The 8-Bit Big Band's jazz arrangement of Persona 5's iconic "Last Surprise" has received a Grammy nomination! This exciting development highlights the growing recognition of video game music within the mainstream music industry. Let's delve into the details of this well-deserved accolade.
8-Bit Big Band's Second Grammy Nomination
The 8-Bit Big Band's vibrant jazz interpretation of "Last Surprise" is nominated for "Best Arrangement, Instruments, and Vocals" at the 2025 Grammy Awards. This nomination features the talents of Grammy Award-winning musician Jake Silverman (Button Masher) on synth and Jonah Nilsson (Dirty Loops) on vocals. Bandleader Charlie Rosen expressed his excitement on Twitter (X), celebrating this as his fourth consecutive Grammy nomination and a significant win for video game music. This marks the band's second Grammy nomination, following their 2022 win for their cover of "Meta Knight's Revenge."
The 8-Bit Big Band's "Last Surprise" will compete against notable artists like Willow Smith and John Legend in the same category. The 2025 Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 2nd.
Persona 5's soundtrack, composed by Shoji Meguro, is renowned for its acid jazz style. "Last Surprise," a fan-favorite battle theme, has resonated deeply with players due to its memorable presence throughout the game's Palaces. The 8-Bit Big Band's cover masterfully retains the original's energy while adding a unique jazz fusion twist, showcasing the band's collaborative spirit and musical expertise. The inclusion of Button Masher further enhances the harmonic complexity, reflecting the signature sound of Dirty Loops.
2025 Grammy Nominations for Best Video Game Score
The Grammy Awards also announced nominees for "Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media." This year's contenders include:
- Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (Pinar Toprak)
- God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (Bear McCreary)
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (John Paesano)
- Star Wars Outlaws (Wilbert Roget, II)
- Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord (Winifred Phillips)
Bear McCreary achieves a remarkable feat, securing a nomination every year since the category's inception.
The enduring popularity of video game music is undeniable. The 8-Bit Big Band's Grammy-nominated cover of "Last Surprise" serves as a testament to the lasting impact of these compositions and their potential to inspire fresh interpretations for a wider audience.
