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===Command and Conquer series===
===Command and Conquer series===
In 1994, Frank Klepacki met with Westwood Studios developers to discuss the soundtrack of the company's next project—''Command & Conquer''. To define the game's style, Klepacki listened to a number of bands, including [[Nine Inch Nails]] and [[Ministry (band)|Ministry]]<ref name="behindcc" /><ref name="twistedinterview" />, which would supply the iconic industrial style. He combined various elements of this music and added his own touch to create a unique sound. With the company's recent shift to 22 [[Hertz|kHz]] audio, Klepacki composed with an ASR-10 sampler, a [[Roland Corporation|Roland]] S760 sampler, a Roland JD 990 synth module, and an [[electric guitar]].<ref name="behindcc" /> The first few songs he composed for ''Command & Conquer'' contained voice samples—including the notable pieces ''Act on Instinct'' and ''No Mercy'' (which featured wild declarations from ''[[Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey]]''). The samples were later found to interfere with the game's spoken audio, and were replaced with versions lacking the voices, although the original versions (and several other unused pieces) can still be found on the DOS ''C&C'' and ''Covert Operations'' discs. Complete versions of the songs later appeared on the game's commercial soundtrack.<ref name="behindcc" /> He would continue to sample clips from film and other media throughout his career, using a quote from ''[[The Brain from Planet Arous]]'' in the ''Yuri'' song ''Brainfreeze'', for example. Klepacki next composed instrumental pieces for ''Command & Conquer'', drawing influences from [[orchestra]]l, [[house music|house]], [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]], and [[hip hop music]]. For the [[Credit (creative arts)|credits]], Klepacki wrote ''Airstrike'', featuring a hook later used in ''[[Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun]]'' for the [[Global Defense Initiative]]. Conversely, the [[Brotherhood of Nod]] ending used the song ''Destructible Times'' written by Klepacki's local band, [[I AM]]. Developers requested the song because it "reflected the war aspect and bad-ass vibe of Nod's side."<ref name="behindcc" /> The ''C&C'' expansion pack ''The Covert Operations'' featured seven new [[ambient music|ambient]] pieces, all of which were also included on the disc in high quality [[Red Book (audio CD standard)|CD Audio]] format.<ref name="behindcc" /> Though the soundtrack was not released through retail, Westwood sold it by special order through its website and in game catalogues.<ref name="westwoodcatalogue">{{Cite book | year=2000 | author=Westwood Studios | title=The Westwood Studios Catalog | publisher=Westwood Studios | language=English}}</ref>
In 1994, Frank Klepacki met with Westwood Studios developers to discuss the soundtrack of the company's next project—''Command & Conquer''. To define the game's style, Klepacki listened to a number of bands, including [[Nine Inch Nails]] and [[Ministry (band)|Ministry]]<ref name="behindcc" /><ref name="twistedinterview" />, which would supply the iconic [[industrial]] style found in the majority of the songs. He combined various elements of this music and added his own touch to create a unique sound. With the company's recent shift to 22 [[Hertz|kHz]] audio, Klepacki composed with an ASR-10 sampler, a [[Roland Corporation|Roland]] S760 sampler, a Roland JD 990 synth module, and an [[electric guitar]].<ref name="behindcc" /> The first few songs he composed for ''Command & Conquer'' contained voice samples—including the notable pieces ''Act on Instinct'' and ''No Mercy'' (which featured wild declarations from ''[[Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey]]''). The samples were later found to interfere with the game's spoken audio, and were replaced with versions lacking the voices, although the original versions (and several other unused pieces) can still be found on the DOS ''C&C'' and ''Covert Operations'' discs. Complete versions of the songs later appeared on the game's commercial soundtrack.<ref name="behindcc" /> He would continue to sample clips from film and other media throughout his career, using a quote from ''[[The Brain from Planet Arous]]'' in the ''Yuri'' song ''Brainfreeze'', for example. Klepacki next composed instrumental pieces for ''Command & Conquer'', drawing influences from [[orchestra]]l, [[house music|house]], [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]], and [[hip hop music]]. For the [[Credit (creative arts)|credits]], Klepacki wrote ''Airstrike'', featuring a hook later used in ''[[Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun]]'' for the [[Global Defense Initiative]]. Conversely, the [[Brotherhood of Nod]] ending used the song ''Destructible Times'' written by Klepacki's local band, [[I AM]]. Developers requested the song because it "reflected the war aspect and bad-ass vibe of Nod's side."<ref name="behindcc" /> The ''C&C'' expansion pack ''The Covert Operations'' featured seven new [[ambient music|ambient]] pieces, all of which were also included on the disc in high quality [[Red Book (audio CD standard)|CD Audio]] format.<ref name="behindcc" /> Though the soundtrack was not released through retail, Westwood sold it by special order through its website and in game catalogues.<ref name="westwoodcatalogue">{{Cite book | year=2000 | author=Westwood Studios | title=The Westwood Studios Catalog | publisher=Westwood Studios | language=English}}</ref>


