XVGM Radio artwork

XVGM Radio

185 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 30 ratings

Where the bits keep comin'

Video Games Leisure Music vgm videogamemusic xvgm vgmpodcast music videogames
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Episode 110 – Musical Therapy: An Interview w/ Norihiko Hibino

February 14, 2024 05:00 - 2 hours - 184 MB

Music touches all aspects of the soul. It’s a large part of what makes us human. In tough times or happy moments and everything in between, music can be therapy in many ways and video game music is no different. On today’s episode, we sit down for a chat with Norihiko Hibino and listen to … Read more "Episode 110 – Musical Therapy: An Interview w/ Norihiko Hibino"

Episode 109 – Emotional Damage VGM w/ Niko Tengoku

January 17, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 160 MB

It’s that time of year again! It’s January in a new year and as always with XVGM Radio, we bring in the big guns: NikoTengoku! Our old pal and honorary third co-host Niko joins us once again to ring in 2024 with a somber note: Emotional VGM. Whether the moments in the games touched our … Read more "Episode 109 – Emotional Damage VGM w/ Niko Tengoku"

Episode 108 – The NEC PC-FX

December 20, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 145 MB

In 1994, video game system manufacturers were just starting to shift into the realm of 3D-based video game consoles thanks to the fifth generation. But one company decided to continue building upon the legacy of 2D in the mid-90s with their final console release: NEC. The PC-FX was host to 62 games which utilized 2D … Read more "Episode 108 – The NEC PC-FX"

Episode 107 – Infernax w/ composer Jason Letourneau

November 22, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 138 MB

Though Halloween season is over, we’re still playing with gore! XVGM Radio sits down with VGM composer Jason Létourneau to discuss his music in the 8-bit modern retro classic, Infernax. Hear us grill Jason to learn about his process and how some of our favorite modern VGM composers helped him early in his game composing … Read more "Episode 107 – Infernax w/ composer Jason Letourneau"

Episode 106 – Spookyfest 2023

October 25, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 151 MB

They’reeeee bacccckkkkkk! The XVGM Radio boys are back for another haunting year of SPOOOOOOOOOOOOOKY songs to celebrate the holiday season! Join Mike and Justin on their 5th annual Spookyfest, complete with crowds cheering them on, buying Poltergust 4000 vacuums and gettin’ their sour pukes on! Two special Patrons make requests, the guys try their best … Read more "Episode 106 – Spookyfest 2023"

Episode 105 – The Musical History of Natsume Part 3

September 20, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 128 MB

Continued from Episodes 99 and 102, Mike and Justin close out the musical history of the developer, Natsume Co. Ltd. After the split between Natsume Co. Ltd. and Natsume Inc, Natsume Co. Ltd. would continue to work on developing games, mostly on the Super NES and eventually handhelds like the Game Boy Color. Here is … Read more "Episode 105 – The Musical History of Natsume Part 3"

Episode 104 – Shantae Tunes

August 16, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 140 MB

Wayforward’s Shantae on the Game Boy Color was the swansong release on the handheld and the beginning of a franchise in the making. Now, Shantae has not only blossomed into a 5 (soon to be 6) game series, but can be widely considered Queen of the indie game scene. One particular stand out in this … Read more "Episode 104 – Shantae Tunes"

Episode 103 – Video Pinball VGM

July 19, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 154 MB

PING! BLAM! DING-DING-DING-DING! CH-CHUNK! Pinball certainly has some exciting sounds. Video pinball brings the experience of pinball home to consoles, PCs or on the go. But what rarely gets discussed by video pinball aficionados is how great the music is in these games. Today, we’re getting our flippers ready to beam 11 exciting tracks up … Read more "Episode 103 – Video Pinball VGM"

Episode 102 – The Musical History of Natsume Part 2: Natsume Inc.

