03/03/10
new Chance Thomas interview online at GSOUNDTRACKS now
In today's published interview, Chance talks about the past, current and future state of videogame music. He offers new behind-the-scenes details from his classic scores for Lord of the Rings Online, King Kong, Avatar and Quest for Glory V. He talks about his dream project(s), discusses film composers, and even offers a list of current music in his CD player and iPod. Read the complete interview - HERE.
02/02/10
I Saw You On TV! features Chance Thomas tunes
Releasing today, I Saw You On TV! Videogame Composers (Volume 1) includes two previously unreleased tracks by HUGEsound composer Chance Thomas. The first track, MY NATIVE COUNTRY features an inspirational melody on ethnic flute, slowly growing into an army of hand percussion and orchestra, with a patriotic twist at the end. The second track, THE YEARNING is a climbing, aspiring piece. The orchestration reaches searchingly for something of nobility, something of greatness, all underscored with a pulsing rhythm and driving guitars. Both songs, as well as a number of other great tracks by the industry's top composers, are available now for download purchase at Amazon.com.
01/19/10
AVATAR game music now online
Interested in hearing some of Chance Thomas' celebrated videogame score for James Cameron's AVATAR? Samples are now available online. Check it out here: EXCERPTS MONTAGE and FEATURED TRACK
01/01/10
HUGE studio upgrades for 2010
Happy New Year! HUGEsound is pleased to announce that we are retooling for 2010. Our recent investments in new state-of-the-art audio hardware and software upgrades will continue to keep HUGEsound at the leading edge of delivering outstanding quality music and sound to the world.
12/22/09
HUGE podcast - Tracksounds Avatar interview with composer Chance Thomas
Christopher Coleman runs a terrific soundtrack review site called Tracksounds. One of his cooler features is the Soundcast, a podcast dedicated to a particular composer or body of work. His Christmas week focus is the videogame score for Avatar. Check it out here: Soundcast
12/17/09
IGN posts new feature on Avatar game score
IGN Music Editor Brian Linder writes a terrific feature on the videogame music score from Avatar. He draws out a point of comparison between the game score and the film score, discusses the orchestral recording sessions in Los Angeles and Seattle, and touches on the sophisticated tech underlying the score's deployment in the game. Check it out here: IGN Interview
12/16/09
Critically acclaimed Mines of Moria tracks posted online
Apparently we don't get out enough. HUGEsound has just learned that for almost a year, full length music tracks from the critically acclaimed Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria, have been circulating clandestinely in cyberspace, compliments of You Tube. We've gathered three of those tracks for you and loaded them into our website music player - The Hollin Gate, Ages of the Golden Wood, and Drums in the Deep. Just click the Music button at the bottom of the frame (below) to launch the player, then select the SPOTLIGHT category. Enjoy!
12/14/09
Thomas speaks out on Avatar
Read the interview with John Gaudiosi, published on FaceOff Games earlier today. Chance offers a point of contrast in working for a James Cameron project versus working on a Peter Jackson project, offers details on the respective instrumentation of the Na'vi and the RDA, and talks about meeting with film composer James Horner. Here's the link: Face Off
12/11/09
USA TODAY calls out Avatar videogame score, labels it "IMPRESSIVE"
USA TODAY singled out Chance Thomas' original videogame music score from James Cameron's Avatar as a specific highlight in today's published review:
"The musical score by veteran game composer Chance Thomas and recorded with a 70-piece orchestra in three cities is impressive," applauds USA TODAY feature columnist Marc Saltzman. Saltzman's review is being syndicated this weekend to more than 100 Gannett Newspapers nationwide.
12/01/09
Thomas' Avatar score makes HUGE news
Several interviews and press features are newly online featuring Chance Thomas and the game music from James Cameron's Avatar. Here are a few links...
Nerdage / Deseret News / Game Culture / Line Scratchers / Fresno Bee / Game Daily / Daily Oklahoman / Industry Gamers
10/27/09
Avatar composers make HUGE connection
Composers for James Cameron's Avatar, film composer James Horner (right) and videogame composer Chance Thomas (left), meet in Horner's composition studio to preview parts of the upcoming film score. "I've been a massive fan of Horner's work ever since Battle Beyond the Stars", said Thomas. "To review music with him in person, to hear his Oscar-worthy work on this extraordinary film, to find him so professionally courteous and personally engaging has been a great honor and privilege."
