Love that they interviewed Wise. He deserves all the praise and more, his work is marvelous. Looking forward to him joining more of Nintendo’s future projects
My favorite thing about video game music is how beautiful it can be over something so silly. “That’s beautiful. What is that song about?” “It’s about a gorilla in a necktie riding on a swordfish.”
David is way too humble, he created some of the most beautiful music ever, let alone videogames. That he also did it with so many technical restrictions speaks volumes of his incredible talent. Thank you David ❤
He's the opposite of Tommy Tallarico who's constantly bragging about his video game music and not once he made anything near the quality of David Wise's masterpiece.
It's a great song. If you only watched this video though, you might get the impression that Aquatic Ambience is all he's really known for. He scored many, many beloved songs for these games. Getting him back for Tropical Freeze was a huge win.
Forest Interlude is just beautiful, one of my favorite compositions from DKC2 as well, that game has such a magical soundtrack that still holds up today.
DKC2 has one of the best (if not the best) soundtrack from the past century, hands down. There's no weak link, no weak track or whatever issue people may throw at it.
11:56 It did happen immediately after the game came out, just that most of the fans were young and there was no social media to share the sentiment. I do remember gaming forums and message boards back then did express love for the soundtrack.
Whoever is in charge of IGN's content recently needs a raise. Also massive respect to Mr Wise; some of his music genuinely brings tears to my eyes, the memories, nostalgia and the beauty of the music is as moving and powerful today as it ever was. Seems like a great guy as well, many thanks David for all the great tunes and happy memories! :)
The LoFi version of this song is magical. This is the reason why a lot of musicians appreciate artists who worked in video game music. It’s a craft that takes more than just perfecting what your talents are already doing for you.
David Wise is a composer that comes once in a century, his Soundtracks speak to your soul and anyone who didn't experience it firsthand missed out on some of the best music has to offer
People don't realize how impactful this song was from a technological standpoint upon its original release. It was absolutely unheard of that something this high quality was created with such limited tools at the time.
Truly one of the best times to be alive, the start of an industry. So much opportunity for growth and learning that doesn't require millions of degrees and years of experience to get in. Just hard work and creativity. Love it.
David will never know how much his music in Donkey Kong Country meant for an entire generation of players, specially for me. Aquatic Ambience was and still is, pure magic, it will always stay in my heart. He composed the soundtrack of the fondest memories of millions of people.
These kinds of enigmatic, dreamy chord progressions have always resonated with me which led me eventually to jazz fusion, progressive metal, and ultimately deep/soulful house and techno.
Aquatic ambience perfectly encapsulated the feeling of sadness.. It understands that the listener is intelligent and takes it's time. Draws you in with it's haunting introduction and then chills you with the first piano arpeggios ringing out like rain.. The song has breath to it, as though it understands you as a human being and wants to give you healing.. Truly a masterpiece.
It's beautiful because it's not only a video game music it's the childhood anthem of many people from the 90's to the mid 2000's, in fact it's the anthem of the 90's
What David probably didn't realise, is that when he made the music for these games he was unknowingly influencing an entire generation behind closed doors. Kids and teens huddled up with their SNES and old CRT TV glowing through the dark - getting lost in this otherworldly experience without a care in the world. Then eventually, they grew up, got involved and learnt instruments and suddenly this music he'd long since put behind him reappeared to immediate legendary status among the now-adults. Nothing hits harder than nostalgia, and nostalgia rarely hits harder for people like me than the DKC soundtracks. Those games WERE my childhood.
One of the greatest composers of all time, not just exclusive to video games. David Wise deserves to go down in history with the greats like Beethoven, Bach, John Williams, etc.
Donkey Kong country is one of my favorite games of all time. My favorite platformer for sure and the music is a big reason why. What an incredible soundtrack ❤
David Wise is just a Genius. A living Legend. Still listen to his Sound even 30 Yrs later. Use it to relax or to sleep better. Thank You for the Video Game Music Mr. Wise!
If anyone deserves a Tribute it’s David wide in my lifetime video game music went from commercial sounding bleeps and bloops to rivaling cinematic orchestral masterpieces David was absolute instrumental in that
Composing muisic for anything can be very hard, but composing muisic for a video game is very different, you have to manage the mood of the level and song, plus creating a great muisic that will stick with player and also the SNES limitations, all of DK soundtrack that was composed by you is a masterpiece, Thank you David Wise
This documentary style is really, really cool! David Wise is such a genius, and it's absolutely fascinating to hear him talking about this. He's absurdly humble for someone that has inspired SO many of us to pick up an instrument and play these songs, and the millions of us sitting in front of our TV, feeling legitimate feelings over songs that shouldn't have even been possible with the hardware at the time!
