NOTE: This is just one person’s opinions and observations! If you have anything you disagree with or any additional thoughts, I welcome you to reblog with them!
Robert Blaker: Often very “big”, with large ensembles combining orchestral and electronic elements in an intense and energetic way. “Raw power” are the first words that come to mind. Also makes electronic music outside of Homestuck, the influence of which can be heard in many contributions.
Michael Guy Bowman: Many later works involve his sonorous voice but are also characterized by very solid and satisfying musical forms. Favors a “band” setup (appropriate considering his musical activity outside Homestuck) with guitar, drums, keyboards and the like but also uses many more eclectic instruments and of course branches out entirely for less conventional pieces but can still be recognized due to his knack for melody.
Malcolm Brown: Very big on the styles from classic games, in particular having a sound reminiscent of RPG’s. Loves choir, organs, and large orchestras. Is responsible for many hard-hitting “epic orchestral” pieces in Homestuck while retaining their classic game feel. Has also contributed many tunes that are classics specific to Homestuck, such as its first tune, “Showtime”.
George Buzinkai: Many of his works have a PXTONE or 8-bit sound, and are also highly inspired by old games. Is capable of incredibly moving melodies and chord progressions that are characterized by their simplicity, which is definitely to their benefit. Has laid the groundwork for countless Homestuck pieces with his tune, “Doctor”. Can say so much with so little.
Joren “Tensei” de Bruin: Known for very solid production values, particularly in his ability to compose for rock-based instrumentation. Plays guitar which is featured prominently in his tracks, which can accurately be described as “kickass” and follow the stylistic features of rock. Also branches out into very defined “style” pieces such as “Elevatorstuck” and “She’s a Sp8der”. Is very skilled at adapting to the stylistic restraints he imposes on himself when doing so.
Tyler Dever: Has a love for more classical and concert methods of composing, having written for solo piano and orchestra but also has influence from game music like many other contributors. Likes challenging conventions and doing his own thing. Big emphasis on notation and having music performed outside the electronic context you have probably heard it in. Loves hemiolas.
Thomas “EidolonOrpheus” Ferkol: Primarily an orchestral composer, with some elements or rock mixed in. Also a guitar player, and electric guitar makes it into a fair amount of his work. Favors long-form pieces and developing beautiful textures, often with instruments in the orchestra.
Toby “Radiation” Fox: Usually characterized by a flair for melody and taking inspiration from classic game music, but has delved into many different styles. His more energetic pieces tend to feature complex melodic and rhythmic layering, resulting in exciting and satisfying climaxes. Loves making “Radiation guitar” parts, which are not necessarily realistic sounding but very expressive and fun nonetheless. Is capable of a wide range of styles but his ear for melody and finding compelling, slightly unconventional chord progressions can give him away.
Mark Hadley: Probably has the most “classic Homestuck” sound, having been more active during that time and possessing a more simplistic style in general. Is capable both of strong, simple melodies and equally strong ambient work, such as “Blackest Heart”. Very gifted with his use of leitmotif, having written “Harlequin”, one of the most recognizable old Homestuck themes, and adapted it several times himself.
Jeremy Iamurri: Has a primarily electronic style, but has also branched out and combined it with orchestral instruments. Most of his work is on the longer side and many of his compositions are slower paced, exploring many electronic timbres and textures. Has very strong production values, particularly with his knowledge of mastering and synthesizers.
David Ko: Has written the most “silly” Homestuck music, and the word is used in a very positive sense. Almost all his music has a large sense of fun and is either bouncy or driven by energetic melodies. He always has an edge of quirkiness to his music, even in his barbershop arrangement of “I’m a Member of the Midnight Crew”.
Robert J! Lake: Has a more eclectic style which sometimes resembles pop music and other times is unique to the point where it cannot be accurately described. Often manipulates samples and electronics to create interesting soundscapes and melodies which have the power to make his otherwise tonal music somewhat ambiguous in a really strange and fascinating way.
Seth “Beatfox” Peelle: Is capable of very musically emulating real instruments and has very solid music in all its qualities, including arrangement, form, and production. All his music feels very “orchestrated” even if it does not have that instrumentation, owing to the fact that he really knows how instruments and timbres fit together. Is capable of transforming other composers’ already amazing work into masterpieces, for example, “Alternia”.
Clark “Plazmataz” Powell: Known for both electronic and acoustic-sounding music, is perhaps most characterized by his incredibly creative production techniques to give his music subtle, but very effective sounds. Plays the cello, which pops up in several of his tracks.
Alexander Rosetti: Grew up on a farm knowing naught but the sweet serenades of the horses around him. Is only capable of communicating by imitating the calls of animals.
Erik “Jit” Scheele: A piano man, through and through. Has formal education in composition, and it shows in his refined technique in both arranging and form. Piano has a heavy presence in many of his works, sometimes even being played by him. Capable of a very sweet, personal sound that has the intimacy one would expect of a piano player.
Bill Bolin: It is said that if you chant his name into a mirror three times he will appear and flip you the bird.
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I tried to focus on team members who were still active/have made regular and frequent contributions to Homestuck albums. Sorry if I missed anyone!
THIS IS REALLY COOL
Mr. Rosetti is a very chill guy
being described as “cannot be accurately described” is basically the most beautiful thing anyone has ever said about me
if only it were true~
(Source: albatrossthesoup)