June 21, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 138 MB

Continued from Episode 99, Mike and Justin hit the dusty trail of Natsume’s musical history for a second time to uncover the North American-based publishing (and sometimes development) side of the company. Splitting from Natsume Co. Ltd. in 1995, Natsume Inc. began publishing a wide variety of games mostly in North America. From tales of … Read more "Episode 102 – The Musical History of Natsume Part 2: Natsume Inc."

Episode 101 – Elevator Action Returns

May 24, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 125 MB

Step into the world of Elevator Action Returns: A place full of guns, explosions and most importantly…elevators! Justin and Mike climb back into the world of Taito’s in house band, Zuntata; more specifically Yasuhisa Watanabe’s stellar soundtrack for this exciting sequel to the original arcade classic, Elevator Action. From funk elements to jazz and light … Read more "Episode 101 – Elevator Action Returns"

Episode 100 – Request Hotline

April 19, 2023 05:00 - 2 hours - 176 MB

WE DID IT! 100 EPISODES OF XVGM RADIO! We’re still thrilled to be able to bring you engaging topics and themes, a wide variety of VGM related guests and of course, fun wacky times with a dash of game music knowledge. Thanks so much for listening to our little show! In celebration, we decided to … Read more "Episode 100 – Request Hotline"

Episode 99 – The Musical History of Natsume (Part 1)

March 15, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 179 MB

It’s Technostasy! Since 1987, Natsumi, a company created by ex-Konami employees, has been one of the best developers from the 8 and 16 bit eras of gaming. However, their history has been muddled by confusing ownership and history to the common fan. Today on XVGM Radio, Mike and Justin uncover the truth behind Natsume’s story … Read more "Episode 99 – The Musical History of Natsume (Part 1)"

Episode 98 – Arwing Odyssey w/ Ro Panuganti

February 14, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 188 MB

Star Fox 64 is sometimes viewed as the evolution in the Star Fox franchise’s musical journey. But with this more cinematic orchestral vision, the sounds of a more popular style of music has disappeared. But with musician Ro Panuganti’s prowess, Arwing Odyssey is born. A Progressive Metal thematic voyage through most of Star Fox 64’s … Read more "Episode 98 – Arwing Odyssey w/ Ro Panuganti"

Episode 97 – Super Famicom Japan Exclusives w/ NIKOTENGOKU

January 18, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 138 MB

New Year! New Episode! Starting off 2023, our 5th year as a podcast, we’re joined once again by our good pal, NikoTengoku! The Super Famicom (or as we know it outside of Japan, the Super NES) is host to a COLOSSAL list of excellent game soundtracks, but the Japan exclusive stuff usually gets overlooked. Niko … Read more "Episode 97 – Super Famicom Japan Exclusives w/ NIKOTENGOKU"

Episode 96 – Slayin’ 2 with composer Matt Creamer

December 28, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 141 MB

Matt Creamer (AKA Norrin Radd) has been one of our favorite guests (and composers) for some time now, but he’s been holding back from us. He’s unleashed his final musical form in the mold of Slayin’ 2’s original soundtrack and it is A BANGER/ROCKER! Now it’s time for you to feast your ears on over … Read more "Episode 96 – Slayin’ 2 with composer Matt Creamer"

Episode 95 – PS2/PSP VGM Memories

November 30, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 153 MB

It’s well known that Sony’s Playstation 2 dominated sales during the 6th generation of gaming. However, this was also during the era where Sony attempted to take on the task of toppling Nintendo’s handheld juggernaut abilities. Enter the Sony Playstation Portable, Sony’s first major foray into the handheld market. Many games from the PS2 were … Read more "Episode 95 – PS2/PSP VGM Memories"

Episode 94 – SpooOOookyfest 2022

October 26, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 141 MB

It’s that spooooooooooky time of year again! Celebrate Halloween with the video game music podcast hostesses with the mostestes….that’s a word. Justin and Mike host Spookyfest each year and now that they’re back to their normal outdoor festival activity, you’re in for a fright of a good time! From discussions of Peanuts characters becoming VGM … Read more "Episode 94 – SpooOOookyfest 2022"

October Patreon Live Recording – 2022

October 22, 2022 13:55

It’s that time of the year! SPOOKYFEST 2022 is just around the corner! What better way to warm up to the ice cold chill of the crisp autumn air than to join us for the VIP BACkSTAGE PASS, exclusive for Patreon members! Mike and Justin wax malarky while discussing the finer points of Nintendo 3DS Capcom sales, Scooby Doo movie sexiness, and Dracula themed hentai…all while chatting up the usual musical references to Tim Burton movie soundtrack whimsy. Justin pokes fun at Mike as he picks one of...

