"Menu and start music themes set the tone for the beginnings of most games. They are not unlike appetizers or amuse bouches: a taste for what’s to come. For many people, these opening themes, along with their respective title cards, trigger a greater sense of nostalgia, in much the same way that smells activate older memories. All of these themes are composed and designed with a sense of beginning, acting as gateways towards something bigger. This album would be a celebration of, not only the memories these games hold, but also their function from a design perspective.
Specifically, we want to encapsulate the feeling when you first played a game, be it playing a video game for the very first time or picking up any game for the first time ever, and falling in love with it. Every video game fan had to start their appreciation somewhere, and that feeling is what binds our community together. By drawing from Materia Collective’s community of musical members during this album’s production, we hope to show not only how video games connect and inspire us all, but also pay homage to video games as a medium. We’re proud to present this album as a compilation of a remarkable set of remixes and unique covers of opening theme music from video games."
Benjamin Wallace: Album Producer
Materia Collective: Performing Artist
Monica Wang: Album Producer
Andreas Fredriksson: Album art
Ben Wallace: Album Producer
Effett: Album Art
Fredrik Häthén: Mentor, Special Thanks
James C. Hoffman: Special Thanks
Jayson Napolitano: Marketing
Lauren Liebowitz: Marketing
Mason Lieberman: Mentor
Michael Schiciano: Mastering Engineer (SELECT disc)
Nick Day: Mentor
Sebastian Wolff: Executive Producer
Stephen Froeber: Mastering Engineer (START disc)
Taylor Ambrosio Ward: Mentor
Tommy Rosati: Mentor
---
DISC 1
1 Katamari on the Symphony (from "Katamari Damacy")
"My, Earth really is full of things. So many singers. So many musicians. So much music that we have to just put it all together in one big Katamari anthem. The verses have been translated from their original Japanese."
Thomas Kresge: Track Producer, Arranger, Piano, Vocals, Mixing Engineer, Lyric Adaption
Alex Hill: Tuba
Andrew Stern: Vocals (Tenor), Cello
Ann Zeng: Vocals (Alto)
Anna Snow: Vocals (Backup)
Bonnie Bogovich: Vocals (Soprano), Vocals (Alto)
Nautilus T Party: Boy Band
insaneintherainmusic: Tenor Saxophone
Chris Doughty: Bass, Vocals (Boy Band)
Damian Nguyen: Oboe
Daniel Romberger: Trombone, Bass
Darby Cupit: Vocals (Boy Band), Bass
ETHEReal Strings: Violin, Viola
Gregory Orosz: Piccolo
Helen Planchet: Vocals (Solo)
Ian Martyn: Vocals (Tenor)
Joel Kent: Drum Set
John Robert Matz: Vocals (Tenor), Vocals (Boy Band), Trumpet
JohnStacy: Horns
Julia Handschin: Vocals (Alto)
Kasey Polk: Clarinet
Katelyn Isaacson: Vocals (Soprano), Vocals (Alto)
Liz Rishel: Vocals (Soprano), Vocals (Alto)
Lori Syngajewski: Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
Marc Papeghin: Horns
Marcela Estelië: Vocals (Soprano)
Matheus Manente: Acoustic Guitar
May Claire La Plante: Harp
Michael Gebhart: Bassoon
Pokérus Project: Bass Guitar
Peter Jones: Vocals (Boy Band)
Ryan C. Connelly: Vocals (Tenor)
Saoirse Mings: Vocals (Alto)
Tim Rosko: Vocals (Tenor)
Trey Hodge: Electric Guitar
Troy Strand: Bass Trombone
Xale CA Slusser: Baritone Saxophone, Bassoon, Percussion (Bongos)
Catboss.: Flute
Compositions:
• "Katamari on the Rocks"
Yu Miyake (Composer)
Yu Miyake, Keita Takahashi (Lyricist)
2 Super Deluxe Grand Prix 64 (from "Mario Kart 64")
"Mario Kart 64 was a game I only really got to play at the orthodontist whenever I went to get my braces adjusted. The opending chord at the title screen was the loudest thing ever and it never failed to grab my attention. I was raised musically by my dad's tastes, a lot of brass heavy music of big bands, Maynard Ferguson, the Stan Kenton Orchestra, Earth Wind and Fire, and others. This track was my way of blending those two parts of my childhood, but with the musical language of adult me."
JohnStacy: Track Producer, Arranger, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone
Alex Hill: Tuba
Ben Wallace: Piano
Marc Papeghin: Percussion
Robby Duguay: Guitar
Sam Bobinski: Bass
Compositions:
• "File Select (Mario Kart 64)"
Kenta Nagata (Composer)
3 Wily's Mysterious Freaking Intro (from "Mega Man 2")
"We move from rock ballad interpretation of the opening text, to galloping metal, to synthy rap, to the finale. We cover a lot of ground in 2 minutes."
