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CTV News
28 minutes ago
- CTV News
Working on the Pokémon anime ‘often doesn't feel real': Edmonton composer
If you've seen a new episode of the English dub of the Pokémon anime in the last several years, you've likely heard the work of Edmonton composer and sound designer Geoff Li. Li has been working with the company Madcap Labs as an associate composer, scoring episodes for a number of Pokémon projects, including Pokémon Horizons. Horizons is the new main series of the anime following the conclusion of Ash Ketchum's 26-year journey in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys, which Li also worked on when he first joined Madcap Labs. 'They liked what I was doing and I worked well with the rest of the team and so we kept on going,' Li said. He started out doing orchestration, taking a composer's musical sketch, in this case for piano, and turning it into a score for an orchestra, assigning the instruments and voices according to the sketch. 'Eventually, they decided that they liked my work enough and that I had enough training, then I could move on to composing the stuff myself and orchestrating my own work,' Li said. The team Li works on does the scores for each of the episodes released in the dubbed version of the show. When it airs in Japan, on a weekly schedule, it has a different score. Even though there are more than 100 episodes of Horizons so far, Li says it's easy for the team to keep coming up with new music for the show. 'Composers naturally get bored pretty easily," Li said. 'We start out with the sound palette that we've decided on, for Horizons it's mostly just orchestra and other acoustic instruments … I don't like repeating myself, so every cue that I write, I'll try to do something a little bit differently. 'Then, over time, we slowly add a new instrument here and there, a new sound here and there.' Inspired by metal and video games Li's love for music developed at a young age. He learned to play the accordion as a child in China and then the guitar when his family moved to Calgary. 'My guitar teacher showed me Green Day … and it completely changed my life. I was learning to play every song on American Idiot," Li said. 'Then friends in elementary school showing me these metal bands got me into Slipknot, and that opened up a whole other world as well. 'From there, music was going to be a huge part of my life, I knew.' He also grew up with a love of video game soundtracks and dreamed of writing 'memorable' scores for games as a kid. One of his favourites is the Jupiter Lighthouse theme from Golden Sun: The Lost Age. His final push into the composing world came when he was at MacEwan University in the contemporary music program and realized he had stage fright. Scoring the job While Li was at MacEwan, he did a guitar solo transcription of Downside Up Solo by Allan Holdsworth, a British jazz and rock guitarist and posted it to YouTube. Years later, as if spotted on Route 102 by a trainer, he was contacted by Ed Goldfarb, the president of Madcap Labs and the lead composer for the English Pokémon animated series. 'I got an email from Ed … saying, 'Hey, I'm a huge fan of Allan Holdsworth. I like your transcription. You seem like you might have a brain for the kind of work that we do. Do you want to work for us?'' Li said. 'Obviously that wasn't the only thing to it … as we got chatting, I think we both realized we were on the same wavelength for a lot of different tastes in music - I'd written an electro acoustic piece for a friend's graduation recital several years ago and I think Ed used to teach electro acoustic music history.' Pokémon is one of the longest-running anime series in the world, having begun broadcasting in Japan in 1997 with more than 1,300 episodes to date. Because of the show's prestige, Li actually thought the initial email from Goldfarb was a scam at first. 'It often doesn't feel real that this TV series I watched as a kid now has a score composed by me, partially.' That sense of disbelief and awe he occasionally still has is about the same reaction he gets when he tells people he works on the Pokémon series. Composing the future In addition to the Pokémon anime and a number of other projects with the Pokémon Company International, Li is fulfilling his childhood dream of working on music and sound design for video games. In 2018, he went to a Game Jam in Calgary, a 48-hour event where creators work together to make video games. 'During that time, I had written music for a couple of different groups at the event,' Li said. 'It is the most fun I've ever had, writing music is so great.' One of the groups later reached out to him because they wanted to make a new game over the pandemic. 'He said, 'Hey, I remember you from three years ago. I think you're the only person I know who does audio stuff. Do you do sound design?' Of course, I didn't, I definitely didn't, but I said yes anyway, and I learned to do it,' Li said. 