10/27/09
Mormon Tabernacle hosts HUGE score
Shown with the Orchestra on Temple Square (L to R) producer Quinn Orr, Tabernacle Choir conductor Mack Wilberg and HUGEsound composer Chance Thomas.
Mack Wilberg conducts the Orchestra on Temple Square performing Chance Thomas' new signature theme for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
08/31/09
HUGE Avatar recording sessions in LA
Recording on the Legendary 20th Century Fox Newman Scoring Stage in Los Angeles, Avatar videogame composer Chance Thomas is shown here with recording engineer John Rodd. The scoring stage is visible in the background.
The brass parts in particular for Avatar were pretty intense. Some of the musicians took a moment after the sessions to show their true feelings for the composer. Also pictured are engineer John Rodd, conductor Paul Taylor, contractor Gina Zimmitti, and Pro Tools operator Larry Mah.
10/26/09
EA Releases Littlest Pet Shop: Friends
Electronic Arts has released another terrific title in their best selling lineup of Littlest Pet Shop games. Littlest Pet Shop: Friends hit retail stores last week and features an updated theme song contributed by Chance Thomas. Jenny Frogley delivered the vocals for the tune and Rich Dixon played all the guitars. Chance also designed the innovative pet language used throughout the game, as well as casting the voice talent and producing the recordings which comprise the pet's communications. Sound designers Jeff Meacham and Richie Nieto round out the title's engaging audioscape.
11/17/09
GameSoundCon HUGE success in San Francisco
Last week's GameSoundCon in San Francisco proved a big hit with its audience. With topics ranging across contracts, audio tools, sound design, implementation, RockBand Network training, career transitions and casual games, the conference offered something for everyone. Classes and panel discussions were given by an all-star lineup which included Paul Lipson, Tom Salta, Kane Mincus, Savina Ciaramella, Morla Gorrondona, Jeff Marshall, Brooke Wentz, Jeremy Bridge and event organizer Brian Schmidt. The keynote address was given by HUGEsound's own Chance Thomas. His focus on motivation, preparation and opportunity also seemed to strike a resonant chord with the audience:
"Articulate, dynamic and inspirational are just a few words that describe Chance Thomas' keynote address at GameSoundCon SF 2009. He left me with a real grasp of the commitment, passion and perfectionism required to succeed in the gaming industry."- Michael Brandeburg, Music Professor at Santa Rosa College
"Your talk was incredibly inspiring. You beefed up the self-confidence of most everybody there!"- Nicholas Duveau, Audio Director at Ubisoft Montreal
"Chance Thomas gave a great keynote - equal parts optimism and well grounded reality. His stories and delivery punctuated the need to believe in what you're doing, then back it up with good solid craft. He is precisely the kind of guy you want at the top of the industry giving a keynote. He was the perfect choice for GameSoundCon."- Michael Johnson, Composer at MJM Audio
"Thank you again for your incredible advice at the conference. You were truly an inspiration."- Claude Zdanow, Owner of Stadium Red Studios New York
PS - A final shout out to the visionary organizer of GameSoundCon, Brian Schmidt, for sensing the need and having the reach to pull this all together. GameSoundCon is the game industry's new "must-attend" event!
08/21/09
James Cameron's AVATAR gets HUGE videogame score
Ubisoft Entertainment, a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide, has selected multiple award-winning composer Chance Thomas to create the original game score for their highly anticipated holiday 2009 console title, James Cameron's AVATAR.
04/20/09
HUGE melody carries United Way
The United Way has called upon the music of HUGEsound composer Chance Thomas to underscore their message. The United Way is one of the world's largest non-profit organizations, chartered to identify and resolve pressing issues facing communities worldwide.
03/16/09
Chance Thomas to speak at GDC
HUGEsound composer and former Electronic Arts Audio Director Chance Thomas has been invited to speak at the annual Game Developer's Conference March 23-27. This year's conference is being held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA. In addition to speaking at the conference, Chance also serves on GDC's Audio Advisory Board, assisting in the selection and planning of the audio portion of the conference.
