ShantyTown soundtrack demonstrates how adaptive systems and atmospheric sound can work together to create more responsive, player-anchored audio experiences
April, 2026 - The collaborative work between vaporwave artist Macroblank and solo game dev Erik Rempen for the upcoming urban city builder ShantyTown explores how music can move beyond background accompaniment and become an integral part of the gaming experience.
Rather than functioning as your “traditional” soundtrack, the music in ShantyTown is built as a responsive system. Each track is constructed from modular elements, using short loops and layered components that can be rearranged when needed. Through player actions that move toward map completion, the music subtly intensifies accordingly. This adds layers and shifting energy that are tied to player progression.
“One of the most challenging parts was adapting the music to be reactive,” Macroblank explains. “Each playthrough effectively generates its own version of the soundtrack, tailored to the way the game unfolds.”
For an artist whose work was often rooted in self-described “plunderphonics” and vaporwave, the project allowed a return to original composition. Macroblank’s previous work focused on recontextualizing existing material; ShantyTown demanded a more intentional, from-the-ground-up approach, with each track appropriate to the identity of the environments in-game.
“Every environment felt distinct, almost like its own self-contained world. This allowed me to explore freely, without being confined to a single overarching theme. The game’s musical identity was built organically through the diversity of its settings.”
Although ShantyTown falls into the cozy game genre, the OST doesn’t follow the expected trend of relaxing ambient, classical or even lofi music styles. Macroblank took the theme in a personalized direction with an up-beat, dynamic and undeniably unusual vaporwave tone. It's an unexpected twist to the traditional approach that elevates the world and pulls the player into an immersive, almost hypnotic vibe unique to each of the game’s locations.
At the same time, Macroblank made a conscious effort to retain the qualities that defined his sound. Drawing from his background in downtempo vaporwave, he leaned into the beat-centered, immersive structure that remained engaging, but never intrusive.
To support this approach, the production process needed to stay flexible and intuitive. Ideas were often developed as short loops before being expanded into more complete arrangements, allowing for quick iteration and refinement.
“Friction is the killer of ideas. The tools don’t matter as much as how quickly you can translate what’s in your head into something real.”
That philosophy carried through the entire workflow. Synthesis and sample manipulation formed the foundation of the sound, with tools like Xpand!2, Nexus, and Omnisphere used to streamline the process and keep ideas moving.
In ShantyTown, music is not simply layered beneath gameplay–it is embedded within it. It shifts, builds, and settles in step with the player’s actions, creating a more fluid and personal listening experience with every session.
Curious how it sounds in practice? ShantyTown launches April 16, and a demo is already available on Steam.
About Erik Rempen
Erik Rempen is an independent game developer known for creating systems-driven experiences that prioritize player agency and immersion.
About Macroblank
Macroblank is a vaporwave artist recognized for his atmospheric, sample-heavy compositions that explore nostalgia, texture, and reinterpretation of sound.
https://macroblank.net/
Media Contact:Silk Softworks - Erik Rempen (Developer)press@silksoftworks.com
silksoftworks.com
The Game Marketer - Arjun Ganesh (PR Contact)
arjun.ganesh@thegamemarketer.com
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