Austin Wintory - Pode (2018)

PODE is a beautiful, adorable game from a terrific Norwegian studio (Henchman & Goon) led by the wonderful Yngvill Hopen. Quite some time ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Yngvill and very casually agreed to help out with her game. When the time came years after to take a look in more detail, I was genuinely dumbfounded. It had surpassed all of my expectations in its charm, aesthetic and its wonderfully approachable mechanics.

As such, scoring this game was a true privilege and delight. Working with someone you hold in such esteem is good enough, but when the game is clearly something special it just magnifies everything. Add to that the superb musicians I got to play with and it's just heavenly.

If the bombast of THE BANNER SAGA or devilishness of ASSASSIN'S CREED SYNDICATE is up your alley .... you should check your expectations at the door! This is a very introspective and meditative score.

Inspired by the Norwegian folk art of the game, I decided to lean into that with the use of dual Hardanger fiddles (played by Rachel Nesvig and Paul Cartwright). Because the game deals with this interdisciplinary collaboration, it seemed fitting to explore that in the score. I would write sections in skeletal forms, and then workshop improvised duets between Rachel and Paul, and see where things go. As the two characters become "one," the fiddles give way to Tina Guo's cello, and she too was asked to improvise certain sections.

The entire thing pushed me into new territory, as improvisation is basically NEVER a component of my work. It was thrilling and enlightening, and left me in awe of the talent of the performers. I hope you enjoy the results!

Tracklist:
01. Austin Wintory - A Wayward Star
02. Austin Wintory - A Wayward Star
03. Austin Wintory - Those First Steps
04. Austin Wintory - Timidly, into a Garden
05. Austin Wintory - Echoes of a River
06. Austin Wintory - Roots to the Stars
07. Austin Wintory - Dancing Reflections
08. Austin Wintory - Crystals in the Darkness
09. Austin Wintory - Heat, Felt
10. Austin Wintory - The History Below
11. Austin Wintory - The History Above
12. Austin Wintory - Fracture
13. Austin Wintory - Of Stone and Sky