The Unlikely Duo: Henry Jackman and Grant Kirkhope
When it comes to composing music for video games, there are few pairs as unlikely as Henry Jackman and Grant Kirkhope. Jackman is a seasoned composer known for his work on massive blockbusters like Kingsman and X-Men , while game Kirkhope has made a name for himself in the gaming industry with titles like Banjo-Kazooie and Viva Piñata . The two might seem worlds apart, but when approached by developer Team 17 to score their quirky farming simulation game RiME , they saw an opportunity to bring their unique perspectives together.
The Birth of Rooster Teeth’s Soundtrack
Rooster Teeth Productions has been a fixture in the gaming world for over two decades, and its latest project, Return of the One Armed Swordsman (later rebranded as Knights & Bikes ), was a passion project that showcased the team’s love for 8-bit aesthetics. With a story centered around childhood friends exploring a mysterious island filled with mythical creatures and strange technology, the game required a soundtrack that would evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia.
A Shared Passion
"I think what drew me to the project," Jackman explained in an interview, "was the sheer creativity and originality of Rooster Teeth’s approach. They’ve always pushed boundaries and taken risks with their games, and Knights & Bikes is no exception."
Kirkhope echoed this sentiment: "I was blown away by the game’s art style and design. It felt like a breath of fresh air in an industry that can sometimes get stale."
The unlikely duo began brainstorming ideas for the soundtrack, pouring over concept art and gameplay footage to get a feel for the tone and atmosphere they wanted to capture.
Crafting the Perfect Soundtrack
"The biggest challenge was finding a way to balance the game’s different moods," Kirkhope said. "We knew we had some really dramatic moments, but also plenty of lighthearted, comedic sequences."
"We didn’t want to just slap on generic 'village music’ or 'adventure theme’," Jackman added. "We wanted something that would grow with the player and reflect their journey through the world."
Experimentation and Innovation
The composing process for Knights & Bikes was a collaborative effort, with both composers contributing ideas and working together to shape the final product.
"We experimented with all sorts of sounds and styles," Kirkhope explained. "From folk-inspired arrangements to electronic-infused beats, we didn’t want to hold back."
Jackman nodded in agreement: "We took risks that might not have worked elsewhere, but in this context, they felt like exactly what was needed. It was a true partnership, with each of us pushing the other to try new things."
Influences and Inspirations
Throughout the game’s soundtrack, players will notice nods to classic video games from the 8-bit era – a deliberate choice made by the composers to pay homage to their childhood favorites.
"We grew up on this stuff," Kirkhope said with a chuckle. "To be able to incorporate elements of those games into our own music felt like the ultimate Easter egg."
Jackman added: "But we also wanted to subvert expectations in some places, taking familiar tropes and twisting them in unexpected ways. I think that’s what makes Knights & Bikes ’ soundtrack so unique – it’s both a love letter to the genre and a fresh take on traditional video game music."
The Final Product
When asked about their favorite tracks from the album, both composers hesitated, pointing out that each piece has its own special place in the world of Knights & Bikes .
"I’m really proud of how the soundtrack turned out," Kirkhope said. "It feels like a true representation of Rooster Teeth’s spirit and creative energy."
Jackman nodded: "I think we managed to capture the essence of the game, which is all about exploration, discovery, and friendship. It was an incredible experience working on this project with Grant – I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out."
A Legacy in the Making
With the release of Knights & Bikes and its accompanying soundtrack, Henry Jackman and Grant Kirkhope have cemented their place as one of gaming’s most unlikely yet talented duos.
As Rooster Teeth continues to push boundaries with innovative projects like Return of the One Armed Swordsman , it’s clear that this unlikely partnership will be a driving force in shaping the future of video game soundtracks.