Clint Bajakian is a musician, composer and sound designer of LucasArts video games.
Biography[]
Bajakian is a classically trained musician, having studied guitar and piano, and graduated from the University of Michigan with a Masters of Arts for composition, focusing on orchestra and instrumental ensembles.[1] He also has a a classical guitar degree from the New England Conservatory of Music. During his studies, the university orchestra performed one of his instrumental compositions.[2]
Bajakian served as music director at a Boston Symphony Orchestra-affiliated art camp.[2] As a sound designer, Bajakian compiled his own collection of recorded sound effects, sometimes recording his own samples on the field, which he utilized in games.[1][2]
In LucasArts[]
Bajakian joined LucasArts in 1991 with his first job being composition for Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis and Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge.[2]
In those early days, one of his greatest challenges was maintaining compatibility with the many music and sound cards on the market, until the advent of CD technology and digitized music allowed more focus on the creative end of composition.[2]
He worked as Sound Editing and Processing Engineer during the production of Star Wars: Rebel Assault, working with Michael Land and Peter McConnell. Among other things, he edited the voice acting (in 16-bit resolution), broke the lines down, and equalized them to sound clear. He also added some effects, such as voice over radio chatter, "by narrowing the bandwidth in the middle to high end".[3]
For Star Wars: Dark Forces he composed the musical score, designed all sound effects, and processed voice acting from his studio in San Rafael.[1]
The Dig frequently demanded a much subtler palette of sound effects than previous 8-bit projects, possible with the 12-bit audio CD technology. Except the familiar, but complex sounds like wind and surf, Bajakian incorporated gentle sounds as wind chimes and tinkling glass. Some effects had to be coordinated and blended with Michael Land's music.[2]
A hawk's cry was tweaked just a little to make a Cocytan seabird, sped up considerably to emulate insect chirping, and slowed down to contribute to an echoey cave's ambiance. By recording wind chimes, then fading the sound and looping it back on itself, Bajakian created the continuous high-pitched tone that denotes crystalline energy.[2]
Works[]
- Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis: composition[2]
- Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge: composition[2]
- Star Wars: X-Wing: sound effects[2]
- Day of the Tentacle: music[2]
- Sam & Max Hit the Road: complete music score[2]
- Star Wars: TIE FIghter: sound effects and some music[2]
- Star Wars: Dark Forces: sound effects and some music[2]
- Full Throttle: sound effects[2]
