In 1985, after discovering the personal computer and computer gaming, I was thrilled to learn of their potential and profound interaction with the world of music. I immediately bought a modem and became a member of “PC Link“, which years later became known as America Online. It was there that I met my wife, Dianne, who introduced me to the world of electronic music. Within the next few years, Sierra On-Line, Inc. had introduced MIDI soundtracks into their games — and became a dealer for Roland’s MT-32 MIDI Sound Module. Dianne had already been using the MT-32 in her teaching profession.

     Dianne and I began composing MIDI music together, swapping files via email. We soon formed a collaboration (which we then called, Quest Music) and composed hours of music together. I discovered Sierra’s MIDI music with the release of King’s Quest 4, Space Quest 3, Police Quest 2, Silpheed, and Leisure Suit Larry 2. I just loved the music I was hearing in these games and decided to record the MIDI tracks and create my own little library of Sierra music. Since MIDI in computer music was rather new in 1988, I didn’t know of anybody who would be able to use these MIDI files or who I could share them with. That soon changed as Dianne and I became Forum Hosts of PC Link’s MIDI Forum. I was able to create a section devoted to the MT-32 and computer gaming MIDI music.

     Years later after leaving PC Link, the Internet began to emerge. In 1994, we connected with a local ISP and immediately setup a web site for computer gaming music. We changed the name from Quest Music to Quest Studios, to encompass other aspects of our lives. (Graphics, video & animation, needlework, and music.) Finally, in 1997, we acquired the www.QuestStudios.com domain and became a full-fledged Internet identity.

     Because Quest Studios wanted to be known as a legitimate resource for computer music, I immediately contacted game publishers to inquire on their stance for my posting their music on the Internet. Sierra On-Line, Inc. was not only pleased with the idea, they helped me by sending free games and music files so that I could establish a good sampling of their soundtracks. Other companies were not so thrilled. LucasArts flatly refused to have their music posted on the ‘Net and asked that I remove any song files I had posted from their games. Of the few companies that did respond, I felt the selection would be too limited to promote Quest Studios as a “game” music resource. Though you will find game music on the ‘Net from almost every game ever made, the chances that the copyright owners have granted permission to post all of it is rather unlikely.

     Having Sierra’s blessings, and because of the great number of soundtracks available in their games, I decided to make Sierra music the only music I would promote — and named the web site the “Sierra Soundtrack Series.” And for the past decade, Quest Studios has maintained the Sierra Soundtrack Series web site for one primary reason, as stated on our main page:

“…to keep the wonderful music of Sierra On-Line alive and well…and available to all.”

Over the years, it has never failed to amaze me how many have appreciated what we’ve made available. Quest Studios has always offered the music on this web site without unwanted advertising associated with its service. In addition, several supporters and regular visitors have offered their own server space for storage at no cost or obligation. We are approaching our twenty-year ‘web-based’ anniversary and feel as strongly about this service now as when we first began. Even now, new MIDI and MP3’s are posted regularly, and we hope will continue to be for many years to come.

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     Another aspect of Quest Studios has always been its strong support of the Roland MT-32 Sound Module. In that regard, you’ll find another web site on our servers called “The Roland MT-32 Sound Module Resource Center.” Here, you can download utilities, documentation, patch banks, and other MT-32 related material.

     And finally, it has been our pleasure to be part of the AGD Interactive team, composing soundtrack music for several Sierra classic remakes. This progressed to our composing the soundtrack for Al Emmo And The Lost Dutchman’s Mine, the first commercial adventure game created and produced by Himalaya Studios.

 

~Tom Lewandowski