Chris Kohler recently had the opportunity to speak with Charles Martinet, the voice of Mario, his brother, his cousin, and whatever Waluigi is. When asks about Koji Kondo (lead composer for the Mario and Zelda series), here’s what he had to say:
He’s an absolute genius. The first time I ever played a Mario game, I started at about four in the evening and played until daylight came streaming through my windows. My thumbs were numb.
I laid down on the bed, closed my eyes, and I could see Mario and I could hear that music — ba dum bum ba dum DUM! And I fell in love then and there. Even now, when I’m having a random happy moment, I’ll find myself humming on a Kondo tune.
Why are the tunes so hummable?I don’t know! All I can say is that, from a fan’s point of view, it touches you. It talks to you right away. And for me, it’s a lifelong relationship.
There’s just something about Koji Kondo’s music that’s so great and makes the compositions so memorable. I’m sure we’re all waiting to see what Mr. Kondo has in store for us next.