[[Image:Klepackicameo.png|left|thumb|320px|Frank Klepacki and [[Joseph D. Kucan]] in a ''[[Command & Conquer: Red Alert|Red Alert]]'' cut scene]]
[[Image:Klepackicameo.png|left|thumb|320px|Frank Klepacki and [[Joseph D. Kucan]] in a ''[[Command & Conquer: Red Alert|Red Alert]]'' cut scene]]

Revision as of 14:18, 15 October 2008

Frank Klepacki

Frank Klepacki (born May 25, 1974) is an American musician, video game music composer and sound director best known for his work on the Command & Conquer series. Having learned to play drums as a child, he joined Westwood Studios as a composer when he was only 17 years old. He scored several games there, including the Lands of Lore series, the Dune games, the The Legend of Kyrandia series, Blade Runner, and the Command & Conquer series. His work in Command & Conquer: Red Alert won two awards.

He lives in Las Vegas, where he has shaped a solo career and played and produced for several local bands.[1][2] His personal and band work touches upon several genres, including orchestral, rock music, hip hop music, soul music, and funk. He has dubbed the style of music he writes as "Rocktronic".[3] His work has appeared in various media, including the Spike TV program The Ultimate Fighter.

Klepacki is currently the audio director of Petroglyph games, where he scored Star Wars: Empire at War.[4] Frank Klepacki was contacted to score Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars, but was too busy with Petroglyph to take the project, and declined to mention the offer.[5][6] Klepacki's most recent composing project is the soundtrack for Universe at War: Earth Assault by Sega and Petroglyph, available here. His most recent solo CD is entitled Awakening of Aggression.[6]

Early life and career

File:Oldwestwoodstudio.jpg
Frank Klepacki's office at the old Westwood Studios building around 1995

Frank Klepacki was raised by a family of musicians of Polish descent who played on the Las Vegas strip.[7] He drew art as a hobby, but music prevailed in his early interests.[8] He received his first drumset at age 8 and began performing professionally by age 11.[9] Among his early influences were electronica bands and Heavy Metal groups, including Depeche Mode, Afrika Bambaataa, AC/DC, and Iron Maiden.[10] Seeking to master guitar, bass, and keyboards, he formed local bands and created a demo tape of original material by age 17. His impetus for diversifying his instrumental abilities was "not being able to communicate with other band members on ideas...for original songs."[11]

After learning to program BASIC on a Tandy 1000 and becoming interested in computer and video games, he applied for a job as a game tester at Westwood studios.[9] He submitted his demo tape—described as "an acoustic guitar song with electric guitar leads and keyboard strings, and raining sound effects"—to the company's audio director.[12][7] The growing company enlisted him as a composer for the NES port of DragonStrike and the computer game Eye of the Beholder II.[7] He later composed with MIDI sequencing for several other Dungeons & Dragons games.[13] In 1992, he helmed the audio of Dune II, attempting to complement the music of the original Dune.[14] He later noted that he pushed the sequencing program on his Amiga to the limit while scoring the game.[15] While working on Disney's The Lion King in 1994, he and the Westwood team were shown sketches of the unfinished feature film.[16] Film composer Hans Zimmer later praised Klepacki for reworking his scores.[17] After finishing The Legend of Kyrandia III, Frank Klepacki met with Westwood leaders to discuss the upcoming game Command & Conquer—the first in a series which would bring him wider fame and critical acclaim.[13]

