Games

Junkie XL: Music From SSX Blur

By Nettwerk
March 8, 2007 - 18:27

Nettwerk Music Group and Electronic Arts (EA Games) have partnered up to release JUNKIE XL-MUSIC FROM SSX BLUR, the soundtrack to the new EA game SSX Blur that was developed exclusively for the Nintendo Wii TM. Composed entirely by artist/producer mastermind Junkie XL (p.k.a. Tom Holkenborg), the soundtrack is available digitally today, February 20th 2007. Music can be purchased here:

“To me, SSX is a classic video game franchise. Most challenging in the creation of the SSX music was to find a sound for the game. Of course I wanted to put some proper Junkie XL in the music, but it also had to fit into the arcade style of the game. It has somewhat of a fairy-tale vibe to it, so the challenge was to find a combination of these 2 ingredients. Another thing I wanted to add to the music were classical electronic music influences, so you hear many nods to different styles of electronic music, dating back to the 60's and going to current,” says Junkie XL.

The 15-track album features titles such as Rail Yard, Dark Territory, Love Park and Blackcomb, which all create images of riders whipping down the slopes. “In another life I was a World Cup snowboarder, going from Terrain Park to Terrain Park. Laying some sick tricks down for the local boarders. I thought it would be fun to feature some of the names of the best snow parks and hills all over the world. I even featured my favorite parks in China (Wanlong Mellow) and my favorite in Japan (Norikura). The titles are my way of saying hello to all my friends at the different snow parks,” adds Junkie XL.

Workings with Junkie XL on the musical sound design end of the score were long-time friend Andre Ettema and assistant Sam Estes. For 5 weeks, the three worked to create the overall vibe of the soundtrack. “When I look back now, I remember the great times we had making this music. I just moved into a new studio space when we started this job, so it was the first music we created in the new studio. It also reminds me off the fun we had playing soccer in the parking lot on my studio lot. I felt it was important to keep the whole process fun as the game and the Wii should be good fun when you play it. I lacked the big mountain with snow here in my studio so the fun we had playing soccer reflected the fun we would have had on a mountain doing some snowboarding ourselves. You listen to the music and you definitely hear the fun!!!” says Junkie XL.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12