'I want our music on GTA VI', say Download Festival bands | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Gaming soundtracks as a platform for music exposure
• Grand Theft Auto (GTA) as a desirable game for music collaboration
• Fortnite as a popular game with radio stations featuring music
• Mario Kart and Super Mario Brothers as potential collaboration opportunities
• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater soundtrack and the band's previous inclusion
• Warp Tour and the band's perceived fit within the punk/skate scene
• Importance of gaming for band bonding and after-show entertainment

Desired Gaming Soundtracks

The band expresses a strong interest in having their music featured on various gaming soundtracks, recognizing the exposure and fan base expansion it can provide.

• Grand Theft Auto (GTA): This is identified as the ultimate goal due to the game's massive platform and cultural impact. The band is actively trying to get a song or collaboration on the new Grand Theft Auto.
• Fortnite: The band has previously had a track on Fortnite radio and would like to be featured again, noting its popularity with their kids and the potential for reaching a wide audience.
• FIFA: One band member personally desires to be on the FIFA soundtrack.
• Assassin's Creed: Another band member suggests Assassin's Creed as a cool potential fit.
• Doom: The band mentions Doom as a possibility, particularly with the recent release of "Doom Eternal."
• Super Mario Kart/Super Mario Brothers: The band humorously suggests being on the Super Mario Kart soundtrack, imagining launching turtles at friends with a Rick Burch-themed character. They also express interest in contributing to the next Super Mario Brothers movie soundtrack.
• The Last of Us: The band thinks their music would be a good fit for The Last of Us.
• Dr. Mario: One band member jokingly expresses a desire to be on the Dr. Mario soundtrack.

Gaming and Band Dynamics

The band discusses the role of gaming in their internal dynamics and tour life.

• Fortnite on Tour Bus: Fortnite is the game they play the most on the tour bus. They started playing it about three or four years ago after bringing Nintendo Switches on tour to play Mario Kart.
• Bonding Experience: Playing games together on the bus provides a bonding experience, reminiscent of playing Golden Eye or Halo with friends during childhood sleepovers.
• After-Show Fun: The after-show fun on the bus, playing online and interacting in person, is highlighted as a significant and enjoyable aspect of their tour life.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater Soundtrack

The band addresses their absence from a recent Tony Hawk's Pro Skater playlist announcement, acknowledging fan disappointment.

• Previous Inclusion: Their track "Wish" was previously featured in a Tony Hawk game, leading to a significant increase in their fan base.
• Disappointment: They express disappointment at not being included in the new release, but understand that cuts have to be made.
• Gratitude: Despite the disappointment, they remain grateful for the opportunity they had and the fans they gained from the previous inclusion.
• Perceived Fit: They speculate that their music might not fit the perceived punk/skate aesthetic of the Tony Hawk franchise, positioning themselves more as a "Warp Tour" style band, potentially a "Black Sheep" within that scene.
• Openness to Future Inclusion: They remain open to being included in future Tony Hawk projects if the opportunity arises.

Exclusive News

The band reveals that the door has potentially been opened for them to be on the new Grand Theft Auto.

Conclusion

The band is actively pursuing opportunities to have their music featured on gaming soundtracks, particularly Grand Theft Auto. They value the exposure and fan base expansion that gaming collaborations can provide. While disappointed by their exclusion from a recent Tony Hawk's Pro Skater playlist, they remain grateful for past opportunities and open to future collaborations. Gaming also plays a significant role in their band dynamics, providing a bonding experience and source of entertainment during tours.