Kevin shares his insight on his life scoring video games, animation and film. Listen to it below via Spotify or your favorite podcast platform.
Don’t have Spotify? Here is a general link:
https://rss.com/podcasts/score-this/3231424
Episode notes
In this episode of They Scored THIS, we sit down with acclaimed composer Kevin Manthei, whose dynamic and versatile musical career has left a lasting impression across film, television, animation, and video games.
Known for his ability to blend orchestral arrangements, electronic textures, atmospheric soundscapes, and intense rhythmic compositions, Manthei has developed a distinctive musical voice that brings emotion, energy, and personality to the worlds he helps create.
From the dark, sci-fi atmosphere of Invader Zim to the action-packed world of Ultimate Spider-Man, Manthei's work demonstrates an extraordinary range of musical storytelling. His contributions to video games, including Shattered, Dead to Rights, Kill Switch, City of Villains, Star Trek Online and Vampire: The Masquerade – Redemption, showcase his talent for creating memorable soundtracks that heighten tension, establish atmosphere, and immerse audiences in unforgettable experiences.
Throughout our conversation, we explore Manthei's journey into professional composition, the creative influences that shaped his musical identity, and the challenges of writing music for different storytelling mediums. We discuss his approach to developing themes, experimenting with instrumentation, balancing orchestral and electronic elements, and finding the right musical identity for each project.
Beyond the music itself, this conversation explores collaboration, creative experimentation, the evolution of music production technology, and the differences between scoring linear storytelling and interactive entertainment.
Whether you're a longtime admirer of Kevin Manthei's compositions, a fan of animation and video game soundtracks, or someone interested in the art of composing for visual media, this interview offers a fascinating look into the creativity and craftsmanship behind the music.
Join us on They Scored THIS as we celebrate the career, creativity, and musical legacy of Kevin Manthei—one of the versatile voices behind some of entertainment's most distinctive soundtracks.
