Austin Wintory set to release intricate score to ABZÛ
On August 2, award-winning composer Austin Wintory (Journey, The Banner Saga, Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate) will release his next album: the soundtrack for ABZÛ, the beautiful underwater simulator designed by Journey art director Matt Nava. The 18-track album, set to be released on Bandcamp for 7 USD, adapts the game’s music into an intricate stand-alone listening experience. Wintory below gives a taste of what to expect.
“Matt Nava showed me some concept art he’d been making for a new game he was dreaming up: Gorgeous underwater landscapes that straddled the line between being realism and fantasy. Not long after, the studio Giant Squid was founded and he invited me to join him in the creation of ABZÛ. The overall progression was not unlike our prior collaboration on JOURNEY. I started with a theme (“To Know, Water”) very early in the process and then spent the next 3 years developing that material in tandem with the game. Both game and music went through many iterations and conceptual shapes before arriving in what you hear and see now. The resulting score is one I can definitely say pushed me into territory I’d never been.”
As with all of Wintory’s scores, ABZÛ‘s soundtrack was written for and recorded with a team of talented recording artists. The composer used the harp as a backbone of his score and interwove it with oboe solos, choral elements, and orchestral performances. He explains that “The odd combination of large harp ensemble, semi-traditional orchestra and chamber choir, led by a slew of delicate oboe solos by Kristin Naigus, gave me ingredients for experimentation that were simultaneously great fun and deeply intimidating. All the performers brought incredible magic and I’m eternally grateful for their artistry.”
Posted on July 31, 2016 by Chris Greening. Last modified on August 5, 2016.
About the Author
Chris Greening I've contributed to websites related to game audio since 2002. In this time, I've reviewed over a thousand albums and interviewed hundreds of musicians across the world. As the founder and webmaster of VGMO -Video Game Music Online-, I hope to create a cutting-edge, journalistic resource for all those soundtrack enthusiasts out there. In the process, I would love to further cultivate my passion for music, writing, and generally building things. Please enjoy the site and don't hesitate to say hello!
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