Christopher Tin makes our loops, and is a Grammy Nominee!

So, the first few loops (background music) on Pocket God were cobbled from stock music and were lucky finds. But by the Ice Island, we realized we weren't going to be able to rely on stock music. Plus there was the fact that now we had a budget! So I went to a guy I'd worked with in the past, and knew was awesome, Chris Tin (tinworksmusic.com or christophertin.com). And he's been banging out our loops in between his bigger gigs ever since. He's worked on compositions and recordings for major movies and games, but still makes time for us! And now, he was just nominated for, not one, but TWO Grammies! Obviously its not for Pocket God. But we are really happy for him!

He stepped it up for Journey To Uranus. Click these to hear a couple examples:

Pygmies in Space
Dragons On Uranus

I thought I'd try something new and post an Q&A with Chris! Read on...

How did you get started in music? Did you go to school for it?

It was something that I'd always done from an early age... piano lessons, followed by learning trumpet, guitar, joining choir, joining jazz combos, etc. I didn't go to school specifically for music initially, even though I eventually wound up majoring in Music. However, when I got accepted to a Master's in Composition program at the Royal College of Music in London after college, I finally decided that I would make a run at a career in music.

Do you play instruments?

Play some piano and some guitar.

What kind of projects have you made music for? Which ones got you a nomination for TWO grammys?

I've done almost everything. I've scored feature films, commercials, video games. I made a demo song for Apple's 'Garage Band' software. I also co-created a startup song for Microsoft's 'Surface' operating system. I also release my own albums... in fact my debut album 'Calling All Dawns' has been nominated for two Grammys: 'Best Classical Crossover Album' and 'Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists' for the opening song, 'Baba Yetu'. Getting nominated is a thrill, but to win I have to get past Herbie Hancock and Bobby McFerrin. A tall order.

How do you compose your music? What software do you use?

Generally a combination of writing it out by hand, and using Apple's Logic sequencing platform. I usually use Pro Tools to record and edit audio, and Sibelius to notate scores.

Do you play video games? If so, what kind? Any favorites?

Much more of a casual gamer than anything else, so it tends to be various Wii games with my girlfriend: Super Mario Wii, Rock Band Beatles, NHL 2K10, etc. The game I turn on the most, however, is definitely Pocket God. I play it all the time (mostly Ooga Jump... highest score 4400 Oogles.)

Do you have any personal pet projects we should know about?

I'm co-producing an electronica album right now, called Stereo Alchemy (www.stereoalchemy.com). We've taken a bunch of Renaissance and Romantic Era poetry and turned it into gothic, trip-hoppy electronica. We're very excited about our album release, which will hopefully be in the next couple months.

Thanks Chris for all your great work and good luck!

And by the way, Journey To Uranus, episode 2: Electric Booga-Loo was submitted lat week and hopefully will be approved soon. Dave and I are currently working on PG Episode 37: Moron Pests...it will contain a whole new island, and mini-game! Oh, yeah, and its also a cross-over...but you probably already figured that out.