Uncovering the Originals of VGM
While artists in the VGM scene create brilliant covers and arrangements from beloved video game franchises, we often minimize the originality of said artists when compared to songwriters and “original musicians.” It can be a challenging climate to share, market, or even subsist on writing original works when they aren’t tied to a popular franchise. Nevertheless, the VGM community is bursting with original albums and heartfelt singles, often reminiscent of their creators’ cover works, and these compositions deserve a spotlight all to themself. With the help of a Twitter hashtag #VGMGoneOriginal (thanks @MaxNoelBass), I’d like to showcase a selection of excellent original songs written by your favorite VGMers.
Eric L - New Dimension
In a surprisingly crunchy opening, Eric L kicks open the door with “New Dimension.” Utilizing progressive/fusion instrumentation, “New Dimension” takes much of the melody-driven jazz works that Eric is known for and pushes it into a new direction indeed! With guitar chugs on a tight 4/4 beat and expressive, soulful trombone, it’s a wonder Eric hasn’t written the new Pokémon “Victory Road” theme (yet)!
Ferdk - Vandozer
For so many artists in the VGM scene, the dream is to compose a killer soundtrack, and for inspiration, look no further than cover veteran and melodic metal maestro Ferdk! The soundtrack to Vandozer (2020) is filled with fantastic heavy riffs akin to Ferdk’s backlog of Final Fantasy (and more) covers, while mixing in more synthesizers, chiptune, and even symphonic-rock elements to keep the player trucking!
Leo Val - CominG Alive
Leo (Mind Waker) has not just a grasp for fantastic VFX and visual art, but also a gorgeously dirty blend of industrial metal and synthwave that drives his album Hack the Power, released in December 2020. With attacking guitars, hard synths, and Lacey Johnson’s stylish powerhouse vocals, there isn’t a better example of Cyberpunk out there.
8BitBrigadier - Boys and Break Downs
Fans of the multi-talented, multi-faceted 8BitBrigadier are certainly accustomed to sweeter surprises like Boys and Break Downs, but nearly eight minutes of acoustic joy is more than welcome. Dan’s voice is honest and soft, and anyone familiar with his covers (ranging from games, anime, and more), will absolutely feel at home hearing him tackle original songs in 2021.
Stevie Viola - Outset’s Theme
We can’t miss Stevie Viola when talking originality since he’s combined a variety of jammy electronic genres and piano throughout years of remixes and covers. For fans of Animal Crossing’s arrangements or energetic, yet chill music, I couldn’t recommend “Outset’s Theme” more as an entryway! That’s not even to mention the bumping score that Stevie is working on for the fan project Danganronpa F: Shattered Hope with the same eccentric and electrified spirit as its inspiration.
The growing game cover/remix scene will inevitably keep pushing for franchise-tied works and tributes, as they naturally can appeal to listeners far more than the scary “new” works. Nevertheless, what makes our community so great is not just the attention and respect paid to the original works, but the ability to take those influences and experiences we all have to develop them into something new and unique to love. Since I could only disclose a fragment of what the scene has to offer, check out #VGMGoneOriginal for an evolving thread of progressive metal, upbeat jazz, lo-fi, and more tracks made by other VGM cover/remix artists. The cycle of originality and covering are Yin and Yang, and musicians deserve the support to keep on writing both originals and covers.
Editor’s Note: I’ve compiled two playlists featuring some of the responses to the original Tweet thread that Ro mentioned. Unfortunately, I can’t create a playlist for Bandcamp tracks, so I’ve included the original Tweet thread for your browsing pleasure!
Ro Panuganti
Ro Panuganti is a home-studio guitarist and musician, covering video game and other music on Youtube in a variety of rock and metal genres out of his bedroom.
