There's lots to explore in Borderlands 3, the latest expansion in the game series that Gearbox Software began in 2009. Raison Varner has been with the series since the beginning as a composer, music supervisor and sound designer, and he says it's been an incredible experience to expand the music along with the games! For Borderlands 3, Raison worked with long-time collaborator on the series, Jesper Kyd, as well as Michael McCann and Finishing Move. Together they've created a diverse, eclectic soundtrack that still manages to feel familiar.
The universe of Borderlands 3 has expanded to different planets, and Raison says letting each composer be in charge of creating a unique music identity for the planets allowed for lots of creative freedom. He also told me that it's his and Jesper's goal to tell a deeper story with their music than might be obvious while you're playing the game. The music gives more clues to the environment, or at times turns the emotion of a scene on its head!
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Raison says plans are in the works for a 6-hour digital soundtrack, and a vinyl release as well.
Episode tracklist: all tracks from Borderlands 3
Raison Varner: Action at the Machine; in Case it Wasn't Clear TRAUNT!
Michael McCann: Sanctuary 3
Jespaer Kyd: Exploring the Powder Cellars
Raison Varner: Maliwan is Here; The Arrival; A Forgotten Space
Jesper Kyd: Exploring the Dormant Ship
Raison Varner: The Family Wants the Machine
Finishing Move: Konrad's Hold-The Depths
Raison Varner: The Arrival Insensifies
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Thanks to Dick Roberts for production assistance and Greg O'Connor-Read, Top Dollar PR