ABOUT COALESCESION RECORDINGS

A Brief History and Background:

Early video game music (or VGM) was once limited to sounds of early sound chips, such as programmable sound generators (PSG) or FM synthesis chips. These limitations have led to the style of music known as chiptune which became the sounds synonymous with Atari, Nintendo, and Sega during the late ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Even to this day, this style is still employed by artists and integrated with modern music and soundtracks. 

Throughout the decades, as technology for computers and consoles evolved, so did music. Video games were starting to become cinematic, telling compelling stories that demanded more from their composers. The music became less rudimentary and more complex and ambitious. Depending on the budget, now composers could either utilize samples of real instruments or use live orchestras to create soundtracks that could rival the very best of any Hollywood film.

Music in video games also has the distinction of being dynamic and immersive, drawing the player in. Unlike in films, where the music is typically scored statically to a particular scene, music or ambiance in a video game can change fluidly depending on the player’s actions or situations. 

The modern game can typically last from 4 to 100 + hours. Compared to a movie’s 2 to 3-hour runtime, that’s a LOT of music to score! This allows the composer(s) a certain flexibility and a much broader canvas to work with compared to the confines of a film. Depending on the size and scope of the project, a team of composers may be used and assigned individually to different aspects of the soundtrack needed for the game. Such as thematic material, background music (BGM), menu sounds, etc. 

Like with movies or television, licensed music may also be used as part of the game’s soundtrack.

From 8-Bit to Orchestra: Preserving a Musical Culture

From the charming chiptune to a soaring orchestral score; Are the works of Koji Kondo (Mario), Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy), Akira Yamaoka (Silent Hill), Martin O’Donnell & Michael Salvatori (Halo) any less memorable than the film and television works of John Williams (Star Wars), Hans Zimmer (Interstellar), John Carpenter (Halloween) or Mark Snow (The X-Files)? 

Historically, video game music has been underappreciated and has often been perceived as less than its film counterparts. It’s our mission to change that perception and join in the growing chorus, raise awareness, and work towards the common goal of keeping these soundtracks from being lost to time by preserving and providing these works affordably to a wider audience.

The Inception

Inspired by the boutique soundtrack labels that came before, COALESCESION (coa·less·shun) RECORDINGS was founded in 2022 with the desire to create a video game soundtrack label and platform designed to elevate the medium, recognize their composers, and preserve a musical heritage.

This idea would soon evolve in scope to include film and television scores, classical, and other select recordings. 

As fans of soundtracks and video games, we envisioned a label that could distinguish itself and add something new to the table, by bringing together different types of music, shining a spotlight on an often underappreciated art form, and bridging a gap between the east and the west. The foundation has been laid, where now here to build off of it.

Enter COALESCESION

We’re an online record store and soundtrack label that specializes in, and advocates for the preservation of video game music. Providing in various formats, eclectic assortments of game, film, and television scores from around the globe, as well as classical and other select recordings that would pique the interests of any soundtrack enthusiast. 

The Nexus to Your Soundtrack

With COALESCESION, it’s just not all about video games and soundtracks. Fundamental to our foundation is a tailored selection of recordings that complement their soundtrack counterparts and provide an opportunity to discover music you might not have otherwise come across. 

Ever discover a video game or film backward through its soundtrack? Or liked that song by a band that complimented the score? Part of the joy in discovering new music is going down that proverbial rabbit hole and connecting the dots. Our store is a gateway to expanding your horizons.

What Will Become

Like a star being born, coalescing together, COALESCESION will evolve and grow over time. The future is bright, stay tuned…