..: Score Central Special Features - Part One: The Music of   Bill Brown   & Interview :..

In Score Centrals Special Feature for August, we have prepared a lengthy feature. This month we take a look at the music of composer Bill Brown. Along with this feature are some of his works, we also were able to score an interview with the man himself - Bill Brown. We had been working on this feature for quite a bit of time and it gives us great pleasure to honor the amount of work Bill has done for the industry of gaming, television, and film.

For every title, beside a number - click to hear FULL tracks from the project.


1. Anachronox

Some might have called it a project that was already doomed. Anachronox was another game that was developed by Ion Storm that didn't ultimately live up to its reputation. For Anachronox, Bill has incorporated great piano solo pieces that help along the process of the somewhat linear game play. The mixture of woodwind synths, along with the piano playing is also a nice added touch.

2. Arcane Online

While, I've never played the game, the music that Bill has composed is very interesting. A mixture of ethnic instruments, along with some light chorus and soloists. Certainly, not one of Bill's most memorable projects, however, the array of sounds he has incorporated is something that should be noted!

3. Disney's Villain's Revenge

Overall, this is just a simply FUN and lovable piece of work. What would you expect from a Disney game, though? The main theme is light and the music throughout, at times, is humorous.

4. Tom Clancy: Ghost Recon

I've always been a fan of Bill's action music. And with Ghost Recon, you get some of his best action material! There are times when the score blasts with repeated action, and then there are the more somber and heroic moments, where you just want to start singing your national anthem!

5. Quake II

When people think of the Quake line of games, they automatically think of the crazy-fast paced action that is happening on screen. However, when I think of Quake, I always remember the music by Bill Brown. Especially, the Opening cut scene, which features an excellent military-type action cue, which sadly, has yet to be released.

6. Tom Clancy: Rainbow Six & Rogue Spear

These two projects are probably Bill's most memorable of projects. Seriously, these two scores simply just kick butt! It is debatable which Rainbow Six score will become your favorite, both are fine pieces of work. Both themes, are rich of texture and action. Some might note the resemblance of Hans Zimmer's music, but if you listen closer, you will find that there are some differences. And a friendly tip: the full score of Rogue Spear is available on the game CD-ROM!

7. Return to Castle Wolfenstein

Yes, the famous remake, of the classic corridor FPS shooter. Once you hear the opening cinematic music, you're going to want to run out and try and find the music, I know I did. Unlike some of Bill's works, RTCW seems much darker and full of dissonance - within good reason! It features more of the newest music composed by Bill and once again, it is Bill composing his best!

8. Scorcher

Really, Scorcher was a complete surprise to me. This is one of Bill's most recent film projects, hence why it sounds much larger in scope. For the Main Titles, Bill features a heavy percussive beat, along with seemingly aggressive synths. And if that isn't enough, the score also features some great chorus work. The End Credits are even more of a joy to listen to. Instead of the aggressive approach in the Main Titles, Bill has written some lovely music for the End Credits. Indeed, this is a most unexpected, but enjoyable piece of work.

9. Timeline

Timeline features one of Bill's most enjoyable themes, in my opinion. The theme is fully stated with strings with a very elegant sound. The game Timeline was based off the book, with the same title. Lots of thematic and moving material can be found within the music to Timeline, which makes it one of my current favorites of Bill's.

10. Clive Barker's Undying

Clive Barker + Bill Brown = A match made in heaven. Was it just luck that the two of these people got together? And delivered not only just one of the most enjoyable and scary games of the year, but also one of the most enjoyable and scary scores of the year. The music in the trailer worked perfectly and equally, the music within the game works like a dream. Full orchestral sound and live chorus, and great synths along with it. Hands down, this is Bill's best work.

11. Windows XP Tour

The first time I went to Microsoft's site to learn more about Windows XP, I had visited the tour section of the site. I was very impressed with the music playing along. It took me months to find out who composed the music, but when I did find out it was none other than Bill Brown, I wasn't surprised, for some reason. The music is played with a small orchestra, and it features a more modern type of sound.

Part Two: An Interview with Bill Brown

Listen to Four Exclusive "Undying" Cues - Never Before Released

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 Bill Brown Music

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