Magnus Pålsson is a composer best known for their soundtrack for the video game VVVVVV under the artist name Souleye. He opens up about ego death, creativity, and building a gamified platform for personal growth. A raw, inspiring conversation about transformation, vulnerability, and what it means to live truthfully in a digital age.

MAGNUS LINKS:

Website: https://www.magnuspalsson.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2wguicPfR7ne0MDX7mYPRq?si=z153KlHtQPGc0SzT4I1KSw

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/fi/artist/magnus-p%C3%A5lsson/806918599

Bandcamp: https://souleyedigitalmusic.bandcamp.com/album/pppppp-the-vvvvvv-soundtrack

X: https://x.com/MagnusRender

Markus Junnikkala is a Composer from Finland.

https://www.markusjunnikkala.com/

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) - Technical Issues and Settling In

(00:02:00) - Moving to Portugal for Economic Reasons

(00:04:00) - From Music to Investments and Personal Growth

(00:08:00) - Gamifying Personal Development

(00:12:00) - Transparency, Public Growth, and Personal Accountability

(00:16:00) - Magnus’s Ego Death Experience

(00:24:00) - Living Without an Ego and Resetting Perceptions

(00:28:00) - Integrating the Shadow and Emotional Maturity

(00:34:00) - Impact on Creativity and Expressing a Wider Emotional Range

(00:40:00) - Music, Hopefulness, and Emotional Complexity

(00:46:00) - The Return of the Inner Voice

(00:53:00) - Managing the Ego's Influence in Daily Life

(00:57:00) - Relational Meditation and Circling Practice Explained

(01:03:00) - Building a Gamified Growth Platform

(01:09:00) - Truth, Trolling, and Documenting Transformation

(01:17:00) - Philosophy, AI, and the Search for Truth

(01:19:00) - Facing AI and Redefining Human Connection

(01:23:00) - Human Imperfections and the Future of Authenticity

(01:27:00) - AI Adapting to Mimic Humanity

(01:31:00) - The Futility and Beauty of Seeking Truth

(01:35:00) - Finding Joy in Simplicity and Process

(01:39:00) - Early Music Career and Unexpected Opportunities

(01:44:00) - The Strange Story Behind Magnus’s First Game Soundtrack

(01:49:00) - Creative Integrity Versus External Expectations

(01:55:00) - Sustaining Creativity Amidst Day Jobs and Long Commutes

(02:00:00) - Using Old-School Trackers to Compose Legendary Music

(02:04:00) - Evolving Creativity and Embracing New Horizons

(02:10:00) - Gaming, Childhood Inspirations, and Musical Beginnings

(02:15:00) - The Role of Play and Joy in Developing Skills

(02:20:00) - Building a New Life Focused on Passion Projects

(02:30:00) - Creating a Gamified Platform for Growth and Connection

(02:38:00) - Life Philosophy: Living Authentically and Courageously

(02:45:00) - Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts