Not all of the hits in Injustice: Gods Among Us are the two-fisted kind. Available now digitally and on CD on April 23rd, Injustice: Gods Among Us – The Album features eleven tracks inspired by the new DC Comics video game. But what’s likely to get Injustice fans to put down their game controllers (at least for a little bit!) and pick up their headphones are the bands behind those tracks. From AWOLNATION to Minus The Bear, to MSTRKRFT to Depeche Mode, the eleven artists who make up the Injustice soundtrack are on the leading edge of rock, punk and electronic music.
We were curious about how some of these bands got involved, and how a video game soundtrack album is produced in general, so we asked Rishi Shah, the producer of Injustice: Gods Among Us – The Album, as well as three of the bands on the album a few questions about their involvement, their songs and the soundtrack as a whole.
So how did this collection come together? How did the bands go about choosing their songs? And which DC Comics super hero is the most popular among the soundtrack artists?
The answers to those questions proved to be almost as unique as the bands themselves…
Rishi Shah, Producer – Injustice: Gods Among Us: The Album
How do you approach putting together a videogame soundtrack? Is it much different than producing a soundtrack for a movie?
I don't see it as any different. Video games are just as massive as movies and they deserve music of the same caliber. Games are finally getting the respect they deserve from the music business and the quality of music is definitely going up.
Why did you feel that this mix of bands was the right one?
The point was to make the mix eclectic. I wanted to make sure we were hitting different genres, but also wanted to make sure there was a theme running through the music choices. If you listen to the record, there is definitely an edgy feel to everything on the album, which I think connects all the songs.
There are some big names on this soundtrack—Depeche Mode, Rise Against, MSTRKRFT—how did you get them all onboard?
To be honest it wasn't that hard. You say, "Do you want to be a part of a huge video game with legendary DC characters?!?" and it kind of just falls into place.
Finally, who’s your favorite DC Comics character? And in a game like Injustice, do you think he or she has what it takes to win it all?
It’s obvious, but there is no other choice: Batman!
AWOLNATION – “THISKIDSNOTALRIGHT”
What is it about this soundtrack that got you to say yes?
The game looks great!!! Plus, it's a wonderful opportunity to get our fans some new music.
Are you guys comic book fans? Video game fans?
Huge video game fans. Everything from early Nintendo all the way to now.
Why did you choose the song you did?
It's a song I’m very proud of, and I feel that it speaks to a lot of people who will play the game. Also, it was my newest song, hahaha!!!
Who’s your favorite DC Comics character?
I've always felt that Superman is the best. I've yet to hear an argument that disproves my opinion. I know he's not the coolest looking, but really, what can't he do?
In a game like Injustice, do you think he or she has what it takes to win it all?
Absolutely, he can do anything he wants.
Click here to check out AWOLNATION’s track, “THISKIDSNOTALRIGHT.” Or check out the just released music video featuring footage from the game.
Minus The Bear – “Walk On Air”
What is it about this soundtrack that got you to say yes?
Video games are a great way to introduce people to a variety of music over the arc of a game. Injustice, being a DC Comics game, made the decision easy.
Are you guys comic book fans? Video game fans?
I collected comics growing up and now read a few online. I am a game fan—mostly first person shooters.
Why did you choose the song you did?
"Walk on Air" fits the super hero vibe oddly well. It's about how one partner in a relationship can make the other feel great highs and then turn around and bring crushing lows. An eternal battle.
Who’s your favorite DC Comics character?
Batman.
In a game like Injustice, do you think he or she has what it takes to win it all?
Absolutely. And that's obvious.
Click here to listen to Minus The Bear’s track, “Walk On Air.”
Zeus – “Refusal To Die”
What is it about this soundtrack that got you to say yes?
When the idea was presented to us we just thought it would be a fun thing to do. We had this riff rock tune in mind right away, and we were able to put it together pretty quickly.
Are you guys comic book fans? Video game fans?
Yes! We are video game fans.
Why did you choose the song you did?
We picked the song based on imagining what you might wanna hear while punching Batman in the face.
Who’s your favorite DC Comics character?
I'm gonna go with Green Lantern, just cause he seems like a pretty chill bro.
In a game like Injustice, do you think he or she has what it takes to win it all?
That's anybody's guess.
Click here for Zeus’s track, “Refusal To Die.”
Like what you hear? You can get the soundtrack on iTunes, or stream the entire album for free right now on Aol Music. And remember, the CD comes out next Tuesday, April 23rd!
