Austin Harley

Age:  25
Hometown:  Florida
Studying:  Psychology
Instruments:  Flute
Video Games:  Final Fantasy, Metroid, Star Ocean 2, Conflict
Musical Influences: 50’s, 70's, 80's, 90's , Classical, Country Rock, and Video Game Music

How I Started Playing:
Friends in high school all played, and my friends Jamie Verge and Kelly Searls in particular played flute. I also chose it because the sounds in the mid and low registers are amazing.

Obscure vs. Popular Music:
We pretty much play whichever songs we really love to listen to from games. Popularity doesn't factor in much.

Video Game Music As High Art:
It is as valid as any cover song in my opinion. And there are some amazing cover songs out there that are definitely high art. Life's all about variations on similar themes.

Online Mixing Sites:
They're awesome, a great place for people to go and learn a new skill, hone existing ones, and create some great things in the process.

Other Game Bands:
Our style is pretty unique among a lot of existing video game bands. With a couple of exceptions (that I know of) we integrate classical instruments with the modern feel of electric guitar and arrange our songs to that effect. We also have no percussion (except that which is improvised in Eternal Wind) which changes the dynamic of our sound and playing. It also leads to our tempo fluctuating a bit more than other bands

Trend Towards Video Game Bands:
The music we grew up with lies on the radio and in video games, and wanting to reproduce that sound while making it your own is natural, just like any other strong influence you have early in life.