**Neptum Studios:** Good afternoon, everyone! Today, we're sharing a very cool interview with Antonio Teoli, a renowned Brazilian composer of game soundtracks. Learn more about him and his work, and check out the site with information and portfolio! You’re going to love it!

**Neptum Studios:** Hi, Teoli! Thank you so much for joining us. Tell us a bit about yourself—what do you do, where do you work?

**Antonio Teoli:** Hi! I’m Antonio Teoli, and I’ve been composing game soundtracks since 2002 and 2003, when I started my first professional work at Devworks, one of the leading companies at the time. Currently, I work in two places: in my private studio, where I provide services for various game companies, and at We Love Quiz, where I serve as Audio Director and, for some games, as Creative Director.

**Neptum Studios:** When did you discover your passion for soundtracks?

**Antonio Teoli:** Music has always been present in my life. I started studying classical piano at 7 and, at 12, I joined an orchestra as a tuba player. At 15, I began playing classical guitar and electric guitar. Since then, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in music for games. When I decided to study professionally in 2002, my goal was clear: to make music for games!

**Neptum Studios:** What courses did you take in the musical field? Are there any courses specifically for game soundtracks?

**Antonio Teoli:** For a long time, I studied on my own, as I didn’t get along well with traditional music teachers. I started studying classical music intensely at 12 when I joined an orchestra. At 15, I took guitar courses with various local teachers. In 2003, I enrolled in the Design of Games course at Anhembi Morumbi, the first in Brazil, to understand game creation. In 2008, I studied at the Conservatory of Music in Florianópolis with Hique D'Avilla and Denis Warren, and in 2012, I studied Game Composition at Berklee. In Brazil, I’m not aware of any courses specifically for game soundtracks, but the Design of Games course covers it in a general way.

**Neptum Studios:** How was the development of your first professional work as a composer? How did you feel?

**Antonio Teoli:** My first professional work was in April 2013, for a Flash game involving a funny character on a skateboard collecting items. It was a funny and interesting experience. Initially, I was thrilled with the soundtrack, but after a few more games at Devworks, I realized how much more I had to learn. Each new project brought more knowledge and experience.

**Neptum Studios:** Tell us a bit about your main works composing game soundtracks.

**Antonio Teoli:** My most notable works include the game *Taikodom* and *Second Life*. These were the largest projects where I could put my all into using various interactive audio techniques and thousands of sound effects. Currently, I have many ongoing projects, including two mobile games that I’m very satisfied with. I’m also working on a game that became a hit, for which I recreated the entire soundtrack from scratch.

**Neptum Studios:** Which of your works do you find most satisfying and why?

**Antonio Teoli:** Satisfaction is relative to various factors like quality, development time, and budget. For me, *Taikodom* was very satisfying, but it didn’t end up the way I wanted in the final game. Currently, I’m most satisfied with two mobile games coming out soon and one project for a game that has already been released and is a hit. These projects, considering all factors, have made me very happy with the results.

**Neptum Studios:** When and why did you decide to open your own music production company? What is your daily routine like?

**Antonio Teoli:** I decided to start my own company because my name was already associated with game music in Brazil. Now, I’m planning a partnership with a sound designer to open a new company. My daily routine is quite dynamic: I start my day playing guitar, violin, and piano for at least an hour. Then, depending on my schedule, I work on projects for We Love Quiz or my studio, attend meetings, and meet clients and partners. I enjoy the variety and dynamism of my work.

**Neptum Studios:** Which other game composers, Brazilian or otherwise, do you admire most and would like to collaborate with (or have you already worked with)?

**Antonio Teoli:** I admire many Brazilian composers, though it’s hard to measure their work due to the quality of many games. Notable composers I admire include Koji Kondo, Jun Senoue, Harry Gregson Williams, and others. My reference has always been more towards classical and film composers, as my musical style aligns with creating specific emotional moments rather than following traditional loops.

**Neptum Studios:** What is your dream production in terms of game music?

**Antonio Teoli:** My dream has always been to have a full orchestra performing one of my compositions. Although I’ve recorded with some orchestra musicians and used samples, a live performance has always been a goal. However, the greatest dream is knowing that someone played a game I worked on and that my soundtrack was crucial to their experience. This kind of recognition is the highest reward in my career.

**Neptum Studios:** What advice would you give to those looking to enter the soundtrack field in Brazil? Do you think the country has a promising future for this career? What advancements, based on your experience, have you seen in the national market?

**Antonio Teoli:** Like any field in games, it requires a lot of hard work and dedication. It’s essential to be open to new ideas, manage your ego, and stay focused on your goals. Brazil has a promising future for soundtrack careers, and the market is continually evolving. With effort and passion, success is achievable in this field.

**Neptum Studios:** Thank you so much, Teoli, for the interview and for sharing your experience with us!

**Antonio Teoli:** Thank you for the opportunity!