Persona 5's "Last Surprise" Receives Grammy Recognition

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 broader music industry. Let's delve into the details of this well-deserved accolade.

8-Bit Big Band Earns Second Grammy Nomination

The 8-Bit Big Band's vibrant jazz interpretation of "Last Surprise" is nominated for "Best Arrangement, Instruments, and Vocals" at the 2025 Grammy Awards. This nomination features the talents of Grammy winner Jake Silverman (Button Masher) on synth and Jonah Nilsson (Dirty Loops) on vocals. This marks the band's second Grammy nomination, following their 2022 win for their "Meta Knight's Revenge" cover. Bandleader Charlie Rosen expressed his excitement on Twitter (X), celebrating this continued success.

The 8-Bit Big Band's "Last Surprise" will compete against notable artists like Willow Smith and John Legend in the same category. The 2025 Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on February 2nd.

Persona 5's soundtrack, composed by Shoji Meguro, is renowned for its distinctive acid jazz style. "Last Surprise," however, stands out as a fan favorite, its energetic rhythm and memorable melodies perfectly complementing the game's Palace dungeons. The 8-Bit Big Band's cover masterfully retains the original's essence while adding a fresh, jazz-infused layer, showcasing the unique talents of Dirty Loops. The inclusion of Button Masher further enhances the harmonic complexity, reflecting Dirty Loops' signature sound.

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 are:

• 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 achieves a remarkable feat, securing a nomination every year since the category's inception.

The enduring popularity of video game music is undeniable. The 8-Bit Big Band's Grammy nomination serves as a testament to the enduring power of these compositions and their ability to inspire creative reinterpretations that resonate with a wider audience.