Stephen Zachary Parrish (also known as Zack Parrish or CBlockdis) (born 8 November 1983) is an Annual Game Music Award nominatedAnnual Game Music Awards 2013 Nominations, Video Game Music Online. independent game composer, known for writing the soundtracks to the Metroidvania Valdis Story: Abyssal City, and other games such as Sakura Fantasy.
Parrish additionally composes music of all genres as an independent musician. His debut independent record, "Solo Piano Collection", was released for digital distribution on December 7, 2011."Solo Piano Collection", Bandcamp. Through arrangements and original music, Parrish has also contributed to OverClocked RemixZack Parrish , Overclocked Remix. and OverClocked Records.Zack Parrish , Overclocked Records.
Early in his career, Parrish joined with Saturnine Games to create music and occasionally sounds for the games created by Saturnine. The first game launched under Saturnine was Cosmos X2 for the Nintendo DSi on August 30, 2010, with Parrish having created the synthetic soundtrack that can be heard throughout the game. While continuing his work at Saturnine, Parrish has joined with several other Independent Developers including Carolina Moya and Kyron Ramsey who make up the team Endless Fluff. Under the direction of Endless Fluff, Parrish created the eerie orchestral soundtrack to Valdis Story: Abyssal City over the span of 2 years.Endless Fluff Developer Log Valdis Story: Abyssal City became an independent hit on Steam, creating the opportunity for Parrish to be nominated under “Outstanding Contribution – Independent Composer” at the Annual Game Music Awards. In the 2013 Annual Game Music Awards, Parrish would go on to win the achievement he was nominated for."Annual Game Music Awards 2013 - Artists of the Year", Video Game Music Online.
Parrish is known for his versatility in styles as he enjoys mixing up genres. Once receiving concept art, backstories for characters, or other information about the “world” he is creating music for, he comes up with an idea that fits with the game. He doesn’t stick to one genre for this reason, and has received praise for doing so.Zack Parrish Interview , RPGFan.
Currently, Parrish continues his work under Saturnine Games, and works under several independent companies, but does not stick to one. In addition to composition, Parrish works as a Programmer for Cherokee Health Systems.
Early life and education Parrish was brought up in Ahoskie, North Carolina, attending local primary schools there.Ahoskie News Clipping June 17, 2014 Through high school, Parrish played the alto saxophone in his school concert band as well as marching band while playing the piano on the side. From adolescence, Parrish fell in love with the Final Fantasy series, becoming inspired by the music of Nobuo Uematsu.Interview - Zack Parrish , RPGFan. Parrish would later go to write music for noteworthy games and short films.Zack Parrish, vgmdb.net.IMDb Zack Parrish
Works Title Year System Notes Cosmos X2 2010 Nintendo DSi Guitar performance by Anthony MorganCosmos X2 Album Information, vgmdb.net. Antipole 2011 Nintendo DSi Guitar performance by Anthony MorganAntipole Album Information Cute Things Dying ViolentlyCute Things Dying Violently, Steam. 2011 Windows, OS X, The Saga of Original SinThe Saga of Original Sin - Album, vgmdb.net. Canceled (Album only release, 2012) Windows Windhaven: Spirit of FlightWindhaven: Spirit of Flight, Steam Greenlight. Canceled (Album only release, 2013 Windows Performances by Anthony Morgan and Amanda LeeWindhaven: Spirit of Flight Album Information, vgmdb.net. Valdis Story: Abyssal CityAbyssal City Team, Valdis Story. 2013 Windows, OS X Additional performances by Anthony Morgan, Melissa Freeman, Akhorahil of Thorngoth, additional composition by Kyron RamseyValdis Story: Abyssal City Album Information, vgmdb.net. Turtle TaleTurtle Tale, Nintendo.com. 2014 Nintendo DS Sakura FantasySakura Fantasy - Album Information, vgmdb.net. 2015 Windows, OS X Native American Flute performance by Alex RippleSakura Fantasy Album Information, vgmdb.net. Regeria HopeRegeria Hope About, Golden Game Barn. 2015 Windows, OS X, Google Play Dʒrægɛn: A Game About a DragonDʒrægɛn: A Game About a Dragon - Album Information, vgmdb.net. 2015 Windows Sakura DungeonSakura Dungeon - Album Information, vgmdb.net. 2016 Windows Sacred Earth: MemoryBlog Post Feb. 17, 2015, Sacred Earth: Memory. TBD Windows, OS X Additional performances by Alex Ripple"Remember When" (feat. Alex Ripple), Sacred Earth: Memory."Respite from the Cold" (feat. Alex Ripple), Sacred Earth: Memory. Antipole DX TBD Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii U
Awards and honors In 2014, Parrish won the award for “Outstanding Contribution – Independent Composer” at the 2013 Annual Game Music Awards for Valdis Story: Abyssal City and Windhaven: Spirit of Flight."Annual Game Music Awards 2013 - Artists of the Year". vgomline.net.
In 2014, Parrish was nominated for “Outstanding Contribution – Independent Composer” at the 2014 Annual Game Music Awards for dʒrægɛn: A Game About a Dragon."Annual Game Music Awards 2014 - Nominations". vgomline.net.
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