South Of Midnight’s Music Transforms Trauma Into A Soundtrack

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Video game soundtracks often don’t stand out unless they’re tied to meaningful or memorable points that create a lasting emotional impact, evoking anything from joy or sadness to pure hype or awe. South of Midnight by Compulsion Games manages to intertwine its narrative with its music and audio design in such a way that those unforgettable moments are numerous throughout its 10-12 hour storyline.

South of Midnight takes place in a fantasy version of the American Deep South, and it’s full of characters and creatures who have lived through tragic events. You play as Hazel–a Weaver who can see ghosts and learn from the past through memories. Hazel helps address and heal others’ emotional wounds through a bit of magic and a lot of understanding. As the details behind characters’ hardships unfold, their trauma transforms into pieces of music that reinforce the game’s themes and live on long after the credits roll.

I spoke to lead composer Olivier Derivière and audio director Christopher Fox in two separate interviews to learn more about what went into South of Midnight’s tremendous music and audio design.