While I went into this interview not really expecting to get a whole lot of information, it turned out to be one of the most interesting discussions I've had.  He had interesting things to say about the Digicube business model and about some of the goals of the music department at Square Enix.  He also sheds some light on the story behind some of the original music (Bootleg series, In My Own Backyard) on iTunes:

http://www.originalsoundversion.com/?p=178

He really seemed interested in all of our opinions, so now's the time to let SQEX know what you'd really like to see!

I was just about to post this link. This interview contains excellent information for those of us who follow the VGM scene closely.

If S-E is going to offer digital distribution of their soundtracks, they ought to do it through someone like Napster, or someone else non-denominational; iTunes tracks only work on Apple's devices.

Glad to hear they're actually doing something about actually providing physical CDs in the U.S.

Now, if only Nintendo could follow suit, and release soundtracks of more of their games at all.

Agreed heartily on both of these counts.  If only Nintendo Power still had that extra catalog that sold goods (including loads of CDs... was the last one Eternal Darkness?).   

Nice job, I’m surprised that game companies have music staff like Tsukushi Izumi hanging around at Comic Convention venues.

It seems like such a mismatch, but if staff like Izumi who are decision-makers regarding game music policies and releases are on hand, I suppose that means I should start attending things like Comicons...

Edit:
Since S-E North America seems to want to use iTunes digital sales to guage further interest before taking further steps or considering physical pressings for NA releases, I want ahead and purchased Mitsuto Suzuki's solo album "In my own backyard" and the probably-horrible FF Remix EP just to boost sales numbers.

http://na.square-enix.com/music/tunes/

Edit 2: Mitsuto has samples on his myspace page
http://profile.myspace.cn/index.cfm?fus … 1000727311

Are these CDs at the SQEX store localized versions, or imported Japanese versions at U.S. prices?  I've never tried ordering from there.

Seems like the latter, actually.

Square Enix Members sells just import soundtracks at US prices. The problem is there are traps -- Chrono Trigger is the one disc set, More Friends is the shitty compilation.

I bought Mitsuto Suzuki's album a while ago. It's alright. He has quite an interesting electronic style and I completely agree with Akira Yamaoka's comments about his synaesthesia. I think he could do great things on Sigma Harmonics.

Maybe I missed the announcement....  is Sigma Harmonics a multi-composer effort?  I was under the assumption that Masashi Hamauzu was the man for the job.

Masashi Hamauzu is the sole composer, but Mitsuto Suzuki has been confirmed as both the synthesizer operator and arranger. An interesting new collaboration given Hamauzu has exclusively worked with Yamazaki in the past.

I'm interested in Suzuki's work as well. I haven't heard his solo album yet, but I want to. My only real experience with Mitsuto Suzuki is that *ONE TRACK* he arranged on the "Battle Tracks Vol. 1." You know, end battle from Romancing SaGa 2? That arrangement is GODLY. I just love it sooooo much.

Yeah, Suzuki's album is very cool.  I dug all the Bootlegs too if you want to check those out.  Kumi Tanioka paired up with one of the guys and did a really neat ambient track.  Yamazaki's stuff on these albums is all great.  Hopefully he'll get an album out sometime.

Anyone have any luck finding this "DeviantArt-like thing for musicians" that Izumi was talking about?  It'd be cool to track down his work on there.

If you liked this, you should enjoy his material on his solo album. It's very similar. The majority of his contributions on the Official Bootleg series (which is a mixed bag otherwise) were put into the solo album as well.

I guess his MySpace is it:
http://www.myspace.com/mitsutosuzuki