Jordan Chin – Monster Train 2 Composer Interview
Composer Jordan Chin (Monster Train 1 & 2) joins me to explore what it means to create with vulnerability, curiosity, and purpose. We talk about the courage to be a beginner, the balance between exploration and deadlines, and why great game music must serve both the artist and the larger world it belongs to. A conversation for anyone walking the creative path.
JORDAN LINKS:
Website: https://www.jordanchinmusic.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5FqaQ5TCnpKQCFJNyzrQJX?si=DbzIaktYSgO3boMn3cd5og
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jordan-chin/1046850267
Bandcamp: https://jordanchinmusic.bandcamp.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClF_ljAEbAs1wL6B3Rci5vA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanchinmusic
X: https://x.com/jordanchinmusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JordanChinMusic
Markus Junnikkala is a Composer from Finland.
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00:00) Intro & greetings
(00:01:02) Warhammer 40k – Factions, lore & painting as meditation
(00:11:01) The art of being a beginner & practicing discomfort
(00:16:47) Lessons from the gym – health, judgment & resilience
(00:25:01) Vulnerability in music & creating beyond validation
(00:30:06) Serving the larger whole in game music
(00:34:23) Music + medium magic – Ghibli, Final Fantasy & Monster Train
(00:38:42) Monster Train 2 soundtrack, guitars & band influence
(00:41:17) Drummers, rhythm, and the foundation of energy in composition
(00:49:28) The value of space, restraint & arrangement in music
(00:58:38) Curiosity vs. practicality in the creative process
(01:07:40) Origins – growing up in San Jose & family influences
(01:20:00) First bands, instruments & discovering composition
(01:36:00) Breaking into game music & career lessons
(01:54:00) Creative workflow, iteration & collaboration
(02:15:00) Monster Train 1 & 2 – writing process & challenges
(02:40:00) Finding your own sound & balancing influences
(03:05:00) Tools, production & mixing philosophy
(03:30:00) Reflections on vulnerability, judgment & creative growth
(04:17:19) What your dog can teach you
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