Hello readers, and welcome to another article in which I geek out about video game-related content! Now, I know that not all of you reading this love gaming, and that’s totally okay. This article can (and hopefully will) appeal to anybody that loves music, games, or both!
Over the course of the past year, I’ve been introduced to the amazing world of video game OST (original soundtrack) covers on YouTube. The artists that rework the original songs of games, which are art in and of themselves, are extremely talented. Sadly, because video game music is such a niche area of the music world, they are often overlooked. I’m hoping to get them a bit more exposure, as well as give you a few new tunes to brighten up your social-distancing time!
- “DELTARUNE: Field of Hopes and Dreams Jazz Cover” by insaneintherain
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This song holds a special place in my heart, as it’s the first OST cover that my boyfriend ever played for me. It really sparked my love of video game cover music! Carlos (or insaneintherain) is an exceptionally talented musician that attends Berklee College of Music, right here in Boston. This cover is upbeat, groovy, and overall a masterpiece in my eyes.
Moreover, the lyric “When the light is running low, and the shadows start to grow… don’t forget, I’m with you in the dark” is a great lyric for us to remember in this time of social distancing.
- “Metroid Prime Tallon Overworld Depths Metal Cover” by Chip Roberts
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I really love this cover, and I can’t exactly explain why. I’ve never been the biggest metal fan—I have nothing against it, but I’ve never listened to it exclusively… So why do I like this cover so much? I think it has to do with the fact that this cover manages to pour out the gritty feel of metal music while also including a calming melody. This song manages to pump me up while also soothing my mind, making it perfect for homework and studying!
- “Zelda: ALttP- Lost Woods (piano cover)” Josiah Everhart
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Josiah Everhart is a great musician that manages to maintain the true nature of a song while adapting it for a cover. If you’re looking for a really great piano solo, this song is the one for you! I love how energetic, positive, and uplifting it is. I can’t be in a bad mood when I give it a listen, and I’ve found this cover incredibly useful for pulling me out of stressful slumps. The melody both eases you into and out of the song, making it extremely calming for one’s mind. It’s the perfect midday pick-me-up!
- “Earthbound: Snowman Jazz Arrangement” by insaneintherain
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Carlos is back at it with this cover from Earthbound! Maybe I’m a sucker for anything with a saxophone in it, but this song is the most calming piece of music on the internet for me. The notes flow together so beautifully, and the jazz arrangement has a steady and unifying beat that I love. I can’t stress how great this song is as background music for a rainy day of reading and homework!
- “Undertale: Megalovania – Metal Cover” by RichaadEB
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This song is one of my favorite songs ever. I don’t know why the metal rendition resonates with me so much, but this is my go-to piece of music if I need to get my confidence up before a big event. If you ever see me strutting down Comm. Ave. with an extra spring in my step, it’s probably because I’m listening to this while on my way to take an important test. I highly recommend it as a hype-up song!
And there you have it! This genre may be niche, but that doesn’t mean that it has to stay that way. These musicians are spectacularly talented, and I think that anyone (gamer or not) can get some enjoyment out of their music. Stay safe, stay calm, and listen to some tunes!
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