Made in Abyss Composer Kevin Penkin Interview

We sat down with Kevin Penkin (@kevinpenkin), the award winning composer of Made in Abyss, to talk about music, his creative process, and much more!
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[@brianuuuSonicReborn]

"I check with a mate, and he said it was okay" "Check with a what?" "A, a friend" This guy is golden lol

[@jakejack554]

He's a genius, MIA's OSTs are just mind blowing.

[@runaan3195]

i love the OSTs, they are soo good

[@yearginm]

The hell do Mia stand for

[@yearginm]

Made in abyss

[@organizerbmo]

He is also a pure soul - on Trash taste when he talked about how he made sure they did explicit collaboration with First nations / Indigenous Austrialian artists, having them in the studio advising to use traditional instruments, that was so refreshing to see. So many creators would either use those instruments without that consent/advice, or they would totally avoid the subject out of fear of appropriation. Instead, he went for it & created something so uniquely beautiful and moving. Saying he wouldn't have done it otherwise, wasn't willing to disrespect what are considered sacred instruments to many.

[@IslaMcTear]

This is one of my favourite soundtracks ever - major achievement and this was fascinating thanks Crunchyroll!

[@tomasroque3338]

What are your other favorite anime OST's? I love everything by Susumu Hirasawa.

[@Exel3nce]

Berserk, noragami, zankyo no Terror, aot, guilty crown, kill la kill, devilman, kekkai sensen, heroaca, drifters, Tokyo ghoul, God eater etc. These are the one i can think of right now

[@CrunchyrollInsideAnime]

You are WELCOME! Glad you enjoyed ^^

[@pikachupro81yugiohgx47]

Tomas Roque I'm the same but with UVERworld

[@tomasroque3338]

BeThomsen Thank you, I'll check those OSTs out.

[@Lyendith]

"I'm very good at breaking people's hearts." You can say that again. XD

[@teufelfeuer3312]

I cried often due to the music

[@proudguardofwhiterun5770]

This dude's music MADE the show. Alright, maybe not that dramatic. But it's like this, the story and the visuals are amazing on their own, but the music tied them both together. Amazing work by this man, and his team.

[@yawn9327]

true words

[@anomalocaristheabnormalshr3248]

he made it in abyss

[@Pichuscute]

Made in Abyss is one of the best soundtracks in anime! Kevin has done a phenomenal job. Can't wait for Season 2!

[@firstnamelastname4008]

You finally got a sequel how does it feel

[@sesawter4999]

@@firstnamelastname4008 it feels great

[@AM-mx1du]

@@sesawter4999 and sad..more like mixed feelings which makes it better Cruelty in MIA is really something else: it's haunting, disturbing and yet you accept it

[@keiran9114]

Still can’t wait for season 2

[@truhiloragd321]

Season 2 is comming

[@Kokomiii]

I GASPED when I saw this in my feed Holy mother of jesus I love your work Kevin!

[@tokyocrystal]

Irma K Meee toooooo

[@THE_DEMONLO_RD]

He is a musical god in human form. I cried like 9 times in the show due to just the music alone. The sense of wonder and scale you get from the soundtrack is amazing. The piece between the montage where they’re travelling lower and lower down into the abyss still gives me goosebumps. You’re amazing, my dude!!

[@jordansummers7571]

Facts!

[@RafaelNguyenAlvarez12]

I hope we get a season 2 of Made in Abyss.

[@Vitli01]

they announced season 2 in japan last year (no release date) there is a 2min trailer.

[@KOapps]

Think they said early 2019 or sometime in 2019. Can't wait. A total masterpiece.

[@lalaland9838]

Rafael Nguyen Alvarez we won’t get it until next year the reason for that is one. Studio are working on two new animes. 2. The movies recap for made in abyss my guess to gain more money to have a bigger budget. 3. The manga is really slow we are barely in the new arc the arc that follows season 1 it’s short and the new arc so far is a slow release the author been really slow with his releases since he put soooo much detail for its background and time to think how he want to flesh out his story

[@shokkz6365]

It has been out months ago if i recall

[@Harrinsain]

It's already been confirmed

[@crysolidtv]

Everything this guy made is absolutely fantastic...Cant wait to see him really blow up one day

[@antonywmduma]

TOWER OF GOD!!!

[@IAmGun.]

Both Made in Abyss and Shield Hero are getting season 2's rather soon (hopefully both in April, cause Shield Hero got delayed to April and MIA is still unconfirmed release date, and both are gonna include Penkin, so i'm really excited.

[@crysolidtv]

@@IAmGun. I love that you still replied still after three years lol.

