Frogster, TERA's European publisher, sent us an exclusive interview with the duo behind the game's music. Read on for a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process!

While TERA's action-based combat is an important aspect of the game, the music helps give the world of Arborea a life of its own. Frogster, the game's European publisher, sent us an exclusive interview with Inon Zur and Rod Aldernthy, the duo behind the music of TERA. They explain how they worked with developer Bluehole Studio to compose the game's music and discuss the creative process.

Just to avoid any confusion, we'd like to reiterate that Frogster is publishing TERA in Europe, while En Masse Entertainment is handling the publishing duties in North America. Now that we've gotten that clarification out of the way, check out the Q&A with TERA's composers after the jump!

Introduction to TERA's Composers

Renowned composers Inon Zur and Rod Aldernthy, of music production studio Sonar Eclipse, are the composing duo behind the music of TERA. Working together with developer Bluehole Studio, the two have used their experience in the industry to create one of the richest and most diverse soundtracks ever created for a videogame.

The pair started work on the project in early 2009 after receiving a brief from Bluehole Studio, which detailed the kind of sound that they envisioned for TERA. Working with the brief, as well as numerous in-game assets, Inon and Rod’s first task was to create the compositions. When this had been completed, and a basic digital version of the compositions assembled, Bluehole Studio began looking for a recording studio and orchestra to play the arrangements.

Once the live orchestra recording had been completed the next stage was to record the various solo instruments used in the score; instruments such as the guitar, oboe, flute, violin, cello and trumpet. Given the precise nature of the work, and the amount of concentration required from the musician and recording team, this stage of production can be particularly intensive.

When the composing and recording process is complete, the mixing stage begins. In this stage of production all of the tracks recorded are combined into one, which then enters the mastering stage where the track is balanced to ensure that no one instrument overpowers another. Once this is done, the track is complete. In total the process involves around 70 people, including composers, audio engineers and orchestra players.

Below, Inon and Rod talk more about the creative processes behind the sound of TERA.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves and your role on TERA?

Inon: We’re the two composers behind the sound of TERA.  I’ve been in the industry for quite some time now and have worked on a lot of videogame soundtracks.  I guess you could say my sound is known for being quite emotive and evocative of the fantasy genre and the general tone associated with that genre.

Rod: I’ve composed for a range of visual media, from videogames and television to advertising.  I would say I’m known for blending quite a lot of musical styles into one seamless piece of music.

Which orchestra played the composition?  Have they played any other music for videogames?

Rod: The TERA soundtrack was played by the North West Sinfornia Orchestra.  For the last few years they have played Xbox 360 and PS3 game music, which is famous in North America and Europe.

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