03/14/09
Another great MORIA music review
Popular game music site Music4Games has published their music review of the Mines of Moria soundtrack. The site describes the score as "magical", "engaging", "well-composed" with "beautiful choral writing". The review calls out the tracks, "The Hollin Gate", "A Journey in the Dark" and "Mines of Mithril" for particular mention. Read the full soundtrack review - HERE.
03/02/09
RPG FAN reviews Moria, Angmar and QFG5
RPG Fan has posted a new retrospective on Chance Thomas, publishing three music reviews of classic Thomas scores, incuding the brand new Mines of Moria, the original Shadows of Angmar score, and Thomas' first game soundtrack, Quest for Glory V. Here's a sample comment: "Chance Thomas is one hip cat. Having composed music for film, television, and video games over the last two decades... RPGFan reviews his entire RPG-related discography in one fell swoop." Read the full story and reviews - HERE.
02/27/09
America's Most Wanted gets HUGEsound
Viewers of the television program "America's Most Wanted" recently heard Chance Thomas' original composition "Maritime Adventures" on the show.
02/17/09
Music of the Year nod for Moria score
The videogame industry's audio guild has honored the Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria score with an official nomination for MUSIC OF THE YEAR. Also called out by the guild for special recognition is the track Khazad Dum, nominated for Best Choral Song. See the full list of nominees - HERE.
02/02/09
Moria music detailed in in-depth review
A surprisingly indepth review of Chance Thomas' music work for the Mines of Moria - including a track by track analysis and critique - has been posted. In this broad and generous review you will find rare detail called out regarding the orchestration of specific tracks, thematic development and variation, live versus synthesized production, and specific implementation patterns of where (and when) you will find the music scattered throughout the game world. Uncommon and refreshing to find such depth and breadth in a game music story! Here's a sample comment: "The wandering violins are back, but this time they accompany a lush full orchestral pronouncement of the Theme. However, said theme always ends a minor step up from where you think it ought to, illustrating how all is not well in the Dwarf Kingdom. Heavy low brass are more prominent..." Read the full review - HERE.
01/02/09
EA strikes casual gold
Electronic Arts has announced over 2 million units sold of their new Hasbro games, led by Littlest Pet Shop and Nerf N-Strike. Chance Thomas directed a terrific audio team featuring Victor Crews, Jeff Meacham and Richie Nieto on both titles, and also contributed to the scores. Read the full article - HERE.
01/12/09
Mines of Moria soundtrack gets HUGE review
The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria Collector's Edition Soundtrack gets its first full review today on OSV. And we're pleased to announce that it's very favorable. To wit: "The Mines of Moria music... is strong enough to rival the film score. In some ways this music is superior to the film score." Wow. Can't wait to read what they say next...! Read the full review- HERE.
10/28/08
N-Strike sends hail of virtual darts to retail
Electronic Arts has released Nerf N-Strike for the Wii gaming system. Game Zone says, "Inspired by the globally popular franchise from Hasbro, [Nerf N-Strike] features non-stop NERF-style pandemonium where players are faced with a series of challenging missions that put blasting strategies and skills to the ultimate test." Chance Thomas led the talented team of audio artists creating the sound for the game, including audio designers Victor Crews, Richie Nieto and Jeff Meacham.
10/14/08
HUGE release for EA's Littlest Pet Shop
That shriek of delight retailers are hearing is the response of young girls around the world discovering their Littlest Pets' come to life on three new DS games, plus versions for Wii and PC. Released by Electronic Arts today in partnership with Hasbro, Littlest Pet Shop is making a big splash worldwide. Chance Thomas was audio director on the project, also arranging and produced the main theme.
09/26/08
Chance Thomas presents to DC area music students
Music students at Magruder High School near Washington DC were treated today to an audio-visual presentation from accomplished game composer Chance Thomas. Thomas presented examples from several of his video game scores, including King Kong, Quest for Glory V and Lord of the Rings Online.
08/21/08
Dungeon Lords 2 gets HUGE sound
D.W. Bradley's latest epic, Dungeon Lords 2, is getting a boost in the audio department. HUGEsound is providing sound effects and voices for the game, a follow-up to Heuristic Park's cult classic.