Command and Conquer series

In 1994, Frank Klepacki met with Westwood Studios developers to discuss the soundtrack of the company's next project—Command & Conquer. To define the game's style, Klepacki listened to a number of bands, including Nine Inch Nails and Ministry[13][11], which would supply the iconic industrial style found in the majority of the songs. He combined various elements of this music and added his own touch to create a unique sound. With the company's recent shift to 22 kHz audio, Klepacki composed with an ASR-10 sampler, a Roland S760 sampler, a Roland JD 990 synth module, and an electric guitar.[13] The first few songs he composed for Command & Conquer contained voice samples—including the notable pieces Act on Instinct and No Mercy (which featured wild declarations from Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey). The samples were later found to interfere with the game's spoken audio, and were replaced with versions lacking the voices, although the original versions (and several other unused pieces) can still be found on the DOS C&C and Covert Operations discs. Complete versions of the songs later appeared on the game's commercial soundtrack.[13] He would continue to sample clips from film and other media throughout his career, using a quote from The Brain from Planet Arous in the Yuri song Brainfreeze, for example. Klepacki next composed instrumental pieces for Command & Conquer, drawing influences from orchestral, house, heavy metal, and hip hop music. For the credits, Klepacki wrote Airstrike, featuring a hook later used in Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun for the Global Defense Initiative. Conversely, the Brotherhood of Nod ending used the song Destructible Times written by Klepacki's local band, I AM. Developers requested the song because it "reflected the war aspect and bad-ass vibe of Nod's side."[13] The C&C expansion pack The Covert Operations featured seven new ambient pieces, all of which were also included on the disc in high quality CD Audio format.[13] Though the soundtrack was not released through retail, Westwood sold it by special order through its website and in game catalogues.[18]

File:Klepackicameo.png
Frank Klepacki and Joseph D. Kucan in a Red Alert cut scene

While working on Covert Operations, Frank Klepacki composed Hell March. Upon listening, director Brett Sperry insisted this song be used as the signature theme of Command & Conquer: Red Alert.[13] Originally intended for use with the Brotherhood of Nod, it features militaristic samples—including marching, industrial sounds, and a commander shouting what sounded like "We want war, wake up!"—but actually a German drill instructor shouting "Die Waffen – legt an!", roughly translated as "Ready weapons!". Klepacki initially scored Red Alert with sci-fi camp in mind, but early songs were shelved. He switched gears to write gritty pieces, prompting the Red Alert team to expand upon the style of Command & Conquer.[19] In preparing to compose, Klepacki acquired new sample libraries for unique and strange sounds. Particular creative moods would result in a few songs at a time. He first wrote heavy songs like Workmen and Crush, then composed neutral, synthesizer-laden music, such as Vector and Roll Out. Klepacki scored Fogger and Mud, one of his personal favorites, before finishing with Militant Force and Radio 2. He took breaks from working to make cameo appearances as a Soviet soldier killed by Joseph D. Kucan and an Allied commander in the cut scenes of Red Alert. He previously appeared as a Nod soldier and the voice of the commando in Command & Conquer and would voice bit parts in future Westwood games.[20]

After completing Red Alert, he took a short break to review his work. He concluded that some songs could be enhanced, but Red Alert had already gone gold, precluding new versions.[19] These remixes later appeared on the unsuccessful Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor. Red Alert's soundtrack was voted best video game soundtrack of 1996 by PC Gamer and Gameslice magazines, defeating Trent Reznor's score for Quake.[19][17] Reviewers called it "fun to listen to" and "second to none."[21][22] As of 2005, Red Alert was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for selling several million units, bringing Klepacki his widest audience.[23] He wrote additional music for the game's expansion packs, Counterstrike and Aftermath. He attributed the success of Red Alert to an infusion of modern styles not found in other games.[24] It has been confirmed Frank Klepacki will be working with EA Los Angeles with the soundtrack for Red Alert 3.[25]

Later Westwood games

File:Klepacki WW Office.JPG
Frank Klepacki's last office at Westwood

In 1997, Frank Klepacki scored a Blade Runner adaptation and in 1998 composed for Dune 2000. He attempted to update the music from Dune II into "this non-blip stuff."[14] Dune 2000 was panned by critics, though Klepacki's score was praised for adhering to the traditional Dune style.[26] He composed for Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun with Jarrid Mendelson—with whom he would later collaborate on Emperor: Battle for Dune.[4] He began by writing Stomp, an energetic rock piece intended to recreate the effect of Hell March for the new game.[27] Coincidentally, one of the trailers for Command and Conquer 3 featured 'Stomp' as the soundtrack. Westwood instead wanted Tiberian Sun to feature darker, more moody music, and Stomp was shelved in favor of the current sound. Bereft of ideas due to the stark change in direction, Klepacki asked Mendelson to collaborate; he regards tracks they both worked on as the best. Tiberian Sun ultimately featured dark, ambient techno music and ambient space music suited to the game's post-apocalyptic and futuristic setting.[28] Klepacki cited the piece "Mad Rap" as his favorite. An avid Star Wars fan, he enjoyed scoring cut scenes featuring James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader.[24] The scenes also allowed him to integrate the Airstrike and No Mercy themes into the game's score despite the aforementioned shift.[27] With the expansion pack Firestorm, he attempted to "set things right" by writing more upbeat songs and including Stomp, which would also appear in Command & Conquer: Renegade.[27] He next scored Lands of Lore III and Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2. Klepacki defined Red Alert 2's style with heavy metal guitar and fast-paced beats.[29] Klepacki scored the game with a Korg Tr-rack, Novation, and Roland 5080.[30] Red Alert 2 included a remix of "Hell March". The return to high-energy songs was owed in part to fan criticism of Tiberian Sun.[14]

