RSR497 - Steve Pardo - Jazz, Music for Games and Atmos Mixing

Update: 2025-03-14

Description

"Get the main menu music worked out!" In this captivating episode of Recording Studio Rockstars, host Lij Shaw sits down with the talented music director and game audio specialist, Steve Pardo. They dive into Steve's journey from jazz musician to game composer, sharing his insights on the creative process and collaboration in the industry. Steve passionately discusses how to get the main menu music just right, the magic of mixing in Dolby Atmos for gaming, and why the saxophone shines with guitar pedals. From Unreal Engine to Apple Logic Pro X, he offers tips on creating huge sounds in a small studio, all while highlighting the significance of live instruments in modern production. Don’t miss this lively conversation that blends nostalgia with cutting-edge techniques, and get inspired to embrace the future of music and gaming!

Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com

My guest today is Steve Pardo, a music director, and game audio specialist with over 15 years of experience crafting immersive music and sound for award-winning games and globally recognized franchises. Steve is the co-founder of SkewSound, Composer and Music Manager at ProbablyMonsters, and an active performing artist based in Nashville, TN.

Steve’s career began at the legendary Harmonix Music Systems, where he worked on iconic titles like Rock Band VR, Dance Central, and Fantasia: Music Evolved. He has since contributed to games such as Fortnite Festival, Cypher 007, Moonbreaker, and Signs of the Sojourner. His music also appears on platforms like Netflix, Adult Swim, and IFC, and he’s collaborated on cutting-edge projects involving generative and AI-driven music for companies like Mastercard, Warner Music, and Tribeca Film Festival.

A graduate of the University of Miami, Steve earned both a bachelor’s degree in Studio Music and Jazz and a master’s degree in Studio Jazz Writing, grounding his creative work in a rich foundation of jazz and orchestration.

Steve’s Nashville studio is equipped with a 7.1.4 Atmos system, boutique microphones, synthesizers, and more, allowing him to create very cool music in a cozy setting.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com

https://www.adam-audio.com

https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off!

https://roswellproaudio.com/

https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here!

https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy

https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/

Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/704gPYZbCHODON8f0udxJj?si=b90f7dad69164227

If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/497