We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joris Hoogsteder. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joris below.

Joris, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I had the pleasure of co-producing the music and songs for the GRAMMY-nominated video game Stray Gods: A Role-Playing Musical. Growing up, I always composed music for theatre and musicals, and producing music for this video game felt like two worlds colliding, and was an absolute blast. “Stray Gods” is an RPG at heart, and players make choices that influence the scene’s outcome and story.

At the end of each big story beat, there is a large-scale song that the player plays through; these songs consist of many verses and choruses that can all change depending on the player’s choices. This sounds complicated, and it was! Think of it like this; at the end of each verse or chorus, the player is given a choice. This choice determines if the song stays on the same path (genre-wise, and narrative-wise) or if it branches off. If it branches off, the next verse will be significantly different and the player can branch off even further if they choose to.

Long story short, if the player was facing a 5-minute song in-game, we had to produce about 40-50 minutes of original music to account for each choice the player could make. This had truly never been done before and was a huge undertaking, but the result was very much worth it. We were able to make musical arrangements that flowed together seamlessly, as our mission was to make the songs feel as coherent as possible, even though the underlying framework was very complicated.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Joris Hoogsteder, a music producer and composer carving my niche in the industry. My journey into this world began with a childhood spent composing music for theatre and musicals. Fast forward, and I’ve found my sweet spot producing audio for video games, which includes everything from the background music to the sound effects you hear when you click a button. I also handle the technical side, ensuring those sounds and music happen exactly when they’re supposed to during gameplay.

I work with Moonwalk Audio, where I provide compositions, productions, synthesizer work, and percussion for a wide range of projects—from midcore casual games to AAA console titles. Some of my contributions include Arknights, Blizzard’s Overwatch, Disney Parks (Star Wars Hotel), Zynga Games (Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells, Poker, Game of Thrones Slots), LEGO Brawl (iOS), and many more.

I’m also fortunate to collaborate with the talented Austin Wintory, where we co-produced Stray Gods: A Role-Playing Musical. From crafting innovative synthesizer sounds to recording percussion, we’ve worked on numerous projects, including the latest LEGO Fortnite.

While much of my work leans into the electronic and orchestral realms—often sequenced in a DAW for media like films and games—there are rare moments when I get to work with a live orchestra. A recent highlight was contributing orchestral arrangements to the opening of Dota 2: The International, which you might have heard if you tuned into Valve’s esports event!

Each new project presents an opportunity to create something unique. I dive deep to find that one sound, whether it’s a synthesizer tone, a mangled recording, or a fresh chord progression. Collaboration is key for me—I firmly believe that the best music comes from bouncing ideas back and forth and refining them together.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, a very rewarding aspect of being a music producer and composer is the ability to craft unique sonic experiences that resonate with people. Whether it’s delving into the intricate choices of video game compositions or creating emotive soundscapes for films, the joy comes from connecting with audiences on a deep, emotional level. There’s something incredibly fulfilling in knowing that the music I produce has the power to enhance moments, evoke emotions, and become an integral part of someone’s experience. It’s about the shared journey of storytelling through sound, and that connection is what makes the creative process truly rewarding.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to keep collaborating with amazing people and working on a range of exciting projects, always pushing the limits of what’s possible. I love the challenge of creating unique sounds and music that help tell a story, whether it’s in video games, film, or live shows. I’m always experimenting with new synthesizer sounds, mixing electronic and acoustic elements, and finding that perfect musical vibe for each project.

What I love about working in video games is how different every project can be. It keeps things fresh and motivating—there’s always something new to learn. I’m all about collaboration, bouncing ideas around, and being part of a team that’s working toward something that’ll really connect with the audience. Ultimately, my goal is to keep growing as an artist, embracing new creative opportunities, and making music that leaves an impression.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jorisdaniel.com
• Instagram: the_jorisdaniel
• Facebook: jorish92
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joris-daniel-hoogsteder/