The 2022 Groovies - A Celebration of Video Game Music
Our mission is simple–celebrate the diversity, passion, and creativity of the VGM community. We do this through articles, interviews, and even tribute albums, and this year, we decided to create a new way to celebrate the accomplishments of the VGM community–the Groovies. The Groovies is not a competition; it is a recognition of the people that we feel are shaping VGM for the better. Each one of these artists adds something unique and irreplaceable to the video game music community, and for that reason, they deserve our support.
Editor’s Note: For the sake of fairness and transparency, I did not consider anything released by GameGrooves.
Solo Arrangement
Katamari Damacy - Lonely Rolling Star (Harp Cover)
This particular arrangement was created for the Soundole Chill Out 2021 competition, and while Harpsona didn’t take home any prizes, her arrangement was my favorite out of the 75 entries. There is a simple elegance on display here, and I dare anyone to listen to this track without being whisked away to a distant galaxy.
Group Arrangement
Sonic 2 - Mystic Cave Zone (Big Band Swing Metal Cover)
I don’t know what’s more impressive–how seamlessly this cover blends jazz and metal or the fact that this was created in 72 hours. You read that correctly, this cover was created as part of the VGM CON 72-Hour Charity Album Jam. Oh, and did I mention that Frank Klepacki plays drums on this?
Solo Cover Album
Crossing Worlds: Music from Chrono Cross
Working on a video game cover album is no easy task (I should know), but TeraCMusic makes her first full-length album seem effortless, from the crystal clear production to the impeccable arrangements. It’s almost as if the Chrono Cross soundtrack were created just for her, and there isn’t a wasted moment on this album. The featured artists also add an extra dash of whimsy to Crossing Worlds, making this a dish that’s perfect for fans and newcomers alike.
Group Cover Album
The Game Brass are nothing if not ambitious, and I can’t think of a better way to describe this project. It’s one thing to choose a handful of tracks to arrange for brass instruments, but recreating an entire soundtrack is something else entirely. Oh, and did I mention the adorable sprite videos?
Original Soundtrack
Psychonauts 2 delivered what fans had been wanting for years, and that includes the soundtrack. Composer Peter McConnell took advantage of a larger musical palette, creating some truly memorable pieces, like this one. This soundtrack stands above the rest of 2021’s because of its ability to convey both emotion and identity while underpinning a surprisingly powerful story.
Original Composer
Aivi & Surasshu, Sabrielle Augustin
Fans of Steven Universe have been treated to the musical duo of aivi & surasshu for years. With Ikenfell, these artists teamed up with Sabrielle Augustin and introduced their music to a whole new audience. Ikenfell’s soundtrack combines quirky electronic elements with catchy melodies to make a charming and mysterious soundtrack, reminding me of another little game called Undertale.
Video Performance
Line Them Up! A Paper Mario: The Origami King Concert
I can’t even begin to fathom the amount of time and energy that went into this video, and I think it’s fair to say this might be the most ambitious VGM video ever created. Over 160 musicians contributed to this project, including original composers like Grant Kirkhope, Lena Raine, aivi & surasshu, and Austin Wintory to name a few. Without a doubt, this was the highlight of vgmtogether and my personal highlight of VGM in 2021.
Nerdcore Performance
“Prelude” from The Belmont Tapes
I’ll be the first to admit that nerdcore is not my forte, but after being introduced to NOIR GRIME. (aka Shubzilla and Bill Beats), it was apparent that these two were at the top of their game. “Prelude” sets the stage for The Belmont Tapes perfectly by combining Castlevania samples with hip hop beats. Shubzilla’s assertive vocal delivery is matched by her lyrics, which discuss heavy themes such as faith, identity, and purpose. Thanks to a successful Indiegogo campaign, you can buy the album in both physical and digital formats.
Solo VGM Artist
insaneintherainmusic
Carlos Eiene (aka insaneintherainmusic) shocked the VGM world when he announced that he was retiring from making VGM covers, but his legacy will undoubtedly live on. Primarily known for his jazz arrangements, Carlos inspired countless musicians with his ambitious projects, complex arrangements, and unquestionable work ethic. Perhaps the greatest testament to Carlos’s ability is Sinnohvation, a nearly 4-hour jazz tribute to Pokemon DPPT. While we will miss Carlos’s VGM covers, I know that whatever he does next will be even more exciting and will continue to inspire the VGM community.
VGM Group
The 8-Bit Big Band
Speaking of ambitious projects, The 8-Bit Big Band made VGM history this year when they were nominated for a Grammy for their arrangement of “Meta Knight's Revenge.” The 8-Bit Big Band embodies the best of the VGM community with their creative arrangements, passionate performances, and diverse collaborations. As VGM continues to enter the mainstream, this nomination is a pivotal moment for both artists and fans, and one that we should all celebrate!