Klepacki maintained the energetic style in Red Alert 2's expansion pack Yuri's Revenge. For Command & Conquer: Renegade—the next entry in the series—Klepacki tried to update the style of the original Command & Conquer by making it "hipper and more elaborate."[14] Several Command & Conquer mainstays appear as reworked versions, including Target (Mechanical Man), Industrial, Act on Instinct, and No Mercy. The main theme's melody comes from C&C 80's Mix, a piece composed for Covert Operations but scrapped before release.[29] Klepacki's last contribution to Westwood Studios was the music of Earth & Beyond, comprising four albums of material.[31] Acquired by Electronic Arts in 1998, Westwood was liquidated in 2002 and the remaining employees were relocated to EA Los Angeles.[32] Several Westwood founders left the company. Though Frank Klepacki offered to score Command & Conquer: Generals and submitted a demo to EA, he was not contacted to compose.[16] When asked in 2002 whether he'd continue scoring music after ten years in the business, he exclaimed, "ten down, next ten to go!"[30] After Westwood's closure, he reflected on his past work at a dinner held by Joseph Kucan and other former employees.[33] However, Frank recently confirmed his involvement in the development of the soundtrack for Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, including an updated version of his iconic Hell March, now known as "Hell March 3."

Petroglyph games

Klepacki took a brief hiatus to work on solo albums, then joined Petroglyph games as full-time audio director in 2004.[24] He prepared by becoming versed in the job's requirements and demands.[24] His first task was scoring Star Wars: Empire at War, Petroglyph's launch title; he also helped select voice actors.[34] A die-hard fan of the Star Wars franchise, Klepacki enjoyed complementing John Williams's style as he worked with sound effects used in the feature films.[17] He worked closely with programmers to ensure perfect aural functionality. Though most the game's score is John Williams's work, Klepacki estimates that he contributed 20% original material. Apart from the main theme, he aimed to minimize his editing in order to retain the classic Star Wars sound.[17] He chiefly composed for new areas of the Star Wars universe only found in Empire at War. He calls his work on the game "the peak of my career,"[24] and felt he had spent his entire life grooming his abilities for that soundtrack.[15] As a perk of composing, he visited Skywalker Ranch and Industrial Light and Magic, and took pride in having his name associated with an official Star Wars product.[35][36]

File:Klepackipetroglyphstudios.jpg
Frank Klepacki at his Petroglyph office

For the Forces of Corruption expansion pack, he took greater creative liberty with the Star Wars feel by writing an original theme for the new criminal faction.[24] In attempting to compose this piece, he wrote several preliminary hooks that were later integrated into the game's battle themes.[37] He composed six pieces for the expansion total, including the finale theme. In line with the criminal theme of the game, Klepacki borrowed motifs and recreated the mood from scenes involving Jabba the Hutt in Return of the Jedi.[38] His score for the expansion pack was accepted upon first submission to Lucasarts.[38] As Petroglyph's audio director, he also selected sound effects—a tricky process due to the issue of making the criminal faction's sounds a "little different, without straying too much from the original signature sounds."[37] Klepacki worked with LucasArts to select voice actors, and contributed his own talents to the role of IG-88 and other minor characters.[37] A blooper reel of his voice acting was released on Petroglyph's forums after the one-thousandth member registered.[39] Frank Klepacki was contacted to score Command & Conquer 3, but was too busy with duties at Petroglyph and declined to mention the offer publicly.[5][6] Electronic Arts hired Steve Jablonsky to score the game;[40] an EA community manager at C&C 3's forums suggested that the audio team studied Klepacki's music and tried to recreate his style.[41] Klepacki feels that Command & Conquer is a significant part of his life and that he would like to return to the Tiberian era.[8] He conceded that employment at Petroglyph games would probably prevent him from working with Electronic Arts.[6]