'Now we're working on a second game together right now.' The game they worked on in 2020 is called Element X and the one in development now, with no release date yet, is called Rogue Racer. Other series that he would love to be able to work on in the future include Golden Sun, Metroid and Kirby. All three series have different musical styles, with Golden Sun feeling like a series of epic concert pieces, Metroid as a series of eerie, atmospheric pieces and Kirby tending toward a whimsical style. '(Metroid has) a completely different sound palette and way of writing for that as well, their music and their sound design inspires the way I make sounds," said Li. 'That would be a very cool franchise to be a part of.' Golden Sun hasn't seen a new game in the franchise since Dark Dawn in 2010, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is scheduled for release in 2025 and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, the newest game in that franchise, released in 2022. Li is also part of Game Audio YEG, a group that includes Edmonton-based developers and audio professionals passionate about making games. Favourite pieces Li's work for Pokémon, as well as the work of other composers at Madcap Labs, was recently featured by Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) at the Anime in Concert show. Part of the show, which also included music from Howl's Moving Castle, Sailor Moon, and Cowboy Bebop, was the Pokémon Horizons suite, which include parts of three songs: Brand New Horizons! composed by Ed Goldfarb; composed by Ed Goldfarb; Fury Dance composed by Li; and composed by Li; and A Little About Terastal composed by Akhil Gopal. When it came time to choose his favourite work from the songs he's composed he said of the songs for Pokémon, it's somewhat of a 'revolving door,' but currently, it's Fury Dance, which is a battle theme. 'Growing up on metal and video game music, (Fury Dance) feels like a lot of my core childhood influences mixed in with the sound palette that we've created for Horizons‚" Li said. 'It's shifting between all these different time signatures, it's hard to predict. 'The melodies are inspired by a lot of the Pokémon main line of games (the Team Magma and Team Aqua leader themes) … it's really heavy and it starts out with this low chugging piano," he added. The texture of the piece, how the tempo, melody and harmony are combined, is also inspired by the work of John Estacio, the ESO's first composer in residence. 'I'm just really proud of how that one turned out, and it seems to get reused again and again in the show, so I'm grateful for that.' Outside of Pokémon, his favourite piece is one he'd written for a piano quintet, a piece made to be performed by a piano and four other instruments, in 2020 called A New Era of Immigrant Stories. 'It was the most ambitious thing I've done, perhaps overly ambitious,' said Li. 'I was looking into a bunch of different styles of Chinese and Korean music and learning about things that were related to my heritage. Every movement was based on a different style of music from those regions.'
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Doctors, writers and a UFC champion among 83 new appointments to the Order of Canada
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon has announced 83 appointments to the Order of Canada — a list that includes doctors, diplomats, athletes and authors. Simon's office announced two new companions — the highest level of the Order of Canada — 19 officers and 62 members, the introductory honour level in the order. One appointment is a promotion within the Order of Canada and another is an honorary appointment. "We proudly recognize each of these individuals whose dedication and passion for service not only enrich our communities but also help shape the fabric of our nation," the Governor General said in a media statement. "Together, they inspire us to strive for greatness and to foster a future filled with hope and possibility." Among the appointments is Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's former chief public health officer. She has been made an officer of the order for her role in leading the country's public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tam, who ended her term as the top doctor on June 20, had been in the role for over eight years. Michael MacDonald, former chief justice of Nova Scotia and chair of the Mass Casualty Commission, has been made a member of the order. MacDonald told CBC News his work on the commission — which led the public inquiry into the 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia — was "one of the most challenging things" he has ever done. Receiving an appointment for that work and the attempts he's made to improve the justice system in his home province is "the greatest honour" of his life, he said. These appointments come the day before the Governor General will invest a number of Canadians into the Order of Canada during the Canada Day Festivities in Ottawa. That ceremony will include actor Ryan Reynolds and singer, songwriter Heather Rankin — both becoming officers of the order. Their appointments were announced in December 2024. This year's list of appointments also features a number of musicians including harmonica player Mike Stevens, Canadian blues music legend Donnie Walsh and Grammy-winning record producer Greg Wells. Stevens told CBC News