Interview with Jeffrey Montoya - Exploring the Music that Inspired the Hunt

As we embark on Mateo Lombardo’s grim journey, we caught up with Jeffrey Montoya, the music composer, writer and one of the key creative minds at Migami Games.

In this special Q&A, he discusses the inspirations behind the Chronicles of the Wolf soundtrack, its challenges and influences that sets the tone for Mateo’s adventure.

Q: What were your musical influences and inspirations for the soundtrack of Chronicles of the Wolf?

I was definitely inspired by the Castlevania soundtracks I’ve listened to throughout my life, and the films I’ve seen and loved from all eras. A few specific artists that have inspired me throughout my life are: Michiru Yamane, Wojciech Kilar, Trent Reznor, Goblin, Danny Elfman, Billy Corgan, Joe Hisashi and Branislav Zivkovic.

Q: How did you approach writing the music during development?

I learned how to structure soundtracks writing to videos of completed levels sent by Mig throughout development of our fangame, Castlevania The Lecarde Chronicles 2. I always prefer to know what I am writing for beforehand.

Q: How did your work on Wallachia differ from Chronicles of the Wolf?

I developed my craft further with Wallachia bringing in more guitars and real vocals, but that Original Soundtrack was very different by its linear nature and faster pace.

Q: What was your vision for the Chronicles of the Wolf soundtrack?

I wanted to make a soundtrack like LC2 again, but free of course, of Castlevania cover songs and with a heavy emphasis on real, performed instruments. Most importantly I wanted to write music that follows the player like a friend or a shadow that lingers in their thoughts after playing.

Q: Were you aiming for a polished orchestral feel or something else entirely?

I didn’t want to make a perfect sounding orchestral style original soundtrack. I wanted something rougher and more visceral with the emotion and rough edges of a rock band.

Q: What tools and instruments did you rely on for creating the soundtrack?

After I knew what I wanted to do, I went around to different music shops looking for a keyboard with great onboard sounds that could be used as the heart of the original soundtrack. I landed on a modestly priced Yamaha keyboard that I thought captured the retro vibe perfectly.

Q: How much of the soundtrack was performed live versus digitally composed?

90% of everything you hear in the Chronicles of the Wolf soundtrack is either played from that keyboard, my guitars, my Roland V drum kit, and my voice. I performed as much as I could by hand and practiced self restraint in editing to convey the raw emotion behind the parts as much as possible.

Q: Can you walk us through a typical day in your recording process?

A typical day of recording would involve me going in a circle in my office from drums, to piano, to guitars/bass, and vocals usually last.

Q: Did you face any challenges during recording, and how did you overcome them?

Countless hours were also spent in practice as I never really considered myself a piano player before. I sometimes would have to spend hours rehearsing the more difficult parts before I recorded them. It was difficult and almost broke me at times. But I stuck it out to the end and I’ve grown as a musician a lot from it.

Q: Why did you limit yourself to using only real instruments, and what effect did that have on your process?

I feel by imposing limitations on myself to only use songs I write on real instruments and not with mouse clicks, I was able to focus while staying true to the game and myself as an artist.

Q: How did you manage self-doubt throughout the process, and what kept you going?

I had to get over my own self doubt as a musician, and I definitely felt the pressure. But I have a wonderfully supportive wife and daughter who helped me to persevere and deliver the best work I am capable of.

Q: Any unexpected companions during development you’d like to mention?

Our dog Elena was by my side for most of it too. You can say hi to her in the final village of the game. She’s the tan one. Couldn’t have done it without her!

The Chronicles of the Wolf: The Original Soundtrack is coming soon to Steam, so you’ll be able to relive the game’s haunting melodies anytime, anywhere.

As a heartfelt thank you to the community, composer Jeffrey has generously uploaded the full soundtrack to YouTube ahead of time so fans can immerse themselves in the music even before the official release.

Stay tuned, and crank it loud.

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