Not many people can say their plaything when they were six became their career, but Chase Bethea can.
What’s your story?
I was born and raised in Chicago. I started playing videos games around six years old. My grandmother had an Intellivision that I discovered underneath a bed that I hooked up myself and she bought me my own GameBoy. When the GameBoy camera came out, I was composing music on there. I was in advance band and choir from fifth to seventh grade. Graduated from Los Angeles Recording School with honours, Moorpark College and CSUN. Hearing so many times that my music sounded like it should be in a video game, I decided to pursue it.
What excites you most about your industry?
Being able to make an impression on the youngest and new generation of game players. Their perspective of the industry is vastly different and open minded . They are so welcoming and supportive to the catalogue of work I introduce to them and this energy perpetuates the drive even more.
What drives you in your career to push beyond what other people consider normal?
One part of the drive is that seeing laziness in others makes me work harder. The other part of the drive is being in competition with myself. I have my own landmarks and milestones that I want to be solidified and with that comes the tenacity and ambition to get there.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
Retail. Learning how to talk and work with different personalities at random times has leveled my experience tremendously. It sharpened my critical thinking skills and social skills simultaneously. Since the field is a “people “ business my ten years in retail has equipped me with the tools to navigate with emotional intelligence, poise and decorum.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Not everyone is going to like you and that’s okay. The field is filled with talkers and people that will grin and skin in your face. You think people are your friend and they are not. Their actions show otherwise. Being okay with knowing that not everyone will like you lessens the pressure of being liked to possibly get work. You really don’t need everyone to like you, you just need one quality and genuine person to like you.
Who inspires you?
People who are consistent and reach their goals. The visionaries that are seen and known as the greats in our society and transcend decades and centuries are who inspire me.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
That I have genuine people that show support when it’s time to show support. Many years in my career, I have found that people talk a lot but when it came time to truly show support, I saw people enact. It surprised me because I wasn’t used it but I was truly thankful.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would start my video game path in my adolescence. I would heed the advice from peers, lean in with more curiosity, devote proper research and get started with my career as video game composer.
How do you unwind?
I lie in bed and listen to obscure jazz or video game music. Sometimes I will do word searches or play some retro video games.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your career?
I do my own thing in this field and it works great for me. There are no rules. Opportunity is what I make it to be.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. A fantastically well written book that I think many creatives who are introverts would benefit from. I’m an ambivert and even though I knew most of the lessons and topics in it, the information was still a solid refresher and helpful perspectives.
Shameless plug for your business or career:
Look out for my book releasing in 2025, “Student of the Game Navigating a Decade in the Video Game Industry”.
Support my music on Bandcamp. Apple Music Tidal and YouTube.
Subscribe to my Patreon for my deeper industry perspective and insights.
I’m available for more podcast interviews, guest speaking and live performances.
How can people connect with you?
My website is www.chasebethea.com
Social Media Links?
Tiktok – @chasebethea
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.