Quick Beats: Mega Man Songwriter Manami Matsumae talks about Ocarinas and Bohemian Rhapsody
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Throughout the Nintendo Life Video Game Music Festival, we spoke with a variety of songwriters and musicians for a mix of in-depth interviews and shorter, sharper (and perhaps a little dumber) Q&A in which we just do ten quick personal questions; We call these shorter functions “Quick Beats.”
After our recent in-depth interview with her, Jake Kaufman, and Marc-Antoine Archier discussing chiptune in the modern age, we were fortunate that legendary composer Manami Matsumae also answered 10 silly musical questions.
So, sit back and get ready to hear your thoughts on some classic bands, musical heroes, and the only thing you would save from a burning building …
What was the first song or album you remember buying?
When I was a high school student, I saved my allowance to buy Queen’s Jazz. listen “Bohemian Rhapsody” a couple of years before that, it blew my mind and I became a huge fan. I’m lovin ‘it “More of that jazz” of Jazz. The part at the end where the Jazz tracks appear in chunks is too cool to put into words.
What was the last music you listened to?
I heard Genesis’ “The movie show” for the first time in a long time. Phil Collins’ drums were really great, and I love the irregular beat and long keyboard solo in the second half.
What was the first video game you wrote music for and how do you feel listening to it now?
It was a Capcom project called Ide Yōsuke Mējin no Jissen Mahjong [Master Yōsuke Ide’s Real Mahjong, published in 1987 for the Famicom—Ed], for which I composed a classic piece. When I listen to it now, I feel nostalgic, like, “I wrote this, huh?” More than thirty years have passed, after all.
Which piece of yours are you most proud of?
As everyone has a piece of my heart, I am proud of every project that I have been involved in.
What piece by someone else would you have liked to have written?
Each piece by another composer is complete in its own way, and I don’t feel like there is room for me to intervene. So, nothing, really.
What do you listen to while driving?
I like to relax when I drive so I often listen to Jazzy music like CDs First circle and Still life by Pat Metheny Group.
Do you have a musical hero?
Queen, Asia, Toto, Pat Metheny, etc. I love each of his musical sensibilities.
Which decade had the best music?
I love the music of the 70s and 80s even now. The melodies were clear and are the basis of my compositions.
Ocarina, harp or bongos: what magical instrument do you embark on an epic adventure?
The ocarina. Because I imagine I could play melodies in the right way. (I can’t really touch one though).
If your house caught fire and you only had time to grab a memory before fleeing to safety with your family, what would you take with you?
My beloved cat.
Our thanks to Manami Matsumae for answering our silly questions; you can follow her on Twitter. @chanchacolin.
Be sure to check out our other Quick Beats interviews with the likes of Austin Wintory, Yuzo Koshiro, Darren Korb, and Jake Kaufman, and keep an eye out for many more in the days to come as the Nintendo Life VGM Fest continues.
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