Walk down the aisle with Dearly Beloved - KHInsider interviews the VSQ
- Details
- Published on February 25, 2015 @ 06:49 pm
- Written by Geir
An unquestioned truth about weddings is the fact that they can only be improved by the power of video games. So what better way to celebrate the love of two individuals than by walking down the aisle while the much admired Dearly Beloved song from the Kingdom Hearts franchise is played?
The Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) couldn't agree more, and on March 3rd, you can have a listen to their orchestral wedding versions of your favorite gaming and film music on their upcoming Geek Wedding Collection. You can both listen to and pre-order the album here.
The VSQ are a top-selling collective of classical musicians who perform string renditions of modern and classic rock songs. Since 1999, VSQ has fused virtuoso technique with the hits of contemporary artists such as Muse, Coldplay, Adele and more. In that time, VSQ has sold millions of recordings, while amassing an incredible following.
Our staff here at KHInsider had the pleasure of interviewing a few of the VSQ's players as well as their producers and arrangers on the album. We hope you enjoy!
- First off, would you care to tell us about the origins of your group? What inspired you to found it and how has it evolved throughout the years?
Vitamin String Quartet began in 1999 here at CMH Label Group, the record company that produces the series. The creative team at the time was excited by the idea of juxtaposing rock and other contemporary music with classical instruments in a powerful way. They began working with top LA string arrangers, players, and producers and making string records under the Vitamin imprint.
Over the last ten years, the current creative team has come together and continually pushed to evolve the sound, look and feel of VSQ and delve into live performances and sheet music. Most people would never associate a string quartet with pop or rock music, so we feel we get to create something really unique and each project is a chance to take a step forward.
- You're making an album based on music in video games and movies. Is there anything different about this one, compared to your previous works?
The VSQ repertoire has traditionally been rock, but we couldn't resist delving into some of the great music made for games and movies. Ironically, music that is usually string-driven (like that for films and big-budget games) creates a challenge as to how we can leave our mark on it. It was important that we find a way to bring our unique sensibility to this project.
- The album consists of a vast plethora of songs from various works in film and games. How did you choose which works to perform, and was it difficult to narrow down your selection from all of those unique pieces at your disposal?
When it comes to geek culture there's no shortage of iconic and memorable music, so coming up with a solid list of tracks was not easy. Ultimately we decided to spread the love for gamer geeks, movie geeks, and even music geeks.
- Although every track is unique, they are all so appropriate for wedding ceremonies. Have you performed any of these tracks in weddings before?
We haven't yet actually but would look forward to it. We understand that a number of folks have walked down the aisle to our recorded version of the Imperial March. That is one of the classic tracks we included on this set. Most of the tracks are brand new to the series.
- Is there a process to how VSQ transcribes music from various genres to the string quartet version we know and love? Is it a repeated formula, or is it more organic?
There are certainly patterns that emerge doing these for so long, which helps. But ultimately every tune has its own unique magic to be understood and kept intact, which is never easy or automatic.
- When and where did the recording take place for this album, and how long was the process?
Veteran VSQ arranger/producer Sasha Ivanov, who arranged and produced this album, had a unique opportunity to record at the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. This is one of the most sought after venues, famous for it's great natural acoustics. He worked with new VSQ players there and recorded all of it in one session.
- What made you decide on performing a song from the Kingdom Hearts series, and particularly that of Dearly Beloved?
More than a few of us love the Kingdom Hearts series and Dearly Beloved is one of the most iconic tracks from that series. It was one of those songs where the source material is so well crafted and executed that it was a no brainer. Not to mention the obvious wedding tie in with the name of the track itself.- We felt that Dearly Beloved turned out beautifully. With it being one of the most iconic songs in the Kingdom Hearts series, did you worry about the fan reception?
Our chief concern with any song is to create something unique for our fans and the fans of the original version. We take it very seriously, do our best, and then leave it to the listeners to decide!
- Do you think you'll be making any more Kingdom Hearts music in the future? If so, are there any tracks you may already have in mind?
We've received an amazing amount of positive feedback on this release so far. If it feels right, we would certainly consider a second installment and perhaps look at more KH music.
As revealed in the interview, the VSQ are already interested in making a second installment with possibly more Kingdom Hearts music. Thus, we felt that having a giveaway right here on our forums would be ideal. In order to participate, all you have to do is reply to this thread and tell us what track from the Kingdom Hearts games you'd like them to perform next.
One lucky winner will later be chosen to receive a copy of the Geek Wedding Collection as a prize. Be sure to pick out your absolute favorite, as the VSQ will definitely be paying attention!
