The 8-Bit Big Band's jazz arrangement of Persona 5's "Last Surprise" receives a Grammy nomination, highlighting the growing mainstream recognition of video game music. This marks the band's second Grammy nod, following their 2022 win for their "Meta Knight's Revenge" cover. The "Last Surprise" rendition, featuring Button Masher (Jake Silverman) on synth and Jonah Nilsson (Dirty Loops) on vocals, is nominated for "Best Arrangement, Instruments, and Vocals" at the 2025 Grammy Awards. The track's popularity stems from its energetic style and prominent role in Persona 5's gameplay. The 8-Bit Big Band's cover retains the original's charm while adding a unique jazz fusion flair, showcasing the talents of both the band and the original composer, Shoji Meguro.
The 2025 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), and Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord (Winifred Phillips). Bear McCreary continues his impressive streak, earning a nomination every year since the category's inception.
The growing recognition of video game soundtracks at the Grammys underscores the genre's increasing cultural impact, demonstrating the enduring appeal of classic game music and its potential for innovative reinterpretations. The 8-Bit Big Band's success exemplifies this trend, showcasing how beloved game compositions can inspire fresh interpretations that resonate with wider audiences.
