Grammy-Nominated 'Last Surprise' Raises Gaming Music Profile

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.

8-Bit Big Band's Second Grammy Nomination

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 success.

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 will take place on February 2nd.

The original "Last Surprise," composed by Shoji Meguro, is a beloved track from Persona 5's acclaimed soundtrack. Its infectious energy and memorable riffs have resonated deeply with fans, making it a perfect candidate for a fresh, jazzy interpretation. The 8-Bit Big Band's arrangement masterfully blends homage to the original with their signature jazz fusion style, further enhanced by Silverman's harmonic contributions.

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 continues to make Grammy history with his nomination, marking his presence in this category every year since its inception.

The Grammy nominations for "Last Surprise" and the "Best Score Soundtrack" category underscore the growing appreciation for video game music as an art form. The 8-Bit Big Band's innovative cover serves as a testament to the enduring power of classic video game soundtracks and their capacity to inspire fresh, captivating interpretations for a wider audience.