The Dkc really was one of the first games that used the music as a major aspect of the games story telling. The instrument choices, repeated melodic/harmonic phrases across the songs and especially with dkc2 every track having a somewhat "pirate sound" really makes the whole sountrack feel like a complete body of work that was vital to the games story and feel
Great video. This guy is the GOAT of video game music. Would be great to see more from him and his creative/production process (now and back in the day).
The man created banger after banger. Forest Interlude, In a Snow-bound land, Stickerbush Symphony, Haunted Chase, Disco Train, Flight of the Zinger, Hot-Head Bop, Krook's March, Bayou Boogie. Hard to believe these were even in only one game
It's one of those pieces of music that makes me happy and sad. It's just so nostalgic it always makes me think of my childhood during the SNES days and how amazing those days were and it's sad that they're over and that I'm "old" now lol
Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Music is so critical to the video game experience, and hearing the perspective of a legend such as David Wise was an unexpected treat this morning! More videos like this please. A+
David's compositions combine such a wide range of emotion with simple, satisfying sounds. These games simply wouldn't be what they are without his music. And he did it all in a pre-DAW landscape. Simply incredible
How do you forget Astral Observatory, Song of Healing or even Oath to Order from Majora's Mask? Like, every time Last 6 Hours begins to play I'm bawling my eyes out 'cuz you know you're experiencing a slow death as you realize there's nothing left you can do for anyone and everyone around you just accepts the end is only minutes away.
Not only is David Wise my favorite video game composer, but he's one of my favorite artists ever. His work on the Donkey Kong Country series is honestly some of the greatest music ever written in my opinion
David Wise is by far the best video game composer of all time for me. It's not just the DK music, he's also credited for many bangers on the NES: RC Pro Am, Battletoads, the Wizards and Warriors series, and many other more obscure NES game with an underrated soundtrack.
Aquatic Ambience and Stickerbrush Symphony are on a level what most soundtracks are yet to reach.
@jamesconlin5099true
or maybe some composers have amazing musics sleeping in their folders, but never got the chance to work on a game that would become successful...
Final Fantasy 7: Hold my beer 😅
@@lajeandom eh maybe
Stickerbush! 💯
IGN needs to do more documentaries like this!
they have
Love that they interviewed Wise. He deserves all the praise and more, his work is marvelous. Looking forward to him joining more of Nintendo’s future projects
Minister - Crystal Ambience
shares similar resemblance in composition.
200%! I'd love to hear more about the composers own perspective
Yeah like about Junko
My favorite thing about video game music is how beautiful it can be over something so silly.
“That’s beautiful. What is that song about?”
“It’s about a gorilla in a necktie riding on a swordfish.”
😂
That game is a piece of art.
It may looks Illy but the difficulty is sometimes unforgiving..
At least old video game music. Video games now don’t even have music anymore and they don’t even hire composers
What's that music about? Um two plumbers from Brooklyn fighting a bat.
This man is one of the biggest reasons as to why Donkey Kong is my favorite game franchise of all time.
Agreed
Nintendo truly needs to make another DK game
The real ones are still out here waiting for that next game 💪
David is way too humble, he created some of the most beautiful music ever, let alone videogames. That he also did it with so many technical restrictions speaks volumes of his incredible talent. Thank you David ❤
He's the opposite of Tommy Tallarico who's constantly bragging about his video game music and not once he made anything near the quality of David Wise's masterpiece.
@@arioca He also constantly takes credit for other people's work. So even if he has done anything cool, he probably didn't make it
@@worldoffood123 Oh yeah, you're absolutely right about that. Tallarico is a very shady person.
Why does he look like an infant? lol
pure genius
It's a great song. If you only watched this video though, you might get the impression that Aquatic Ambience is all he's really known for. He scored many, many beloved songs for these games. Getting him back for Tropical Freeze was a huge win.
Yea and he also doesn't get any recognition for what he did in Battletoads. Those tracks were sick!!
Anticipation was great.
You think he already created his magnum opus then he hits you with Seashore War
@@PeacefulPauseProductions he made the music for Battletoads? So he made the sickest pause music ever :O
@@39zack definitely
Forest Interlude from DKC2 is up there for me as well; just takes me back to carefree days long gone as a 90s kid.
