When you began to write the music for black and white, what did you have to work with as reference? whas the game anywhere near playable at that time or did you just have the plotline and a description of what the game would be like? If the game whas not playable at that time, how did you go about writing the music for it?

I'd image there is something about sound in the design document.

I wonder in how much detail Peter Molyneux knew what he wanted in black and white music whise. Now that I think of it, is general musical admosphere in relation to scenes from the game even considdered a part of gamedesign or does a designer just tell the composer "here's what the game looks like, now have fun" ? (sorry if I'm getting off topic but I think it's still music related)

Well perhaps the good mr Shaw first starts by making some test music and then the designers can say "we like this moreso than this", and he can go away and make more of that. Perhaps he starts off only doing sound effects, knowing that he may need a number of bludgeoning sounds, or a number of slapping sounds, or whatever.

I remember from reading the diaries that the doors to the studio were usually wide open, so that the music being composed would be audible throughout the office. That would allow for some interaction alright. But ofcourse there's only one way to find out for real. Perhaps someone should report this post to the moderator?

Maybe he turns Lionhead dj and spins some phat tracks to entertain co-workers while he waits for new stuff to do.

I read he likes to play the same tracks over and over. I do so too, but I'm trying not to do that with my own music anymore because if you listen to a piece long enough you start to accept it's mistakes and then you won't correct them. And I imagine it drives the people around here nuts anyway

Well, I generally sit behind a keyboard and wait for inspiration to hit me on the head. Sometimes it's extremely late in turning up but it's never failed me yet. Russ Lionhead

I know that feeling! Sometimes you come up with nothing for hours (or even days) and then, out of nowhere you create a really cool piece in a matter of minutes. It just pops out.