Adrian explores the communal spirit of folk music with Mineko’s Night Market composer Daniel Simmons featuring Hiroki Kikuta.
On this week’s episode I got to chat with Canadian musician and composer Daniel Simmons. Daniel is the composer of the indie game Mineko’s Night Market from Meowza Games. We discussed Daniel’s approach to creating the game’s music, which features contributions from fellow musicians Jessica Stuart, Secret of Mana composer Hiroki Kikuta and game developer Brent Kobayashi. We also discuss the communal aspect of the music scene in Toronto and Daniel’s collaboration with Japanese folk artists that lent their expertise to the game’s soundtrack.
Mineko’s Night Market Soundtrack
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More From Daniel Simmons
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More From Hiroki Kikuta
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Also in this episode, I read some excerpts from my Q&A with legendary composer Hiroki Kikuta. Best known for his composition of the popular Japanese RPG, Secret of Mana, Kikuta-san provided some insight into the arrangement of “Finale” off of the Mineko’s Night Market OST as well as his recent song, “Killashandra.”
Adrian: I would like to talk about “Finale,” your contribution to the Mineko’s Night Market soundtrack. How did you come to be involved with this project?
Hiroki Kikuta: I leave all the details of the work procedures to Jayson Napolitano at Scarlet Moon, but I think it took a lot of time from our first conversation to the time it came true. I imagine that a lot of people must have worked hard to create this game, so I bow my head. I’m glad that I was able to get involved by composing the ending theme. I’m very happy that there are people who want my melody at any time, and under any circumstances. I’m just very grateful.
Adrian: Were there any particular themes or concepts you drew inspiration from in composing “Finale?”
Hiroki Kikuta: At night, when everyone fell asleep, I wanted a melody that flowed quietly. I also wanted to express the atmosphere that was inherently contained in the worldview of the night market, not just any night. I think my job is not just to compose, but to find the melody that should flow in that world. The song called “Finale” this time was also composed as an attempt like that.
Adrian: Over 30 years later, the music of Seiken Densetsu 2 (or “Secret of Mana” as it is known to Western audiences) continues to delight and inspire gamers of all generations. In fact, “A Wish” was featured prominently in my sister’s wedding. What are your thoughts on the enduring legacy of the game’s music?
Hiroki Kikuta: “Legacy.” That’s a great word. Personally, I believe that all art should be permanent. 30 years ago, when my friends and I were passionate about game development, we did not imagine that it would have a lasting impact. However, in reality, there are still many people who say they like Secret of Mana and its music, and it seems that it is continuing to increase. Perhaps games and game music have grown to the point where they can be called culture.
Adrian: Your recent song “Killashandra” is as beautiful as it is inspiring. What really impressed me was that it became a community endeavor with members of the Scarlet Moon family being involved with the release. What was your experience like getting to hear the song interpreted by so many other artists?
Hiroki Kikuta: I’m really proud of this work. It can be said that the community around us today was born as a result of our hard work to develop games, so to speak. The joy that many people love my melody, and the joy that many people arrange it. For me, who is involved in the art of music, it is a great joy that can’t be replaced. Blessings to all this beautiful art and these artists.
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