- Written by David Knox
- BBC Scotland Selkirk
Siobhan's Planet of Lana song shortlisted for Best Original Song at the Game Audio Network Guild Awards
Songwriter Siobhan Wilson will fly the flag for Scotland – and women – at the International Games Oscars later this week.
The Borders-based musician has been named a finalist for Best Original Song at the Game Audio Network Guild (GANG) Awards in San Francisco.
Siobhan's Planet of Lana song has already earned her a commission for a full score for another video game.
She said, “I'm so excited just to be able to participate in the GANG Awards.”
image source, Siobhan Wilson
Siobhan with the Proclaimers on tour in 2018
While women are underrepresented as active songwriters, with the latest statistics from copyright organization PRS showing that around 17 per cent of its members are women, there is a gender disparity in video game composition. The imbalance is even more striking, with women accounting for just over 2 percent.
Siobhan said: “I am so proud to represent female game composers.
“Across the music industry in general, songwriters, composers, and producers are roles that are primarily held by men, and video game composers, who are women, are even less so.
“For me, this is why it is so important that I continue to strive to be as good or better than the men around me in the same job.”
Siobhan's song Horizons is featured in the game Planet of Lana
Before lockdown, Siobhan was one of the country's rising music stars, releasing several critically acclaimed albums and touring with the likes of Suzanne Vega and The Proclaimers.
With no opportunities to perform or earn money during the pandemic, she focused on learning sound engineering and film music composition for movies and video games at home.
Moving from Glasgow to the cheaper rents of the Scottish Borders allowed her to build a home studio and use the countryside for inspiration.
From her apartment in Coldstream, Siobhan's orchestration began to attract interest, and she was approached by Los Angeles-based TV, film and game composer Takeshi Furukawa to contribute original music to his project Planet of Lana. I was invited.
Her song “Horizons” was named a finalist for this month's GANG Awards, along with songs from video games such as Mortal Kombat 1 and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
Siobhan was asked to write the full soundtrack for The Heirloom
Siobhan, a classically trained cellist and pianist, said: “Last year was a very exciting year for me.
“Attending the ceremony will be great for my career as I will be able to meet other composers, directors and game companies.
“I have already created the entire score for a new game called The Heirloom and I am very happy with it.”
Siobhan Wilson and her dog MacTavish
Siobhan credits much of her recent success to her new rural environment in the Scottish Borders and her dog MacTavish.
She added: “I’ve written some of my best work since I moved here.
“Whenever you want, you have this wonderful sense of isolation. It's a place that inspires you to go out and walk through MacTavish and come back with ideas and melodies.”
Local agency South of Scotland Enterprise has provided business support and advice to help her continue her work at Coldstream while building its international reputation.
Jayne Murdoch offers advice and support to Siobhan as she embarks on a new career
Jayne Murdoch, the group's women's coach, hopes Siobhan will be an inspiration to others looking to pursue a career in the music industry.
She explained: “The more we can get people like Siobhan to come and work here, the better.
“Siobhan has quickly become part of the community and can act as a role model for others in the creative industry.
“She showed me that there is so much more you can do with music than just joining a band and playing a concert.”
The UK Interactive Entertainment Association is the trade association for the video games industry.
The company said it is taking several initiatives to improve opportunities for women within the industry.
A spokesperson told BBC Scotland News: “Building an equal, diverse and inclusive games industry is a key priority for the UK games sector.”
“We actively encourage gaming companies participating in this pledge to continue striving to deliver on their promise, but more importantly, to become more inclusive through every aspect of their business. and incorporate efforts to build a strong workforce.”
The 22nd Annual GANG Awards will be held Thursday during the International Game Developers Conference.