When The Clock Strikes: Guitars, Bass, Percussion (Programmed), Vocals
YUNGxHALLOWEEN: Vocals
CJ Cochran: Percussion (Programmed), Synth, Track Producer, Mixing Engineer
Compositions:
• "Title (Mega Man 2)"
Takashi Tateishi (Composer)
4 Break Out (from "Ape Escape")
"Ape Escape is about monkeys equipped with helmets that raise their IQ exponentially. This song captures the relaxing calm of a world that makes sense; followed by the terror of an abrupt upheaval into a time when primates are vying for top spot in the pecking order of society."
Losn: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer
Keadrin Cain: Cello
Compositions:
• "Break Out (Ape Escape)"
Soichi Terada (Composer)
5 Dragón de samba y l'espada de luz (from "Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon")
"I wanted to take the regal and refined atmosphere of the original Fire Emblem theme and turn it right on it's head - thus, this uproarious samba arrangement, scored for full jazz ensemble, was born. Sure, it won't inspire any of your units to arms, but man...they'll be ready to dance!"
Eileen Snyder: Track Producer, Arranger, Piano, Percussion (Programmed Drums), Percussion (Auxiliary)
Daniel Romberger: Trombone
Danny Flam: Trombone
Doug Perry: Percussion (Auxiliary)
Emerson Borg: Trumpet
FirahFabe: Bass
Jess Destramp: Alto Saxophone
JohnStacy: Trumpet (Solo)
HatVGM: Trumpet
Kyle Martin: Tenor Saxophone
Liam Trawick: Tenor Saxophone
Nikki Francisco: Alto Saxophone
Peter Bobinski: Mixing Engineer
Timothy Shermer: Trumpet
Trey Hodge: Guitar
Xale CA Slusser: Baritone Saxophone
Compositions:
• "Fire Emblem Theme (Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon)"
Yuka Tsujiyoko (Composer)
6 Stardew Valley Overture
"An arrangement of "Stardew Valley Overture", the title track from Stardew Valley, for string orchestra and harp."
Patrick Dunnevant: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer, Strings (Samples)
Harpsona: Harp
Compositions:
• "Stardew Valley Overture"
Eric Barone (Composer)
7 Made of Happiness (from "The Sims 3")
"This is an arrangement of the wildly catchy theme song from Sims 3. It was inspired by the late night television host, Jimmy Fallon, and the section of his show when they perform songs on classroom instruments. This piece mimics the playful,expressive, and childline sense of excitement and happiness experienced by playing the Sims games."
Alex Hill: Track Producer, Arranger, Tuba
Victoria Rose Maxfield: Track Producer, Arranger, Vocals, Kazoo
Damian Nguyen: Recorder, Percussion (Glockenspiel)
Daniel Romberger: Whistle, Percussion (Triangle), Percussion (Bongos), Percussion (Cowbell)
Danny Flam: Trombone
FirahFabe: Octavina, Laud, Bandurria
Garrett McPherson: Mixing Engineer
Hat: Kazoo, Slide Whistle
Ian Martyn: Otamatone, Vocals
Jackie Berg: Recorder
Julia Handschin: Vocals
Lee Neikirk: Guitalele
Liz Rishel: Kazoo, Vocals
Matheus Manente: Bass
Maria Bastos: Vocals, Violin (II)
Pokérus Project: Percussion (Shakers), Kazoo
Peter Jones: Harmonica
Ro Panuganti: Ukulele
Ronin Op F: Violin (I)
Sean Schafianski: Melodica
Waleed Hawatky: Sharker, Kazoo, Percussion (Sleigh-Bell), Percussion (Blocks)
Xale CA Slusser: Percussion (Xylophone), Recorder
Zachary Kohlmeier: Boom Sticks
Compositions:
• "The Sims 3 Theme"
Steve Jablonsky (Composer)
8 Until the Very End (from "Mass Effect: Andromeda")
"Mass Effect: Andromeda "A Better Beginning" cover. It was a bit daunting at first, because the original is so perfect already! The challenge was figuring out what to do different. So I just pulled some inspirado from a few of my bigger influences like Pink Floyd (Shine On You Crazy Diamond), Nine Inch Nails (We're In This Together), and A Perfect Circle (Vanishing), and adopted the composition, tweaked it a bit and made it my own."
Lazerwolph (Phillip Merriman): Track Producer
Lazerwolph: Guitar, Bass, Percussion (Drums), Percussion (Synth Programming), Mixing Engineer
Compositions:
• "A Better Beginning (Mass Effect: Andromeda)"
John Paesano (Composer)
9 Chaosium Sword (from "Ninja Gaiden II")
"The time shall come when the Gate of Darkness is cast open. All men shall kneel before me. All shall hail me, Ashtar, as their new master!"
James C. Hoffman: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer
Compositions:
• "Chaosium Sword (Ninja Gaiden II)"
Ryuichi Nitta (Composer)
10 Reel 'Em In, Boys! (from "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag")
"The Black Flag soundtrack is such a beautiful blending of epic, cinematic orchestral elements and traditional Irish and pirate-style music. I wanted to strip away some of the more modern elements and create something more old fashioned, but still fun. So I went with bluegrass, something I've been listening to since I was a child. Matheus' fiddle really helped me glue the arrangement together and give it that romping feel that I really wanted."