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COMMENTS
Wow this is a pretty cool idea. Happy to see they decided to include Kingdom Hearts.
As for what KH track I'd like to hear them perform next, I would have to go with the Traverse Town theme. It's one of my favorite pieces of music in KH, especially the DDD version.
I always love classical covers of non-classical tracks. There is a magical quality to these almost stripped back renditions that just allow you to appreciate the beauty of the composition more. I'd personally love to hear them cover Riku's Theme.
Ok, as a lifelong nerd, I was pretty much dying throughout all of the songs, Concerning Hobbits.. *sigh...
But dat dearly Beloved dough... I was flailing around like an otaku cheerleader...
Roxas theme or Vens theme would be amazing. Kingdom Hearts is full of amazing moving music. I'd definitely want to hear more of this and now I know what music to play at my wedding haha
Neat idea. i'll deffinately be getting this, Though When i get married, I always wanted the simple and clean song, theres just so much meaning behind that.
Glad they chose dearly beloved. but i'd also love to see at "dusk i'll think of you." Though someone hers already said that.
So simple and cleans the one i nominate.
Those covers are simply beautiful (their Dearly Beloved is just too perfect!) It's always awesome hearing classical covers of non-classical tracks and it's great that they're interested in making a second installment.
I keep wanting to type down one of Kingdom Hearts sad tracks like The Other Promise or Ventus' Theme, but my heart keeps saying Link to All.
Not kingdom hearts related, But I'd looove to hear 1000 words from x-2 done in a classical way.
Not kingdom hearts related, But I'd looove to hear 1000 words from x-2 done in a classical way.
You're quite welcome to suggest anything at all, really. They make a ton of albums :)
I just looked up some of their stuff, amazing. I can't wait to hear what else they will come up with, but it also makes me really want to hear 1000 words done.
Since we're on the topic of FFX-2, I'd love for them to take on Eternity ~Memory of Lightwaves~. Not that I'm participating in the giveaway. Also be sure to check out their Sigur Rós covers on YouTube, I love those xD
All of this talk of weddings has reminded me of when Brentalfloss and [FONT=arial]
Laura Wiese did a vocal rendition of Final Fantasy IV's "Theme of Love" several years ago. This is a wonderful idea and I hope that these guys continue to do an excellent job. Now if only I wasn't single...
As for a cover that the Vitamin String Quartet can do...hows about a reworked version of the Final Fantasy theme? That'd be awesome!
Definitely would love to hear Riku's theme done by them. One of my favorite tracks, closely followed by the Hollow Bastion/Radiant Garden themes.
Man, Love these though, The Hobbit one made me so happy too!
I didn't think about eternity, that would be amazing.
I think hearing March Caprice for Piano and Orchestra would be absolutely phenomenal. It's already more of a traditional classical song and a string adaptation would be awesome!
"Treasured Memories".
It really does feel like you're going through such memories while listening to it. It feels nostalgic.
And it could also feel like the beginning of creating new memories, as a marriage would. Beautiful.
I'd definitely like to hear Terra's or Ventus' theme.
I think Hollow Bastion's theme from Kingdom Hearts 1 would be an awesome song to try out. It has such a huge focus on strings that I think it would be interesting and challenging for the team. It also represents a turning point for the game: where things get much darker. The theme underscores a new kind of atmosphere for Sora and gang and shows things are going to get harder. If no other reason, its an awesome standalone piece.
I'd like to hear the Dream Drop Distance version of Dearly Beloved.
It Began With a Letter would be a wonderful song to hear them do a rendention of, perhaps mixed Friends In My Heart.
Those would be two songs that would sound good flowing into each other due to their tempo.
The VSQ makes gorgeous music so I'm excited to hear whatever they might create in the future!
This is really hard bluuuuhhh I think I'll say "Friends in my Heart" :> So beautiful and it may just be personal nostalgia in it but it really has a sweet sound to it, haha.
I think that "Destiny's Union" from Birth By Sleep would be a great choice.
It's slow, thoughtful, and bitter-sweet nature would make for a great song to walk down the aisle to.
the organization themesong would be dope
I'm not sure if anyone's mentioned these yet, but I would like VSQ to try either "Afternoon Streets" or "Working Together" from the KHII soundtrack. I'm leaning more towards "Working Together" as it's one of my favorite battle songs from the game. Both songs evoke such nostalgia for me and remind me of Sora's but also Roxas' adventures in Twilight Town. These songs have a mix of wind and string components, so it would be really interesting to see VSQ's take on it.
Is this giveaway still going?
No, a winner was chosen last month
DarkGrey Heroine
February 26, 2015 @ 06:10 pmOffline