September Patreon Live Recording – 2022

September 23, 2022 15:00

The XVGM Radio boys had to plan this live show VERY late, so the theme here is….FREE PICKS! Mike went with stuff he’s been playing and Justin grabbed an assortment of songs he’d been wanting to play for a while. What follows is an exciting conversation about mobile gaming, digital vs physical purchases, how season passes could be affected in the next 15 years, paid content versus DLC, along with some absolute BANGERS. We even threw in a last minute outro after conversing about the song during...

Episode 93 – X-Men Game Music w/ Carlos from Heroes Three

September 14, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 159 MB

Marvel Comics’ X-Men series is a franchise that means a lot to millions all over the planet. In the 90s, it was the pinnacle of X-citing, engaging storytelling coupled with a major media boost thanks to the comics, collectible cards, Saturday morning cartoons and of course, video games. On today’s episode of XVGM Radio, Mike … Read more "Episode 93 – X-Men Game Music w/ Carlos from Heroes Three"

August Patreon Live Recording – 2022

August 29, 2022 04:00

Super Mario Bros. Legend of Zelda. Streets of Rage. Mega Man. Everyone loves to celebrate the songs known to the general public in video game music’s fandom. But what about the songs that reach deep into the farthest netherrealms of VGM? Join a collaboration between three different video game music podcasts (Mike Levy/Justin Schneider from XVGM Radio, Ed Wilson from The VGMbassy and Rob Nichols/Pernell Vaughan from Rhythm & Pixels) as they take a trip into the far reaches of game soundtracks ...

Episode 92 – Nicole Marie T Composer Interview

August 10, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 147 MB

Indie composers of video games are leading the way with their creativity, ingenuity and hunger to create the next wave of classics. One such composer is Nicole Marie T, who we had the pleasure of interviewing. From her love and appreciation of Sega to her evolution into a Sony fan, Nicole’s video game upbringing shines … Read more "Episode 92 – Nicole Marie T Composer Interview"

July Patreon Live Recording – 2022

July 16, 2022 03:45

It’s a brave new world out there in the land of video games…and Virtual Reality is leading the innovation pack! Justin recently got a VR headset, so the two of them set off on a journey to discover some truly fantastic VR based VGM. In this episode, the two dive into many topics about VR games, including a casual history lesson about VR from the 90s like those big, bulky VR experiences at fairs, Virtual Boy, 3DS and the current PS VR and Oculus. Other topics include praise over Stranger Thing...

Episode 91 – Masters of VGM

June 22, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 134 MB

If you had to pick four legendary composers that best represents you…as well as all of video game music, who would you pick? Well, that’s the question that our pal Bedroth from VGMVGM (Very Good Music Video Game Music) Podcast asked the community of VGM podcasters…and we broke the rules and picked a bonus one, … Read more "Episode 91 – Masters of VGM"

June Patreon Live Recording – 2022

June 19, 2022 03:00

Welcome to our June 2022 live show, where we picked three themes that YOU voted on! Today’s episode features video game music based on Arnold Schwarzenegger games! That’s right, ol’ Arnie’s showing up in lots of retro titles…and even a newer one that we feature! We talk about our thoughts on the movies as well as the games, with some conflicting opinions about the True Lies game, defending Terminator 2, sharing our favorite Arnold lines, getting nostalgic for Arnold sound boards from the earl...

