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.

https://www.markusjunnikkala.com/

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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