For anyone who's played Sonic CD, one of the most memorable elements of the game was the unique flair that the music had: voice. Who could ever forget the resounding "Sonic Boom" as the game began. Even somewhat inspirational, the lyrics and incredible voice to back it up were one of the things that separated this game from others. One of the three Sonic CD vocalists had agreed to answer a few questions I had asked. Born in New York City, with her Brazilian culture still deep within her, this talented artist began her recording career with the highly acclaimed vocal trio Pastiche (the same trio I had mentioned earlier). Who may you ask is this incredible vocalist? none other than:
- Sonic CD has been acclaimed as one of the best Sonic games created. How were you and your group chosen to be vocalists for it?
The person in charge of music at Sega at the
time, Spencer Nilsen, had heard of our group, Pastiche, and called to see if
we were interested. We had a reputation as an interesting a capella trio
with a pop/jazz vibe.
- Were you excited when you first heard you would be working on the creation of another one of Yuji Naka's Masterpieces? Had you ever thought you would be doing something like this?
We were not familiar with Yuji Naka or games in general, but we were happy to have a new creative opportunity. We probably never imagined we would be doing something like this, mainly because there were no video games when we were growing up, but another opportunity to ply our trade and get paid is always welcome.
- If you had worked with anyone on the compositions of this game, who were they; would you say it was a memorable experience?
The trio Pastiche includes myself, Jenny Meltzer and Becky West. We always had fun arranging and composing music together. The music tracks that Spencer created for us to compose over were a lot of fun.
- Did you have any
favorites among these songs that you've made more complete by giving your
voice?
My favorite is of course the theme, "Sonic Boom" . I came up with the first line "If you try, you can fly, you can reach the other side of the rainbow...." and gave that to Spencer as he was composing the music; then the three of us and Spencer collaborated on the whole song.
- Needless to say, I'm a big fan of Sonic and all his games. Have you ever actually played any of the Sonic games before?
No, I am not a video game person. Not enough hours in the day, I guess
- Looking back on the songs you'd help create, is there anything you would have done differently? Anything you would consider most rewarding?
No, it was all just fun. My only regret is that the SEGA CD platform for games was apparently such a bust. They had told us it was the new big thing......that it would really blow up into something big but the SEGA CD machine never went anywhere and that was that. I guess now, all games are on CDs but you just play them on your home PC. Back then, the CD idea was new and you needed a special machine.
- Not many videogames, let alone Sonic games, have music accented by human voice. Would proud be a good word to describe your feelings toward this masterpiece?
Yes I am proud of our contribution, as well as music we did for Orly, a Broderbund game. Also, this past year, I sang on a new Sony game, the new Gran Turismo. That was quite an experience, a small choir with a full orchestra, recorded at Skywalker ranch, some scary classical music in Italian. It was quite an experience, and I hope to try the game in an arcade some day.
- To wrap this up: I see you teach in the art of singing.
To everyone who will be reading this, is there any message
you'd like to say in respect to singing, and the sensation you get in singing well?
There is nothing like
it, it is therapeutic, and it feels great.
-Sandy