Klepacki's next project was a game collaboration by SEGA and Petroglyph named Universe at War: Earth Assault.[15] As of December 2006, he had composed several songs for various factions and enjoyed the "opportunity to create something new again, not based on...existing intellectual property.[42][43] Klepacki "began by taking into account what songs were identified as fan favorites in...past related work".[43] He was interviewed about the creative process on March 27, 2007 by Kevin Yu, a Petroglyph community manager, and provided a detailed tour of his studio at the company.[44] His office included one of the fastest computers at Petroglyph and a vocal booth where unit responses and other vocalizations were tested and tweaked before voice actors performed finishing work.[44] Klepacki was glad that Universe of War did not demand strict obedience to a particular style. He declared that surprises were in store for Command & Conquer fans waiting for him to return to his "roots" and "adrenaline-pumping soundtrack style", and suggested that they "imagine my mindset...when Command & Conquer first came out, and add about fifteen years experience to that."[43][44] Klepacki summarized the game's main styles shortly before release:

For the Hierarchy—our evil alien race—--I went with a more heavy-metal rock influence, to go along with how they stomp all over everything on the map with their massive walker units. Novus—--our high-tech, hit-and-run faction—--featured more industrial electronica to go along with their futuristic robotic feel. For our third faction, the Masari—--our ancient star-faring side--I provided an epic orchestral feel, with worldly influences to reflect their godlike nature and questionable links to our past. One Masari track in particular, "Divine Intervention," would become the central theme to the whole game.[43]

As audio director, Klepacki also created many sound effects for Universe at War. For the alien Hierarchy, he cultivated an "unnatural" aesthetic through an "arsenal of mangled noises".[43] Klepacki used a "combination of heavy cranes recorded with overdriven impacts" to give the faction's walkers a "menacing machinelike breathing sound", and made up his own language to record "various grunts, growls, mannerisms, and strange vocalizations.[43] Since Hierarchy heroes needed to communicate to the player in English, Klepacki engineered dialogue to seem as if the aliens were "telepathically speaking to you, with a back-masking effect on their voices...as if the words are being channeled straight to your brain".[43] The Novus effects were usually phased and involved "mechanical movement, electricity, and metal sounds". He invented yet another language for two characters Viktor and Mirabel, who occasionally speak to one another. Lastly, he drew on weather and other natural sounds for the Masari, describing their ambience as having "more weight, thunder, heavy bass rumblings, vortex gusts..."[43] Klepacki directed the voice-acting to have a "noble and strong" feel without appearing typically medieval or overly dramatic.[43]

Solo and band work

File:Iambackcover.png
Back cover of There's a Home; Klepacki is pictured on the lower right

Frank Klepacki has played in and produced albums for several Las Vegas bands. I AM's There's a Home is his first full-length CD appearance. The band featured Greg Greer on vocals, Rod Arnett on bass, Dan Ryan on guitar, and Frank Klepacki on drums.[45] Formed from the rhythm section of local band Shatterbone, I AM released one album in 1995 and broke up.[45] Described as alternative progressive rock, the band's music drew influences from Tool and Soundgarden.[45] The song Destructible Times was used for the Brotherhood of Nod ending in the original Command & Conquer.[13] After the break-up, Klepacki joined Home Cookin', a ten member ensemble which played funk and soul in the tradition of Tower of Power.[46] Founded in 1989, Home Cookin' commercially debuted with Mmm, Mmm, Mmm, in 1997 (which featured a number one hit) and released a second album (Pink in the Middle) in 2000 before disbanding following a tour in California.[47] Towards the end of its run, the band played at Quark's Bar in Star Trek: The Experience and at the Boston Grill and Bar.[48] The group sometimes opened shows with a four member funk act named Junkfood.[49] Home Cookin' was popular by readers of Las Vegas Weekly, winning several awards over its history—including "Best Horns" in a band.[50] Klepacki boasted that turnout for the band at clubs was usually above four hundred people.[51] In 2003, he formed The Bitters, a trio composed of Klepacki, bassist Vinny Moncada, and guitarist Jeff Murphy. With a style described as metal and jazz fusion, the group has released one album as of August 2006.[2] Klepacki is also member to the group Mo Friction, supported by former Home Cookin' members. Their debut album will mark Klepacki's first outing as a band's lead vocalist.[52]

File:Klepackihc.png
Klepacki drumming on a music video for Home Cookin'