Episode 90 – Nostalgic Themes

June 08, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 134 MB

Nostalgia can be a powerful thing. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, there was plenty of stuff Mike and Justin reflected on in this episode from their youth. Though as always when they pick a topic, sometimes they approach the idea differently for fun results. Episode 90 is a perfect representation of this method … Read more "Episode 90 – Nostalgic Themes"

May Patreon Live Recording – 2022nullnullnull

May 22, 2022 22:05

It’s time, once again, to listen to YOUR PICKS! That’s right! You call the shots in this special Patreon request episode! We had to fill the gap with a few of our own…extra special guests, but we’re excited to listen to some extremely awesome music from our Patrons! Thanks for bringing the thunder on this one! We’re joined by our pal Ed Wilson from The VGMbassy where we share some stories from the PTR days regarding the John Baker composer interview, get confused on how to pronounce Live A Li...

May Patreon Live Recording – 2022

May 22, 2022 03:00

It’s time, once again, to listen to YOUR PICKS! That’s right! You call the shots in this special Patreon request episode! We had to fill the gap with a few of our own…extra special guests, but we’re excited to listen to some extremely awesome music from our Patrons! Thanks for bringing the thunder on this one! We’re joined by our pal Ed Wilson from The VGMbassy where we share some stories from the PTR days regarding the John Baker composer interview, get confused on how to pronounce Live A Li...

Episode 89 – The Best & Worst of Gems Driver Songs (w/ special guest Dya)

May 11, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 156 MB

The Sega Genesis GEMS Driver is often considered one of the worst drivers created for video game music. However, we are optimists when it comes to most chips, so today, we’re taking a deep look into the GEMS driver. Who created it, why it was important to Western composers, the benefits of it and the downfalls. Justin and Mike aim to examine the good AND bad parts of it, to unearth some game music that you might not have known about. Aaron Hickman of the Genesis Gems podcast is also known as ...

Episode 89 – The Best & Worst of Gems Driver Songs (w/ specia guest Dya)

May 04, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 156 MB

The Sega Genesis GEMS Driver is often considered one of the worst drivers created for video game music. However, we are optimists when it comes to most chips, so today, we’re taking a deep look into the GEMS driver. Who created it, why it was important to Western composers, the benefits of it and the … Read more "Episode 89 – The Best & Worst of Gems Driver Songs (w/ specia guest Dya)"

April Patreon Live Recording – 2022

April 30, 2022 03:45

Mike and Justin sit down and talk about a loaded subject: Unreleased songs. But they approached it two different ways: Songs that never were actually part of the in-game portions, that may have been hidden in the code and games that never came out. The guys chuckle at a term they came up with: Incredipeed, as well as the history behind some of these tracks not making it into the games. Join us on this funny look at songs that never made it out into the VGM-spectrum officially, on the April 20...

Episode 88 – April Fools!

April 01, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 145 MB

It should be pretty obvious if you’ve heard the show before that Mike and Justin LOVE comedy. So on this episode, which just so happens to release on April Fools for no specific reason, the guys get deeply personal and share never before heard stories before. Listen to some wacky tunes about sunflowers, finding secrets, … Read more "Episode 88 – April Fools!"

March Patreon Live Recording – 2022 2022

March 26, 2022 14:07

March’s live show is the end result of…well…Your choices! You got to pick our theme and based on your votes we are doing FOREST VGM! What follows is a bunch of tracks full of variety in both game and style of music. From bumpin’ tree top grooves to soft, ethereal voices and even some screechy Genesis synths, we brought you on a voyage through the forest and back with these songs! Listen to Mike and Justin dive into the origins of VGM, Mike gets candid about his weird taste in games, Justin sh...

March Patreon Live Recording nullnullnullnullnull

March 26, 2022 14:07

March’s live show is the end result of…well…Your choices! You got to pick our theme and based on your votes we are doing FOREST VGM! What follows is a bunch of tracks full of variety in both game and style of music. From bumpin’ tree top grooves to soft, ethereal voices and even some screechy Genesis synths, we brought you on a voyage through the forest and back with these songs! Listen to Mike and Justin dive into the origins of VGM, Mike gets candid about his weird taste in games, Justin sh...

