Let’s celebrate Pokémon Day today on the 27th February. On this occasion, allow me to sum up my journey with Pokémon and reveal its connection to Latte Chill project and in general chill music.
What is Pokémon Day?
This day is the big day. In 1996, a few dreamers set a game off even Nintendo was not much supporting (according to many resources). Yet, it was released on Game Boy handheld consoles.
The game was about catching and collecting 151 monsters in balls and fight we them to become the best. And did they become?
Now, almost everyone on this planet knows about Pokémon. It grew into a phenomenon that conquered millions’ hearts.
In short today is the day when this game started its journey. And today is Pokémon Day, when the creators reveal the plans for this year. Keep following Pokémon channels on YouTube or simply read news late afternoon.
Pokémon and a kid fan
My journey with Pokémon started way before becoming a musician. I think it was around 1999 (maybe later?). But I am sure that it was a hot summer day in Faro (South-Portugal). We travelled there with my parents and my brother. He chose Mortal Kombat III. as a game in a shop and well. It was a small village with less choice. So I decided to go with a weird blue turtle with cannons on back. No idea what is game was all about…
And I started a journey. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was speaking English fairly good and dead interested in this game. Had many obstacles first but getting more and more clear. Soon I acquired Yellow edition as well (my brother got Red in the same time) and since then we played every single game until the Switch change. My brothers are still playing but for me, I am struggling to find the time. On the other hand I became obsessed with Pokémon Go, we play almost every day with my wife.
Pokémon Day and chill music
At the end you may ask, how is it connected to Latte Chill project and why am I writing here about it?
The short answer is: it is an inspirator for me. I started this (new) journey with Soul Silver in 2018 (check the songs above in the first YouTube playlist embed). I sampled Game Boy and Game Boy Advance notes and used arpeggiators to create a chiptune vibe refers to the old games. Of course, I replayed the game but without sound and after so many years I intended to compose songs that matches each town. Did I manage? I wonder – give them a spin.
I liked the project so much that I continued with Leaf Green (second YT embed) and Moon albums in 2019.
2020 has been a more dark and sad year to me. Maybe no wonder Orange (which refers to the added game of Leaf Green, the Sevii islands, mixed with the anime season 2); so no wonder this album became more dark then expected I guess.
On the bright side, I even performed some of the beats on my balcony back then in 2020.
2021 – an active year
I did not feel like wanting to continue in 2020. I give it a break and focused on other Latte Chill projects. In 2021 however many things changed: first, I bought a PO-33 KO, which became a gamechanger for music production.
Second, I bought an app called Koala Sampler, that a bit later became my second game changer for music production. I even questioned myself those days if my room is the right place to produce music.
I mean Pokémon games are all around portability: all games were published on handheld consoles so people can share the fun. No wonder Pokémon Go goes all the way because we can be out and easily have fun.
PO-33 KO and Koala Sampler enabled the same for me as a musician. So, I played with Pokémon Ultra Moon those days and decided the following: let me remake this game with new songs and the old ones sampled with my gadgets: this is how Ultra Moon and Ultra Sun were born.
I’m not saying these lofi beats are the best pokémon chill songs ever. Not at all, pretty experimental, but still, a new chapter for me.
Finally, I closed 2021 with Sapphire LP. Sapphire is again more dark than the Ultras, but I guess no wonder. I mean that game is in Alola, full of fun and sun. Whereas Sapphire is a great one, but goes up in the mountains to the rock bottom of water caves.
2022 came with one LP only: Ruby. It is the second half of Sapphire, almost like ending a great project.
What’s next?
Two things are sure.
First, every year we will have fun on Pokémon Day. Let’s enjoy it all across the World by playing this game with our friends and family members.
Second, that I will continue making more music inspired by the games. Keep in mind, I replay the game before working on a song. So it takes time for me, but I do my best.
If you are interested, follow this tag to see the up-to-date songs. Also don’t forget, I offer many songs free, so check the links above and follow me on my stream platforms to get more Latte Chill beats.