Frank Klepacki's solo work debuted in 2002 with Morphscape. Production began in 1996 with the song Cybertek, though an album was not planned at this time. The rest of Morphscape's songs were composed after Red Alert 2. Klepacki composed the album's title track while working on Command & Conquer: Renegade, and feels the game's style is visibly present in Morphscape.[10] Klepacki released the final product after Westwood's dissolution. His biggest inspiration in creating solo works is the legion of fans interested in Command & Conquer.[53] Klepacki took a hiatus from composing video game music to write two other solo albums, the first of which is entitled Rocktronic. Released in 2004, the album was described as dark, edgy, and heavy in a way that will appeal to Command & Conquer fans.[54] Klepacki sought out specific samples and instruments used in the Command & Conquer soundtrack for use in the release; the title "Rocktronic" was an attempt to name his style of music.[3] Featuring live drumming in certain songs, the album is Klepacki's best-seller. Following Rocktronic was Virtual Control, released in 2005. Klepacki complemented his usual style with experiments in hip hop on the album. Tracks from each release have been periodically used in The Ultimate Fighter, along with certain custom themes written for the show.[54][11]

On August 1, 2006, he revealed his next solo project would be named Awakening of Aggression and confirmed the music would be "heavy" and "hard-hitting."[6] When interviewed, Klepacki said that he channeled stress into the heavy music of the new album.[38] Aggression was released in October of the same year, and was made available on iTunes on December 7. He filled the liner notes of the album with the names of several supportive fans who had purchased his music.[6] As of April 2007, he speculates that a new solo release will be ready by the end of the year.[11] After establishing recognition on Ultimate Fighter, Klepacki began scoring themes for HDNet's Inside the MMA and HDNet Fights in autumn 2007.[6] Around this time, he made it to the district finals of the Guitar Center "drum-off" competition after winning two store challenges in Las Vegas but was eliminated.[55]

Work and beliefs

When composing for video games, Frank Klepacki spends a few days to compose and master one song on average.[56] He feels writing music for games is somewhat difficult as only early software builds are available to play; he sometimes must compose songs based on vague descriptions.[30] Composing for cut scenes is easier by comparison.[30] Nonetheless, he prefers to compose for a game throughout its development rather than write songs for a finished product.[42] He feels that game music has been harder to compose than film or solo music as he must compose for all situations a player may discover or engineer.[12] Klepacki maintains templates with a base of common instruments prepared for sudden bursts of inspiration, as he resents "having technical issues...as an obstacle."[12] When asked how the composing process begins, Klepacki related:

It starts with knowing what I'm composing for. Is it a battle theme, or main title, or ambient theme, etc. Then I figure out what type of mood or style best fits...the subject matter. From there it's about picking the right instrumentation and then the writing process starts. It could start with anything; a guitar riff, a French horn melody, a drum rhythm or bass line. Then I keep alternating instruments track by track recording one part at a time until I have something that sounds full and gets the point across I'm trying for.[12]

Klepacki has said that the most rewarding part of composing video game music is working with a team—which he compares to chemistry between band members—and knowing he is part of a greater cause.[24] He believes that game music could improve if artists focused on quality and derived inspiration from playing games.[17] He has expressed interest in having Electronic Arts sell his soundtracks in retail stores, preferably next to video games in electronic departments.[57] He advises those wishing to get in the video game business to attend conventions and investigate developer companies.[24] Klepacki is happy to see older games offered on the Wii, hoping that gamers are "recognizing once again that simple, short fun experiences are just as good as...long, huge-production experiences."[12]

File:Frank Rocktronic.jpg
Image of Frank Klepacki from Rocktronic

Klepacki runs a personal website featuring a biography, archived interviews, and a playlist of songs streamed in 128 kbit/s mp3. His music is also available from iTunes. As a Star Wars fan, he has extensively written about the film premieres of the last two prequels on his website.[58] He maintains an account at YouTube and has posted three videos of his work with other bands.[59] He is an ardent supporter of digital cinema, believing the medium to be the pinnacle of quality.[60] He has scored two short films, and won a CineVegas award for his work with Unreel Invasion.[61] Klepacki believes that the genre of video game music is more respected than it has ever been. He notes that complex and quality music comes at a higher cost, prompting certain producers to simply "get somebody who could cop the Hollywood sound" instead of nurturing original style.[15] When asked about his career low-point, he named Order of the Griffon for the TurboGrafx-16, citing difficulties with the system's limited musical capabilities.[15] Concerning his solo career and Westwood, Klepacki regrets "not having attended more of the fun company functions and parties while I was instead playing club gigs with bands with the mentality of trying to get signed or discovered."[12] When asked to reflect on his career, he replied:

The ironic thing is that my original goal in life was to be in a famous band, tour the world and sell millions of albums. Although that didn't quite happen, I got something else just as gratifying. Instead of being in a famous band, I gained some fame in the industry as a game composer. Instead of touring the world, I receive fan mail from around the world. Instead of selling millions of albums, my music is on millions of games! And I sell enough of my own albums that allows me to keep releasing them. So in a different way, I kind of got what I wanted after all. And I'm more than happy with that. The most fulfilling part of it is that I feel I contributed something that mattered to a significant number of people, and more importantly, I got to be a part of projects that mattered a lot to my life personally, like Star Wars![12]

Klepacki is not seeking a record deal, citing a "horrible chain of steps to getting famous." Scathingly critical of the recording industry, he blames MTV—described as a "teenage reality show channel"—for putting a pretty face on music and destroying the independent valuation of actual sound.[12][62] Klepacki has declared pop music as having become the "largest farce in music history—soul-less, mechanical, and only made for the sole purpose of making the fastest dollar possible, with more emphasis on imagery than the music."[12] He's also criticized lip-synching and the repackaging of music genre through different labels—such as Nu metal for rock music and Neo soul for soul music.[62] He believes that signing a deal does not guarantee profits, and would rather keep his day job as audio director. These sentiments were echoed in a special feature on the band Home Cookin' in 2000—Klepacki said the group wanted to "work with a label, not for them."[63] Stating that he would not compromise his work for popularity, he believes that "the only artists that have any longevity are the ones that pioneer a movement—not follow one."[12] He enjoys working independently, as he does not have to "change...music for the sake of pop radio."[38] He champions the internet as a medium through which creative and original artists can be found. Klepacki believes it is the preferred avenue for music when compared to radio airplay—where one hears "the exact same songs 3 months at a time."[62] When interviewed about file-sharing, he expressed mixed emotions.[30] Holding that compact discs are "just too damn expensive", Klepacki believes that a few dollars' reduction in price would "deter people from downloading for free."[64] Conversely, he notes that artists—who "don't get as much money as you think"—need to be compensated for their work.[30] His favorite artists by decade, starting with the 1960s, are Sly and the Family Stone, Graham Central Station, Metallica, Home Cookin', and Bob Schneider.[65]

Audio clips

Template:Multi-listen start Template:Multi-listen item Template:Multi-listen item Template:Multi-listen item Template:Multi-listen end

