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Saki Kaskas

Theodosius Kaskamanidis
Also known as Saki Kaskas, Captain Ginger
Born September 24, 1971
Krefeld, Germany
Died November 17, 2016 (aged 45)
Genres Rock, Punk, Heavy Metal, Folk, jazz
Occupation(s) Video game music composer
Instruments Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar, Bass guitar, Piano, Drums
Years active 1996-2016
Labels Koyote Records
Website www.sakikaskas.com

Theodosius Kaskamanidis (September 24, 1971 – November 17, 2016), better known as "Saki Kaskas" or "Captain Ginger", was a Greek video game music composer, best known for his soundtracks in the Need for Speed series.

Saki was born in Krefeld, Germany, in 1971, to Greek parents. Shortly after he was born, the whole family moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Saki started to play the guitar when he was 15. He practiced 5 hours a day and in two years he was in his first band, Omnibol. They were a rock band and they gained some notoriety around the Vancouver music scene.

In 1993, Omnibol broke up. At that time, he started to play in various bands. Saki played in a Greek folk band, a heavy metal band, a cover band, a ‘power trio’ rock band and in a guitar duet. He also played sessions for commercials and such.

In 1994, Saki joined The Heavy Lounge. This was an instrumental band and they played progressive rock with some leanings towards Jazz, Funk and Metal. The keyboard player was Jeff van Dyck, who was working for Electronic Arts at the time.

In 1996, Jeff got Saki a contract for The Need for Speed. Soon after that, Saki became a full-time composer for EA, and he composed music for NHL 97, NHL 98, Need for Speed II, Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit, Need for Speed: High Stakes, Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed, Rugby 2001, Missile Command, and Mass Effect 2.


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