The 8-Bit Big Band's jazz arrangement of Persona 5's iconic "Last Surprise" has received a Grammy nomination! This article explores this significant achievement for the talented musicians involved and the broader implications for video game music.
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. The arrangement features Grammy-winning musician Jake Silverman (Button Masher) on synth and vocals by Jonah Nilsson (Dirty Loops). This marks the band's second Grammy nomination, following their 2022 win for their cover of "Meta Knight's Revenge." Bandleader Charlie Rosen expressed his excitement on social media, highlighting the continued recognition of video game music.
The "Last Surprise" cover will compete against notable artists including Willow Smith and John Legend. 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 retains the original's energy while adding a unique jazz fusion twist, leveraging the expertise of Dirty Loops' Jonah Nilsson. The inclusion of Button Masher further enhanced the harmonic complexity.
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 achieved a remarkable feat, receiving a nomination every year since the category's inception.
The growing recognition of video game music at the Grammys underscores its artistic merit and enduring appeal. Covers like The 8-Bit Big Band's demonstrate the lasting impact of classic game soundtracks and their potential to inspire fresh interpretations for wider audiences.