that he was in the process of moving houses when he got the call telling him he was being appointed an officer of the order. He said he was standing in his basement with "boxes stacked to his neck" when his phone rang. "I would like to tell you I was cool, but I completely lost it," Stevens said. "Never in a million years did I think I would be recognized for my music. It's a magic trick to be able to even do that for a living." Stevens said the honour is "beyond humbling." Elizabeth Epperly has been made a member of the order for her contributions to elevating the works of Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables. "After my initial surprise, I have felt only joy at the honour of being included in the Order of Canada family," Epperly told CBC News in a statement. Epperly has deep ties to the University of Prince Edward Island. She attended, taught at and was the first female president of the school. "I love anything that reflects well on my alma mater," she said. "More than that, I embrace this honour as a celebration of L.M. Montgomery as an internationally beloved great writer who inspires people across cultures to feel there is a beauty-loving, peace-loving, planet-sustaining community to which they belong." Prime Minister Mark Carney's soon-to-be chief of staff Marc-André Blanchard has also been appointed. He is set to begin that job in July. The Governor General's office said Blanchard has been made a member of the order for the role he's played in Canada's economic development, both at home and abroad. Blanchard served as Canada's ambassador to the United Nations from 2016 to 2020. He was most recently the executive vice-president of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, which manages public pension plans and insurance programs in the province. For his role in representing Canada on the world stage, Donald Campbell has been named a member of the order. Campbell served as deputy minister of both foreign affairs and international trade, G8 summit sherpa and senior negotiator with the United States. Campbell told CBC News that he is "pleased to be recognized." He said much of his career has been focused on issues that are "front and centre" today, including the Canada-U.S. relationship. Campbell oversaw negotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994. "I think public service is something that Canadians care about in a way that many other countries, including the country to our south, don't seem to in this moment," he said. "Being Canadian and working for Canada is even more important now than it ever has been." Two former senators have also been made members of the order for their contributions to the country. Robert Runciman represented Ontario in the Red Chamber from 2010 to 2017 after a long career in provincial politics and Claudette Tardif was a senator for Alberta from 2005 to 2018. Former regular on CBC's At Issue panel Bruce Anderson has been named a member for his commentary on public opinion and political affairs. He is now the chief strategy officer at Spark Advocacy. Writer Miriam Toews has been made an officer of the order for her contributions to Canadian literature. Her works include A Complicated Kindness, All My Puny Sorrows and Women Talking. Louise Halfe, also known by her Cree name Sky Dancer, has been made a member. She is a poet from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta. Through her work in both Cree and English, Halfe advocates for language learning and preservation and articulates the history and experiences of Indigenous Peoples. Michel Rabagliati, a cartoonist from Montreal, has been appointed a member of the order. Rabagliati told CBC News the appointment was "a complete surprise and good news — it's not every day that one receives a call from the Governor General's office." "This means that my work, over the years, has managed to touch people outside the silence of my workshop," he said. "When you work in solitude over the long term as is my case, receiving such a distinction encourages you to continue. As a writer, I feel read, appreciated and proud." Georges St-Pierre, a former world champion mixed martial artist, has been made a member of the order for his commitment to helping young Canadians stand up to bullying and promoting physical activity. Also from the world of sports, joining the order as an officer is former NHL player and coach Ted Nolan. He played three seasons for the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins. He also coached the New York Islanders. The Governor General's office said Nolan has been appointed officer for his continued support of Indigenous youth as a mentor, speaker and anti-racism advocate. He co-created the 3NOLANS First Nation Hockey School with his sons Brandon and Jordan, and established the Ted Nolan Foundation, which provides scholarships to First Nations women. Nolan told CBC News he felt "shock and excitement all wrapped up into one" when he was told the news of his appointment. Once he got over that shock, he said the first people he thought about were his parents. "They taught me the importance of giving back, of being proud of who I am as a First Nations man," he said.
