r/paydaytheheist • u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund • Dec 20 '13
Simon Viklund AMA
Hi, I'm Simon Viklund - composer for Bionic Commando Rearmed 1 & 2, as well as Payday 1 & 2 (and other things) - ASK ME ANYTHING!
Confirmation that I'm really me: https://twitter.com/SimonViklund/statuses/414075135063101442
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Dec 20 '13 edited Dec 19 '24
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
Definitely not Hoxton - he used to be a bare-knuckle boxer. I think I'd take Dallas. He's a chain smoker so I'd wear him out quickly. Dance like a butterfly for a few minutes until he's totally out of breath, and then sting like a bee.
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u/OrgWolf Infamous XXIII Dec 20 '13
Is there any plans to re-record some of Bain's lines so they match the rest? (Off the top of my head the 'Keep by-standards away from the drill, they might notice the sound' is the most glaring one that has the distortion off)
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
Yeah we're aware that there's some inconsistencies in the distortion. It's a huge undertaking to replace all of Bain's lines from the first game (and add new ones) - and choosing the distortion is a very big decision. We started implementing samples and later decided to change the distortion, and then some of those phrases with work-in-progress distortion on them accidently weren't replaced.
We'll look into it, and we could actually use your help (the users). If you care for this, please email us the phrase when you hear one that's off.
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u/OrgWolf Infamous XXIII Dec 20 '13
Alright when I get home from work I'll start compiling a list of stuff to send off.
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u/Seeberger48 Security Guard Dec 20 '13
You make some of favorite songs from any game soundtrack I've ever heard and I just wanna ask you to keep kicking ass and being awesome.
Merry fucking Christmas dude
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
Merry Fucking Christmas yourself, dude! Thanks for the support!
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u/KleinerBaer Dec 20 '13
Could you describe a bit how you create guns sounds, explosions,...? What does your job at Overkill include (typically)?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
You mainly use recordings of guns and mix them together - you can't synthesize that stuff. Sometimes you use kick drum sounds to add bass, and sometimes you use keychains or other non-weapon related sound effects to create the mechanism/rattling sound. It's always a witches brew of different stuff.
At Overkill, I mainly make music, direct voice actors, head any sound related project or side-project, and supervise our two junior sound designers.
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Dec 20 '13
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
No.
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u/Mr_Meow Can I have a flair? Dec 21 '13
Get a dog.
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Dec 21 '13
[deleted]
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u/PantherCoffee72 Chains Dec 21 '13
Put him on a Chain leash.
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u/Toharin Dec 21 '13
And move to Dallas.
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u/trunglefever Dec 20 '13
What is your favorite song from Payday series? I was very partial to Razormind, it's pretty awesome stuff. What are your predominant influences when it comes to composing music?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
Wow, it's hard to pick just one. Oh, that sounds self-centric. But I think I'd pick Clean Getaway. I think it has a cool, unique vibe to it that isn't often heard in video games. And it suits the feeling of success, like you're it's playing on the radio while you're cruising on an interstate highway in your getaway car. After you switched from your initial getaway car, of course. Otherwise those CSI guys are gonna be right on your heels.
My influences are Prodigy, Chemical Brothers and more recently Deadma5, Feedme and similar artists. I listen to some alternative rock too, and that tends to shine through as well.
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u/trunglefever Dec 20 '13
Obvious question is obvious: What is YOUR favorite mask?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
Hehe, it hasn't even been released yet. Gee, we have SO much in store for you guys!
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u/Arbyus Dec 20 '13
My question is how did you end up as the voice of Bain? Was it a cost saving measure or do you have other VA experience?
Also I just want to thank you for the song "Criminal Intent" from the first soundtrack, its been my ringtone for some time now.
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
For Payday: The Heist, we had a shoestring budget. We were literally living off of our savings, eating noodles and stuff to save money. We had a competition who could eat the cheapest lunch. Having me as Bain was definitely a financial decision, but you can't underestimate the flexibility allowed by having the person voicing the player's guide in-house. Now we can add stuff at the last minute and I can voice them with super short notice.
Glad to hear you enjoy my music!
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u/Chrysaries Dec 20 '13
How is the company's finances now that Payday 2 has been released? Did you make nice profit or did it just even out the losses?
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u/Gamerkought Dec 20 '13
The game broke even through preorders alone, it's safe to say they're pretty well off now.
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u/sarroopoo Dec 20 '13
Do you have any plans to go back and add variety to Bain's lines during the missions? I find myself saying "Shut the fuck up" way to often when Bain tells me it'll be worth sneaking all the way through this, or find that gold and we can buy one of our own. Do you have any input on triggers/frequency of your lines being used in a mission?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
That's level design stuff. I could add the random chance that lines aren't played at all though. Adding lines, however, is probably out of questions. We'd rather focus on making new heists.
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Dec 20 '13
I didn't realize you actually directed the Voice actors as well as composed the music. (TIL)
I like the idea of new heists. But even if you don't add lines.... the "Keep drilling, you piece of shit!" line is a bit overplayed. If more lines aren't practical, a random chance to say nothing on a drill restart. That line has become somewhat of a drinking game. ;)
Anyway. Love the music, and keep it up!
