Grammy Nod Spotlights Rise of Game Music

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.

A Second Grammy Nomination for The 8-Bit Big Band

The 8-Bit Big Band's vibrant jazz interpretation of "Last Surprise," featuring Grammy-winning musician Jake Silverman (Button Masher) on synth and Jonah Nilsson (Dirty Loops) on vocals, is nominated for "Best Arrangement, Instruments, and Vocals" at the 2025 Grammy Awards. 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 Twitter (X), celebrating this continued recognition.

The "Last Surprise" cover will compete against notable artists like Willow Smith and John Legend in a highly competitive category. The 2025 Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 2nd.

The original "Last Surprise," composed by Shoji Meguro, is a beloved track from Persona 5's critically acclaimed soundtrack. Its infectious energy and memorable melodies have resonated deeply with fans, making it a perfect candidate for a unique and compelling reimagining. The 8-Bit Big Band's cover masterfully blends the original's essence with a fresh jazz fusion approach, showcasing the talents of both the band and featured artists.

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, securing a nomination every year since the category's inception.

The Grammy nominations for both "Last Surprise" and the Best Video Game Score category underscore the growing appreciation for video game music as a legitimate art form. The 8-Bit Big Band's success exemplifies how creative reinterpretations of classic game soundtracks can introduce these compositions to a wider audience and garner significant recognition within the broader music community.