Interview conducted by Stu Taylor of Neo Mag. NOTE: this is just an excerpt, to read the full article, click here.

NOBUO UEMATSU INTERVIEW

Nobuo Uematsu, the composer and producer behind the stunning musical scores on the Final Fantasy series, was born on 21st March 1959 in Kochi, Japan. After graduating from Kanagawa University, he composed music for commercials before joining Square Enix in 1986. He went on to compose music for over 30 game titles, including, of course the Final Fantasy series.

The soundtracks from the games have grown to such popularity that Uematsu was named as one of the 'Innovators' in Time magazine's 'Time 100: The Next Wave- Music' feature.

Uematsu composed and produced the Final Fantasy VIII theme song, 'Eyes On Me', which featured Hong Kong pop diva Faye Wong, which went on to win 'Song of the Year (Western Music)' at the 1th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards in 1999- it was the first time music from a video game won that honour.

In February 2003, Uematsu produced 'The Black Mages', and album comprised of Final Fantasy battle music arranged in a rock style. He formed a group called the Black Mages and performed as the keyboardist himself. Uematsu's talents are not limited to video game music. He composed the theme song of the animated film Ah! My Goddess and has written music for vocalists including Emiko Shiratori and Rikki.

During the UK press event for Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, Neo was fortunate enough to grab a few words with the musical man himself...

Q:Can you tell us what stage during Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children’s production you were brought in?
A: At Square Enix, we always have several different projects going on at the same time so it is hard to say for sure. But I think it was at the beginning of 2004.

Q:What was it like working with the FFVII: AC production team?
A: It is basically the same guys from the Final Fantasy videogame series, so there was no real difference in the way we worked together.

Q:What themes and influences did you draw on for inspiration in the creation of the soundtrack?
A: [Laughs] Rock music!

Q:Were there any ideas that did not make it into soundtrack?
A: Well, it’s not finished yet. But there is a one particular song that I really want to use because it’s really cool. If it doesn’t fit the soundtrack it won’t go in, so it might not be the right timing. But someday!

Q:What piece of work from your career are you most proud of?
A: [Without hesitation, Uematsu responded]: “Nine! Final Fantasy IX.”

Q:And finally, if you could only be remembered for one thing, what would you like that to be?
A: By my nickname at Square Enix: “Smile, Please!”