At Digital Tech Explorer, we often find the most fascinating stories where digital culture and mainstream entertainment collide. While you might expect to find pop sensation Chappell Roan at the top of the Billboard charts, her latest tech-adjacent revelation has caught the attention of the gaming community. It turns out that the artist behind hits like “Good Luck, Babe!” and “Hot To Go!” is a genuine connoisseur of vintage video game soundtracks, specifically the nostalgic “beeps and boops” of Old School RuneScape.
In a recent deep dive with Hemlocke Springs for Nylon, Roan offered a unique perspective on the intersection of music production and gaming aesthetics. While discussing Springs’ debut album, the apple tree under the sea, Roan paid it what many millennial gamers would consider the ultimate compliment: she noted that the production quality and atmosphere immediately reminded her of the iconic RuneScape soundtrack.
Chappell Roan’s Unexpected Gaming Connection
As TechTalesLeo, I’ve seen many artists try to bridge the gap between digital media and music, but Roan’s connection feels remarkably authentic. During the interview, she touched on the pressure of being categorized by labels—whether as a “queer artist” or a “pop star”—praising Springs for creating work that is “multidimensional.” For Roan, that multidimensionality is exemplified by its ability to evoke the digital landscapes of Gielinor.
“Your album makes me feel like I’m listening… I don’t know if you ever played RuneScape, but it’s like… Do you know what I’m talking about?” Roan asked. While Springs wasn’t quite sure of the reference—joking that she might be thinking of a “romance” game—Roan was quick to clarify the specific technical “vibe” she was looking for.
The Technical Charm of “Medieval Synth”
Roan’s appreciation centers on the specific hardware limitations of the early 2000s. She highlighted the synth-heavy, MIDI-based compositions that defined the browser-based RPG era. “It’s really medieval synth shit,” Roan explained. “I’m a video game girl, and I love synths and ’80s weird shit.”
From a tech perspective, the Old School RuneScape (OSRS) soundtrack is a masterclass in doing more with less. The MIDI files used in the game provided a distinct, lo-fi charm that has become a foundational aesthetic for many modern indie producers. To better understand why this specific sound resonates so strongly, let’s look at the elements Roan is referencing:
| Feature | The RuneScape Aesthetic | Modern Influence |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Format | MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) | Lo-fi and “Dungeon Synth” genres |
| Instrumental Style | Digital harpsichords, flutes, and programmed strings | Hyper-pop and retro-synth wave production |
| Vibe | “Medieval Synth” / Nostalgic Adventure | Multidimensional, genre-bending pop music |
Even for those who didn’t grow up grinding skills in Falador, the music has a way of lingering in the subconscious. It represents a specific era of digital innovation where limitations bred incredible creativity.
The Digital Exchange: A Future Collaboration?
The tech world moves fast, and the developers at Jagex were quick to respond to the shoutout. On X (formerly Twitter), the official Old School RuneScape account reached out to both Roan and Springs, offering a digital olive branch in the form of the game’s actual MIDI files.
“thanks for thinking of us @chappellroan, we love your music – if you or @hemlockesprings ever want the MIDI files let us know ❤️” — Official Old School RuneScape
Whether this leads to a “medieval synth” remix of a pop hit or just a deeper appreciation for retro gaming hardware, it’s clear that the influence of early 2000s tech is alive and well in today’s music scene.
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