Joe Zieja: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin
Matheus Sardinha Garcia Souza: Fiddle
Compositions:
• "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Main Theme"
Brian Tyler (Composer)
11 Until Dawn (from "Final Fantasy XIII")
"Even though Final Fantasy XIII isn't a universally loved game, the music is actually pretty great. I wanted to try my hand at a chamber orchestra arrangement with female vocals of the main theme and see if I could add some extra life, delicacy and emotion to it. Couldn't resist adding a sneaky reference to the FFXIII battle music, because that track is so good!"
Jorito: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer, Lyrics
Damian Nguyen: Oboe
Gregory Orosz: Clarinet, Flute
JoyDreamer: Vocals, Lyrics
Lauren Stacy: French Horn
Matheus Manente: Guitar
Ronin Op F: Violin
Compositions:
• "The Promise (Final Fantasy XIII)"
Masashi Hamauzu (Composer)
12 Chronometric Dimension Shifter (from "Chrono Trigger")
"As Chrono Trigger is one of my favorite games and music tracks of all time, I was happy to jump on and I wanted to evoke the power of changing timelines and the force of controlled destiny."
Ronin Op F: Track Producer, Mixing Engineer, Violin
Compositions:
• "CHRONO TRIGGER"
Yasunori Mitsuda (Composer)
13 Doki Doki Literature Club! (from "Doki Doki Literature Club")
"Variations of . . . DokiDokiLiteratureClubArrangement.chr has been deleted."
FirahFabe: Track Producer, Arranger, Bandurria, Laud, Octavina, Bass Guitar, Piano, Melodica, Percussion (Programmed Drums)
Alex Hill: Tuba
Damian Nguyen: Oboe
Daniel Romberger: Theremin, Trombone
Harpsona: Harp
Jackie Berg: Tenor Sax
James C. Hoffman: Mixing Engineer
Joe Chen: Melodica, Viola
John Robert Matz: Trumpet
Josué Ferreira: Flute
Keandrin Dick: Cello
Matheus Manente: Acoustic Guitar
Michaela Nachtigall: Otamatone, Violin
Nikki Francisco: Soprano Sax, Clarinet
Ronin Op F: Glitch Sound Design
Thennecan: Electric Guitar
Tia Rose Maxfield: Voice
Xale CA Slusser: Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Bassoon
Compositions:
• "Doki Doki Literature Club! (Doki Doki Literature Club)"
Dan Salvato (Composer)
14 Choose Your Player! (from "Super Smash Bros. Melee")
"An arrangement for Orchestra of the "Menu1" music from Super Smash Bros Melee. Originally, the music appears as it does in the game, and then is developed. The main theme is played between the Horns and the Trumpets in a Canon, then a second theme is introduced in the Violins, while the original theme is played in the Trumpets as a contrapuntal counterpoint."
Ben Emberley: Track Producer, Arranger, Orchestration
Alex Hill: Tuba
Andrew Dunn: Cello
Andrew Steffen: Violin (I), Violin (II), Viola
Andrew Stern: Cello
Damien Nguyen: English Horn
Daniel Flam: French Horn
Daniel Romberger: Bass Trombone
Dean Nguyen: Percussion (Timpani), Percussion (Cymbals), Percussion (Triangle), Percussion (Tubular Bells), Percussion (Celesta)
Gregory Orosz: Piccolo, Flute
Harpsona: Harp
John Robert Matz: Trumpet, Mixing Engineer
JohnStacy: French Horn
Marc Papeghin: French Horn
Nikki Francisco: Clarinet
Sam Bobinski: Double Bass
Troy Strand: Trombone
Xale CA Slusser: Oboe, Bassoon, Percussion (Snare Drum)
Compositions:
• "Choose Your Character! (from "Super Smash Bros. Melee")"
Hirokazu Ando (Composer)
15 Motherless (from "Horizon Zero Dawn")
"It is a Symphonic Progressive Rock of the title theme."
Matias Castro Cancino: Track Producer, Arranger, VST Programming
Fernando Kähs: Guitar
Compositions:
• "Aloy's Theme (Horizon Zero Dawn)"
Joris de Man (Composer)
16 Title (from "Mega Man 3")
"A metal instrumental arrangement of the title screen music."
Will Dawson: Track Producer, Arranger, Guitar
Compositions:
• "Title (Mega Man 3)"
Yasuaki Fujita (Composer)
17 Main Title (from "Deus Ex")
"An arrangement of Deus Ex's Main Theme in the style of machine funk with machines recreating a drum kit (because cyberpunk!), synthesizers and a bit of the slap bass."
Mairiba: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer
Compositions:
• "Main Title (Deus Ex)"
Alexander Brandon (Composer)
18 L'ouverture Tactice (from "Final Fantasy Tactics")
"Although the original provides hope, Final Fantasy Tactics is a game which embraces darkness and despair, blanketing us with a sense of hopelessness. L’ouverture Tactice: Au moment dans le temps."
