Harmonix on how songs are selected for Rock Band
Before you complain about how hard it is to choose from all the songs available in MTV Games and Harmonix‘ Rock Band (Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360), keep in mind that the developers did more work just to include the good ones in the tracklist. In an interview, audio lead Eric Brosius talked about the lengthy process of licensing songs before they get to be included in Rock Band.
The first step, according to Brosius, is to contact publishers and the record labels to secure the needed clearances for the artists. However, there are times when the artists themselves express interest in adding their songs to the game. “Several bands, large and small, have contacted us wanting to be a part of the game…and we absolutely love it,” said Brosius.
There are several factors Harmonix considers before a song makes the cut, like having intricate parts or being “super challenging.” Some popular songs are picked because the crowd loves them, while others from less popular bands get the chance to shine if they’re “ultra cool.”
Another important element is the band moment, something we can find in songs that make band members feel like they’re playing together when hitting huge riffs or trading back and forth between instruments. Aside than that, Brosius pitched an example of what band moment means:
We chose not to edit out the keyboard-only parts of “Won’t Get Fooled Again” because these are classic parts of the song, but more importantly, these parts provide a great band moment. After an intense part of the song, the second keyboard part is a nice rest where the whole band can talk to each other, look at the venue and lights, etc. Then there’s a fantastic drum solo build up to when everyone kicks back in. The big “YEEEAAAAAHHHHH!!!!” One of my favorite moments.
When MTV Games ships Rock Band this November 23, you can expect the best songs from Harmonix’ favorites. Every single song that made it to the game used to be a mere item on the giant wishlist of passionate and music-loving Harmonix employees, before proving to be the most appropriate in the rhythm game.
Buy: [Rock Band Special Edition (Xbox 360)]
Buy: [Rock Band Special Edition (PS3)]
Before you complain about how hard it is to choose from all the songs available in MTV Games and Harmonix‘ Rock Band (Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360), keep in mind that the developers did more work just to include the good ones in the tracklist. In an interview, audio lead Eric Brosius talked about the lengthy process of licensing songs before they get to be included in Rock Band.
The first step, according to Brosius, is to contact publishers and the record labels to secure the needed clearances for the artists. However, there are times when the artists themselves express interest in adding their songs to the game. “Several bands, large and small, have contacted us wanting to be a part of the game…and we absolutely love it,” said Brosius.
There are several factors Harmonix considers before a song makes the cut, like having intricate parts or being “super challenging.” Some popular songs are picked because the crowd loves them, while others from less popular bands get the chance to shine if they’re “ultra cool.”
Another important element is the band moment, something we can find in songs that make band members feel like they’re playing together when hitting huge riffs or trading back and forth between instruments. Aside than that, Brosius pitched an example of what band moment means:
We chose not to edit out the keyboard-only parts of “Won’t Get Fooled Again” because these are classic parts of the song, but more importantly, these parts provide a great band moment. After an intense part of the song, the second keyboard part is a nice rest where the whole band can talk to each other, look at the venue and lights, etc. Then there’s a fantastic drum solo build up to when everyone kicks back in. The big “YEEEAAAAAHHHHH!!!!” One of my favorite moments.
When MTV Games ships Rock Band this November 23, you can expect the best songs from Harmonix’ favorites. Every single song that made it to the game used to be a mere item on the giant wishlist of passionate and music-loving Harmonix employees, before proving to be the most appropriate in the rhythm game.
Buy: [Rock Band Special Edition (Xbox 360)]
Buy: [Rock Band Special Edition (PS3)]
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