IGN Music (IM): How did you choose Ms. Aki to sing the theme song, "Kiss Me Good-Bye"?
Nobuo Uematsu (NU): I just felt that it had to be her when I heard her voice.
IM: What is endearing to you about the Final Fantasy series?
NU: To me, the game series is like comrade-in-arms that you went through a lot with.
IM: Do you ever look at the Final Fantasy artwork of Yoshitaka Amano for inspiration?
NU: Yes, Mr. Amano's artwork has always been a source of inspiration for me.
IM: The styles of all the Final Fantasy scores vary from very upbeat, to dark and angry, to melancholy in nature. For example, Final Fantasy VIII was very dark, but IX was much more carefree and upbeat. Do these contrasts come from simply the story of the game, what's going on in your life, or perhaps just a desire to mix things up?
NU: The atmosphere of music varies depending on story line, of course, but it's also my intention to put various types of music into one game.
IM: Which of your FF soundtracks is your personal favorite? More specifically, is there a specific piece of music that you hold most dear?
NU: It is very hard to pick one particular soundtrack or a song.
IM: Which composers inspire you when scoring such epic games?
NU: I would say, Elton John.
IM: If you could perform your music at any concert hall in the world, which one would it be and why?
NU: It would be nice to have an outdoor concert at an ancient monument in Athens
IM: What new games are you most looking forward to?
NU: Blue Dragon.