Ian Martyn: Track Producer, Arranger, Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Synth, VST Programming, Lyrics
Alex Hill: Tuba
Daniel Romberger: Vocals
Darby Cupit: Vocals (Solo)
Compositions:
• "Opening (Final Fantasy Tactics)"
Hitoshi Sakimoto (Composer)
19 Kirby Dreaming (from "Kirby's Dream Land")
"The Kirby games consistently have some of the most fun and memorable music in the medium, I hope I did the series justice. I slowed the song down till it became ska-like, and it ended up sounding like something you'd hear playing in a kiosk at a twilight carnival at the pier by the beach. I hope it's as fun to listen to as it was to play."
Melancholy Robot: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer, Percussion, Guitar, Bass
Compositions:
• "Welcome to Dreamland (Kirby's Dream Land)"
Jun Ishikawa (Composer)
20 The Adventures of Cuphead and Mugman (from "Cuphead")
"The Adventures of Cuphead and Mugman" depicts the thrilling adventures of our heroes, Cuphead and Mugman, as they journey through the Devil's Casino and get dragged into what is assuredly a dicey situation! Will the brothers prevail, or will they lose their souls? Stay tuned to witness the thrilling conclusion of "The Adventures of Cuphead and Mugman" starring in "Don't Deal With the Devil!"
Daniel Romberger: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer, Trombone (I), Trombone (II), Vocals (Baritone)
Alex Hill: Tuba
Nautilus T Party: Vocals (Bass)
David Russell: Piano
Doug Perry: Percussion (Vibraphone)
Jeff Brenneman: Narration
John Robert Matz: Trumpet (I), Trumpet (II), Vocals (Tenor)
Sam Bobinski: String Bass
Sean Schafianski: Alto Saxophone (I), Alto Saxophone (II)
Tim Rosko: Vocals (Lead)
Compositions:
• "Don't Deal With The Devil (Instrumental)"
Kristofer Maddigan (Composer)
Kristofer Maddigan (Lyricist)
21 Geralt of Rivia (from "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt")
"An arrangement of Geralt of Rivia's theme, as a ballad/rock version. Its inspirations range from atmospheric 70s rock to classic 80s heavy metal, with touches of Irish sounds."
Pierre-Louis de La Soudière: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer, Percussion, Guitar, Bass, Cello, Vocals, Flute
Compositions:
• "Geralt of Rivia (The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt)"
Marcin Przybyłowicz (Composer)
22 The Axiom (from "Axiom Verge")
"Axiom Verge Tite Menu Cover in the stylings of Masashi Hamauzu and bands like Porcupine Tree."
Nautilus T Party: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer
Doug Perry: Percussion (Vibraphone)
Michaela Nachtigall: Violin
Compositions:
• "The Axiom (Axiom Verge)"
Thomas Happ (Composer)
23 Dragonborn (from "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim")
"This epic take on Jeremy Soule's masterpiece title track was inspired by far too many hours spent in the snowy climes of Skyrim and my desire to write for a huge brass ensemble and nothing else."
John Robert Matz: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer, Trumpet, Horn
Alex Hill: Tuba
Andrew Kroepel: Tuba
Daniel Romberger: Trombone
Danny Flam: Horn, Trombone
JohnStacy: Horn
Jordan Moore: Euphonium
Robby Duguay: Trumpet
Troy Strand: Bass Trombone
Compositions:
• "Dragonborn"
Jeremy Soule (Composer)
24 Title Theme (from "Diddy Kong Racing")
"An arrangement of "Title Theme" from Diddy Kong Racing showing the goofiness and enjoyment with Diddy Kong with his 'rare' animal friends. This is featuring an all percussion lineup from mallets to drums to the everyday cowbell!"
Dean Nguyen: Track Producer, Arranger
Compositions:
• "Diddy Kong Racing Theme"
David Wise (Composer)
25 Belmont Overture (from "Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse")
"The opening to Castlevania III receives a Harmony of Despair treatment: chugga-chugga guitars, orchestra and weird time signatures."
Josué Ferreira de Oliveira: Track Producer, Arranger, Flute
Alex Hill: Tuba
Andrew Steffen: Viola
Andrew Stern: Cello
Damian Nguyen: Oboe
Daniel Romberger: Trombone
FirahFabe: Piano
Gregory Orosz: Clarinet
Hat: Trumpet
Jackie Berg: Flute
Joe Chen: Viola
Joe Zieja: Clarinet
John Robert Matz: Trumpet
JohnStacy: French Horn
Joshua Kaplan (OpenHeartSound): Bass Guitar
Marc Papeghin: Percussion
Matheus Garcia Souza: Violin
Peter Jones: Trumpet
Ronin Op F: Violin
Thennecan: Electric Guitar
Catboss.: Flute
Compositions:
• "Prelude (Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse)"
Konami Kukeiha Club (Composer)
26 When You're With Me (A Sunny Day) (from "Nekojishi")
"This arrangement is of the story and mystery of the main character and his three anthropomorphic feline companions. This stylistic approach was inspired by American boy band hits from the 90's and early 00's."