Forest Interlude is just beautiful, one of my favorite compositions from DKC2 as well, that game has such a magical soundtrack that still holds up today.
tht and the sticky level
DKC2 has one of the best (if not the best) soundtrack from the past century, hands down. There's no weak link, no weak track or whatever issue people may throw at it.
Right, back in the Hakuna Matata days.
Let’s not forget Stickerbrush Symphony from Donkey Kong Country 2🔥
this is the one. There's a dozen heaters on DKC2 alone but Stickerbush Symphony is the magnum opus
@@mrwwwebs dkc2 is the goat of the series in every aspect in my opinion
@@RandomTH-camGuy87 honestly it may just be my favorite video game soundtrack of all time. Sure, it may be due to nostalgia, but gahht damn!
That’s the best one
Beautiful. I'm 34, and the DK Country trilogy are probably my favourite games of all time... along with FromSoftware's games. Thank you, David Wise.
Imagine if Myazaki did his take on DKC.
@thedukeofchutney468 Those games are tough enough as it is! Lol. I'd love it. A FromSoftware 2d sidescroller? Hell yeah!
DKC 2 is my favorite platformer of all time.
Finally giving the man his flowers. Stickerbrush Symphony is my personal favorite.
Mine as well.
Forest Interlude!
@@TMV420 THANK YOU!!! Forest Interlude is still an amazing track and one of the very best he ever cranked out
Mine too!!! Makes me want to cry and smile at the same time
Same
Dave Wise made my childhood, his music in the DK series its pure art.❤
💯
I'm so grateful his music was such an important part of my childhood, and major part of the scaffolding my taste grew around
For many years I've been convinced that the music in games is crucial to their success. All of my favorite games have excellent music.
Sometimes it even makes the game. Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 opened the gateway for me, to what would be my eclectic choice of music these days.
For me, it's "Life in the Mines" that is my favorite and makes me tear up. Much love to that song!
When they begin the chant ❤
DKC2 in general just has a magical soundtrack. Hot-Head Bop, Castle Crush, etc. He just has a knack for getting it right and striking gold.
11:56 It did happen immediately after the game came out, just that most of the fans were young and there was no social media to share the sentiment. I do remember gaming forums and message boards back then did express love for the soundtrack.
Whoever is in charge of IGN's content recently needs a raise. Also massive respect to Mr Wise; some of his music genuinely brings tears to my eyes, the memories, nostalgia and the beauty of the music is as moving and powerful today as it ever was. Seems like a great guy as well, many thanks David for all the great tunes and happy memories! :)
David Wise is the man! DKC2 is one of the best OSTs of all time. Everything he touches is gold.
I'm currently working on an orchestral version of mining melancholy. Stay tuned my lad!
@@boozalm3715progress report?
The LoFi version of this song is magical. This is the reason why a lot of musicians appreciate artists who worked in video game music. It’s a craft that takes more than just perfecting what your talents are already doing for you.
It's fascinating that so many people can feel the same way about DK music.. powerful stuff
Sick guy, major respect
David Wise is a composer that comes once in a century, his Soundtracks speak to your soul and anyone who didn't experience it firsthand missed out on some of the best music has to offer
There’s also nobuo uemastu
@@AlexAtuh Who or what is that? Context plz!
He composed the music for final fantasy soundtracks, look him up.
Dearly Beloved
First time seeing anyone interview David Wise. Legendary. Thank you for making it happen x
Everything was epic about dkc, not only the music, but also the graphics. Far ahead of its time.
The story of how Wise got the job at Rare is just crazy. Great job making this video, IGN!
People don't realize how impactful this song was from a technological standpoint upon its original release. It was absolutely unheard of that something this high quality was created with such limited tools at the time.
Truly one of the best times to be alive, the start of an industry. So much opportunity for growth and learning that doesn't require millions of degrees and years of experience to get in. Just hard work and creativity. Love it.
The soundtrack of my childhood. Thank you, David! ❤
Aquatic ambience...IGN all is forgiven.
So again when are we getting a new Donkey Kong game? David Wise deserves multiple awards for the music he’s created and we need more.
Yes! Been waiting since 2014 for a new one after Tropical Freeze.
worth mentioning that the game awards didn't even _nominate_ tropical freeze for the best music award in 2014...
@@jclkaytwothey mustve not played the game then
The new Donkey Kong games doesn't have the same "feel" as the original trilogy.
