I didn’t have high hopes […] because I’m new to video game music and I’ve run into both video game giants and veterans alikethe musician said shortly after receiving her trophy.
Its soundtrack was comparable to the music from the Aliens: Fireteam Elite games, written by the American Austin Wintory, the music from Call Of Duty: Vanguard, written by the American musician Bear McCreary, the soundtrack to the Guardians of the Galaxy film, by the British Richard. Jacques and the plot of “The Old World” by the American composer Christopher Tin.
Ubisoft Montreal spotted the talent
This triumph of the American violinist at the Grammy Awards – the only woman nominated in this category – is also a good blow for Québécois Simon Landry, musical director of Ubisoft Montreal. His job is to identify new talent and accompany them throughout the creative process of a video game soundtrack.
I have been seeing her for several years now. Stephanie Economou is a very talented violinist. — Simon Landry, Music Director, Ubisoft Montreal.
Stephanie Economou notably composed the music for the Netflix series Jupiter Legacy in 2021. Video on hard 4.
This no doubt prompted her to take her first tour of video game territory with the Dawn of Ragnarök soundtrack, expansion (DLC or downloadable content) most ambitious from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
Unique soundtrack
we searched [Dawn of Ragnarök] a person who will bring new freshness to the sound– explains Simon Landry, who was at the origins of the creation of the soundtrack to Stephanie Econom.
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The music director describes the soundtrack as smart mix of modern music, black metal and old Scandinavian music […] with old instruments. Note that this game from Ubisoft Montreal immerses players in the heart of the Viking legends that originate in the Scandinavian countries.
” Stephanie Economou used a very heavy electric guitar in very slow rhythms with modern and cinematic influences. »
— Quote from Simon Landry
This mixture bravewith some textures that stand out paid off for a team that was in Los Angeles on Sunday to receive a Grammy Award.
We were very nervous. When it was our category’s turn, I saw the presenter stumble upon the name on the envelope and say: [les premières lettres du titre du jeu Assassin’s Creed]. We didn’t let him finish, we screamed, screamed! says Simon Landry, still euphoric the morning after the Grammy Awards.
The music director was only able to hug Stephanie Economou after the awards ceremony, just before the big TV ceremony.
pave the way
For Simon Landry, this award legitimize the work of composers of music for video games, which is not as appreciated as music for films or TV shows.
Sometimes it’s hard to convince agencies [d’embarquer]although it starts to develophe says, adding that music helps reach a wider audience.
He hopes this historic moment for the industry will encourage other young women to take up writing video game soundtracks.
For her part, this trophy inspires her to be more ambitious and bold for the sequel, he intends to compose the soundtrack for the next video game in the Assassin’s Creed series, Mirage, which is scheduled for release in 2023.