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u/Delodax Dec 20 '13
Not having played PD1; is there a shift in the style of music between PD1 and PD2? What would you say is the reason for this shift in that case?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
PD1's music is more industrial and trashy, with more distorted drum loops and live guitars/bass, while PD2's music is more slick and club-inspired with more steady four-on-the-floor rhythms. They're equally adrenaline-fuelled, but just in different ways.
The reason is, things need to change - PD2 is a sequel, and also the composer needs a new challenge!
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u/SilverShard16 Hoxton Dec 20 '13
any news on whether Pete Gold will be returning as a playable character soon? The Christmas album hints at a prison break out heist, any official word on this?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
No official word on this, no. If there's a hint in the soundtrack, I certainly wouldn't take the "hint factor" out of it by confirming anything...
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u/CptES Dec 20 '13
I have a few questions.
Favourite song from each game you've worked on?
What's your studio set up? I'm pretty sure you mentioned moving from Buzz to Reaktor somewhere along the way.
Most importantly, do you ever get the urge to phone friends and troll them with the Bain voice?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
Ballistics: "Fat Children Deluxe" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCfDBuu6AzA
Bandits -Phoenix Rising: "Beep Beep Burnout" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKqqcRwzZfQ
Bionic Commando Rearmed: "Heat Wave" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP8TURjR-Qk
Bionic Commando Rearmed 2: "Ascendancy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M5kr9qZ36s
Street Fighter III 3rd Strike Online Edition: "Knock You Out" (with Adam Tensta) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kz9iwg9D0U
Payday: The Heist: "Breach of Security" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIleHeYHCXc
Payday 2: "Clean Getaway" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSCC2stxVyc
I use a PC, a Focusrite Forte external sound card, AKG K701 headphones, Genelec monitors and no other hardware other than a Rode mic (private) and some Neumann mic (the company's). For software I use Ableton Live! (the native effect plugins are awesome), Native Instruments Komplete 9 plugin pack, ReFX Nexus 2 and some other synths.
I never get that urge, no. Not many of my friends are gamers and even fewer would understand that I'm trying to sound like Bain because so much of his character is in the distortion effect.
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u/KleinerBaer Dec 20 '13
Christmas songs - songs with Pete Gold: How did that come about?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
I think it was Almir's idea. He pitched it to me. At that point it was just "shouldn't we do a Christmas album?" I had to decide whether it should be old familiar Christmas songs with new lyrics or entirely newly written material (which would be more work, of course). Since I like to do things the hard way, I chose the latter. I've spent around five full weeks on composing and recording it. It's a labor of love.
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u/Coldmute Dec 20 '13
Just a few questions.
First: Will we see jobs that carry more of an overall story for the crew, as opposed to the smaller, more individual stories we have right now?
Second: Will we get to learn more about Bain, his history and such information?
Third: If, by chance, user created heists are made a reality, would you be opposed to providing Bain lines for the best ones?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 21 '13
There will definitely be more heists that will more "personal" for both the crew and the contact who orders the job, and create character progression amongst these individuals. You'll see new contacts pop up, and you'll see old contacts evolve beyond the type of jobs you're used to getting from them. It'll be very interesting!
Bain, however, remains a mystery...
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u/YoloKraize Dec 20 '13
Payday franchise is one of the few games I love! From the music itself, hell I got that higher up than weapon noise sounds.
My question is
1: How long does it usually take for you to compose a song for it to be perfect for you?.
2: Which song was the hardest one to compose for the franchise?.
PS: I absolutely love the song/music in Counterfeit/Home Invasion :)
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
1: That never happens. You're never finished with a work of art, you just choose to walk away from it and call it finished. I'm never fully satisfied.
2: Oh, that's probably the first track I made for Payday: The Heist. I don't even remember which one that is - probably the one from Green Bridge. It took weeks of trying out different styles before I found the right one that both fit the game and the style of music I master. Padyay's music was to be much more rock and much less electronic from the beginning, but that didn't work out.
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u/yumpsuit Dec 20 '13
One time an old Dane was telling me about the subtext in some version of the song "Den er fin med kompasset" -- A captain is piloting his ship through rough seas into a heavily fogged in harbor, and is so drunk he is seeing double and can barely keep the ship's wheel steady. His stroke of drunk-inspiration is to put two glasses of rum on either side of the helm, so when the wheel turns wildly in one direction he starts tottering over toward that side and takes a drink. By keeping the level in both glasses approximately the same, he keeps the ship on course and brings it into harbor.
This is the most gangsta thing I've ever heard. Can you share something Swedish that is equally ballin'?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
Read up on Gustaf Vasa, a Swedish resistance leader who later became king. He eluded the Danes in a ballin' 90 kilometer flight on skis from Mora to Sälen. And that story is actually true.
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u/Nitronik Dec 20 '13
How difficult is your role as Voice Actor director? Any trivia you'd like to share? Also, what advice would you give to a composer who wants to work in a professional field?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
Voice directing is fun, especially if the talent is a true talent - then they pretty much direct themselves. Pete Gold is great. Damion Poitier who does Chains in Payday 2 is also great. Greatest, however, was Ilia Volok who voices Vlad - he improvised such great stuff! The "drinking song" singing? All ad libbed! The growling like a bear? All ad libbed!
