Why does FIFA use indie music?
Indie music has become an integral part of the FIFA soundtrack over the years. In recent FIFA games, fans have witnessed a significant increase in indie and alternative music genres dominating the game’s playlists. The question is, what is behind FIFA’s obsession with indie music?
Why Indie Music?
EA Sports, the creators of FIFA, aim to curate a soundtrack that is both global and locally relevant. The target audience for FIFA games spans the globe, making it crucial to create a soundtrack that resonates with a diverse range of cultures. Indie music has a reputation for being experimental and edgy, making it a great fit for a FIFA soundtrack that seeks to reflect the energy and creativity of global football fans.
Early Beginnings
In the early days of FIFA, the game’s soundtracks were primarily comprised of commercial pop and rock songs. However, starting with FIFA 12, the game’s music directors began to experiment with indie and alternative music, paving the way for a significant shift in the soundtrack’s genre. By FIFA 13, indie music had become a major presence, with acts like Justice, Simian Mobile Disco, and Boys Noize contributing tracks.
Current Trends
The latest FIFA games feature an incredible array of indie artists and bands, with notable names like Foals, M83, and Passion Pit making appearances. In addition to their traditional partnerships with major record labels, EA Sports now collaborates with indie record labels and music distributors to unearth new talent.
Genre Diversity
Indie music encompasses a vast range of genres, including but not limited to: alternative, electronic, post-punk, and psychedelia. The diversity of indie music makes it an attractive choice for the FIFA soundtrack, allowing for the creation of a unique playlist that caters to diverse musical tastes.
What do the Fans Think?
Fan feedback plays a crucial role in shaping the FIFA soundtrack. Surveys and online polls show that fans overwhelmingly appreciate the shift towards indie music. Many fans see the incorporation of indie music as a way to discover new artists and experience music they wouldn’t have listened to otherwise.
Future Directions
Looking forward, it’s clear that indie music will continue to play a major role in the FIFA soundtrack. With the growth of music streaming platforms and social media, indie artists now have a more significant global presence than ever before, making them even more accessible to the FIFA fan base.
Benefits for Artists
The inclusion of indie music in FIFA can have significant benefits for emerging artists. Increased exposure can lead to a significant increase in album sales and streams, as well as the creation of a global fan base. Furthermore, collaborating with FIFA provides indie artists with an unparalleled opportunity to reach a broader audience, potentially paving the way for future tours, performances, and merchandise deals.
Benefits for FIFA
By embracing indie music, FIFA benefits from an association with the indie and alternative music communities. This can lead to enhanced credibility among younger gamers and music enthusiasts, ultimately driving increased brand engagement and loyalty.
Why not Commercial Music?
Commercial music has traditionally been the go-to choice for game soundtracks, so what’s driving FIFA’s decision to stray from this formula? According to EA Sports, commercial music, by its very nature, tends to be formulaic and predictable. In contrast, indie music is often more experimental, bold, and creative – perfect for a FIFA soundtrack that aims to be just as bold and dynamic as the beautiful game itself.
Why not Hip-Hop or Electronic?
FIFA has dabbled in hip-hop and electronic music in the past, so why focus exclusively on indie music? According to EA Sports, the core FIFA fan base responds best to a curated selection of indie and alternative tracks, which creates a distinct identity for the franchise.
Conclusion
The FIFA soundtrack has undergone significant transformations over the years, and indie music has played a key role in shaping this journey. As a platform for discovery and self-expression, indie music perfectly aligns with FIFA’s goal of celebrating global football culture. Whether you’re a fan of FIFA, indie music, or both, the evidence is clear: the pairing of these two passions creates something truly special.