[@henrycoversguitar]

And now he's done the title theme for shield hero :)

[@TheSebu95]

Great dude. Hanezeve Carahdina is one of my favourite pieces of ost ever. Can't wait for the second season.

[@BenFranklin89]

When they used it in episode 8 it was AMAZING!

[@DarkUltima999]

Mark my words this man is one if not the greatest composers of our time, his music is extremely colorful, creative and innovative!

[@MSaint]

"Tomorrow" is one of the most emotional and impactful tracks i have ever heard, given the contect of the scene.

[@Lilyium]

The abyss is a hauntingly beautiful place, but without the music it wouldn't be alluring and resonating. Kevin Penker did such a great job capturing the essence of the abyss. Looking forward to more of his work!

[@ryano3277]

I agree wholeheartedly. However, I laughed at “Kevin Penker”😂

[@martrex2]

Gibberish in music can be truly amazing as an artistic element, like "speaking in tongues" has a very specific purpose in some Christian churches, it could serve as a way to channel spiritual catharsis, it brings the primitive meanings found in the mind and that language many times times fails to convey. Great interview, looking forward to Mr. Penkin's involvement in the MiA sequel, such a fantastic OST that was.

[@zepi57]

Made in Abyss soundtrack is phenomenal. Hope to see more work from Kevin in the future!

[@micromushies]

More interviews like this one!!! I want to know more about the people behind the anime I love :)

[@dokuta]

Sigur Rós? I see he's a man of culture as well

[@akanerei]

My new favorite composer And he likes terror in resonance... my life is complete

[@alirezaomrani7650]

I can’t believe Crunchyroll managed to interview Kevin Penkin himself! I never thought I would get to see a god like him in the flesh!!

[@VegaMaiden95]

Great interview. The dude souds really interesting, I will definitely check out his work.

[@yokobyeol6255]

dude ..... that guy created the soundtrack for TOWER OF GOD . i Love him

[@aimeecortez5899]

I really hope this guy will do the OST for the Promised Neverland anime adaptation

[@melonlord1414]

Spoiler (I guess): I Just started reading it. This score will be ultra hard. Whoever makes it needs the abillity to make happy music for a game of tag, that has some kind of dark undertone, so you don't forget what's at stake. I can see this guy making it. The one I'd gone with is the one that made the soundtrack for Higurashi. I think promised Neverland has a simmelar mix of horror, mystery and children playing

[@harrymug]

Melon Lord ur gay

[@melonlord1414]

nah, actually I'm not. But thanks for your intrest

[@BlueDuck97]

I would love to hear that so much!!!!

[@sketchette8251]

OHMYGOD YESS I ADORE MADE IN ABYSS AND THE PROMISED NEVERLAND

[@LoomDoom]

He seems like a really cool guy. The way he makes music is phenomenal and I really like his approach. I’ve listened to the Made in Abyss soundtrack on Spotify a few times and it’s just so captivating. One of the best anime soundtracks I’ve ever listened to. I hope we can hear some of his work soon in an upcoming anime (hopefully Pokemon!), he’s too good to pass up.

[@AngelavengerL]

This was such a cool interview. I loved made in abyss soundtrack. I'd love to see more interviews like this with creators.

[@kristenmgr]

Clearly the anime of the year !

[@yuunastella2778]

SLENDERNER yea it was awarded last year 1st place

[@alexiacob9738]

True dat ! Fuck Darling in the Frankxx !

[@MillyKKitty]

SLENDERNER So many good animes Im so proud.

[@MikuOlliet]

stumre _DitF started airing 2018, MiA was a 2017 show._

[@1XxKyo]

Darling in the Franxx is a 2018 anime, not 2017. But it wouldn't have come close to the greatness of Made in Abyss either way

[@SupremeDP]

Hey CRUNCH! I really loved the interview, and I love Kevin-sensei's work, and I wanted to give you a suggestion: Thy and make these more personal! Have the interviewer talk more naturally with the person. A defined set of questions is good and necessary, but try to also go on tangents a bit, and make the whole thing more fun. The last few minutes of this interview were a good example. The mood was chill and fun, and more likable.

[@sennichi7496]

Kevin Penkin's "Hanazeve caradhina" was the first OST ive actually pre-ordered from Japan! Hes a total genius!

[@tristanneal9552]

The music from Mitty’s scene *blew me away.*

[@smolszoni]

ahhh noooo HAHAH

[@Bandoolero]

Mr. Penkin, I have to let you know, that the music that you composed for this show is so profoundly powerful, it just increased the emotional impact of the show exponentially. So much in fact, that several days after finishing watching the show, I still find myself tearing up time to time when remembering. Also, one of the tracks goes on in my head on autorepeat, and it gives me a sort of inner warmth during my day. Thank you so much!