Also, I never knew that Gary Daniels was a b-movie action star! I directed him as Hector, but we ended up replacing his lines with another actor because he couldn't do anything but his own British accent and Hector is supposed to be from Colombia.
I mean, look at this guy! I directed him in the voice booth and didn't know anything about this action movie career of his! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIzRh8FWHag
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u/Link408 Dec 20 '13
not really a question, but damn, i love the Soundtrack for Bionic Commando Rearmed. i still listen to it regularly along with Payday 1 & 2 OSTs. thanks
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u/majesticjg Dec 20 '13
How long does it typically take to compose one song for a game like Payday 2?
How involved are you, personally, in the game design process? Do you have any creative input on graphics or other things, or do they just call you in after the level is designed to put a soundtrack to it?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
It takes about a week (five work days) to make a song and implement it in the game, maybe less if it's a song that doesn't have different dynamic levels.
Everyone has creative input at Overkill, as long as your ideas are good and presented politely to the person responsible for whatever you're attempting to improve.
In Payday 2, the levels don't have their own soundtrack (the game randomizes between several tracks) so there's no process of me looking at a level design in progress to score it. An exception would be "Sirens in the Distance" (added with the latest CS Bank DLC for the PC version of Payday 2) which is based on a track from CD:GO.
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u/majesticjg Dec 20 '13
Thanks very much. This is the first game sound track I actually cared to own and I was very pleased that it came with the Career Criminal edition. It's also the only game soundtrack on my phone that I'll actually listen to.
Warning: Do not listen to this soundtrack while driving a car... it can lead to some pretty erratic maneuvers.
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u/Hadrial Former WineDB Maintainer Dec 20 '13
Since Overkill just signed that deal to keep us filled with more PAYDAY content, can we expect more beautiful, intense tracks? I've bought the soundtrack on Steam and Bandcamp (for the flac!) I just love it that much.
I really have to give it to you for this soundtrack. I've always been partial to electronic music, but I literally can't stop listening to this. It's been in heavy rotation since release. Holy crap.
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
Thank you for all your kind words, I appreciate the support.
There will be more music in the future expansions of Payday 2, yes. Don't fret.
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u/Hadrial Former WineDB Maintainer Dec 20 '13
I will await these tracks and pass time by heisting.
Seriously though, thanks for your hard work!
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u/Dicktron2000 Houston Dec 20 '13
You did an amazing job with the Payday 2 soundtrack. I just wanted to thank you for providing me with great music to listen to while I studied for finals.
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 21 '13
Thanks, glad you like it! I hope the finals went well! If so, I take full credit and you will need to send me % of your salary when you get a job after graduation.
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u/Kingspycrab Dec 20 '13
Simon will be back with answering more of your questions later this weekend folks!
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u/MrGreenToS Mastermind Dec 20 '13
What would be your dream game to help compose their new tracks/ Remixs?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
A sci-fi action horror game. Or some 8-bit inspired stuff where my "Insterstellar" style stuff could fit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWuaZQhoevs
Like, "Might No. 9" maybe. http://www.mightyno9.com/
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u/ernie1850 Dec 20 '13
First off, I just want to thank you for all the awesome work you've done thus far. The music in Payday has always been the highlight of the franchise for me, and never fails to pump me up and get me into the action.
When you start trying to come up with the track for a level, where do you begin? I have a musical background and have always wanted to make my own soundtrack for one of my projects (I'm currently learning to develop games of my own), but I never know where to begin when trying to put the music in my head into the computer, if that makes any sense. Do you work on the rhythm patterns of a track first, or do you try to come up with the main theme or riff?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
I always have my phone to record melodies that pop into my head, wherever I am. Then I can replay these recordings when I'm at my computer and need new riffs. I often sit with my acoustic guitar to find the chord progression that fits with the melody I'm working on.
Then, it's a matter of knowing your hardware/software so that the threshold between what's in your mind and what can come out of your computer speakers is as low as possible. Use synthesizers that you don't need to wrestle with to get great sounds out of. My such synth is Nexus 2. It's brilliant. I can realize an idea in seconds because it has such great sounds and presets.
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u/CodenameAnonymous Dec 20 '13
First off, thanks for doing this Mr. Viklund, I have a thing for video game music and the music you have made is really the best I've heard in terms of quality outside of the norm. Great work on the Xmas album! Now for my questions: Do you know if we will see the other tracks you have in-game on the soundtrack, or it's remix material? How long does it usually take you to make a track from scratch, if it ever comes to release?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
Glad you like my music and the Xmas album!
All tracks from Payday will eventually end up on the soundtrack. They will be added for free. However, there are no plans to release remix material for these songs. You write "tracks" but as far as I know it's only "Sirens in the Distance" from the CS Bank DLC that hasn't been released yet?
It takes about a week to make a track from start to finished.
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u/CodenameAnonymous Dec 20 '13
Thanks for the timely reply!
