http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/final-fantasy-x/562909p1.html
Quote:
Nobuo Uematsu Moves On ... (PS2)
Final Fantasy composer parts ways with Square Enix after nearly 20 years.
By Rainier Van Autrijve | Nov. 2, 2004
A few days ago fan site RPGamer popped up with the rather disturbing rumor that famed composer Nobuo Uematsu, mostly known for his inspiring work on Square Enix's Final Fantasy series, was going to leave and form his own company.
Today it has been confirmed by various sources, including his own fanclub "Nobiyo no Shippo," that this is indeed the truth and after being in the service of Square Enix for almost 20 years, Nobuo Uematsu is moving on. Report claim that Uematsu will leave Square Enix by the end of November and join an independent company named "Smile Please."
Over the past few years Nobuo Uematsu had been scaling down his Final Fantasy contributions from full soundtracks to merely one song on the upcoming Final Fantasy XII, which is due in 2005.
Earlier this year Uematsu hosted the first Final Fantasy concert in LA and later this year he is expected to release his second "Black Mages" album, the Final Fantasy live rock band Uematsu fronts. His increasingly busy schedule is part of the reason why Uematsu decided it was time to move on, although Uematsu claims he will still be composing game music, performing in concerts, and is looking to schedule activities outside of Japan as well.
What does the future hold for FF music?