[@one.ebrown]

Kevin I hope you know that all your hard work paid off. One of the greatest anime soundtracks I've ever listened to. Can't wait to support your future works and season 2 of Made in Abyss soundtrack!

[@jurgengatica2824]

That windmill scene in episode 1 made me fall in love with the series, and it was because of the music. Thanks you so much

[@redshirtman1907]

The soundtrack is absolutely beautiful. It brings more it closer for me and fills it with emotion. Put with the anime, it actually brought a tear to my eye.

[@ayanoakamine8269]

I love made in abyss can't wait to watch seson two the music was amazing u did awesome dude

[@anexe7704]

Kevin is my inspiration, he's so amazing!! everything about the soundtrack was amazing and felt real (i don't know how to put it in words to be honest, its too breathtaking) , my ambition is to be as talented and amazing as him one day

[@trashukun3787]

I listen to his music daily, it's basically my go to soundtrack when I'm drawing now. Thank you so much for these tracks, hope he makes more!

[@reishinsama]

He instantly became one of my favorite composer when I watched made in abyss and learned his name.

[@aimeecortez5899]

The made in abyss ost was simply amazing

[@jonp.3674]

Wow. Wouldn't have expected such a youngster to have created such amazing music

[@beegyoshi5382]

This man is a weeb and a genius composer a *weebius!*

brave dalis A better word to combine with would be virtuoso. So a weebtuoso.

[@Kuesoth]

And he is Australian

[@organizerbmo]

Kevin Penkin is a Zaddy, beloved on the same level as Keanu Reeves & Brendan Fraser.

[@yuunastella2778]

The most emotional music in anime I've ever heard and the anime is my 2ed favourite ever. Every time I hear hanezeve I get chills down my spine

[@RoarTheRapper]

You did an amazing job Kevin! Loved the music!

[@samsaraslight8377]

This guy is an AMAZING composer. I hope the series Made in Abyss launches him into the spotlight. He deserved it.

[@harryolo1]

It's been quite a long time since I heard such amazing musical score accompanying an amazing and beautiful show.

[@Artace_Mint]

Kevin Penkin makes the perfect music for made in abyss to describe it's cheerful, mysterious, and and dark atmospheres. It fits certain scenes so well it made me cry.

[@BlackSuperman1100]

Love his work on made in abyss

[@sayakamikioktavia]

The OST for Made in Abyss is one of the best I've seen since early 90's/2000's animes. This guy is amazing he really mastered incorporating all the foreign ambient sounds

[@onobonono]

Amazing soundtrack, I still listen to it regularly. Hope he comes back for season 2!

[@luckybuddy1234]

Man the soundtrack was awesome

[@thepakiusa]

Build a statue for this man cause his work on 'Made in Abyss' is phenomenal!!

[@JS-bk2uz]

I am absolutely obsessed with his work!!!

[@mirpcow]

Great interview! The interviewer asked some really great questions and Kevin had some really great questions.

[@DistantKingdom]

a pokemon score from this man would be incredible!

[@Ann-fx8fe]

I knew MIA and now his new tracks from Kami no Tou... just left me speachless. He is going to be a legend.

[@solstia458]

He did an amazing job

[@cloudy579]

Gosh, I absolutely love this guy. He is able to generate emotions, concepts and ideas through his music. (Yeah, that's what's music is about, someone would say, but how many people are able to this on his level?) I absolutely love how daring the orchestration was, on the verge between tradiotional and modern approach. You can feel the Abyss just by listening the sountrack.

[@LacourWave]

Dude, this work, this soundtracks, they are purely incredible, real composition, i can't even describe, i love thoses

[@SebastianPappG]

Those soundtracks are amazing. I like his work a lot. I am very keen to see the upcoming made in abyss anime season 2 as well, best anime I saw this year 2018

[@Ky-sh6gg]

i was really excited when i found out kevin was australian n then he mentioned one of his inspirations were sigur ros and i just !!!! aaaaa got even more excited cuz same n i just yAY! !

[@Zakmakoto]

I'm still listening to Made in Abyss awesome soundtrack, it's that good ! One of the best anime soundtrack in years ! Keep it up Kevin !

[@rustkarl]

Made in Abyss and it’s myriad of beautiful aspects ranging from the art, the story and the soundtrack is one of the most hauntingly precious things to come out in the last few years.

