I had the amazing opportunity to interview Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, the singing voice of Silent Hill. She is an American voice actress, ADR director, writer, and singer best known for her extensive English-language dubbing of various anime, and her singing in multiple games from the Silent Hill series, as well as the movie adaptation and Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME.

She answered question about her career as a musician as well as her career in voice acting. Mary is set to be the new ADR director in the upcoming Silent Hill: Re-Mastered Collection, as well as contributing vocals in Silent Hill: Downpour. However, Mary was not able to disclose information of her future works in Silent Hill.

Silent Haven: What is your influence when it comes to creating music? What artist(s) inspire you to sing?

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: I have been singing my whole life thanks to my parents.. Everything from choir and chorale music to the Beatles has influenced me over the years. I loved Karen Carpenter as a kid. I’ve always had a deep tone to my voice and she was always an inspiration as a vocalist.

Silent Haven: I recently did an interview with Donna Burke who, like you, is a singer as well as an actress. When I asked her which she preferred and how it differed she said that singing is acting. What would you say? Which do you enjoy more and how does singing differ from acting for you?

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: Well, I’m directing more than anything these days, though I still do voiceovers. The only singing I’ve been doing is with Akira. I think each discipline enhances the other, and I’m lucky enough to be able to do a bit of each these days. I’ve been singing my whole life so that definitely comes easiest. With Akira’s music, it’s all about acting though. The themes of the songs are pretty intense and I love diving into those characters.

Silent Haven: You first sang on the Silent Hill 3 soundtrack and have been a major factor since. It’s hard for me to pick my favorite track from you and Akira but if I had to pick I would definitely say Room of Angel from Silent Hill 4 although Waiting for You is very close behind. Which track that you sang for on Silent Hill would you call your favorite in terms of structure, style, and challenge?

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: I love all of Akira’s songs, but the haunting quality of Room of Angel is one of my favorites.

Silent Haven: I have to know. Do you write any lyrics and/or play any instruments?

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: I used to play a bit of guitar and piano. I also studied bassoon when I was a kid. Not so much now. I leave the lyrics to those who have a real talent for it. Me, I’m just the singer. 😉

Silent Haven: For you to have such an incredible voice I am surprised you have not recorded an album. Is this something you plan to do in the future? Maybe with Akira but that isn’t a part of a video game?

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: No plans for an album. It just never happened in the past and my career took me in another direction. Although, I would love to collaborate with Akira on anything. Hopefully we can keep working together here and there, as we always have.

Silent Haven: Can you give a little information on what exactly you will be doing for Silent Hill: Re-Mastered Collection? Will you doing voiceovers? Mocap? Music? Or just directing?”

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: Unfortunately, no. Nondisclosures prevent me from speaking about any future projects. You’ll just have to wait and see. Sorry!

Silent Haven: I just heard the Shadows of the Damned theme song and it blew me away, definitely something different than Silent Hill’s usual sound, but is probably your best performance. It is much more heavy and modern sounding. It was sad to hear Akira leaving and hearing you weren’t going to be a part of Downpour. However on the contrary Devin Shatsky came out and said you would be contributing a song for Downpour. My question is will this song be collaboration with Korn or just Daniel Licht or both? What is your opinion on Korn producing the theme song?

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: As I said, due to nondisclosures I cannot share any information on future projects that have not yet been released. Thank you for understanding.

Silent Haven: And finally what is your reflection on how you’ve seen the Silent Hill franchise as it has evolved over the years?

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: Working with Akria has been one of the best experiences of my life. We just did a concert in Paris for Japan Expo a few weeks ago and I was amazing. He brought music back into my life in a way I never thought possible. I am forever grateful to him. Silent Hill grew and evolved as Akira grew and evolved. I was just honored to be along for the ride.

Here is a video of the concert Mary was talking about

G4: Welcome to Videogame Deathmath: Best Franchise, where you get to choose the best game franchise of all time. 32 of the top series will battle it out… We supply the bracket, you vote in each round and the winners will move on until there’s only one left.