Most interviews with games industry figures tend to be about our latest game or “hot new thing” we’re working on. But what about the people behind the games we play and, hopefully, love? Little is said, or explored, of the actual person’s tastes, or how they got into the hobby, etc.

Face The Music is a new column in which I aim to explore a side that is rarely explored – music tastes of the people behind the games we play. What do they listen to? Bands they love? Greatest gig? Do they use music whilst they work, or whilst they game?

Each week I’ll be chatting to someone in the games industry about their musical tastes. This week I’m joined by sculptor and painter (and master GM) Stefan Pokorny. Many of you might have heard of, seen, or be lucky enough to own, Dwarven Forge. Well, Stefan is the man behind those brilliant buildings and terrain that we all long to have on our gaming tables. Founded by Stefan back in 1996 Dwarven Forge has consistently produced fantastic pre-painted fantasy models, and has also dabbled with sci-fi terrain and scenery. So, crank up the stereo to 11 and let’s find out what Stefan listens to and which band he really, really, REALLY likes…

What are your favourite bands and genre?

Black Sabbath, hard rock, heavy metal.

How many gigs have you been to? What was your first/last? Your favourite? What band/performer have you never seen live but would love to (or have loved to if the band/performer have broken up, retired, or died)?

The first concert I attended was at Madison Square Gardens (New York) was KISS. I was very young and had a guardian escort me to it… Since then I’ve been to many dozens… didn’t see many as a youngster because I didn’t have much money… now I’m making up for it!

My most recent concert was Chicago, and before that one was Black Sabbath (The End Tour). I would love to see Blue Oyster Cult!

Do you listen to music whilst writing/designing?

I listen to Black Sabbath and similar sounds while doing creative work like sculpting and painting… keeps it from being mundane, and I feel it unlocks my creative brain side, I feel inspiration through music.

Do you use music whilst gaming?

I often use thematic music for my Dungeon Mastering… sometimes operas, but mostly effect sounds and ambiance that have been created just for gaming or even more particular, just for MY world!

What are your top five favourite albums?

BLACK SABBATH

VOLUME 4

MASTER OF REALITY

PARANOID

SABOTAGE

(Editors note – all Black Sabbath albums incase anyone wondered ;p)

If you were stranded on a ship hurtling through deep space, which ten tracks would you want to have with you?

Fairies Wear Books (Black Sabbath)

Into the Void (Black Sabbath)

Sweet Leaf (Black Sabbath)

Heading Out to the Highway (Judas Priest)

Another Way To Die (Jack White and Alicia Keys)

I Did It My Way (Frank Sinatra)

This is Love (PJ Harvey)

It Don’t Come Easy (Ringo Starr)

Feeling Stronger Every Day (Chicago)

Green Grass and High Tides (Outlaws)

And a non-music question – any plans/projects for the coming year that you’d like to talk about?

Looking forward to going out to MORE gaming conventions post pandemic!

First one on the list is GaryCon, Lake Geneva!

Also, Dwarven Forge is working on our next Kickstarter: Cities 2 to be unleashed some time early 2022, watch out for it! 😎🤘

You can find out more about the Dwarven Forge range on their website