Ah, music. It always plays softly in the background as we explore the world of Minecraft, soothing us and providing a false sense of security. But then it gradually intensifies, reaching its climax when a Ghast appears, leaving us utterly bewildered by the encroaching panic.
Today, we have invited a talented individual who has composed three new background tracks for the upcoming Nether update—Lena Raine!
Lena wasn’t always a music creator for Minecraft. Initially, all the tracks were solely crafted by one person—Daniel ‘C418’ Rosenfeld. However, with the game’s growing popularity, there arose a need to expand the team, and by the time of the Aquatic update, the music for the entire game universe was created by a group of musicians, composers, and sound engineers.
A key figure in this process is Samuel O’Brien. In addition to composing music, he also ensures that the sounds and melodies blend harmoniously.
“Music and sound design are crucial in expanding the universe of Minecraft Bedrock. All new audio elements should be distinctive yet interconnected. Players experience the game not only through its visuals but also via its sounds. The auditory effects and background melodies help create a cohesive atmosphere that immerses users into the gaming world.”
” />Now, let’s turn our attention to Lena—the creator of the soundtrack for the Nether.
What inspired the creation of the music?
Lena: the atmosphere of the game served as my foundation, particularly that of the Lower World. It’s a mystical and occult place, and I truly wanted to convey this through my music. The portal to the Lower World was a significant source of inspiration for me; it reminds me of a chemical process that transforms one thing into another. My goal was to infuse the melody with colors that reflect the essence of this portal and the world as a whole.
The primary instrument is the piano, and it was crucial for me to explore how much I could alter its sound until it completely transformed into what I needed. There’s a fundamental sound upon which we can layer others, such as synthesizers and various instruments. This approach allows us to adapt to the atmosphere of the location while maintaining coherence.
What emotions do you want to evoke in the player?
Lena: I aimed for every detail to feel like a progression of emotions. In the Underworld, there is a certain level of beauty, yet each element individually and the overall picture elicits horror. I enjoy playing with contrast in my music, which is why one of the pieces truly resonates within us with a sense of grandeur. It begins with a very tight, narrow piano solo. Then the melody gradually expands, reaching the vastness of a gigantic cave. Therefore, it encompasses hope, despair, claustrophobia, beauty, and terror equally, creating a delightful variety.
What challenges did you face during the creative process?
Lena: the most challenging and intimidating part was joining the universe. The game has been around for many years, developing its own unique characteristics, and I feared intruding into this world and disrupting its integrity. Additionally, it carries a significant responsibility, as Minecraft boasts a vast audience, and the realization that I am contributing to such a monumental project filled me with dread. However, it was crucial to honor the game’s legacy, its music, and to create something innovative.
Is composing music for Minecraft different from other games?
Lena: while playing Minecraft Bedrock, I have always noticed a significant aspect: the space in front of the player seems to unfold rather than just form, resembling a natural expansion of the environment. The music begins to emerge as if it is coming from nowhere, which inspired me to create a similar effect in my own works.
Share some of your most memorable moments.
Lena: composing background music that envelops and immerses players in a virtual realm is challenging, as it’s crucial not to overdo the standout elements. Initially, I was very cautious about this, resulting in my melodies being quite uniform. However, the team at Mojang assisted me in overcoming this hurdle by expressing their desire to hear truly my compositions. Consequently, I happily incorporated several segments that I hope will resonate with players.
What else would you like to add?
Thank you so much for your responses, Lena. And of course, for the amazing tunes that will serve as the soundtrack not only for the Nether but also for my nightmares.