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
How to mark Canada Day in Waterloo region, Guelph and area
Tuesday is Canada Day and there are events behind held all day throughout Waterloo region, Guelph and Wellington County. Celebrations begin at 7 a.m. in New Hamburg with a sunrise ceremony and end with fireworks and a drone show in various communities in the evening. Cambridge 8 a.m. to late Riverside Park, 49 King St. W., Cambridge The Cambridge celebrations last all day with a fishing derby in the morning, a parade at 11 a.m. along King Street E. from Bishop Street to Eagle Street and then main activities getting underway at noon. There will be opening ceremonies, followed by live entertainment, a zip-line ride, axe throwing, an inflatable obstacle course, children's area, hot air balloon rides, food trucks, vendors and a beer garden. The evening ends with fireworks. City of Cambridge event page Kitchener 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener's city hall This family-friendly event includes a kids zone with rides, games, food and entertainment. There's a main stage with various local and Canadian musicians including: Rebekah Stevens, Tragically Hip tribute bang Grace 2, Terra Lightfoot and then headlining the evening is Sloan. Fireworks will wrap up the evening, starting at approximately 10:30 p.m. City of Kitchener event page Waterloo 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Waterloo Park Waterloo marks Canada with a large community picnic. There will be local artists with booths set up to sell their items, various food trucks will be on site and giant games will be set up near the bandshell on the west side of the park. There will also be musical performances on stage including Paper Cranes, the Waterloo Warriors Band, Undercover, Xperience Muzic, Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy and Bodywaltz. The evening ends with a 100-piece LED drone show over the park. City of Waterloo event page North Dumfries Township 6 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. Cowan Park, Ayr There will be inflatables, a photo booth, games, food trucks, plus music including Rumble and Friends, Eric Jackson and Jessie T. Fireworks are set to take place starting at dusk. Township event page Wilmot Township 7 a.m. sunrise ceremony, 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Norm Hill Park, 251 Jacob St., New Hamburg The day begins with a sunrise ceremony led by Crow Shield Lodge. The opening ceremonies will get underway at 1 p.m. followed live music, a vendors market, kid area and various food options including food trucks and the New Hamburg Optimist barbecue. The day ends with a fireworks display. Wellesley Township 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Hawkesville Community Centre The evening gets underway with a parade at the community centre and people are asked to dress in their "best red and white Canadian fashion." Then, enjoy backyard games and the movie Lilo and Stitch before the fireworks. There will be snacks available for purchase. Donations to cover the cost of the event are appreciated. Woolwich Township 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Woolwich Memorial Centre, Elmira The day kicks off with a public swim at the pool from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., then the afternoon includes an antique car show, live music, a magic show, kids corner, storytime and firetruck tours. Township event page Guelph 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Riverside Park, 709 Woolwich St., Guelph In 2024, Canada Day festivities were cancelled in Guelph after the Rotary Club of Guelph said it couldn't afford to run the annual event. This year, the city has paired up with Supercrawl, which runs an arts festival in Hamilton and also owns Sonic Hall in downtown Guelph, for celebrations in Riverside Park. There will be bouncy castles, live music and the evening will end with fireworks. To help people get to the park for fireworks, Guelph Transit will be free after 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Also in Guelph: There will be a 30 minute carillon concert at St. George's Anglican Church on Woolwich Street at 12 p.m. Bring a lawn chair to sit and listen on the grass at the church, although the music will be able to be heard throughout the downtown. The Basilica of Our Lady will also play in unison for the first few minutes. The Guelph Royals will host the Kitchener Panthers for a Canada Day match-up starting at 7:30 p.m. Market Square in front of city hall will feature red and white lights from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Township of Centre Wellington 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Elora and Fergus The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast in Elora, followed by a soap box derby. The Dominion Day parade kicks off at 11 a.m., then there's a free hot dog lunch in Bissell Park followed by a duck race. In Fergus, celebrations begin at 7 p.m. with various performances, live music and food trucks. Then fireworks are set to light up the night sky once it's dark enough. Watch and listen on CBC CBC is planning a full day of coverage featuring live events, Canada's Walk of Fame induction gala and a star-studded live concert. Here's how to celebrate Canada Day 2025 with CBC CBC News' Canada Day programming will be available on CBC-TV, CBC News Network, CBC Gem, the CBC News YouTube channel and CBC News streaming channels, with select elements on CBC Radio. Coverage begins at 6 a.m. ET with Heather Hiscox in Charlottetown as the celebration gets underway. At 10 a.m. ET, Adrienne Arsenault takes over from LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa until 2 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, CBC Radio brings listeners into the heart of the celebration from LeBreton Flats Park with hosts Piya Chattopadhyay and Elamin Abdelmahmoud live at 11 a.m. ET. Then join host Saroja Coelho for Call in Canada, a live, cross-country conversation inviting you to share what being Canadian means to you, airing from 2 to 4 p.m. ET. From 4 to 7 p.m, join hosts David Common and Aarti Pole who will be connecting with communities from coast to coast to coast.
