Celebrating Black VGM Artists
For this article, I asked four black VGM artists to share their experiences within the VGM community. Their responses provide valuable insight into what makes this community so accepting as well as what you and I can do to make it even more inclusive.
How did you get started in the VGM community?
Mark Cooper: I started in the VGM/nerdcore community in 2015, but I started making music back in high school in 2004.
@seanohyea: Well, I wanted to start getting into VGM around this time last year, but I never fully put myself in here until recently (this past month or so).
NDIII Music: I got started in the community by joining several Discord servers, mainly FamilyJules, RichaadEB, and ToxicXEternity around the time I was learning guitar. Jack’s server (ToxicXEternity) was always one of the most helpful when it came to mixing, recording, and even figuring out what type of tones I should aim for. Jack is also really active so having him helped a bunch too.
Dionté George: I've been a listener for a long while, with artists like YamaYamaTheBand, Zorsey, J- MUSIC Ensemble, The Consoles, AiviSura, and lots more. Eventually, their arrangements inspired me to write arrangements of my own for the different ensembles I was a part of. That being said, I didn't start releasing stuff in the VGM community until early 2020 with some small collabs here and there before participating in some GameGroove albums.
Mark Cooper
Mark Cooper is a multi-disciplinary rapper and producer, carrying the torch of Nerdcore from Detroit, Michigan. His branded work consists of a large body of verses and cyphers touching on all things considered “Nerdy” or from gaming culture, including references from, but not limited to, gaming systems of all brands, Transformers, Power Rangers, Halo, Naruto, and Tron, earning the perfect branding of “nostalgic.”
What style or styles of music do you typically create?
Mark Cooper: The style of music I usually create is hip hop, synthwave, cinematic, and electronic.
@seanohyea: I’m a jazz student, and I run my own jazz band, so my main focus is usually jazz, fusion, funk, rnb, chill, etc. It’s something I’m really passionate about, so I’m glad I can make original jazz music to be in games.
NDIII Music: I make metal. I’d say DJENT, but djent ain't a genre.
Dionté George: My usual styles lean towards Jazz, hip-hop, classical, and digital fusion. Pretty much anything that falls into the Black American Music spectrum.
@seanohyea
I’m Sean, and I’m a producer and jazz composer based in South Carolina. I’m a gigging jazz musician, along with writing and arranging pieces of music for the band I run.
How does the VGM community compare to other communities that you are active in?
Mark Cooper: I feel that this community has a special place in my heart for 16-bit music that has shaped all of our childhoods. I love knowing that there is a place that appreciates the composers that created so many iconic themes that brought video games imaginations to life.
@seanohyea: I’m still actively trying to expand my way into the VGM community, but so far, it’s been really cool, and I’ve met a bunch of cool people. I was (still sorta am) in the producer community, and it brings me the same amount of excitement it did 3 years ago when I was solely focused on music and not things like college and real life stuff.
NDIII Music: It’s a little hard to answer, but for the most part, I’d say people are a lot more willing to help than most of the guitar communities I’ve been in. It’s also less toxic too from what I’ve seen.
Dionté George: It feels more diverse in terms of people and music. l’ve met a lot of cool people in the community and learning more about them has been a trip.
NDIII Music
Hey there, I'm NDIII. I make metal covers of video game music and original music in the style of VGM, and I hope to one day get my work put into a video game!
Would you say that the VGM community is supportive of black artists?
Mark Cooper: Yes absolutely. I feel that as a black artist myself I have been welcomed with open arms, and I’ve never felt like I couldn't belong.
@seanohyea: Yes, I definitely would say that this community is supportive of black artists.
NDIII Music: From my general experiences, yeah, everyone’s always been very supportive of black artists or POC in general.
Dionté George: Speaking from my point of view, I’d say the support's there.
Dionté George
Dionté George is a musical artist who is always trying to understand and learn more about music and the different communities it has created. Their main goal is to aid and create stories through cool sound textures while bringing the vibes.
What could the VGM community do to be more supportive of black artists?
Mark Cooper: I wish there was a little more representation of producers. There are a lot out there that may create this type of music, but they’re unaware that a community like this exists. So, by branching out, different types of artists may actually help the community as a whole.
@seanohyea: I feel like ensuring that everyone is being treated equally is far more important than doing more to support black artists.
NDIII Music: Honestly, help people find more black VGM artists and just help spread them around so everyone is more aware of their existence. Just spread that same love that’s given to others, and I think for the most part we’re good.
Dionté George: Just listen to other black voices and keep being supportive throughout the year. We’re just people trying to vibe and do our thing and share our craft.