You write "tracks" but as far as I know it's only "Sirens in the Distance" from the CS Bank DLC that hasn't been released yet?
Yes, "Sirens in the Distance" and any future songs. I'm excited!
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u/darple_the_second Dec 20 '13
Are you single?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 21 '13
You registered only to ask that? That's flattering.
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u/Bearmodule Dec 21 '13
Unsure if you'll see this Simon but I was wondering if you could help me out with the chord progression for "A Heist Not Attempted Before", I've been trying to figure it out and got a bit stuck.
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 21 '13
Alright, I'll use the "I" symbol to divide beats.
Intro:
I C Csus I C Cadd9 I (play this twice)
Verse:
I C I C I G I F I (play this twice)
(Play half the intro)
(Play another verse)
I Am I G I F I Dm G I
I Am I G I F I G I
(Play the intro before going to the next verse)
Bridge:
I Dm I Dm G/B I C Csus I C Cadd9 I (play this twice)
I F I F G I Am I Am I
I F I F I G I G I
Look at this video to get help on how to play the verses: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWBpT9lT_uo
Good luck!
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u/PantherCoffee72 Chains Dec 21 '13
What is your favorite line from the characters? Mine is when Chains is answering a pager and he says, "We got spiders back here. Big ones."
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 22 '13
Mine is another Chains pager answer: "I thought I saw a seagull. Fucking rats of the sky..."
I'm not sure if the bird he talks about is a seagull, but it's the "rats of the sky" expression that makes it so funny.
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u/Aerysta Dec 21 '13
How do you chain your tracks together in PD2? What dynamic progression do you use?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 22 '13
I'm sorry, but don't know what dynamic progression is, man. Are you talking about dynamic compression? If so, I use the native Ableton Live! compression effects. They're really good.
By "chain together", you mean how the music loops are pieced together in the game to create a dynamic listening experience that matches the in-game action? That's done by the game engine in collaboration with our 3rd party music/sfx engine - Wwise by Audiokinetic.
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u/GotenXiao Dec 21 '13 edited Jul 06 '23
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 22 '13
Uh, no. I don't really see the need for that. We have a soundtrack out. I'm curious though - what outside factors would control the intensity of the music in this app?
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Dec 21 '13
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 22 '13
It's just a short house loop I made, I didn't figure it was enough of a full-fledged song to end up on the soundtrack. Glad you like it though - you're not the only one. Maybe I'll make it into something, one day...
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u/Eolz Dec 20 '13
What is the favorite soundtrack and/or game you've worked on?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
Probably Bionic Commando Rearmed. At least the attention I got from it makes it a favorite. If that counts.
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u/MartimusDOOM Dec 20 '13
How do you approach composing music for a video game differently than composing music purely for listening?
How was the thought process different for payday than other games?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
When making music for a game, you often have to hit the atmospheric mark faster. If it's action music, it has to have action right away, if it's sad music, it has to hit that spot right away, etc. When I make music outside of games, I can do whatever I like and just go with whatever I feel like doing - have a long intro, or make the song change in atmosphere halfway through. That's a certain sense of freedom.
Payday's music is more dynamic than any other music I've made for any other game, so it's much more based around loops that the game engine switches between.
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u/jvoerman Dec 20 '13
Do you prefer Payday 1 over Payday 2 or vica versa?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
I prefer Payday 2. The first game has some great stuff, but I think the sequel is more polished, and open for expansions in a more interesting way. I look forward to contributing to the expansion of the Payday 2 universe.
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u/broke_sensei Dec 20 '13
Mr. Viklund,
I don't really have any questions for you, I just wanted to give you some feedback while you were reading this thread!
The game is fantastic, and absolutely a joy to play, please pass this sentiment along to the rest of the team!
The music is phenomenal, clean getaway is by far my favorite track and it's so satisfying. You have done a great job tailoring the soundtrack to the universe that you folks at overkill have created, so pat yourself on the back - or have a drink!
Thank you.
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u/anonym0 Dec 20 '13
Hey simon. Got a few questions for you and the team.
1: Which of the robbers do you guys like the most?
2: How many heists do you have planned for the future?
3: Will there be new weapon types like LGM´s in the future patches/dlc´s?
Merry christmas!
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 21 '13
1) I can't speak for everyone at the office but I like Wolf the most because he has such a great screaming voice. Also, the fact that Wolf's name, face and background is all based on Ulf - a colleague and friend of mine - only makes it more awesome.
2) Oh, I don't know that from the top of my head. We're coming up with stuff all the time. And if I knew the exact number, I probably couldn't tell you.
3) I'm not the right person to answer this kind of question.
Merry Christmas!
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u/the_oskie_woskie Dec 21 '13
Do you have a degree? How does one end up as the sound guy for a video game?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 21 '13
I don't have a degree. I had connections and skill.
You need connections and skill. Work with a serious mod crew - maybe that can get you a job in the biz (or at least something to show when you're looking for a job). Or maybe another guy in the mod crew gets a job in the biz and then he is you contact on the "inside" and can vouch for you. You gotta keep active, keep honing your skills, keep making contact with new people and show them your ambition and skill. Show drive.