Bark Boiz: Track Producer, Mixing Engineer, Lyrics, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Percussion (Drumset), Electronics
Compositions:
• "A Sunny Day is Watching over You (Nekojishi)"
Triodust (Composer)
KuensanP (Author, Writer, Lyricist)
_______________________
DISC 2
1 Opening Movie (from "Vagrant Story")
"Vagrant Story is my number one favorite game of all time, and Hitoshi Sakimoto's music has always been a huge inspiration for me. What I wanted to do was simply to translate Sakimoto's fantastic, heart-pounding music into live instruments, and, thanks to all the talented musicians who agreed to record their performances, I believe I've managed to do just that; hopefully I've succeeded in capturing the fiery dance of Müllenkamp and Ashley Riot and the sense of dark fantasy from the original."
Fredrik Häthén: Track Producer, Mixing Engineer, Arranger
Alex Hill: Tuba
Alroetsue: Vocals (Soprano)
Andrew Steffen: Violin, Viola, Double Bass
Andrew Stern: Cello
Ann Zeng: Vocals (Alto), Vocals (Tenor)
Austin Hart: Cello
Chris Doughty: Vocals (Bass), Vocals (Tenor)
Daniel Romberger: Trombone
Doug Perry: Percussion (Bongo Drum), Percussion (Conga), Percussion (Djembe)
FirahFabe: Bandurria, Electric Bass, Kulintang, Laud, Octavina
Gregory Orosz: Bass Clarinet, Clarinet, Flute
Harpsona: Harp
Ian Martyn: Bodhrán
John Robert Matz: Vocals (Tenor), Horn, Trumpet
JohnStacy: Horn
Julia Handschin: Vocals (Alto), Flute, Vocals (Soprano)
Marc Papeghin: Drums
Marcela Estelië: Vocals (Alto), Vocals (Soprano)
Maria Bastos: Viola
Matheus Garcia Souza: Violin
Matheus Manente: Percussion (Bamboo Drum), Percussion (Coconuts), Percussion (Shaker), Percussion (Timba), Vocals (Tenor)
Nautilus T Party: Bass, Wailing
Nikki Francisco: Clarinet
Reven: Vocals (Alto), Vocals (Soprano), Vocals (Wailing)
Ronin Op F: Violin
Ruby Toung: Piano
Xale CA Slusser: Percussion (Windchimes), Percussion (Bass Drum), Basson, Percussion (Cymbals), Percussion (Glockenspiel), Oboe, Percussion (Tambourine), Percussion (Timpani), Percussion (Triangle)
Catboss.: Flute
Zachary Kohlmeier: Vocals (Tenor)
Compositions:
• "Opening Movie (Vagrant Story)"
Hitoshi Sakimoto (Composer)
2 File Select (from "Super Mario 64")
"Mario Kart 64 was a game I only really got to play at the orthodontist whenever I went to get my braces adjusted. The opending chord at the title screen was the loudest thing ever and it never failed to grab my attention. I was raised musically by my dad's tastes, a lot of brass heavy music of big bands, Maynard Ferguson, the Stan Kenton Orchestra, Earth Wind and Fire, and others. This track was my way of blending those two parts of my childhood, but with the musical language of adult me."
David Russell: Track Producer, Arranger, Piano
Ro Panuganti: Guitar, Bass
Compositions:
• "File Select (Super Mario 64)"
Koji Kondo (Composer)
3 Tale of the Star Rod (from "Paper Mario")
"I really love the Mario RPG games, especially the Paper Mario franchise, so I wanted to pay tribute to Paper Mario's awesome story with a barbershop quartet arrangement. I took lyrics from the opening of the game and modified them to fit the tune of the Menu theme. I hope all of you enjoy this arrangement as much as we did!"
Lucas Guimaraes: Track Producer, Arranger
Nautilus T Party: Vocals (Bass)
Chris Doughtry: Vocals (Baritone)
Ian Martyn: Vocals (Tenor)
James C. Hoffman: Mixing Engineer, Track Producer
Tim Rosko: Vocals (Lead)
Compositions:
• "Main Theme (Paper Mario)"
Yuka Tsujiyoko (Composer)
4 Wishes To Relax & Study To (from "Final Fantasy XIII-2")
“Wish” is both a pretty song, and a song with qualities that made it great for making it a hip-hop track. After being on a Nujabes kick and enjoying the aesthetic of lo-fi music, I combined these great inspirations with some ASMR playful nods to a popular YouTube stream in aim to do all of them justice."
Glenntai: Track Producer, Arranger
Compositions:
• "Wishes - Main Theme (Final Fantasy XIII-2)"
Masashi Hamauzu (Composer)
5 WAKE UP (from "Minecraft")
"An R&B interpretation of the Minecraft OST's "Mutation." I wanted to bring attention to the End Poem which scrolls after smiting the Ender Dragon. In its ambiguity, the poem alludes to life and emulations of life ("dreams," "the long dream," "yet he still plays the game"). Whether it be a dream, a game, or any emulation of life which gives us humans more of a sense of capability, we are capable of similarly huge feats in real life. A neat poem about how videogames and reality coincide in teaching us life's lessons - starting out not knowing what to do, limping through progress, and beginning a new endeavor following achievement. The potential of the multidemensional human being is incredible. We can dream big, but only dreaming will never get us there - gotta wake up."