March Patreon Live Recording – 2022

March 26, 2022 14:07

March’s live show is the end result of…well…Your choices! You got to pick our theme and based on your votes we are doing FOREST VGM! What follows is a bunch of tracks full of variety in both game and style of music. From bumpin’ tree top grooves to soft, ethereal voices and even some screechy Genesis synths, we brought you on a voyage through the forest and back with these songs! Listen to Mike and Justin dive into the origins of VGM, Mike gets candid about his weird taste in games, Justin sh...

March Patreon Live Recording – 2022 2022– 2022

February 26, 2022 17:20

XVGM Radio loves Mega Man…but which versions? Well…that’s a good point…time for a FREE FOR ALL! Mike and Justin sit down with one of their long time friends, Brian Siecienski (also former guest host on the Sierra Games episode) and chat about nostalgic memories with a variety of underrated Mega Man tunes. From conversations about Bass being a…well, bass fish, to light-hearted trash talking Mega Man 5 and 7, and a variety of chill, funky and rockin’ songs, this episode is one you don’t want to...

February Patreon Live Recording – 2022

February 26, 2022 17:20

XVGM Radio loves Mega Man…but which versions? Well…that’s a good point…time for a FREE FOR ALL! Mike and Justin sit down with one of their long time friends, Brian Siecienski (also former guest host on the Sierra Games episode) and chat about nostalgic memories with a variety of underrated Mega Man tunes. From conversations about Bass being a…well, bass fish, to light-hearted trash talking Mega Man 5 and 7, and a variety of chill, funky and rockin’ songs, this episode is one you don’t want to...

Episode 87: Super Nintendo: ORCHESTRATED with Orchestral Fantasy

February 09, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 137 MB

The Super Nintendo is known for having some of the most lush compositions in 16 bit history. But have you ever wondered what these tracks would sound like with real instruments? Our guest today is Andrew Thompson who runs a musical project where he answers that very question and the results are EPIC! Mike and Justin sit down with Andrew to discuss and compare his orchestrated versions with real instrumentation, while mostly staying faithful to the original compositions. If you’re a fan of JRP...

Episode 87 – Super Nintendo: ORCHESTRATED with Orchestral Fantasy

February 09, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 137 MB

The Super Nintendo is known for having some of the most lush compositions in 16 bit history. But have you ever wondered what these tracks would sound like with real instruments? Our guest today is Andrew Thompson who runs a musical project where he answers that very question and the results are EPIC! Mike and … Read more "Episode 87 – Super Nintendo: ORCHESTRATED with Orchestral Fantasy"

Episode 86 – Dances with Nikos!

January 19, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 160 MB

It’s that time of year again! NikoTengoku joins us for his third return as the unofficial “third host” of the show…and he’s ready TO DANCE! We let Niko pick the theme this time around and he wanted to get down! We’ve all picked a variety of dance tracks to listen to from all walks of … Read more "Episode 86 – Dances with Nikos!"

Episode 86: Dances with Nikos!

January 19, 2022 05:00 - 160 MB

It’s that time of year again! NikoTengoku joins us for his third return as the unofficial “third host” of the show…and he’s ready TO DANCE! We let Niko pick the theme this time around and he wanted to get down! We’ve all picked a variety of dance tracks to listen to from all walks of dance music. From almost gabber-like songs, to borderline industrial, progressive trance and more! You’ll be ready to get outta your seat and join us on the dance floor in no time! Prepare for an insane amount of...

December/January Patreon Live Recording – 2021/2022

January 15, 2022 03:35

The long awaited winter live show is upon us! Justin and Mike get together virtually to showcase some really unique and different wintery tracks for your snowy pleasures! From discussions about snuggling up next to a fire during a snowstorm while listening to the Xenoblade track, to the K-pop bounce of Cookie Run’s Christmas bop, the guys exchange gifts during their annual gift swap event and more! Don’t miss this exciting closeout to 2021 and bring in the new year with this winter wonderland...