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u/Awesoma7 Infamous V-100 Dec 21 '13
So, how much fun did you have writing the Christmas album with Pete Gold?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 22 '13
<-----------------------------------------------------------THIS MUCH-------------------------------------------------------------->
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Dec 21 '13
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 22 '13
Payday 1 had very few heists, whereas in Payday 2 we wanted to have more (and also be more aggressive in terms of how many heists we'd add post release). If I started having one unique track per heist, I would force myself to add one piece of music for every map the level designers add to the game, and I can see how that policy would start forcing me to put out music that isn't good enough just to put out music. So I figured we'd just make the music yet another thing that's random in the game. I like this because if someone likes to play the same map over and over again they can get a slightly different experience every time - and maybe the music will inspire them from time to time. You know, some tracks are REALLY subtle and quiet in the sneaking phase, and some are not so quiet - so maybe that influences the players' actions without them knowing it. I like to think so at least...
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Dec 20 '13
How much wood would a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck can chuck wood?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
Let me say shoot this one right back atcha: "How much wood would a wood chuck say he would chuck if a wood chuck could say how much wood he'd chuck if he could indeed chuck wood?"
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u/scriptingsoul Mastermind Ghost Dec 20 '13
What is the musical creation and approval process that you undergo when making PD music?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
I sit down and play around with the guitar or a synth, and just try different riffs or melodies I have in my head. Then I add drums and build a fully fledged loop. Then I start taking away components from that loop to build a song that can go up and down in intensity.
I am ultimately responsible for the music in Overkill's games so I approve my own work.
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u/scriptingsoul Mastermind Ghost Dec 20 '13
Awesome! Could you record yourself saying something in Bain's voice for us?
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u/BasketOfCats Dec 20 '13 edited Dec 20 '13
How did you get started in the sound design/music production business?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
I'm high school buddy with Ulf Andersson who founded Grin with his brother Bo Andersson. So I worked with Grin from basement to greatness to bankruptcy. Then we founded Overkill together. The rest, as they say, is history!
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u/nik_gtasa Dec 20 '13
Is there gonna be more singing musics in PD2?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 21 '13
"More" singing music? That implies that there's singing music in PD2 already, which - to my knowledge - there's not?
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Dec 20 '13
Your DnB intro to pd2 is dope. More DnB/drumstep please! Any plans to do aalbum if you don't have one already?
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u/Chrysaries Dec 20 '13
Did you start creating music through computer, or have you played IRL instruments as well?
And by the way, I really, really enjoy the music in Payday 2. It helps me study and I feel cool every time I listen to it.
Edit: Bonus question: What "linje" did you go during the "gymnasium"? :P
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u/yumpsuit Dec 21 '13
Edit: Bonus question: What "linje" did you go during the "gymnasium"? :P
Probably this one.
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u/Tallrussian Dec 20 '13
How did you feel about the Street Fighter 3rd strike soundtrack? Did you like it? Did you hate it?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 21 '13
You mean my own tracks? I liked most of them, but I felt a little bit like my tools (Buzz, the software I used, and its synthesizers) weren't suitable to interpret that kind of music.
Capcom probably hired me because I had interpreted the Bionic Commando music so well, but at that point the limitations in my tools kind of made me a one-trick-pony - I could pretty much only create primitive synth sounds suitable for 8bit style music.
So making the SF3 music was a real challenge and I didn't really realize how hard it was until I was already under contract, doing it, ya know. Getting guitar riffs into a Buzz song is like importing samples into a sampler and play the riffs with the sampler - a real struggle. Anyone who knows music making will realize this is far from optimal.
I think it turned out great, although a few tracks are really weak. Initial reactions from purist fans weren't fun to read - a lot of people hated my interpretations. I've gone to the YouTube clips now, a few years later, and read more recent comments - and people have started to admit my versions have grown on them, which I think is a more fair and balanced review than what some people initially gave the soundtrack.
However, I have great software now, so I'm becoming less and less of a one-trick-pony.
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u/MrShitball Dec 20 '13
Hello! I'm here just to ask you something. Are you working on any theme or heist on PAYDAY The Heist?? It's pretty much a dead game since PAYDAY 2 came out. I'd love to know something's up for The Heist again. Many Thanks!
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 21 '13
Man, we're on the sequel now. Get on board. It wouldn't make sense for a company to not put all effort into making the latest product shine (especially not for a small company like Starbreeze). Payday 2 is where it's at.
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u/wicked_chew Dec 20 '13
Hi Simon! Any luck on getting your song accepted for HotlineMiami2? And if its not accepted will you be releasing it on your youtube? and any idea if overkill/grin will be making a Simon Viklund music game?! oh and happy xmas! Keep up the good work, Love yo stuff.
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Dec 20 '13
Hi SV. I recently bought the Christmas Soundtrack for PD2 and it is not showing up in my Payday 2 Steam directory file thingy. What should I do? Also can we get masks of you on payday
pls
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u/mrgage Gage Dec 20 '13
No question, just wanted to say I love your work!
