On August 2, 2016, Austin Wintory will be releasing the Original Soundtrack to ABZÛ. On the album’s bandcamp page Austin Wintory provides some insight into the soundtrack’s creation.
On the heels of JOURNEY’s release in 2012, thatgamecompany’s Art Director 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. As always, that process of discovery was challenging and often filled with self-doubt.
The resulting score is one I can definitely say pushed me into territory I’d never been. 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.
Austin Wintory, Composer
You can listen to the first official track “To Know, Water” which you will receive early if you pre-order the album. This track has been available previously and was used for the original E3 trailer in 2014, which we previously reported on following E3 2016. Although there have not been any announcements about a physical release yet I’m hoping to see a CD and Vinyl release. Stay tuned to Original Sound Version for a full soundtrack review and details on physical releases ‘if’ they are announced. You can pre-order the digital version for $7 on Austin Wintory’s Bandcamp page.
Will you be pre-ordering the ABZÛ Original Soundtrack? What do you think of the first track?
