Being my first real attempt at making music in a DAW, Underground City is perhaps less refined than my other music. However, I think it is an important indicator of my progress both musically and technically. Underground City came well before Sunset Beach and Just Another Day, and I think the progress is quite evident.

Underground City was also my first time trying to write a piece of music for a specific city. Some friends and I had been working on a project (sadly unfinished) where we would make a video game and it was my job to write its music. Our starting level was going to be a huge, cavernous underground city (never given a proper name) and, well, this is what turned up! Were I to re-write this I would certainly change quite a bit, but nonetheless, I am proud of what I consider a first step in many aspects.

Underground City follows an overall AB form, written to be able to repeat endlessly as needed (shown in the video). A feature like that is often necessary in video game tracks so the player is not suddenly without music when staying in one place for too long. The contrast between the sections gives the piece some much-needed motion and a sense of direction while retaining its large, open atmosphere.

Prior to the composition of this piece I did much research into other games cave based tracks. The prime example I was inspired by was the cave theme from Yoshi's Island, which makes use of constant planing between the I and ii chords. This kind of feel I tried to emulate in my own track while using synths with a plethora (maybe too much?) reverb to reinforce the sprawling, cavernous nature of the piece and setting.