Uematsu Gets All The Fame!

[Terramax]

Why is it that Nobuo Uematsu gets all the fame when it comes to game soundtracks?

Don't get me wrong, I have quite a few of his OSTs in my collection, but why is it that everyone celebrates him and not H. Sakimoto amongst others?

The reason why I usually prefer H.S.'s music as opposed to N.U. and others is that his music isn't so linear. Usually, when listening to N.U., he often makes a simple melody and just runs with it throughout, sometimes building it up (and I know it's for games and track looping, but still). What really drew me to H.S.'s music is how he wonders off and seems to improvise a little.

This is most obvious in the 'Vagrant Story OST' where, for all those who have played the game may realize, the music is edited to the actions of the characters.

Anyway, this is more of a statement than a Q+A to all fans, but i'm interested if anyone else feels the same or thinks I'm wrong.

terramax

[Karizuma]

I don't know; maybe it's because Mr. Sakimoto isn't as famous, that he tries so hard making original compositions so he can become famous, and because Mr. Uematsu is so famous, that Mr. Uematsu just sticks with what he knows everyone will like?

[Jormungand]

The games themselves are partly responsible...

Take Final Fantasy X. When watching the title sequence, the first music credit that rolls by is Uematsu, and Hamauzu and Nakano aren't even mentioned till way later as "other music" or some such nonsense even though they not only handled the larger portion of the score but also provided the finest and most sophisticated content.

The other big problematic factor is that people who are so enamored with Uematsu refuse to divy up credit where it's due. Consider Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. Uematsu's role was to provide the main theme in its infant form (melody + accompaniment), which was later arranged by Sakimoto. People have expressed, however, that it's more "important" that Uematsu wrote the theme, and thus it's his composition -- despite the degree of arrangement, which ultimately makes "Main Theme" more of Sakimoto's composition.

The same kind of mindless labeling will undoubtedly occur with FFXII, but as of right now Uematsu's presence is probably little more than it was with Tactics Advance.

[TerraEpon]

Why is it that Nobuo Uematsu gets all the fame when it comes to game soundtracks?


terramax

The same reason that John Williams does in film music.

The same reason the Beethoven does in classical music.

It's simple really. It's what people -know-.

-Joshua

[Rain Corale]

You guys...



Sakimoto is going to be doing just fine before too long. Its clear that the torch has been passed from Uematsu to Sakimoto. Nobuo is a Titan. Sakimoto is also a Titan. Lets leave it at that...

[Karizuma]

Strangely enough, I notice there is no forum dedicated to talking about the works of Mr. Uematsu here.

[datschge]

Strangely enough, I notice there is no forum dedicated to talking about the works of Mr. Uematsu here.

That's because the composer specific forums are part of the English composer websites Cocoebiz hosts and maintains. The English website of Mr. Uematsu is not among them.

[Rain Corale]

Strangely enough, I notice there is no forum dedicated to talking about the works of Mr. Uematsu here.

That's because the composer specific forums are part of the English composer websites Cocoebiz hosts and maintains. The English website of Mr. Uematsu is not among them.

Thats alright! Nobuo has plenty of fansites. I am glad this site opened because it introduced me to many new faces, many of which I greatly admire now.

[level99]

Why is it that Nobuo Uematsu gets all the fame when it comes to game soundtracks?

Don't get me wrong, I have quite a few of his OSTs in my collection, but why is it that everyone celebrates him and not H. Sakimoto amongst others?

That is why I love CocoeBiz so much - they work to promote composers that are not as widely-known in the US.

To answer your question, I think the popularity of the composer goes hand-in-hand with the popularity of the games he or she composes for. Final Fantasy is the most popular series here in the US, so it would only make sense that the series' primary composer is most popular here in the media as well. I think with the release of Final Fantasy 12, Mr. Sakimoto's works will be more recognized in the US. I am very happy for Mr. Sakimoto and am greatly looking forward to his work in FF12!! The samples released last year were absolutely beautiful!

Furthermore, I'd say Uematsu's international success can only be good thing for VGM fans. It brings us that much closer to someday being able to attend an Ogre Battle orchestral performance, or a Star Ocean rock concert!!! *dreams*

[Karizuma]

Furthermore, I'd say Uematsu's international success can only be good thing for VGM fans. It brings us that much closer to someday being able to attend an Ogre Battle orchestral performance, or a Star Ocean rock concert!!! *dreams*

Now, I just wish there would be a Star Ocean ORCHESTRAL concert... :/