Peter Jones: Track Producer, Arranger, Vocals, Lyricist, Recording, Mixing Engineer, Talkboxer
Compositions:
• "Mutation (Minecraft)"
Daniel Rosenfeld (Composer)
6 A Place to Call Home (from "Final Fantasy IX")
"A Renaissance-style arrangement of Final Fantasy IX's classic opening theme, complete with Renaissance lute, harpsichord, and harp."
Austin Hart: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer
Andrew Stern: Cello
Mai Yishan: Flute
May Claire La Plante: Harp
Xale CA Slusser: Bassoon, Harpsichord
Compositions:
• "A Place to Call Home (Final Fantasy IX)"
Nobuo Uematsu (Composer)
7 Florence's Lullaby (from "Florence")
"From the outset, I knew there was little chance of me improving on the original track with a straight cover, since it is so beautifully composed and performed. So instead, I decided to leave the wonderful piano more or less unchanged, but hand that part over to be played on a music box. I used that as inspiration to compose an original strings section that I hope both separates my arrangement from the soundtrack version and gives it a unique identity, while still paying tribute to the original piece."
Chris Porter: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer
Mason Lieberman: Cello
Ronin Op F: Violin, Viola
Sam Bobinski: Double Bass
Xale CA Slusser (XKN Studios): Engraving
Compositions:
• "Florence's Lullaby (Florence)"
Kevin Penkin (Composer)
8 Recall the Heroes: An Overwatch Fanfare (from "Overwatch")
“Recall the Heroes: An Overwatch Fanfare” was written to commemorate the return of Overwatch. It’s written to bring hope and encourage everybody to fight for what’s right!"
Alex Hill: Tuba
Andrew Kroepel: Track Producer, Arranger, Tuba
Daniel Romberger: Trombone
Danny Flam: Horn
John Robert Matz: Trumpet
JohnStacy: Horn
Robby Duguay: Flugelhorn
Troy Strand: Bass Trombone
Compositions:
• "Overture (Overwatch)"
Sam Cardon (Composer)
9 Reign of the Septims (from "The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion")
"The title track of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion prepares the player for a world of swords and magic, bows and horses, Imperials and Khajiits, and some of the most memeable NPC dialogue in all of gaming. Heard any news from the other provinces?"
Vaughn Rowles: Arranger, Viola
Kenny Schuster: Violin
TheToader: Track Producer, Guitar
Compositions:
• "Reign of the Septims"
Jeremy Soule (Composer)
10 Crimson Lunar Dream (from "Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight")
"Momodora is a dark game, my goal arranging it was to capture that darkness wtih a classical approach and atypical orchestration. The music isn't to be look at as traditionally, its just as much part of the soundscaple as the sound effects are."
Garrett McPherson: Track Producer, Arranger
Alex Hill: Tuba
Doug Perry: Percussion
James C. Hoffman: Mixing Engineer
Ronin Op F: Electric Violin
Compositions:
• "Title Theme (Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight)"
notoriousKnave (Composer)
11 Dragon Wings (from "Dragon Age: Inquisition")
"The original score by Morris is a collection of Celtic echoes that beautifully compliment the mystic landscape in Dragon Age: Inquisition. As I wandered through the game, levels of immersion were dramatically increased by the atmospheric touches Morris so gracefully placed. This flute choir arrangement expands upon the Main Theme while maintaining that Celtic charcter that so moved me throughout the story."
Ashlee Busch: Track Producer, Arranger, Flute, Alto Flute
Gregory Orosz: Flute
Jackie Berg: Flute
Julia Handschin: Flute
Kristin Naigus: Bass Flute
Sean Schafianski: Flute, Mixing Engineer
Compositions:
• "Dragon Wings (Dragon Age: Inquisition)"
Trevor Morris (Composer)
12 Aurora's Theme (from "Child of Light") (Growing Up Sucks Remix)
"This is the song what plays when Aurora grows up and settles into the generally unpleasant unproductive malaise that is adulthood."
Catboss.: Track Producer, Arranger
Compositions:
• "Aurora's Theme (Child of Light)"
Béatrice Martin (Composer)
13 Fever Dream (from "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D")
"Honestly, I can’t tell you how many countless hours I’ve spent listening to the Fairy Fountain music on repeat in the menus of every Zelda title since Link to the Past (hint: it’s a shockingly astronomical number). It was, quite shamelessly, my “adult lullaby” for many, many years and after long fantasizing about how I would arrange it were I ever to muster up the courage to do so, it dawned on me that I had always known how I ultimately would approach the track; and it certainly helped that Link is almost always a lazy, sleeping boy when we meet him… shortly after having created our save file to this very theme in the menu, no less. So I crafted something out of a dream I must have had a thousand times over."
zykO: Track Producer, Arranger
Compositions:
• "Great Fairy Fountain"
Koji Kondo (Composer)
14 Postcard from Celeste Mountain (from "Celeste")
"An arrangement of Celeste's level select theme with a warmer, brighter feeling than the original that reflects the game's story arc as well as the arranger's own personal feelings towards the game."
Ilium: Track Producer, Arranger
Compositions:
• "Postcard from Celeste Mountain"
Lena Raine (Composer)
15 Myst Theme
"An arrangement of the main theme from Myst, in the style of the main theme from Stranger Things."
