Gordy Haab: “Soundtrack Festivals Are A Chance For People To Step Into A World Previously Held By The Classical Elite”

Forbes - Mar 26th, 2025

Gordy Haab, a renowned composer for video game soundtracks, recently showcased his work at the inaugural London Soundtrack Festival. Known for composing music for games based on major film franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, Haab faces the immense pressure of living up to the iconic works of his hero, John Williams. Despite this challenge, Haab has successfully carved out his own style, blending inspiration from Williams with his unique flair. His latest work, showcased at the festival, was met with rapturous applause, highlighting his significant contribution to the evolving landscape of video game music.

The London Soundtrack Festival marks a growing trend in the UK, where orchestral concerts featuring soundtracks from films, TV shows, and video games have become increasingly popular. According to a report by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, these concerts now make up over 50% of all gigs in the country. Haab attributes this rise to the deep emotional connection players form with video games, as well as the diverse audiences these events attract. He sees these festivals as a chance for broader audiences to appreciate the artistry in game music, previously confined to classical music elites, and believes this trend will continue to grow as gaming becomes a more integral part of cultural experiences.

Indiana Jones Star Wars Gordy Haab John Williams London Soundtrack Festival Video Game Music Orchestral Concerts

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides an insightful look into Gordy Haab's career and the growing trend of video game music in orchestral settings. It is well-written and engaging, with a clear structure and accessible language. The story accurately portrays Haab's experiences and the significance of the London Soundtrack Festival, though some statistical claims require further verification. The article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and more transparent sourcing to enhance its credibility and impact. Overall, it effectively captures the reader's interest and highlights a relevant cultural trend, but it lacks the depth and diversity needed to provoke significant discussion or influence broader cultural shifts.

Accuracy

The story accurately portrays Gordy Haab's career and his connection to John Williams, as well as his work on video game music for franchises like *Star Wars* and *Indiana Jones*. The details about his first project, *Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings*, align with known facts about his career. The London Soundtrack Festival's description and Haab's participation are plausible, though specific details about the event's inaugural nature and the festival's program would benefit from further verification. The claim about orchestral concerts featuring soundtracks making up more than 50% of all gigs in the UK since 2018 is significant and requires confirmation from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's report. Overall, the story presents a truthful and precise account, but some statistical claims need additional verification.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view of Gordy Haab's career and the challenges he faces in composing music for iconic franchises. It highlights both his admiration for John Williams and his desire to maintain his unique style, offering insights into his creative process. However, the article could include more perspectives on the broader impact of video game music on the industry or audience viewpoints on the diversity of orchestral concert attendees. The focus remains primarily on Haab's experiences, which, while insightful, limits the breadth of perspectives explored.

Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear and logical structure that guides the reader through Gordy Haab's career and the significance of the London Soundtrack Festival. The language is accessible, and the narrative is engaging, making complex topics like music composition and industry trends easy to understand. The use of direct quotes from Haab adds to the article's clarity, providing personal insights that enrich the reader's understanding.

Source quality

The article primarily relies on quotes from Gordy Haab, providing a first-hand account of his experiences and thoughts. While this offers authenticity, it lacks a diverse range of sources that could provide additional context or corroborate claims, such as industry experts or data from music festivals. The absence of external sources or references to reports, especially concerning the statistical claims about concert trends, slightly undermines the reliability of the article.

Transparency

The article provides clear context about Gordy Haab's career and his connection to John Williams, but it lacks transparency regarding the sources of its statistical claims, such as the report from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The methodology behind the statistics and the selection of Haab's quotes is not explained, leaving readers without a clear understanding of how these conclusions were reached. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the article's credibility.