The String Arcade is a recording of video game music, arranged for string quartet. This isn't an arbitrary (or novelty) collection of game music, but a well curated collection of music that works together thematically as a completed recording. We also hope to inspire young musicians with this recording by making a connection between video game music and 'classical' instruments such as violin, viola and cello.
100% of the sales from this recording go to the Alameda Music Project (AMP -
alamedamusicproject.org). AMP is an after school, K-5 music program, based on the El Sistema music program of Venezuela and is a tuition-free program featuring strings, chorus and percussion.
The String Arcade began as a Kickstarter campaign which was succesfully funded in Aug. 2013..
The project was produced by composer Dren McDonald. He arranged 13 of the songs (4 of them his own compositions), mixed the recordings, oversaw the KS campaign and worked with the musicians during the sessions. 4 of the songs were arranged by Jason Poss (Sonic, Tron, Ecco and Galaga). Tim Lindeen was the remote recording engineer, bringing his gear to the Montclair Presbyterian Church and Alameda Elks Lodge Ballroom to record these sessions.
DOWNLOAD version does NOT include TRON ARCADE or ALTERED BEAST which ARE included on the CD limited edition. Purchase the CD, get all of the tracks AND a download of the 15 tracks to get you started.
"Dren takes the essence of these great game songs and transforms them into the classical style. The result is a new way of looking at these songs in a different light, and in a soothing manner.”
- John Romero
(game developer, Doom, Quake, Wolfenstein 3D, Ravenwood Fair)
" @drenmc's @thestringarcade album is wonderful."
- Kenny Young
(Head of Audio, Media Molecule, LIttle Big Planet, Tearaway)
"They are, without a doubt, one my favorite musical groups working in the games field. "
- Ben Prunty
(composer, FTL, Gravity Ghost)
"The String Arcade's take on Scurvy Scallywags is a brilliant arrangement, and in such fine company with so many iconic games!"
-Clayton Kauzlaric
(Scurvy Scallywags, Voodoo Vince)
released 11 February 2014
String Arcade Players:
Cello - Robin Reynolds
Viola - Emily Onderdonk
Violin II - Celia Harris
Violin I - Alisa Rose (except on Ecco, Sonic, Minecraft & Tron)
Violin I - Philip Brezina (only on Ecco, Sonic, Minecraft & Tron)
Special Guests: Videri String Quartet playing The Legend of Zelda
Cello - Jeremiah Barcus
Viola - Rosie Samter
Violin I - Aubrey holmes
Violin II - Renee Spadey
Produced by Dren McDonald and the Kickstarter Backers
Recorded by: Tim Lindeen
Arrangements: Dren McDonald
Except for Echos of Ecco, Tron Arcade Medley, Sonic 2 Scherzo, & Dance of the Space Bugs by Jason Poss
COVER ART: Eunjung June Kim
hediun.blogspot.com
Mastered: John Mayfield,
mayfieldmastering.com, Nashville, TN
Music Prep: Robin Reynolds, Jason Poss, Dren McDonald
Mixed by Dren McDonald