Josh LaCount sits down with Grammy-winning composer Gordy Haab, celebrated for his masterful scores in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Halo Wars 2, and Star Wars Battlefront. Haab recently joined Temple of Geek for an exclusive interview, sharing insights into his career, the creative process behind his scores, and his latest project: the symphonic soundtrack for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
Gordy Haab and His Lifelong Passion for Music
Haab grew up in Mechanicsville, Virginia, where his musical journey began under the influence of his guitar-playing father. Early exposure to iconic film scores, including John Williams’ compositions for E.T. and Star Wars, inspired Haab to pursue music. Starting as a trombonist, he transitioned to composing after being captivated by how music enhances storytelling in film and television.
“The first time I saw E.T., I remember going home and picking out the melodies on my dad’s guitar,” Haab recalled. This fascination with film music would ultimately shape his career.
From Fan Films to Blockbuster Scores
Haab’s career breakthrough came through a Star Wars fan film, Ryan vs. Dorkman. After scoring the short film, Lucasfilm took notice, leading to his first major video game project: Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings. Haab’s reputation snowballed, and he became a sought-after composer for high-profile franchises.
“Scoring Indiana Jones and the Great Circle feels like coming full circle,” he said. “The franchise that kickstarted my career has brought me back in a big way.”
Creating the Sound of The Great Circle
Haab’s approach to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle paid homage to the adventurous spirit of the franchise while incorporating his unique style. The game’s “Great Circle” theme uses a circular musical motif, reflecting the interconnected global points central to the game’s plot.
“I wrote a series of melodic steps that form a musical circle,” Haab explained. “It creates an endless loop, symbolizing the continuous journey of exploration.”
Haab also embraced a global recording process, working with orchestras in London’s Abbey Road Studios, Vienna, and Nashville to create the score’s diverse soundscape. Highlights include jazz-inspired pieces recorded with a big band, a nod to Indiana Jones’ mid-20th-century setting.
The Challenges of Video Game Scoring
Scoring for video games, Haab noted, differs significantly from composing for films. With games, the player’s choices dictate the pacing and direction of the music, requiring complex interactive compositions.
“It’s like writing a ‘choose your own adventure’ book but with music,” he explained. “You have to account for every possible outcome while ensuring the transitions feel seamless.”
Honoring John Williams While Finding His Voice
As a longtime fan of John Williams, Haab balances honoring the maestro’s legacy with injecting his personal aesthetic into the scores. “I weave in motifs from Williams’ Indiana Jones themes but reserve them for key cinematic moments,” he said. “It’s about finding the perfect balance between nostalgia and originality.”
A Composer’s Creative Philosophy
Haab’s commitment to traditional composition methods—starting with pencil and paper—helps him focus on the essence of music without technological distractions. “For me, the simplest way to get an idea out of my head is to write it down,” he said.
He also shared his love of experimenting with unconventional instruments, often crafting unique sounds for his scores. For Jedi: Survivor, he created a “bottle chime” instrument from water bottles, which became an integral part of the soundtrack.
Haab’s work on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a testament to his ability to merge innovation with tradition. His compositions not only honor the legacy of Indiana Jones but also inspire a new generation of fans and creators.
The soundtrack for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is now streaming on all major platforms, while the game is available for Xbox Series X|S and Windows, with a PlayStation 5 release set for next year.