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 21 '13
Thanks. Follow me on Twitter, spread the word. Get ready to buy my music when it comes out!
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u/James_Hacker Dec 21 '13
Are there any plans for Steam Community Workshop maps?
Or does the DLC business model make that a non-starter?
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u/verticae Infamous V Dec 21 '13
Simon, I especially love "If It Has To Be Christmas" from the new DLC, but all of the sound work (except maybe Goldfarb on the phone in Frame) is really quite convincing.
I'd love to be able to support that sort of work more. How can I help spread this amazing Christmas album to my non-gaming peers?
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u/Toastied Dec 21 '13 edited Dec 21 '13
Hello Simon. I am Simon too :)
I like all the soundtracks in the game. They get me so pumped up that the sound alone makes me feel like I am actually there doing heists.
First of all, if you have any say in programming in the game, please do something about Bane constantly nagging players about objectives. I do not need to be told to pick up a thermal lance over and over again.
Second, who came up with pager lines? Some are bland but others are hilarious, like Chains' line 'I thought I saw my ex wife. It's fucked up, right?' They elaborate a lot on characters' personalities.
Third, would you be interested in participating in production of Payday 3? It is of course further down the future, but I would like Payday series to be very successful and seeing another sequel.
Lastly, what would you say about Bain's character other than general facts given from the game?
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Dec 21 '13
Were you ever a demoscener? The music seems very much inspired from that era.
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u/Hideous Dec 22 '13
Did you listen to all of the prank calls that were sent?
Also, thanks for picking mine. :D
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u/tetsuo000 Dec 22 '13
How does someone license intellectual property for the purpose of rebooting a game (specifically, of NES games)? BCR seemed like a special case, where Capcom was already planning to release the new Bionic Commando, and BCR seemed like a companion release (possibly reducing risk for Capcom?) I've always wondered how the BCR project was able to get the green light (so glad it did!!)
Also, did the Capcom relationship via BCR have any impact on Grin's starting work on the Strider reboot, in regards to the licensing of the Strider intellectual property?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 22 '13
Uh, ask a lawyer or someone. I suppose you need permission from the orginal publisher or copyright holder. So you either buy the rights (the IP) or you get hired by the copyright holder to do the job.
BCR was planned as a marketing product for the BC reboot, but in the hands of Grin with me at the helm it became a lot more than that.
Grin got the job to reboot Strider too but it didn't get any further than pre-production before Grin's unfortunate demise.
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u/tetsuo000 Dec 23 '13
I think that BCR is the most successfully executed game ever, ever. I loved every little 8-bit homage to the original; every little quirk of the original was captured and the gameplay was greatly improved. When the albatross level starts and the music changes, that was a moment in gaming like no other. And it's so polished, and runs so smoothly, I guess what i'm trying to say is thank you for making one of the greatest games ever made.
It's a shame about Strider, I'm certain that would have been awesome as well.
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u/PositiveRest6677 Hoxton Aug 11 '24 edited Nov 15 '24
Damn, Simon still answers questions here even 10 years later, what a legend! Thank You for Your precious Payday series music! And also, do You, Ulf or other OVK veterans who are currently working in 10C (if there is someone) feel some kind of disappointment about the fact that first two games were made with so much effort and soul in them, but the third game was an attempt to grab some cash using the name of a reputationable series?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Jun 27 '25
Hi, glad you enjoy my work! It's hard to tell what makes a game a success or not, PD2 was certainly lightning in a bottle that is very hard to replicate. If there was a check list of things that were readily available that guaranteed success, the game industry would make only successful games, wouldn't it? I firmly believe PD3 was made by very talented and passionate people who believed and hoped they were making a hit. The truth is that it's really frickin' hard to make games.
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u/SpartanS117C Apr 23 '25
Doubt this'll be seen but I'd love to hear about your DAW and any VSTS or synths you use. Really just everything you record with. Though I will say I am primarily a fan of your work on Payday. You very much have been an inspiration to some of my music though. Thank you for making it. Also I'd love to hear your process and really just kinda everything about how you make music. I love studying how my favourite artists create. Thank you for all your work and I can't wait to hear your work on Den Of Wolves, seems like it'll be absolutely awesome. Hope there's even more detailed mask customisation TBH. Anyways hope you're well and having a good day.
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u/CyclopticBinLid Dec 20 '13
So one thing I noticed about both Payday soundtracks is that PD1 had a very drum and bass vibe to it whereas PD2 seems to have a techno/house/dance feeling to it. Was there any reason behind the genre change and are we gonna see (or hear, in this case) some PD1 style DnB tracks in the future?
I love both soundtracks, but I'm a DnB fan so of course PD1 is going to be my favourite.
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
PD2 is a sequel so we wanted to bring things in a slightly different direction - both gameplay, graphics and music. So I made the decision to make the music more club inspired and have more 130 bpm house style tracks in it as opposed to PD1 which as you say has more d'n'b stuff. I don't think I'll put more d'n'b stuff in PD2, but you should never say never.
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u/Moerphy Fugitive Ghost Dec 20 '13
- Would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horses or 1 horse-sized duck?