07/16/08
Chance Thomas speaks to Berklee College of Music
Chance Thomas spoke today to the Film Scoring and Video Game Music students and faculty at Berklee College of Music in Boston. The presentation featured examples of some of Thomas' scoring innovations including a discussion of Global Music Sets, a demonstration of the HUGEmusic STAX system and other valuable tips and tricks picked up over a dozen years of creating music for interactive media.
05/23/08
Chance Thomas Scores Mines of Moria
Turbine, Inc., the world's premier creator and operator of massive, persistent online worlds that foster powerful social gaming communities, has contracted HUGEsound composer Chance Thomas to create new music for its upcoming release, The Lord of the Rings Online (TM): Mines of Moria (TM). Thomas is creating all new live orchestral and choral themes and score for the game, based on the rich literary settings of Moria and Lothlorien.
05/14/08
Chicago Spire Score Takes Top Aurora Award
Composer Chance Thomas took top honors at the International Aurora Award competition, winning Platinum Best of Show for his original music score for the Chicago Spire Art Film. Thomas' piece, "INSPIRE", is built around a gentle piano motif, children's chorus, clarinet, flute, solo violin and a crescendo with full orchestra and choir. To hear an excerpt of the award-winning score, just click the Music button at the bottom of the frame (below) to launch our music player, then select the SPOTLIGHT category.
Chance played and recorded the piano at his HUGEsound studio near Yosemite, Calfornia. The LA East Session Choir (comprised of singers from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir) and International Children's Chorus were both recorded at LA East in Salt Lake City, UT. The 75 piece live orchestra was recorded at Bastyr Chapel in Seattle, WA and mixed by Reed Ruddy of Studio X.
The composition underscores a brilliantly conceived and artistically executed art film visualization of the Chicago Spire, a 2000 foot tall skyscraper designed by famed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The film, which also took awards for Best Director and Best Visual Effects, was directed by Sheena Duggal of Sony Pictures, produced by Jacquie Barnbrook of Imageworks, with Paul Currie of Lightstream Pictures as Senior Producer, and Garrett Kelleher as Executive Producer. Liz Rueger of Independent Artists Representatives represented Thomas in the deal. Congratulations to everyone!
02/21/08
Chance Thomas honored with Distinguished Service Award
Chance Thomas was honored Thursday night at the Game Audio Network Guild Awards with the Guild's "Distinguished Service Award". The GANG Awards, celebrating excellence and innovation in game music, sound and implementation, were held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The award recognizes Chance's twelve years of actively promoting high standards for game music, recognition for outstanding achievement, years of work within GANG to build the organization and serve its members, and making a positive contribution to the game audio community at large.
02/20/08
HUGE presence at GDC
Chance Thomas had a high profile at this year's Game Developers Conference. In addition to serving on the Audio Advisory Board for the conference, Chance was asked to speak at four conference sessions. During Audio Boot Camp, he spoke on the opportunites and challenges associated with "Creating Original Music for Licensed Games". On the conference's first full day, he joined industry veterans Torrie Dorell (VP of Marketing, Sony Online Entertainment), Tim Larkin (Audio Director, Cyan Worlds), Blake Lewin (VP of Media and Entertainment, Turner Broadcasting Systems) and Steve Ogden (Art Director, Firaxis Games) in presenting a multi-disciplined perspective on game sound. On Thursday, Chance led a panel of experts in the field of audio design and production for Massively Multiplayer Online games. Chance's guests included Creative Director Geoff Scott of Turbine Entertainment (Lord of the Rings Online, Dungeons and Dragons Online), Audio Director Michael Henry of Cryptic Studios (Champions Online, City of Heroes) and Creative Services Director Russell Brower of Blizzard Entertainment (World of Warcraft).
02/13/08
EA gets HUGE boost for Nerf and Pet Shop titles
Electronic Arts has announced the development of two new game titles, N-Stike and Littlest Pet Shop, set for release this coming holiday season. Chance Thomas is audio director on both projects.
01/23/08
LOTRO music snags GANG Award nomination
The music from Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar has been named a FINALIST in this year's Game Audio Network Guild Awards.
VIEW ARCHIVED NEWS - HERE