Since its creation in 2008, the Video Game Orchestra (VGO) has been combining the intimacies and nuances of orchestral instruments (and choir!) with powerful rock instruments, creating a fusion of the two drastically different styles into "rockestral." The orchestra has grown drastically in size over the last few years and has toured the US performing at events such as Penny Arcade Expo, Anime Boston, and even a Final Fantasy Distant Worlds concert. Their programs have covered music from all sorts of games including Zelda, Chrono Trigger, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Donkey Kong Country.
We had the lucky privilege to speak with Shota Nakama, creator of the VGO, and we asked him some questions. He talks about some of the concepts and ideas behind the creation of VGO and also about some future plans to keep an eye out for. Who knows? Maybe they'll be coming to a venue near you!
Radio Hyrule: Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for us! I can only imagine how much work it takes to organize everything for an organization like VGO.
Shota Nakama: Hi there. Thank you so much for inviting me to the interview! Yes it has been extremely busy every day preparing for the show. This is probably the busiest I have ever been since the beginning of the group!
RH: VGO started back in 2008 and has been growing ever since. How has it evolved through over time? What different stages has it gone through?
SN: First thing to mention is probably the size of the group. When I started, the group has probably about 25 people and there was no band section or choir. However after a few shows I wanted to make things a bit more epic so it became the current format. We also look for new musicians constantly for two reasons - bringing some fresh air, and most people don't stay in Boston too long.
RH: I actually got to see one of your performances last year at PAX Prime 2011, and I was really impressed! You guys have a really unique sound that I think sets you aside from other VGM acts out there. Some might call it a perfect blend of rock and orchestral elements. How did you perfect this balance? What is the "rockestral" secret recipe?
SN: Thanks! Yea PAX is our favorite convention to do to. I love every aspect of it - con, fans, and staff. The secret to the "rockestral" recipe is, haha, I don't know! I grew up listening to a lot of symphonic rock as well as classical music, so it really comes out from me naturally. I just love the epic, grand sound so much. To learn the recipe, I would highly recommend listening to Metallica's S&M, old Halloween, and stuff like that.
RH: You have a concert coming up this October in Boston! Since we're on a Legend of Zelda music website, I feel I must ask.. is there going to be any Zelda music on the program? No pressure! (laugh)
SN: Hmmm not this time. Sorry! But I have been thinking about adding one very soon...
RH: Aww.. that's alright. You're also planning on recording the concert as your first live album! There's even a Kickstarter project set up so fans can help contribute to the album's creation. Can you tell us what to expect from the album?
SN: You can definitely expect the best, top-notch quality live album for sure. As for the track list, you can expect the highlights of the concert to be on the CD. I don't think we can put the whole show in due to the length, but we will certainly add some fans' favorites like Chrono Trigger, FF, and so on.
RH: Definitely looking forward to seeing how things go! It seems like your Kickstarter is steadily making progress towards its goal.
SN: Yes I am really thankful for those who support us always. I really do hope the project gets funded so we can bring this album to all the fans and game music community!
RH: Imagine the VGO found a magic lamp and was granted one wish. How would you use it? What is your ultimate goal for the future of VGO?
SN: I would use it for... making our world tour happen?
RH: That would be awesome! I'd love to see that happen some day! Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. I'll be cheering for you guys in the crowd at MAGFest 11 this January! Definitely looking forward to it! :)
SN: Thank you so much for the opportunity! I will see you at MAGFest and we will make sure to bring the best show!
Stay up to date on all Video Game Orchestra news by following them on Twitter, liking their Facebook page, and by visiting their website. You can also find videos of past performances on their YouTube channel.
The VGO will be performing live at the Boston Symphony Hall on October 7th. Tickets are starting at $40 and for a limited time, students can claim 50% off a ticket through their Facebook page. They will also be performing a show this January at MAGFest in National Harbor, MD.