Blog

Who Is RekcahDam?

I once heard someone ask "who is RekcahDam?" Well, I am RekcahDam but, my real name is Roger Hicks . RekcahDam was a name given to me by an old friend and, for some reason, it stuck. But, I like to think that 'RekcahDam' is more than just name (contact@rekcahdam.com):


--MUSIC--

Drumming with Disasterpeace at VCon 2012:

Some of my most memorable moments are of me watching old cartoons or playing video games but, the music is what really sticks out in my mind as clear as if it were the first time I heard it! Music also has a strong emotional affect on me. It can change the way I feel the instant I hear it. Whether it's Progressive Rock, Hip-Hop , Electronica, EDM, film scored or for video games it doesn't matter! I love music! You'll be sure to hear every genre of music reflected in mine. You can hear some of my work via http://rekcahdam.bandcamp.com and http://soundcloud.com/rekcahdam .



--REVERSE ENGINEERING / HACKING--
This is a tutorial video I did for my app PulseBoy

In high school I was apart of a special program focused on software and mechanical engineering but, I never felt as smart as other students. I felt lost when a teacher would try to explain something from beginning to end. Instead I preferred the exact opposite! I would always be able to piece together an algorithm by working backwards from the end end result. Many of my friends were talented when it came to programming but I started out on a different path. I learned how to reverse engineer software before I even could properly develop it! I've even contributed to "the scene."  Later, while learning CS (Computer Science) theory, it felt as if I had a bit of an advantage over the rest. I was able to connect low level and high level concepts without much effort.




--VIDEO GAMES--

Possibly my most popular project so far!


My first massively recognized game, rComplex!:

rComplex - The Facts from R.J. H. on Vimeo.


In my last years of college I met an artist named Naomi Baker. We both studied at the same university and became good friends. Naomi and I were both into video games but I never had any ambition to create one myself. Despite my lack of ambition Naomi encouraged me to give it a shot. I didn't know much about the indie-game scene at that time. I didn't even know where to start but, I decided to go for it anyway! Before long I met another artist by the name of Brian Terwilliger on the gametrailers.com forums. The 3 of us went on to work on several projects together. Brian and I still work together even to this day!

 I've also been fortunate enough to work with more awesome like minded people; Marco Nelor , Rich Vreeland, Paul Veer, Connor UllmanMatt White , Beau Blyth and Lisa Coffman. If I left out your name forgive me!


-- VISUAL ART--

Me drawing a friend, Martina:

Martina The Guitarist from R.J. H. on Vimeo.


I've always loved to draw. I don't want to say that I was ever extremely good at it . In fact, I'm less-than-average at it. But, art is the one thing that I never really turned into a "job." Art is more like therapy for me. Although, at one time, I would contribute artwork for the Farmers Market and Richmond Times Dispatch in Virginia.

--CONCLUSION--

I'm want to become a modern day "renaissance" man! I want to do everything. I think it's because I'm influenced by everything and I like to create things based on my life's influences. I hate to call myself a jack of all trades since, if you're one of them, you tend to have a reputation of not being particularly skilled at any of those trades. I genuinely think that it's possible to be talented and skilled at several things at once. As long as I have the ability to learn I'll continue to become skilled at those things.

Feel free to check out the links at the top (Games, sideProjects, BandCamp) and look for more from me in the future!

Apps & Games

Celestial Mechanica

Celestial Mechanica delivers a mixture of action, puzzle, exploration and adventure while sporting the awesome "pixely-goodness" you've come to expect from @pietepiet and "sexy ear candy" from @rekcahdam.

Pulse Boy

PulseBoy is a web-based musical sequencer which only uses 8bit sounds and samples. PulseBoy uses a "tracker" interface to accept note input. It is currently in beta so feel free to contact me at contact@rekcahdam.com (or @rekcahdam) if you find any bugs!

Band Saga

Band Saga is a modern Action Roguelike where every level, enemy and item is generated by music. Furthermore, every melody and every sound is synthesized in real time as you play! Collaborate with friends to complete the Saga & sequence Sega Genesis esque FM ♪ tunes asynchronously!

Prototypes

This is a list of smaller games and projects that were never finished for various reasons. Many people find them enjoyable nonetheless

Music

Band Saga LP

The Soundtrack to Band Saga also includes a 22 page comic illustrated by Gina Chacón! Download it here!

Seedling Soundtrack

This Original Soundtrack was written for an action adventure game that follows the early life and journey of a boy made for one purpose--to obtain the seed of the Oracle's Tree. You can play Seedling on Newgrounds.com !

Devil's Dare OST

This Original Soundtrack was written for a 4 player 2D zombie beat'em up. Devil's Dare pits classic game heroes against monsters straight out of 90s horror movies. You can download and play Devil's Dare on Steam!

Space Time Capsule

Rekcahdam stores his most significant memories of 2013 into a HipHop Time Capsule of lyrics, story telling and actual recordings.

Portfolio

Projects

  • Celestial Mechanica (Programmer + Sound Designer + Composer) 2011
  • Pulse Boy (Programmer) 2011
  • 25 Year Legend (Project Director + Producer + Arranger) 2011
  • Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k Commercial (Composer) 2012
  • Lume iOS (Porting Programmer) 2012
  • Seedling (Composer + Sound Designer) 2012
  • Famaze (Co-Programmer) 2013
  • Devil's Dare (Composer) 2013-2014
  • Cat Poke HD (Composer) 2014
  • Ghost Song (Sound Designer + Composer; project currently in-progress) 2013-2016
  • Band Saga (Programmer + Sound Designer + Composer; project currently in-progress) 2013-
  • mixi.jp/App Cruisaders Engineer (Lead Programmer) 2015-2017
  • Streets of Red Devil's Dare Deluxe (Composer) 2019
  • Ninjala (Rapper on the Ninjala OST - "We're NEXT by Atsushi Urano and Roger REKCAHDAM Hicks")2020
  • Primary Hive (Chief Technology Officer) 2017-2020
  • Steven Universe (Session Drummer for songs "Strong In The Real Way", "Steven and the Stevens", "Ste-Ste-Ste Steven","Big Fat Zucchini", "Steven and the Crystal Gems", "Comet", "Full Disclosure", "What Can I Do (For You)", "I Think I Need a Little (Change)", "Love Like You", "Being Human", "Can I Ska My Van Into your heart") 2013-2020
  • ikenfell (Rapper, Drummer and co-producer on "Between The Lines")2020

Performances / Events

Media / Press

Education