From Ocarinas to Epic Game Worlds
The journey of prominent Canadian composer Gabriel Plourde began with a childhood encounter that would shape his future: a tiny ocarina, the instrument that sparked a lifelong love affair with music. Nine-year-old Gabriel borrowed his first bit of melodic magic from a Legend of Zelda game and never turned back. That early spark grew into a career that now intersects with one of the biggest names in interactive entertainment: Fortnite.
A New Chapter in Fortnite’s Soundscape
In a bold move that bridges indie roots and blockbuster production, Plourde has been tapped to write an original score for a newly unveiled Fortnite world. This is not merely background music; it is a storytelling tool, designed to guide players through new environments, heighten emotional moments, and deepen the sense of immersion that Fortnite fans have come to expect.
Why a Composer Like Plourde Fits
Plourde’s approach blends cinematic orchestration with the tactile energy of video game rhythm. His early experiences with the ocarina taught him the power of a single motif to evoke memory and mood. In the Fortnite context, that sensibility translates into themes that can loop and evolve as players explore sprawling landscapes, encounter quests, and interact with characters. The result is music that feels both intimate and expansive, a sonic signature that can adapt to fast-paced combat as well as quiet, introspective moments.
Crafting a Score for Interactive Play
Original scores for games like Fortnite require a delicate balance between musical storytelling and player agency. Plourde’s compositions are crafted to avoid overpowering the gameplay while still offering a distinct emotional arc. Themes are designed to be modular, allowing for variations depending on terrain, mission intensity, and in-game events. In practice, a single motif can reappear in multiple guises—from a light, airy variation to a heavier, more urgent rendition—so players feel a continuous, connected musical experience as they traverse the new world.
Collaboration, Culture, and Community
The project is also a story about collaboration. Plourde has spoken about working closely with game designers, sound engineers, and voice actors to ensure the score mirrors the narrative beats and environmental design of the new Fortnite world. For a musician rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of Edmundston, New Brunswick, the collaboration underscores how regional artists can contribute on a global stage, bringing Canadian sensibilities to a worldwide audience. 🇨🇦
What Players Can Expect
Listeners and players can anticipate a score that enhances exploration, fosters anticipation for discoveries, and heightens the drama of pivotal moments. The music will accompany sweeping vistas, bustling in-game hubs, and the quiet tension before a major showdown. In short, Plourde’s score promises to be as integral to the Fortnite experience as the environments themselves.
About Gabriel Plourde
From a childhood curiosity sparked by a video game flute to a professional career composing for interactive media, Gabriel Plourde embodies the modern composer who thrives at the intersection of art and technology. His work on the Fortnite world adds to a portfolio that includes diverse projects where melody, memory, and movement converge.