[@dureremu5897]

Bloody genius, Florence and Made in Abyss are both masterpieces thanks to you. Can’t wait to see more!

[@xyanide1986]

Why isn't this an hour long, love this guy.

[@AnjuDieQualle]

He is simply a god. I fell in love with the Anime, the second I heard his Music. That never happend before to me. His Music is magical

[@LATasKara]

Kevin, if you ever get to read this, please, keep your amazing work, in whatever media you want, MIA OST, for me is one of the best among any genre I've experienced. Thank you so much for that.

[@TheLateral18]

i really like his music when I listen to the soundtrack while watching. it really tells what's happening

[@pedroyerickrodriguez7609]

Master piece this soundtrack!!!!!!

[@V.U.4six]

The soundtrack was brilliant

[@jayacheal8401]

Thank you for one of the best anime OST of all time.

[@kusuosaiki3374]

He is so cool! And the music he creates is just amazing..!

[@bakicci]

im staring at that doll in the bottom left corner as Penkin speaks its watching... always watching

[@derqued3034]

MIA soundtrack is one of the few soundtracks (maybe the literal only one) were IN THE MIDDLE OF THE EPISODE without even having seen the full episode yet I had to pause and go back a few seconds just to hear a song again.

[@snakeboy2904]

i love this soundtrack. by far one of the best background music in anime to date

[@12345678927164]

Masterful composer who deserved to be asked more mature questions about his work.

[@Umionoshino]

The music is so beautiful!!

[@Cneqq]

wow that's pretty awesome he was inspired by Sigur Ros. One of my all-time favorite Post-Rock bands

[@nenemauu2]

He made one of the best soundtracks in anime!!!

[@Flufferz626]

I just saw the movie. The music is amazing, it floored me.

[@vprime]

Made in Abyss’s OST is a MASTERPIECE!

[@IISocratesII]

My thoughts exactly about his answer regarding the gibberish lyrics, it's the reason i listen to music without lyrics most often these days, so i can create my own mental story based on what emotions they're invoking, sounds they're similar to, and what they're portraying. I'm surprised to hear it has no connection to the story in terms of inspiration though, in the sense the abyss is a lost place, full of sparsely understood wonders and artifacts made by a distant people, unknown, i like to imagine the lyrics being sang are that of those people, found on a dusty scroll somewhere down in that abyss.

[@TheDoc7]

Kevin made this anime what it is, for me.

[@vivb2614]

kev lad really went that fuckin hard for us. legend thank you

[@ottmannalex]

This guy works are amazing, just when you know that he did Drifter music too, wich was just... woaw. Such talent

[@cntno9959]

Ese hombre, es un genio, un genio musical. Que banda sonor tn impresionante la que hizo en el anime Made in abyss. Esa serie es buena y se potencia aun mas con lo emotivo de sus pistas

[@holysecret2]

3:30 I love Sigur Rós :) A similar artist , also from Iceland, is Arnór Dan, who worked with Yoko Kanno on the OST to Zankyou no Terror (favourite track "Von")

[@YgorRessel-D]

Very good interview.

[@BlackKittyTifa]

i love his work

[@APR1Lmusic]

Good mention of Sigur Ros! One of the best of the best in post rock!

[@MT-uk4sq]

I seriously hope he does the OST for the second season of MIA 😍

[@nadagreen3067]

This man is a genius, I really love this soundtrack it's so perfect specially th mix with the anime it's just fit it so nice and yet it stand on its own I really want to meet this man

[@user-gj5qj9ng9k]

That was very interesting, thank you.

[@leonardocaio5848]

Made in Abyss me Ganhou no primeiro episodio, justamente após a tocar aquela Soundtrack no final, depois de ter visto aquela cena juntamente com a trilha sonora eu disse para mim mesmo: - Esse anime é Diferente. E com certeza é.

[@michaelallain223]

Cool interview, good questions :)

[@ena3969]

Kevin! Your music is phenomenal :) I can't wait to buy the OST its been an amazing journey seeing you grow as a composer. So happy for you. I hope you see this :p I have many aliases but I hope you recognize who I am hahaha.

[@gordonhewitt7766]

Been waiting for this.

[@depopa1033]

the moment he mentioned swedish i realized hes actually behind the music of shield hero too, god damn.

[@RannoTamm]

I love you Kevin Penkin!!!

[@WhatAWasteEI]

I LOVE YOU AND YOUR MUSIC!!!! keep it up

[@_skippy]

This guy loves what he does. The MIB soundtrack is amazing!!

[@rix6831]

He speaks so softly