David Arkenstone

About

David Arkenstone has spent decades crafting instrumental music that feels like it belongs in another world entirely, which is probably why his albums are often packaged with fantasy art and literature. His sound sits squarely in new age territory, with detours into Celtic, ambient, and medieval textures, though he has also written a heavy metal soundtrack for the video game Emperor: Battle for Dune, proving he is not locked into one lane. Over a career of more than 50 albums, he has racked up five Grammy nominations and contributed music to major games including World of Warcraft and to TV networks like the History Channel and NBC Sports. Arkenstone plays an impressive range of instruments himself, from bouzouki and Turkish saz to harp, flute, and pan pipes, and that hands on approach gives his orchestrated pieces a distinctly personal feel. His music has turned up in unexpected places too, including the background loops at Epcot and Tomorrowland in Disney parks. He also runs the record label Neo Pacifica, which he founded with his ex wife Diane, and releases music under the band alias Troika.