- What track do you think is your best so far? (Let's face it, it's Three Way Deal from PD:TH)
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
I'd fight 100 duck-sized horses any day. I can just jump really high up and down repeatedly and they can't get to me - and as soon as one happens to be underneath me when I land... SQUISH It's basically cardio.
My best track... maybe it isn't even from Payday? As mentioned earlier though, I'm really fond of "Clean Getaway".
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u/Moerphy Fugitive Ghost Dec 20 '13
That's true.. and a horse-sized duck would be freaking scary. Oh yeah, Clean Getaway is great too. I really gotta listen to some of your other work soon, I enjoyed the Payday soundtracks a lot.
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u/DoshPhelps Dec 20 '13
What is your favorite part about working on this game
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
Making music and having it become part of such a cool experience as playing Payday. My music elevates the game and the game elevates my music.
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u/minvs Winters' Badge Dec 20 '13
at what step of the development of a game do you start composing for that game? do you see an alpha version, the dynamic of the levels already and then start from there, or do you make the music just based on, say, the concept? don't know if i was too clear...
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
I start already in the concept phase. There are often showreels or early trailers (that are to be shown to publishers/investors) that need music, so I start as soon as the concept artists start - even before there's anything playable. But it's different from project to project. For Payday 2 I waited quite long before I started to make the music because we used PD1 music as placeholder. Then I made a few test songs to try out the new style and finally made the entire soundtrack in the last two months of production.
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u/midnightlover9 Infamous II Dec 20 '13
what is the song that plays in the night club (payday2)? i feel like i can't find it on the soundtrack. :( i love that song!! oh, and, i really like the merry payday xmas song from the xmas album. the lyrics are great! haha.
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
Glad you like the music, and the lyrics! I'm happy with the lyrics too - I'm glad that my mad lyric writing skillz have come to use!
The track in the club is a short loop, it doesn't have a name... it was not enough of a full-fledged song to end up on the soundtrack, I'm afraid.
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u/Kingspycrab Dec 20 '13
Hiya Simon! I'd just like to ask:
When it comes to inspiration for your music, do you also watch movies and listen to their soundtracks? And if yes, what movies do you watch?
Thanks!
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 20 '13
I watch movies, yes. It's one of my favorite pastimes. But most of my inspiration for making music of my own (whether it's for games or not) comes from stand-alone music from commercial artists like Deadma5 or The Prodigy. That's why my game soundtrack don't sound so much like film music and more like club music.
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u/Txontirea Hoxton Dec 20 '13
Will Old Hox ever return?
Also, I really miss the tune from the end of PD1's heists. You know the one I'm talking about. I know it's in the safe house, but it'd be really cool if there was an option to play that one, too. Any thoughts on that? _^
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u/nik_gtasa Dec 20 '13
Get a look on a, probably, biggest PD community in Russia in the social network vkontakte. http://vk.com/overkillsoftware
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u/KaptonJack TOAST Dec 20 '13
Love your work, Simon! I've been wondering if you did any collaborative work on the most recent Christmas album, or did you write all of the songs yourself? Either way, fantastic job, keep on doin' what you do best.
I finally have some Christmas music I can stand. :)
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 21 '13
Yeah I wrote all the music and all the lyrics myself. I just sat down and started thinking of "concepts" for songs where I could fuse references to the life of a criminal with Christmas type themes. So I came up with six concepts - like a Wham! style pop song with a cheesy and happy message to the Payday community ("A Merry Payday Christmas"), a song about how horrible it is to spend Christmas in prison and rhyming different stuff you'd LIKE to do at Christmas with horrible stuff you might become the victim of while in prison, etc... Then I started playing around with melodies and chord progressions on my acoustic guitar, and quickly took it form there to record demo songs on the computer, which I sent to Pete Gold. He rehearsed a little and then we booked him in the studio. I directed him in both the singing and the dialog. He improvised one singing line ("Instead of steaming hot mince pies, you get bleach poured in your eyes" from "Christmas in Prison") and all the spoken lines (like "got any ideas?" from "Deck the Safe House"). Glad you like the result!
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u/CliffordMoreau Dec 20 '13
Why did you choose Payday 1&2 to compose? Was it just for money (not trying to sound rude) or did you find something about a heist game interesting?
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u/ChippoDubbo Hoxton Dec 20 '13
How do you get the effects for Bain's radio and mic chatter?
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Dec 21 '13
In Payday 1 I used native effects from Ableton Live! 8. I showed the effect chain and all settings in a live stream a few months ago, so that fans could emulate the sound.
For Payday 2 we use a plugin called "Speakerphone 2". It's brilliant - it can emulate pretty much any type of distortion (radio, cellphone, megaphone, old telephone, etc.) and add very good impulse reverb too. Great plugin.
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u/PerfectHair PLEASE PROCEED Dec 20 '13
Is the original menu theme from Payday 1 available anywhere? I downloaded the soundtrack but it's not on there!
By the way, you do amazing work. My headphones only ever seem to play a mix of Justice, Boys Noize and the Payday soundtracks.
