Directive 8020

Directive 8020 takes place in the near future on the Cassiopeia, a deep space colonization vessel. The seemingly benign mega-corporate overlords, are, in fact, quite the opposite. A simple, three-note motif that is featured throughout the ship's corridors in the guise of overly friendly, corporate music. It plays anytime you see the company logo pop up on screen.

"Welcome To The Corinth Family" is the first track on the album, and it begins and ends with the corporate, three note ID. Those same three notes are constantly playing in the background of the cue as well in different variations.

All of the sound design and UI bleeps and bloops were purposely tuned to the same key as this corporate music, resulting in a peaceful, tranquil feeling and harmony between the ship and its crew. Until things begin to go awry…then the entire tuning of the ship's interior and UI sounds are disjunct and wrong in every possible way.

The true corporate intentions are revealed in track two, "Little Star," which has the same three notes spread over a constantly evolving, mysterious bed or pulsing orchestra and synth sounds. The main thematic concept of the protagonist is also introduced - a shape-shifting creature of unknown origin. Just like the creature, notes bend and shift without any proper logic or predictability. These constantly changing, bending notes are featured throughout the entire score. Sometimes slightly mysterious, other times completely off.

"You Eyes Open" is Brianne Young's theme. It underscores many of the conversations and experiences you see through her eyes, beginning with awakening from hyper-sleep. It's mostly hopeful with a tinge of the bending notes, hinting at darker possibilities in the future.

This same theme is implemented into a jazz combo with the track "Young At Heart," which underscores flashbacks. It's an excuse to have some fun and lean into something a bit unexpected, with the original orchestra and bending synth sounds leaking into the acoustic trio from time to time.