Soren Laulainen: Track Producer, Arranger, Synth, Mixing Engineer
Ronin Op F: Synth (Additional)
Compositions:
• "Myst Theme"
Robyn Miller (Composer)
16 Concert Paraphrase on "Select Theme" (from "Star Fox 64")
"A dramatic piano solo on the classic and nostalgic menu theme from Star Fox 64."
DS: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer
Compositions:
• "Select Theme (Star Fox 64)"
Koji Kondo (Composer)
17 Space Cruise (from "FTL: Faster Than Light")
"FTL is one of my favorite indie soundtracks from composer Ben Prunty. I wanted to do something quite different from the source material, so I set out to make an acoustic jazz cover of the main menu theme. Special thanks to Stemage, who contributed a wonderful performance on the lead guitar to make this arrangement really shine."
Michael Hoffmann: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer, Piano, Keyboards
Stemage: Guitar
Compositions:
• "Space Cruise - Title (FTL: Faster Than Light)"
Ben Prunty (Composer)
18 The Red Strings Club (from "The Red Strings Club")
"The title theme of The Red Strings Club, performed as a jazz/rock ballad with a full band. I'd imagine that the Red Strings Club would have a house band like this, if there was any live music (other than the piano). This track was inspired by many of my favorite jazz ballads, and the final section is inspired by much of fingerspit's other material, characterized by a sludgy and pounding industrial rock sound."
Sam Bobinski: Track Producer, Arranger, Electric Bass
Carlos Eiene: Tenor Saxophone
Doug Perry: Drum Set
Laura Intravia: Alto Flute
Marc Papeghin: Trumpet
Peter Bobinski: Piano, Guitar, Mixing Engineer
Compositions:
• "The Red Strings Club (The Red Strings Club)"
fingerspit (Composer)
19 Out Into The Frontier (from "SaGa Frontier")
"Arrangement of the menu music from SaGa Frontier titled 'The Opening of a Journey.' My primary goal was to incorporate a smooth combination of varying synths, and allow the tone to remain appropriately mellow throughout, as the original composition had a wonderful combination of both calmness and apprehension for the journey the heroes were about to take on."
Michael Schiciano: Track Producer, Arranger
Compositions:
• "The Opening of a Journey (SaGa Frontier)"
Kenji Ito (Composer)
20 Limbo
"Martin Stig Andersen's menu music for Limbo consists of many small loops semi-randomly fading in and out. While I didn't imploy any kind of randomization in this arrangement, I wanted to convey the sense that the music was some kind of mysterious, breathing organism, and apply that to a large chamber ensemble, creating something hopefully new and engaging that pays tribute to the subtle, droning malevolence of the game."
Jon Bash: Track Producer, Arranger, Percussion, Guitar, Vocals, Mixing Engineer
Alex Hill: Tuba
Andrew Kroepel: Tuba
Andrew Steffen: Viola
Andrew Stern: Cello
Nautilus T Party: Vocals
Daniel Romberger: Trombone
Elie Hartman: Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
Gregory Orosz: Flute
Ian Martyn: Vocals
John Robert Matz: Flugelhorn, Vocals
JohnStacy: Horn
Julia Handschin: Vocals
Maria Bastos: Violin
Reven: Vocals
Patti Rudisill: Violin
Sam Bobinski: Bass
Saoirse Mings: Vocals
Troy Strand: Bass Trombone
Compositions:
• "Menu (Limbo)"
Martin Stig Andersen (Composer)
21 Twenty Years (from "Shardlight")
"The Shardlight opening theme is revisited through the perspective of those with no chance to build better lives."
Anne Strader: Track Producer, Arranger
Compositions:
• "Twenty Years"
Nathaniel Chambers (Composer)
22 Lost Verse - Shadowlord (from "NieR")
"As a die hard NieR fan, I wanted to stick with the character of the original while bringing my own post-minimalist flair to the arrangement. Okabe-san's music is divine, and I wanted to pay homage to NieR's amazing soundtrack. This arrangement is heavily influenced by Ola Gjeilo's "Dark Night of the Soul", a fast-paced yet gorgeous choir piece with piano and string quartet. I believe this style suits "Shadowlord" wonderfullya, and all the performers involved did an amazing job, especially considering the difficulty. I didn't make it easy! This was a fever dream and a joy to put together; I hope everyone enjoys it!"
Sean Schafianski: Track Producer, Arranger, Mixing Engineer, Vocals
Andrew Dunn: Cello
Andrew Steffen: Violin (II), Viola
Andrew Stern: Vocals
Ashlee Busch: Vocals
Nautilus T Party: Vocals
Chris Doughty: Vocals
Ian Martyn: Vocals
John Robert Matz: Vocals
Julia Handschin: Vocals
Liz Rishel: Vocals
Marcela Estelië: Vocals
Michaela Nachtigall: Violin (I)
Ruby Toung (credited as purpleschala): Piano
Xale CA Slusser: Vocals
Compositions:
• "Shadowlord"
MONACA (Composer)
23 Somnus (from "Final Fantasy XV")
"Somnus is a melancholy theme that hints at the trials you encounter throughout Final Fantasy XV. I love the vocal part with its dramatic lyrics, and I wanted to pair it with the sound of brass quintet to give it a sense of duty and resolve. Many thanks to The Game Brass who brought life to the arrangement with beautiful performances!"
