An Interview with Bart Klepka
What C64 Composers did you like?
Ben Daglish, Matt Gray are the big ones. Yep, I’m a Ninja fan. 😊
What are your favourite c64 sids?
Last Ninja 1, 2 & 3, Tusker, Shadow Warriors…to name a few.
What equipment do you use?
My PC and my old Yamaha keyboard. Not much I admit, most of my work is software oriented, Sound Forge, Impulse Tracker, Reaktor.
) I see you remix many different game music, not only c64. Why do you remix game music?
Because I love games and I love music, especially creating it. It was in 1999 that I realised how much fun I could have mixing my own styles with my favourite game tunes.
) Which remix that you have created are you most pleased with?
I really don’t have a favourite, I could start naming something particular I liked in every single mix. But ever since the beginning, I have always been very pleased with my ‘Last Ninja Jungle Resurrection’ mix.
Which is better Cover or Remix?
Depends on what tune we are talking about. For example, pretty much all of the Last Ninja 2 soundtrack would be perfect for covers, however, Last Ninja 1's tunes I think are more so interesting to break apart and remix. I personally much prefer remixes, but there are a few tunes out there that I would love to hear covers off aswell.
What would you say is rule no.1 when arranging a remix?
It would have to be experimentation. I know it sounds a bit weird, but that's how I work. I tend to grab a tune and try out as many different styles and instruments as I can before settling down to the final selected. A very close second would be 'technical cleanliness', I really don't mind if it's a bit simple, but I always make sure that it sounds correct, musically, and nothing is off-beat (unless intentionally).
I see most of your music is slanted towards dance. Why is this?
Many reasons. Sample restrictions, hardware restrictions, everything I write is electronically produced, add it all up, and I don’t have too much choice in the matter. Also, it’s not so much that it’s ‘dancey’, it’s just very computer oriented, and many people just assume it’s all dance. I work on sub-genres of the whole electronic/dance scene or what ever you wish to call it.
What non game music do you like?
Everything from orchestras to hardcore dance and death metal. However, it is very rare that the music that I like has lyrics, as I much prefer the music to the singing. That’s why I’m a big fan of modern day soundtracks, Danny Elfman, Hans Zimmer and Alan Silvestri have always written great scores, as well as Vangelis (Blade Runner is my all-time favourite soundtrack). Alternatively, some fast (and loud) jungle/drum’n’bass music will get my feet off the ground.
What/who inspires you?
In Starwars, it was known as ‘the Force’, everything around us, nature, all living things etc. And it’s true. I’m one of them people who can look at a landscape, and just awe at it, and get inspired to create. Of course, the more obvious things would be music fans alike, that listen and enjoy the music, and game developers in general, for creating amazing worlds for us to dwell in.
Which other arrangers do you like?
Instant Remedy had a big impact on me with his superb Last Ninja mix, as well as the smooth sounds of The Dead Guys.
Should sid be used when re-creating a tune?
Hmmm, this is a tricky one. Personally, I don’t really go for mixes that have the original sid spiced up and all that. I totally agree that SID sounds should be used in a remix, as they have ‘that thing’ about them that you and I love them for. But if I’m going to use SID sounds in my mix, they will be just that, sounds. Another sample/instrument to manipulate. But hey, that’s just me.
What are your likes/dislikes about the scene?
I’m assuming you are referring to the remixing scene, and I find nothing I dislike about it. We’re all just a bunch of mucisians (professional or not) who share common ground, and we have fun with it, no harm. If you take it all too seriously, then you are going too far, and that’s the only dislike I would ever have, if it erupted.
What type of feedback have you had?
Varied, for sure. What never seizes to amaze me is the diversity for taste that exists in this world. I’ve had a lot of people praise me for my work, and I’ve had a few telling me ‘why they suck’ 😊, but you can’t please everybody, and I just do what I do.
Your latest remix is Bruce Lee, could you tell our readers a little about this piece?
There’s not much more I can say that I haven’t already in my remix write-up. It’s been in the works for quite a while now, and I’m glad I finally had the energy to finish it. I remember listening to the tune one day and suddenly found my mind adding drum’n’bass beats to it, and I thought, of course! 😊 Think that was about 2-3 months ago, and I can’t even remember if the result is anything close to the original intention, since the mix has just really grown on me. You can read more about it at my site on the actual remix page, I always comment on my mixes upon release.
What are your fondest memories of the c64?
Firstly, Saturday mornings. Secondly, Last Ninja. If I could, I would do it all again, and wouldn’t change a thing. Feelings are too deep to put into words, I’m sure a lot of people would understand and relate. C64 was a big part of my childhood.
How difficult can it be finding that certain instrument for a cover?
Very difficult in my cases. That’s why I find myself usually morphing the music and style to suit my sample and what I have better. Sometimes I wish I could just walk into a room with a full orchestral group, and get them to mind read my exact intentions for a mix, that would be heaven 😊.
What are your thoughts on modern day game music?
Varied. You have to look at it from a totally different standing point when comparing C64 tunes and modern day soundtracks. Back in the good ol’ days, musicians (or programmers) had limitations, HUGE limitations. It was basically, Use this sid machine…it makes some cool sounds, oh btw, only 4 tracks
. Today, there are no limits, only new boundaries to cross and explore. That’s why a lot of people take game music for granted these days. Everybody thinks they’re a king when it comes to music, and they have the mp3s to try and prove it. Mp3’s have made everybody just spoilt, not appreciating what they have, just looking for collections, albums and higher quality bitrates etc. That’s one side of mp3s that really gets to me. On the other hand, it’s a brilliant and perfect tool for sound/musician gurus everywhere, easy to use and compact. That’s how it is, and that’s why game music (and music in general as well) have a rocky road to travel on.
If there was a tune that you wish you could claim as your own what would it be, and why?
The whole Blade Runner soundtrack. Everytime I listen to it I almost cry, synths never sounded any sweeter. The most particular tune would have to be ‘Memories of Green’ from that cd. Vangelis used elements in this piece that I never would have thought could exist.
What remix are you working on next?
I never really say what because I personally don’t know what will make it or not. See, I don’t just work on one mix at a time. I usually have 3-5 mixes in the works, and I keep experimenting with these until I find that ‘special’ thing I’m looking for, then I set on finishing the piece, yet even then there’s no guarantee that it will be released. So, at the moment, I rather not say.
What does the future hold for you and your music?
Who knows. I am very attached to music making/remixing, and I really do intend to give it a go at a professional level. I’m always trying to squeeze my way into the business, it’s only a matter of time before I either get in…or die trying😉.
Who do you think gives the scene the biggest boost?
Whoever contributes. That includes remixers, arrangers, listeners, reviewers, critics, moderators of all sorts from the scene, people who believe in it. The more you put in, the more you get out. How true how true.
Lastly, What would you like to say to the scene?
…SID forever…
Bart's answer with the remark about taste stands out. It's a matter of taste. For some Bart's music will seem insperational and for other maybe not. It's the same with all arrangers; only a few times does a remix stand out to all and even then there is bound to be some detractors. There is no way to overcome this, so sticking to what you know is always the better option.
- Neil