@@SuperBenno7 you're right. they're even better
David will never know how much his music in Donkey Kong Country meant for an entire generation of players, specially for me. Aquatic Ambience was and still is, pure magic, it will always stay in my heart. He composed the soundtrack of the fondest memories of millions of people.
Bro IGN is killing it with these mini documentaries. Moar please
These kinds of enigmatic, dreamy chord progressions have always resonated with me which led me eventually to jazz fusion, progressive metal, and ultimately deep/soulful house and techno.
Timeless and iconic. Everybody remembers what it felt like when they heard it for the first time.
Aquatic ambience perfectly encapsulated the feeling of sadness.. It understands that the listener is intelligent and takes it's time.
Draws you in with it's haunting introduction and then chills you with the first piano arpeggios ringing out like rain..
The song has breath to it, as though it understands you as a human being and wants to give you healing.. Truly a masterpiece.
It's beautiful because it's not only a video game music it's the childhood anthem of many people from the 90's to the mid 2000's, in fact it's the anthem of the 90's
This song has been in my top 10 VG music in decades! I'm just surprised IGN took this long to feature it in their video.
Everything David Wise touches turns to gold. Actually, it turns gold to platinum. That man is a wizard and a genius. Still humble to this day, too.
This song and Dire Dire Docks on Mario 64 both had no reasons to be the absolute bangers they were. Love them!
What David probably didn't realise, is that when he made the music for these games he was unknowingly influencing an entire generation behind closed doors. Kids and teens huddled up with their SNES and old CRT TV glowing through the dark - getting lost in this otherworldly experience without a care in the world. Then eventually, they grew up, got involved and learnt instruments and suddenly this music he'd long since put behind him reappeared to immediate legendary status among the now-adults. Nothing hits harder than nostalgia, and nostalgia rarely hits harder for people like me than the DKC soundtracks. Those games WERE my childhood.
Donkey Kong Country 2 is easily in the race for best soundtrack of all time
Thanks David! You made some great memories for me as a child.
It's amazing how music can sound just absolutely perfect for ambience once you get out of the 8 bit stuff it has more depth and hits so much harder
David wise....thank you for donkey kong ost music. Thank you..."from a little kid at heart "
Aquatic Ambiance, Stickerbrush Symphony, and Forest Interlude are some of the most magical pieces of videogame music I've ever heard
DAVID WISE NEED LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
One of the greatest composers of all time, not just exclusive to video games. David Wise deserves to go down in history with the greats like Beethoven, Bach, John Williams, etc.
🤜🤛
David Wise is a true musical genius. DKC2 is my favourite game soundtrack ever.
It was magic to my kid ears, and still is. Thanks, David.
Thanks David Wise
Music is storytelling. We see this in DKC, Ocarina of Time, Mario, Sonic, Final Fantasy, etc. Bring back quality music in videogames!
Have you played Nier Automata?
Bring it back? When did it leave?
Kingdom Hearts
Nier
Tales of Arise
Just to name a few!
I'm personally not a big fan of the music in the modern Sonic games, but Sonic the Hedgehog 1-3 had some pretty great tunes.
You seriously have to listen to Diddy Kong Racing's soundtrack if you haven't yet. The complete thing is a masterpiece from David Wise.
I'll check it out if you check out what he did in Battletoads and Double Dragon along with the Battletoads Arcade ost.
He drew a lot of inspiration from other theme songs for that game. Almost to the point of mimicry. But he honed it so well!
Diddy Kong Racing’s OST is a MASTERPIECE. Right up there with DKC2.
Did he also do the Battletoads pause track? That's a banger!
Agreed, this soundtrack is incredible!
Im so happy hes finally getting the recognition he deserves. It used to be only appreciated by the 90's kids who played DKC
David is indeed, very Wise
More on game soundtracks please thank you
Donkey Kong country is one of my favorite games of all time. My favorite platformer for sure and the music is a big reason why. What an incredible soundtrack ❤
Thank you very much for this video, I'm glad to see that David is aware of the masterpiece he has created and the people he has touched
Super Mario 64 Dire Dire Docks…..one of the best….:)
You kidding me? Super Mario 64's whole soundtrack is goated. The soundtrack is one of the reasons its my favorite games
Aquatic Ambiance and Forest Interlude are among my favorite VG songs.
David Wise is just a Genius. A living Legend. Still listen to his Sound even 30 Yrs later. Use it to relax or to sleep better. Thank You for the Video Game Music Mr. Wise!
Living legend 🫡🫡🫡 thank you David Wise!