Reven: Track Producer, Arranger, Vocals
Alex Hill: Tuba
Daniel Romberger: Trombone
Danny Flam: Horn
John Robert Matz: Trumpet
Robby Duguay: Trumpet, Flugelhorn
The Game Brass: Brass Quintet
Compositions:
• "Somnus (Final Fantasy XV)"
Yoko Shimomura (Composer)
Tetsuya Nomura (Lyricist)
24 Waterside (from "Blue Dragon")
"Nobuo Uematsu is (not surprisingly) my favorite composer. I feel his simple melodies can reach right into someone's very core and leave a mark. This is the case with "Waterside" from Blue Dragon. It is one of the major themes of the game and it appears in many forms throughout the entire score; from a bittersweet piano arrangement on the title screen to a sweeping orchestral work at the end.This arrangement draws from many of those instances and combines with the unique sound of an A Capella choir. The intent was to capture the simplicity of the melody while adding some complexity to the chord structure. With the help of some wonderful vocalists, I think it was a success!"
Jeremy Harris Jones: Track Producer, Arranger
Bonnie Bogovich: Vocals (Soprano II), Vocals (Alto I), Vocals (Alto II)
Nautilus T Party: Vocals (Baritone), Vocals (Bass)
Daniel Romberger: Vocals (Baritone), Vocals (Bass)
David Dong: Sheet Music Engraver
Fredrik Häthén: Mixing Engineer
Ian Martyn: Vocals (Tenor I), Vocals (Tenor II), Vocals (Baritone)
John Robert Matz: Vocals (Tenor I), Vocals (Tenor II)
Liz Rishel: Vocals (Soprano I), Vocals (Soprano II), Vocals (Alto I), Vocals (Alto II)
Marcela Estelië: Vocals (Soprano I), Vocals (Soprano II)
Maria Bastos: Vocals (Soprano II), Vocals (Soprano I)
Matheus Manente: Vocals (Baritone)
Nikki Francisco: Vocals (Alto I), Vocals (Alto II)
Compositions:
• "Waterside (Blue Dragon)"
Nobuo Uematsu (Composer)
25 Bob, Let the Plant Go (from "Yoshi's Story")
"An acoustic arrangement of the "Title Theme" from Yoshi's Story arranged and performed by TheToader. The original featured Yoshis' singing and sounds like they're saying, "Bob, let the plant go."
TheToader: Track Producer, Arranger, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Banjo, Percussion, Accordion
Compositions:
• "Bob, Let the Plant Go (Yoshi's Story)"
Kazumi Totaka (Composer)
26 The Dawn of Twilight (from "The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess")
"We celebrate the fact that a portion of the Twilight Princess OST is finally licensable with an unaccompanied SSAATTBB choir rendition of the title theme featuring 25 vocalists and over 50 vocal recordings."
Eric Buchholz: Track Producer, Arranger
Sauraen: Track Producer, Vocals (Tenor II), Arranger, Vocals (Bass I)
Andrew Nguyen: Vocals (Tenor I)
Andrew Stern: Vocals (Tenor I), Vocals (Tenor II)
Ann Zeng: Vocals (Alto I), Vocals (Alto II)
Nautilus T Party: Vocals (Tenor I), Vocals (Bass II)
Chris Doughty: Vocals (Tenor I), Vocals (Tenor II), Vocals (Bass I), Vocals (Bass II)
Daniel Romberger: Vocals (Bass I), Vocals (Bass II)
Darby Cupit: Vocals (Bass I), Vocals (Bass II)
Ian Martyn: Vocals (Alto II), Vocals (Tenor I), Vocals (Tenor II)
John Michael Hunt: Vocals (Tenor I), Vocals (Tenor II), Vocals (Bass I), Vocals (Bass II)
John Robert Matz: Vocals (Tenor I)
Jonathan Balcewitz: Vocals (Tenor I)
HatVGM: Vocals (Tenor II)
LadyGameLyric: Vocals (Alto I)
Liz Rishel: Vocals (Soprano I), Vocals (Soprano II), Vocals (Alto I), Vocals (Alto II)
Lori Syngajewski: Vocals (Alto II)
Lucas Guimaraes: Vocals (Bass I)
Marcela Estelië: Vocals (Soprano I), Vocals (Soprano II)
Matheus Manente: Vocals (Tenor II), Vocals (Bass I)
May Claire La Plante: Vocals (Soprano I), Vocals (Soprano II)
Michael Hoffmann: Vocals (Tenor II), Vocals (Bass I)
Mioune: Vocals (Soprano I), Vocals (Soprano II), Vocals (Alto I), Vocals (Alto II)
Peter Jones: Vocals (Bass I), Vocals (Bass II)
Reven: Vocals (Alto II), Vocals (Soprano I)
Wayne Strange: Lyrics, Vocals (Tenor I)
Compositions:
• "Title Theme (The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess)"
Toru Minegishi (Composer)
Koji Kondo (Composer)