Grant Kirkhope resigns from Rare
 

This Friday is his last day, leaving both the soundtracks to Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts and Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise as his last work at the company.

His MySpace post:

Grant's music is the reason I got into game music a decade ago, and remains as one of my favourite composers in the field. Good luck in your future endeavors, Grant.

Did he say why he resigned?

Oh man, this sucks :(. I have to agree that his is some of my favorite music. Does anyone know if he is going to work freelance, like Uematsu, or just quit composing in general? I hope it's not the latter.

He'll be missed. Hopefully he continues composing (perhaps freelance, as Audiophile said).

He's joining Big Huge Games as Audio Director. Link.

Audio Director, huh? I take it that means he won't be composing as much? More of a supervisory role?

It could be, but many audio directors still compose in addition to doing SFX and voice direction. Alexander Brandon and Zak Belica come to mind; I'm sure there are others.

Still, good on him for wanting to spread his wings a bit. I hope that there's more music to come from Kirkhope, as Viva Piñata really struck a chord with me.

I don't remember hearing anything from Grant recently that I liked. I think I care more about David Wise. Anyway, hopefully Grant's new job is more fruitful.

Well, that's a surprise. ._.

He was involved in some quite big bands. Learn more here.

One might even say "Kirkhopefully." :tpg:

(Please diss me, I deserve it.)

One diss, served cold, coming right up! :tpg:

Interview with RARE's Audio Team: Robin Beanland, Dave Wise and Steve Burke - includes more info on Grant's departure.