祖堅 正慶
祖堅 正慶
Genres: japan, Soundtrack, score, video game, FFXIV
Similar artists via Last.fm
Square Enix Music
About 祖堅 正慶
Masayoshi Soken (祖堅 正慶, Soken Masayoshi, born January 10, 1975) is a highly acclaimed Japanese composer and sound director, primarily known for his extensive work in video games. Soken's musical journey began early, influenced by a wide range of genres from rock to orchestral music. He joined Square Enix (then Square) in 1998, initially working on sound effects for titles like Tobal No. 2 and Parasite Eve 2. Soken's career took a significant turn when he was appointed the lead composer and sound director for Final Fantasy XIV, particularly after its highly successful relaunch as A Realm Reborn in 2013. His innovative and diverse compositions for the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) have been a cornerstone of its critical and commercial success. Soken's work on Final Fantasy XIV is characterized by its remarkable versatility, seamlessly blending orchestral grandeur, heavy metal influences, electronic beats, and traditional Japanese sounds to create memorable and emotionally resonant scores for every expansion, including Heavensward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, and Endwalker. Beyond Final Fantasy XIV, Soken has contributed to various other Square Enix titles, showcasing his range in games like Drakengard 2, Mario Hoops 3-on-3, and Nana Mizuki Live Grace -Opus II-. His ability to craft compelling soundtracks that enhance narrative and gameplay has earned him a dedicated global fanbase and solidified his reputation as one of the most influential composers in the video game industry today. Soken's public persona is also notable for his energetic live performances at Final Fantasy XIV fan festivals, where he often plays guitar with The Primals, the official band for the game's music. In 2021, he bravely revealed he had been battling cancer while working on the Endwalker expansion, a testament to his dedication and passion for his craft. He has since recovered, continuing to be an active and vibrant force in the gaming music scene.
Taken from Last.fm
63,264 listeners · 2,936,250 plays via Last.fm