Corridors time - chrono trigger
If anyone deserves a Tribute it’s David wide in my lifetime video game music went from commercial sounding bleeps and bloops to rivaling cinematic orchestral masterpieces David was absolute instrumental in that
Probably my favorite interview of all time, thank you.
Composing muisic for anything can be very hard, but composing muisic for a video game is very different, you have to manage the mood of the level and song, plus creating a great muisic that will stick with player and also the SNES limitations, all of DK soundtrack that was composed by you is a masterpiece,
Thank you David Wise
This documentary style is really, really cool!
David Wise is such a genius, and it's absolutely fascinating to hear him talking about this. He's absurdly humble for someone that has inspired SO many of us to pick up an instrument and play these songs, and the millions of us sitting in front of our TV, feeling legitimate feelings over songs that shouldn't have even been possible with the hardware at the time!
The Dkc really was one of the first games that used the music as a major aspect of the games story telling. The instrument choices, repeated melodic/harmonic phrases across the songs and especially with dkc2 every track having a somewhat "pirate sound" really makes the whole sountrack feel like a complete body of work that was vital to the games story and feel
Starlight Zone from Sonic makes me feel very emotional for some reason
what a sweet hearted video. thank you ign.
interview/documentary format videos. this we can enjoy for hours
This song and Life in the mines, bring me back so much nostalgia
David Wise is a genius, what he had to do to get this song onto a snes cartridge was insane, total respect
My brother loves this song, but my all-time favorite VGM is Forest Interlude from DKC2.
Hell yeah! So groovy
Jig Jig is a BOP as well
Great video. This guy is the GOAT of video game music.
Would be great to see more from him and his creative/production process (now and back in the day).
Donkey Kong Country will always be the most BEAUTIFUL game ever.
This was glorious. MORE please. DKC 1-3 on the SNES are timeless.
The man created banger after banger. Forest Interlude, In a Snow-bound land, Stickerbush Symphony, Haunted Chase, Disco Train, Flight of the Zinger, Hot-Head Bop, Krook's March, Bayou Boogie. Hard to believe these were even in only one game
The music during the ending credits in DCC is probably one of my most favorite video game music pieces ever.
It's one of those pieces of music that makes me happy and sad. It's just so nostalgic it always makes me think of my childhood during the SNES days and how amazing those days were and it's sad that they're over and that I'm "old" now lol
Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Music is so critical to the video game experience, and hearing the perspective of a legend such as David Wise was an unexpected treat this morning! More videos like this please. A+
David's compositions combine such a wide range of emotion with simple, satisfying sounds. These games simply wouldn't be what they are without his music. And he did it all in a pre-DAW landscape. Simply incredible
How do you forget Astral Observatory, Song of Healing or even Oath to Order from Majora's Mask? Like, every time Last 6 Hours begins to play I'm bawling my eyes out 'cuz you know you're experiencing a slow death as you realize there's nothing left you can do for anyone and everyone around you just accepts the end is only minutes away.
Not only is David Wise my favorite video game composer, but he's one of my favorite artists ever. His work on the Donkey Kong Country series is honestly some of the greatest music ever written in my opinion
love this and...strickerbush symphony from DK2...damnn
Dave Wise is a legend
What a great video and interview! We all owe David Wise so much - video game music will never be the same!
Gracias IGN
Great job Dale!
David Wise is by far the best video game composer of all time for me. It's not just the DK music, he's also credited for many bangers on the NES: RC Pro Am, Battletoads, the Wizards and Warriors series, and many other more obscure NES game with an underrated soundtrack.
Of course DK
Donkey Kong!
They made such a smart decision bringing him on for Tropical Freeze.
3:54 That's not a fair comparison. David's "Nightmare On Elm St." soundtrack is the definition of "forgotten gem."
Kingdom hearts and final fantasy are always on top in terms of ost
“Hey David, we’re making a game about an Ape wearing a tie, wanna make some songs for us?”
David: *levitates into the air*
4:20 Jigsaw is murdering it....on the drums!
David Wise, is a true gent it was great to have him as a guest at our first expo speaking about his gaming music history
little sad they didn't touch upon stickerbush symphony even once, that track is life changing
You included Smooth McGroove! Bravo, his version is my favorite and my kids grew up loving his music and this song.
Great video, guys. Kudos to producers on making the video. There’s more to video games than editor reviews.
WTF IGN this video was a banger. Whatever y'all have started to do lately, keep it up
This was incredible
Secret of Mana's theme song makes me sad.