video game soundtracks for the Xbox One was conceived and executed. Augmented by notes, images and video, Lance Hayes will detail the process of creating the 180 minute soundtrack using live orchestra and electronics from initial concepts to the composition phase to nation-wide recording at top facilities to final implementation and then on to release of the game and the soundtrack double album.

The Seattle Times recently ran an article on Microsoft’s Turn 10 Studios,: Screen racers: Microsoft’s Turn 10 Studio drives innovative games


Lance Hayes is an award winning composer working in media, advertising, television, and video game soundtracks. Some of his projects include composing and producing music for “Nike+ Kinect Fitness,” the Stranded Music for the mega hit video game “Gears of War 3,” music for “Xbox Fitness” and scoring the original soundtracks to the sensational “Forza Motorsport” series including the Xbox One launch title “Forza Motorsport 5”. Additional clients include Activision, The Discovery Channel, Warner Bros., Best Buy, National Geographic, Harpo Inc., MTV, VH1 and many others.He takes pride in his work as an educator teaching the Game Audio and Composition track for both the Summer Intensive and the Masters of Music program at Seattle’s Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program and was nominated for a GANG Award for his educational “Next Level” series blog for Andertons Music UK.

As an in demand teacher and lecturer Lance has had the good fortune to present sessions at The Game Developer’s Conference, PAX Dev, Seattle Composers Alliance, AES, SynthFest NW, The Art Institute, Academy of Interactive Entertainment, Berklee School of Music Video Game Music Club, Decibel Festival Conference and more.

Steve Malott
AES PNW 2014-2015 Section Chair

Seattle Composers Alliance Talk

May 9th, 2014 | By Lance Hayes

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*Note this free event is this coming Wednesday*

If you missed my session on Forza 5’s Soundtrack at this years GDC, I’ll be covering similar ground when I add my voice to the Seattle Composer’s Alliance lecture series. I’ll be speaking on May 21st for this special event hosted by SCA at the upstairs theater in the Seattle Film Institute, (3210 16th Ave West, Seattle WA 98119). The evening kicks off at 7pm, expect mingling, door prizes and a session peppered with game audio jargon. Hope to see you there!

FM5 Soundtrack Nominated for Annual Game Music Awards 2013

April 4th, 2014 | By Lance Hayes

agmas2014

I’m honored that the Forza Motorsport 5 soundtrack has been nominated along with the splendid in-game sound design for two Annual Game Music Awards. In the “Production of the Year” category the soundtrack is up for “Outstanding Achievement – In-Game Music” and sound design is up for “Outstanding Achievement – Sound Design”. Congratulations to all of the nominees, it’s a thrill to be considered in such prestigious company!

Forza Motorsport 5’s tribute to LaFerrari

April 3rd, 2014 | By Lance Hayes

I’m excited that the trailer I scored for Forza Motorsport 5’s tribute to LaFerrari has gone live. It was a thrill to have the opportunity to score these gorgeous shots of this amazing car.

Audio Media Looks at Forza Motorsport 5

March 9th, 2014 | By Lance Hayes

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The March edition of Audio Media features a fantastic article by brilliant FM5 co-composer John Broomhall on the music and sound of Forza Motorsport 5. I had a great time talking with John about Forza and he followed up with many of the other notable talents that helped create this hallmark installment of the franchise.

There are great interviews with T10 / Microsoft audio team members Nick Wiswell, Chase Combs, Mike Caviezel, John Wendl and more. If you love Forza, game audio and or cars have a look, there’s something in there for you.

If you don’t have access to the print version check out page 28 of the archived digital edition at the links.

PDF file of Audio Media March Digital Edition or you can look over the Yudu version here.

Good reading!

A Year of Highlights and Updates

March 3rd, 2014 | By Lance Hayes

Lance Hayes One Sheet 2013

 

Doing a little website housecleaning and since I’ve been having a busy year, I wanted to consolidate some related posts into one place.

In related news my Game Developer’s Conference 2014 updates are here.

Other site updates include new content on the Media and Music Page (If you want to skip the videos scroll to the bottom for music links). Also check out the newly revised Articles/Awards page as well as an updated Bio/Credits.

And finally, you may also want to check out Twitter and Facebook for more info as I’ll post breaking news and asides there regularly.

Cheers!

Forza 5 Nominated for Game Developer’s Choice “Best Audio” Award

January 9th, 2014 | By Lance Hayes

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Forza Motorsport 5 has been nominated for a 2014 Game Developer’s Choice Award for “Best Audio”. I’m very honored to have played a role on Turn 10’s audio team bringing this title to Xbox One.

(For a list of additional awards, including twin BAFTAs, that Forza Motorsport 5 has been nominated for and or received head over to the Awards page)

Here’s a little more about the Game Developer’s Choice Awards from their site:

14th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards

“The Game Developers Choice Awards are the premier accolades for peer recognition in the digital games industry. Each year, the Choice Awards recognize and celebrate the creativity, artistry and technical genius of the finest developers and games created in the last year.”

Located at the Game Developers Conference

Moscone Convention Center, West Hall
Wednesday, March 19, 2014

6:30 – 8:30 pm
*All badges allowed entry

GDCawards

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