Bentley Jones interview by Spindash.de (March 11, 2009)
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This is an interview conducted by a member of Spindash.de, with Bentley Jones. Originally this was posted on Spindash.de but it was translated to english for a TSSZ News feature.
The Interview
Spindash.de: Please introduce yourself and how you came in touch with our beloved hedgehog!
Bentley Jones: Okay… my name’s Bentley Jones (although some Sonic folk may know me by my real name!) and my first experience of Sonic was waaaaaay back in ‘91 when I used to play Sonic 1 at my friend’s house all the time. I’ve been a fan ever since! The first game I worked on was ‘Shadow’ which happened purely by accident when Jun got hold of some of my music.
Spindash.de: With the song “Dreams of An Absolution” you became famous in the international Sonic Scene - How was your feedback after the game’s release? Did the work with Senoue-san provide you some new employment opportunities?
Bentley Jones: I think everyone was surprised with the feedback from DOAA - myself included! ‘Sonic 2006′ had some really big artists on its soundtrack and there was lil’ ol’ me dropped into the middle of it all. I was shocked by how popular it was and Sonic Team were pretty impressed too. It certainly helped me and my music reach a wide range of different people in a very short space of time.
Spindash.de: How much do you actually know about the game character “Silver the Hedgehog”? Has someone from SEGA or the Sonic Team ever shown you him?
Bentley Jones: Hehe! I know an awful lot! (^___^) I’m still a big fan of the series. When I was working on ‘Sonic 2006′ I was introduced to Silver in the very early stages. But now I’ve also played the game too! It’s safe to say I’m fairly attached to the little guy.
Spindash.de: Have you considered working or remixing some older Sonic music tracks for your fans or an upcoming game?
Bentley Jones: I’d love to do something for another Sonic game, of course! Even though I’m pretty busy right now I still try my best to give as much back to the fans as possible. You never know what might be ahead…!
Spindash.de: How would you describe your music style? Is there any style you really do not want to be compared to?
Bentley Jones: I get compared to a lot of different people… sometimes I can see the comparison and then other times I just don’t understand it! But I always take it as a compliment because the people I’m compared to are already doing what I want to be doing. So even if their music is something I don’t like I can still respect them for what they have achieved and what I want to achieve myself. As for my style… it’s constantly changing depending on the projects I’m involved in!! ^^ At the moment I’d say it’s a blend of electro-dance-pop.
Spindash.de: Can you give us a insight about your collaborations with Jun Senoue? Is he a perfectionist? How critical is he in reality?
Bentley Jones: I don’t really know because he gave me so much freedom with the work I’ve done for Sonic. And I haven’t really had any critical feedback from him either. But I find most musicians are perfectionists and since Jun is a great musician I’d imagine he’s no exception! ^^
Spindash.de: How did the Summer of Sonic-Version of “His World” come to be? Did (The Sonic Stadium) staff just asked you for it? Can we expect to see the track on a possible upcoming Best-Of Album (True Blue 2?)
Bentley Jones: The idea came about while I was talking with the organizers and it just sort of went from there. I’m not sure about it appearing on an album - I like to think of it as a gift from me to the community and I think that maybe it should stay that way.
Spindash.de: Do you keep an eye on the Sonic Community? Are you covertly registered in a Sonic forum, for instance?
Bentley Jones: Haha!! I’m not registered on any forums but I do try to keep up with everything that’s going on. I touch base with some of the community sites and check out the SEGA sites and blogs too when I have time.
Spindash.de: Since this interview will be read by Sonic Fans, is there something you want to tell them?
Bentley Jones: Just thank you for all your support! ^^ I know I keep saying it, but being a fan myself it means a lot to me. Hopefully if I can make it, I might see you all again at SOS 2009!! …oh, and please check out the new album… (^____^#)