Episode 85: Dimo’s Quest CD-i Spotlight

December 15, 2021 15:21 - 126 MB

While single games have been covered before on XVGM Radio, never before have we went into a soundtrack without hearing it period. Taking a page from our pal Ed Wilson over at The VGMbassy, we’re doing a “Blind Listen” episode where we pick tracks we haven’t heard, and learn about the game as we go along. The end result is a hilarious episode where Mike and Justin try to figure out PCM samples’ origins, listen to a totally radical soundtrack we’ve never heard before, deal with an explosion in ...

Episode 85 – Dimo’s Quest CD-i Spotlight

December 15, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 126 MB

While single games have been covered before on XVGM Radio, never before have we went into a soundtrack without hearing it period. Taking a page from our pal Ed Wilson over at The VGMbassy, we’re doing a “Blind Listen” episode where we pick tracks we haven’t heard, and learn about the game as we go … Read more "Episode 85 – Dimo’s Quest CD-i Spotlight"

November Patreon Live Recording – 2021

December 05, 2021 17:11

As a thank you to our Patreon members, we do episodes a few times a year where YOU pick the tracks for the live show, and we’re happy to say, every song picked this time around was fantastic (as usual! Ya’ll have great taste.) Conversations about FM synth, visual novels versus adventure style games, the guys chatting about potentially doing an RTS episode for the main episodes and more! Join us on this Patreon Picks live episode!

Episode 84 – Yakuza Games w/ Alex From A VGM Journey

November 17, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 158 MB

On XVGM Radio, we generally are pretty knowledgable about the subject matter of both game music and the game series we discuss. But what about when we’re not familiar with a franchise or its tunes? We bring in someone who’s played them all and in this circumstance that would be patron saint of video game … Read more "Episode 84 – Yakuza Games w/ Alex From A VGM Journey"

Episode 84: Yakuza Games w/ Alex From A VGM Journey

November 17, 2021 05:00 - 158 MB

On XVGM Radio, we generally are pretty knowledgable about the subject matter of both game music and the game series we discuss. But what about when we’re not familiar with a franchise or its tunes? We bring in someone who’s played them all and in this circumstance that would be patron saint of video game music podcasts and leader of his own show, Alex Messenger of A VGM Journey. Together, we discuss Alex’s history with the Yakuza series as Justin and Mike experience the franchise through Alex...

October Patreon Live Recording – 2021

October 30, 2021 21:26

Listened to Spookyfest 2021 and want MORE SPOOKY?! We got just the thing for you. Go bump in the night with 7 additional SPOOKY tracks in this exclusive Patreon VIP Pass! We dive into some entertaining conversations about TV watching habits. We pick our top three favorite and top three most hated Halloween candies, all while doing some Scooby Doo tv vs game music comparisons. Then chat about Lasagna, Rockabilly recommendations and play some outtakes from this year’s halloween episode! The per...

Episode 83 – Spookyfest 2021

October 27, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 138 MB

It’s that time of year again! Spooooooooooooookyfest has returned for it’s 2021 festival! Join Mike and Justin (and lots of zombies) for the most ghoulish “live” music event of the year! We’ve picked some really devilish tracks for you to sink your teeth into this Halloween season! From brand new Sega Genesis games to creepy … Read more "Episode 83 – Spookyfest 2021"

Episode 82 – An Evening with Barry Leitch

September 29, 2021 05:00 - 2 hours - 198 MB

Barry Leitch is mostly known for his compositions on the Top Gear racing game series, and more recently, Horizon Chase Turbo. But if you dive deep enough, you’ll uncover a wealth of video game music magic from a man who was inspired by the greats of the C64 era. Starting out as a teenager, his … Read more "Episode 82 – An Evening with Barry Leitch"

Twitter Mentions

@xvgmradio 74 Episodes
@kvgmradio 1 Episode
@lrwoofle 1 Episode
@norihikohibino 1 Episode