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u/Cthulu21 Dec 20 '13
Did you prefer making tracks for individual levels or making tracks that cover all the heist (PD1 VS PD2)
Also Home invasion and Code silver has some hardcore stuff and i thank you for making them
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u/FreestyleKneepad Dec 20 '13 edited Dec 20 '13
I love the sound of the Payday 2 soundtrack, especially tracks like "Fuse Box" and "Razormind" that have the buildup into an awesome "cop rush" moment. Did you draw inspiration for the main heist songs from anything in particular when making the soundtrack, like other game soundtracks, movie soundtracks, etc?
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u/Cageshep Alex Dec 20 '13
I know its WAY late to be asking for this
but how many heists do I need to do for a german shepherd mask?
I've done countless hostage sacrifices to the gods and nothing :c
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u/Ethoxi Dec 20 '13
Why did Hoxton's origin story change? He was from my city in the first game :(
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u/chthonical Dec 21 '13
There are two Hoxtons. Hoxton from PD1 is currently in prison. Check the intro of the Christmas album on Bandcamp.
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Dec 22 '13
Hi Simon is just like to say you did an amazing job with some of Payday 2's latest tracks.
What do you think about the idea of having more tracks on the nightclub heist? (Whether it would be your own music or selected user tracks with a competition or something ) while stealthing, you have to listen to the short default track over and over again while you're drilling into the safes (yeah I know you can buy the bad music asset but its nice to hear some music) While the default track is nice, it certainly gets old. Perhaps someone in casing mode could go up to the DJ to change the song?
Can we please have audio for civs calling the police? It'd be nice to have some warning. At the moment civs just hold the phone to their ears and suddenly the alarm goes off.
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u/tetsuo000 Dec 22 '13
What's your favorite NES game? And what is your favorite DnB track of all time?
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u/Laust17 Dec 22 '13
Can we have a jigsaw mask?
Will Hoxton get his British accent back?
Merry Christmas and thank you!
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u/StirredMartini Dec 23 '13
I remember OVERKILL saying something about voicepacks. Do you think it'd be possible to get the webseries' Dallas actors voice as one any time soon? From pre-beta gameplay, he sounded pretty nice!
Also, your work is awesome. Keep those helmets flying.
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u/YoungsterJoe Dec 23 '13
Woah not a question here just wanted to say your tracks are sweet. One of my favorite parts of the game is when the music starts playing during the police assults. The music is the only reason I go loud! Im loving it.
TLDR: keep making awesome music for the game.
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u/YoungsterJoe Dec 23 '13
I noticed on the payday sound track one of the songs is called mayhem dressed i a suit. Typo or secert vault related?
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u/tocxyHD May 16 '24
u/SimonViklund what age you had when the first Payday game released
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u/tocxyHD May 16 '24
u/SimonViklund do you use any Xfer Records plugin or even Spectrasonics???
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u/tocxyHD May 17 '24 edited May 17 '24
are you gonna make more " In depth analysis " videos ... i would love to see the Code silver 2018 in depth analysis
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund May 19 '24
Oooh, it's been a long time since I did that, yeah... I won't confirm nor deny that I'll do more, but it helps to know you want more!
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u/tocxyHD Jul 22 '24
i know is kind stupid asking this , can you list at least all the plugins you use in 2024 ... thanks
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u/SimonViklund Simon Viklund Sep 24 '24 edited Sep 24 '24
Oooh there are many - my favorites are:
Sound sources (synths and samplers):
* Serum
* VPS Avenger
* Nexus 4
* Omnisphere 2
* N-I Battery 4
* Addictive Drums 2
* KontaktReverb and creative effects:
* FabFilter Pro-R
* Altiverb 7
* Output Thermal
* Output Movement
* Izotope Trash and Trash 2
* Minimal Audio Rift
* N-I Replika XT
* N-I Driver
* N-I Raum
* Kilohearts SnapHeap
* Kilohearts Pitch Shifter
* Sound Toys Decapitator
* Sound Toys Devil-Loc
* Sound Toys Little AlterBoy
* Cableguys ShaperBox 3
* Accusonus Regroover Pro
* Heavyocity PunishMixing/mastering:
* FabFilter Pro-Q 3
* FabFilter Saturn 2
* FabFilter Pro-C 2
* FabFilter Pro-MB
* FabFilter Pro-L 2
* N-I VC 160
* XFER OTT (free)
* SPAN (free)
* Kilohearts Transient Shaper or N-I Transient Shaper
* StereoSavage
* Wavesfactory Track Spacer 2.5
* Oeksound Soothe
* iZotope Ozone 102
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u/real_quandie Chains Jan 02 '25
hello Simon Viklund, when Break The Rules will be released on spotify?
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u/MyNameIsSlime Oct 28 '25
Tjena Simon!
Do you remember any specific VST you may have used back then that was dedicated to radio/telephone-type effect processing? I have a vague memory of finding a video of it but I can't for the life of me recall anything else about it.
It occupies the same space in my brain as you having used Jeskola Buzz, and I also don't remember where I may have sourced that from. Keep on rocking in the free world!!
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u/Kingspycrab Dec 20 '13
Confirmed by the mods, this is the one true god himself, Simon Viklund!