Full discography

Video game music
Band, film, and solo music
Commercial music

See also

References

  1. ^ "Yo, Cookie". Las Vegas Life. 2000. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)[dead link]
  2. ^ a b "The Bitters". {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b Frank Klepacki. "COMMENTARY: Creating Rocktronic". frankklepacki.com. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b "MobyGames: Frank Klepacki Rap Sheet". MobyGames. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ a b "PCGP Episode 80: Four Score!". PCGamerPodcast.com. 2007-04-26. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ a b c d e f g "News". frankklepacki.com. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ a b c Jarret Keene (2006-06-30). "Interview with Frank Klepacki". 944 Magazine. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)[dead link]
  8. ^ a b Mattias Lundin (2003-12-21). "Interview with Frank Klepacki". Gamingeye.com. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ a b Earl Green (2001). "Interview with Frank Klepacki". The Logbook. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)[dead link]
  10. ^ a b "COMMENTARY: What is a Morphscape?". frankklepacki.com. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ a b c d Banxy (2007-04-02). "The Frank Klepacki Interview". Twisted Outlook. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Klepacki, Frank (2007). "Interview with Frank Klepacki". Gameplay magazine. ITC Publishing. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i Frank Klepacki. "COMMENTARY: Behind the C&C Soundtrack". frankklepacki.com. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ a b c d Josh Horowitz (2006-09-17). "Good to the Last Note". Adrenaline Vault. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ a b c d e "Gamers With Jobs Radio: Interview with Frank Klepacki". Gamers with Jobs. 2006-03-21. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ a b Frank Klepacki. "Interview FAQ". frankklepacki.com. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ a b c d e Music4Games staff (2006-01-22). "Interview with Star Wars: Empire At War Audio Director and composer Frank Klepacki". Music4Games. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Westwood Studios (2000). The Westwood Studios Catalog. Westwood Studios.
  19. ^ a b c Frank Klepacki. "COMMENTARY: Behind the Red Alert Soundtrack". frankklepacki.com. Retrieved 27 July. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ Frank Klepacki. "COMMENTARY: Frank's acting cameos". frankklepacki.com. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ Vince Broady (1996-11-26). "Review of Red Alert". GameSpot. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ "Review of Red Alert". DarkZero. 2002-12-29. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ Claire Folkard, ed. (2005). The Guinness Book of World Records. Bantam Books. 0553588109.
  24. ^ a b c d e f g h "Frank Klepacki Podcast". {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |'work= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ HeXetic (2008-06-19). "Red Alert 3's Music: Frank is In!". PlanetCnC. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
  26. ^ Ron Dulin (1997-12-03). "Review of Dune 2000". GameSpot. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ a b c Frank Klepacki (2007-05-15). "COMMENTARY: Tiberian Sun". FrankKlepacki.com. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ The Logbook staff. "Review of Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun". The Logbook. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)[dead link]
  29. ^ a b The Logbook staff. "Review of Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2". The Logbook. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)[dead link] Cite error: The named reference "ra2review" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  30. ^ a b c d e f "Frank Klepacki Interview (Yuri's Revenge)". Westwood Infiltration. 2001. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ "Interview with Frank Klepacki". Music4Games. 2002. Archived from the original on 2003-02-04. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 2003-02-24 suggested (help); External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ "History for Westwood Studios". MobyGames. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  33. ^ Frank Klepacki. "Frank and Joe at Dinner". Gamereplays.org. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  34. ^ "Some questions for everyone at Petroglyph". Petroglyph Forums. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  35. ^ Pioneer Press (2007-05-23). "Fans share their Star Wars memories". Twin Cities. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ "The Readers Write: 'Star Wars' memories". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 2007-05-25. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  37. ^ a b c Frank Klepacki (2006-10-17). "Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption Designer Diary #5 - The Sounds of Corruption". GameSpot. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  38. ^ a b c d "Star Wars: Empire at War - Forces of Corruption Interview with Audio Director and Composer Frank Klepacki". Music4Games. 2006-12-05. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  39. ^ "Frank's FOC Bloopers!". Petroglyph Games. 2006-12-15. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help); External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  40. ^ "Steve Jablonsky, IMDB entry". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  41. ^ "Bring Frank Klepacki back for the music". EA Forums. 2006-04-24. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  42. ^ a b "Frank's Music for P-02". Petroglyph Games. 2006-12-06. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  43. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Universe at War: Earth Assault Designer Diary #5 - Alien Sound and Music Design". Gamespot.com. 2007-11-02. Retrieved 15 November. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  44. ^ a b c Kevin Yu, Frank Klepacki = date=2007-03-27. "VIDEO PODCAST: THE KING IS BACK TO PREVIEW THE MUSIC IN UAW!". Petroglyph Games. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help); External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  45. ^ a b c "I AM". frankklepacki. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help) Cite error: The named reference "iam" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  46. ^ Jeff Inman (1999-12-23). "Home Cookin': Pink in the Middle". http://www.lvlife.com/ Las Vegas Life]. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)[dead link]
  47. ^ Jeff Inman (2000-11-30). "Sound Feedback: R.I.P." http://www.lvlife.com/ Las Vegas Life]. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)[dead link]
  48. ^ Molly Brown (2000). "Show Review: Funk, Soul Brethren". http://www.lvlife.com/ Las Vegas Life]. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)[dead link]
  49. ^ Jeff Inman (1999-12-09). "Pink Funk". http://www.lvlife.com/ Las Vegas Life]. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)[dead link]
  50. ^ "Top of the Pops". http://www.lvlife.com/ Las Vegas Life]. 2000-06-08. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)[dead link]
  51. ^ Frank Klepacki (2000-06-22). "Letters to the Editor: Reality Check". Las Vegas Weekly. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)[dead link]
  52. ^ "Mo Friction". frankklepacki. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  53. ^ Jay Semerad (2002). "Interview with Frank Klepacki". Music4Games. Archived from the original on 2003-12-27. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  54. ^ a b "Personal Projects". frankklepacki. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  55. ^ "STORE WINNERS". Guitar Center Drum-Off. 2007-10-10. Retrieved 15 November. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  56. ^ "Interview with Frank Klepacki". Imperium Westwood. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)[dead link]
  57. ^ "Video Game Soundtrack Report 1.0". Music4Games. Archived from the original on 2002-11-07. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  58. ^ "COMMENTARY: Frank at Star Wars Celebration 2". frankklepacki. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  59. ^ "Youtube: Flyrecords1". 2006. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  60. ^ "COMMENTARY: Digital Cinema". frankklepacki.com. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  61. ^ "Frank Klepacki: About Me". frankklepacki.com. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  62. ^ a b c "COMMENTARY: Record Deals". frankklepacki. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  63. ^ "Sonic Garden: Home Cookin'". Sonic Garden. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  64. ^ John Przybys (2000-10-12). "HIGH TECH: Easy Access". Las Vegas Review-Journal. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  65. ^ "Where My Rockers At?". Petroglyph Games. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
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