Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast
Episode: Caroline Polachek Interview: Death Stranding 2, Kojima, and New Music
Release Date: June 19, 2025

Introduction

In this special episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast, host Roger sits down with the multifaceted artist Caroline Polachek. Known for her distinctive vocal prowess and creative musical ventures, Caroline joins the podcast to discuss her unexpected collaboration with renowned game designer Hideo Kojima, her contributions to Death Stranding 2, and her ongoing musical projects.

The Serendipitous Collaboration with Hideo Kojima

Roger shares the intriguing backstory of how he introduced Caroline's latest album, Desire I Want to Turn into You, to Hideo Kojima, leading to an unprecedented partnership.

Roger [00:05]: "...I gave Kojima her album, he listened to it and then he fast tracked the creation of a song with her to become the title track of Death Stranding 2."

Caroline recounts her initial lack of gaming experience but expresses her fascination with Kojima's storytelling techniques.

Caroline [07:11]: "I'm not a gamer and I've never, up until this year, actually played... But I love watching playthroughs and understanding the conceptual arc of video games."

Crafting the Title Song: "On the Beach"

The duo delves into the creative process behind the Death Stranding 2 title track, "On the Beach." Caroline explains how an instrumental piece created during a snowstorm in Brooklyn became the foundation for the song.

Caroline [09:05]: "The pitch evolved into what this became. The piece was too industrial for my album, so it was perfect for the game's storytelling."

Roger highlights the swift and enthusiastic response from Kojima, emphasizing the seamless integration of Caroline's vision with the game's narrative.

Roger [10:23]: "Kojima always seems like such a fan of yours... It's incredible how fast you all work."

Exploring Music and Visual Art

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Caroline's dedication to visual artistry and how it intertwines with her music. She elaborates on the importance of visuals in shaping the listener's experience and her desire to create immersive worlds through her art.

Caroline [31:16]: "Visuals are like a shorthand of expressing all these things. It changes not just how I want other people to hear the music, but how I imagine it even as I'm making it."

Roger, a designer himself, expresses admiration for Caroline's integrated approach to music and visuals, prompting her to discuss her upcoming projects and potential ventures into film.

Caroline [33:41]: "Everything is on the table at the moment. There is a film project that I'm beginning to develop."

The Perpetual Novice Philosophy

The discussion delves into Caroline's label, Perpetual Novice, symbolizing her continuous journey of learning and exploration, especially within the dynamic realm of video games.

Caroline [18:25]: "Feeling small and like one piece of a team and like you have so much to learn is a really good place to operate from."

Embracing Collaboration and Evolution

Caroline reflects on her recent surge of collaborations, attributing it to her enthusiasm post-touring and her readiness to embrace new creative opportunities.

Caroline [17:02]: "All of these were amazing things I got presented with and I just felt like a kid in a candy shop and said, yes, yes, yes."

Social Media and Personal Balance

Touching on her relationship with social media, Caroline shares her fluctuating engagement levels and her appreciation for the platform's role in cultural expression.

Caroline [43:52]: "My relationship with social media is really malleable... I love watching it from a distance."

Fun Anecdotes and Personal Insights

The episode includes light-hearted moments, such as Caroline's explanation of a peculiar music video involving geese and her current personal obsessions like potato salad and her love for the band Smurs.

Caroline [50:22]: "I'm on a huge potato salad kick right now, where essentially the potatoes are just a vessel for everything else."

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Roger expresses his excitement for the upcoming release of Death Stranding 2 and the debut of Caroline's collaborative song. Caroline sends her warm regards to the gaming community, leaving listeners eager for both the game and her future projects.

Caroline [52:13]: "I hope everyone's having the time of their lives digging into the world of Death Stranding 2. And I will see you guys there."

This episode offers an insightful look into Caroline Polachek's artistic journey, highlighting the fusion of music, visual art, and interactive media. Her collaboration with Hideo Kojima exemplifies the innovative crossovers between the music and gaming industries, promising an exciting future for both her fans and gamers alike.