So, you’ve picked your track, you’ve arranged your cover, and it’s time to record. If you don’t, you have a bigger problem that you need to solve first. I won’t get into the details of recording or DAWs or instruments for this article, because I’m hoping that you have a means of recording. This is an intensely personal decision that everyone will have to make for themselves however, if you’re just starting out, I would err on the side of a faithful arrangement. Some people choose to stay close to the original while others want to put their own stamp on the music. There are infinite ways to cover a track. Once you’ve picked your track, it’s time to start your arrangement. If you’re not confident in your ability to transcribe video game music or play by ear, there are a few sites that offer MIDI arrangements, but be warned-these are often inaccurate. What types of video game music do you enjoy? Start there and find something that’s simple enough to arrange, but complex enough to give you a challenge. When deciding what games or tracks to cover, go with your gut.
If you’re reading this article, then I assume you enjoy video game music. That being said, it’s best not to worry too much about expectations when you’re starting out. People have attachment to video game music, and I often struggle to find new interpretations of classic tracks. In many ways, making originals is far easier than making covers because there aren’t as many expectations. The result was decent, I think, but more importantly, I gained a newfound appreciation for cover artists. I chose one of my favorite VGM tracks of all time “Lower Brinstar” and went for a 60s prog style. A chill cover could be simple, so this was a perfect opportunity for me to give it a shot and make my first video game cover. Nevertheless, there was something about this contest that made it seem more feasible. I had long thought about making video game covers myself, but the prospect was always too daunting. Last May, Soundole VGM Covers hosted a Chill Out Cover Competition where he challenged people to make chill video game covers. As for me, I received a small push from a friend. This is the hardest part for most people as there are a hundred reasons why you shouldn’t make video game covers, and only one reason why you should-because you love video game music.