BBC Gaming Proms 2022- From 8-Bit to Infinity

The BBC Proms are a big part of the British identity, a celebration of classical music held at the legendary Royal Albert Hall over eight weeks in the summer season. The seasonal event has been an annual fixture since 1895 and is still going strong. Over the years, the music has remained focussed on classical music but this year marks a major first- videogame music.

According to the BBC Proms website:

Fantastic worlds, epic adventures, complex characters and huge moral choices – the universe of computer gaming is a natural match for orchestral music, and in the 21st century games have created a huge and passionate global audience for some of the most vivid, ambitious and inventive music currently being written for symphony orchestra. In this first ever Gaming Prom, Robert Ames – best-known at the Proms for his explorations of sci-fi and electroacoustic music – takes an electronically expanded Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on an odyssey from the classic console titles of the 1980s, through Jessica Curry’s haunted soundscapes to the European concert premiere of music from Hildur Guðnadóttir’s and Sam Slater’s score for Battlefield 2042.

The link to the BBC Sounds is here and the televised presentation will run on Friday 5th August 2022.

As a huge videogame music enthusiast (check out reviews of videogame vinyl soundtracks below) I appreciate that this form of music is being more recognised and appreciated by a larger audience.

LINK: Vinyl- The Return of the Format

LINK: Streets of Rage Soundtrack on Vinyl

LINK: Digging the Carts (Video Game Music Documentary)

LINK- The Moomins 80's Soundtrack Vinyl Review

LINK- Inspector Gadget Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- Ulysses 31 Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- The Mysterious Cities of Gold Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- Sonic Mania Video Game Vinyl Soundtrack

LINK- Thomas Was Alone Video Game Vinyl Soundtrack Review

LINK- Akira Soundtrack Vinyl Review

Square Enix Music Released on YouTube

I love listening to video game music and often it soundtracks my life, whether I’m working, running or just chilling. However, there's so many amazing soundtracks that are forgotten simply because many people don't have easy access to them. So when Square Enix announced that they were releasing their own YouTube channel with tonnes of music, live music performances and composer interviews I was ecstatic. I went on there and there are thousands of tracks available to listen to… looks like my music mix is sorted for the foreseeable.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMx60HYcw1ieiPlZZagfqXQ/playlists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=5

Square Enix Music

There are thousands of tracks on the Square Enix Music channel on YouTube.

Ori and Cuphead Soundtracks in Concert at Game Music Festival 2022

From March 5th to 6th 2022, the Royal Festival Hall, London, will host a concert featuring the music of fan-favourites Cuphead, Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Having played 2 out of the 3 games I can definitely say that the soundtracks are awesome with Cuphead being all big band jazz and Ori being more a more meditative, lush orchestral. The big draw on the second night is a 160 piece orchestra that will play the music on the second, and final night. Tickets (available at the official site) start from £25 but obviously rise with different seating positions.

Over the course of the weekend, there will be several workshops and events about video game composing which promises to be a great experience for those interested in that field.

Unfortunately, I can’t go as I’m here in Devon, living my best life, but for those who can why not experience some of the most iconic scores of the last few years!

Ikaruga Soundtrack Released by Data Discs

Data Discs have a great ‘track record’ (yup, I’ll get me coat) of releasing amazing soundtracks. I have already written reviews on the Streets of Rage, Sonic Mania and the stunning Okami vinyls. Now, they are releasing the Ikaruga soundtrack. I’m a fan of the Treasure game and like the music just fine but for me it’s not a purchase I’ll be making as I’m not that big a fan. However I know for many of you it may be something you like so why not order it here.

Ikaruga OST Data Discs

The Women Who Pioneered Video Game Music

I found an amazing video whilst falling into the YouTube algorithm rabbit hole about the role of female video game composers within the industry. Now, I know some of the big names out there like Yoko Shimomura (Kingdom Hearts, Street Fighter II) and Michiru Yamane (lots of classic Castlevanias) but I didn’t know that the contribution to music within the industry was so poorly known or documented. This video helps right a lot of that and at just over 13 minutes, is well worth your time.

Thunder Force IV Soundtrack Incoming

I’m a huge fan of DataDiscs and their video game soundtrack releases. I have bought many of their vinyl OSTs including Okami, Golden Axe, Panzer Dragoon and all three Streets of Rages. Recently, they have announced that they will be publishing the soundtrack for Thunder Force IV. As a HUGE fan of the game back when it was out on the Megadrive (and recently released on the Nintendo Switch Store) I am beyond excited for this release and can’t wait. For those not in the know check out the soundtrack below and rock out!