Balancing Structure and Creativity: How Gravity Rush Develops a Theme

[@bengajupite]

I screamed at work when this popped up in my notifications. I wasn't really sure if there was merit to requesting this every month but apparently it paid off, and I'm kind of blown away by the analysis. I mean, as a composer I can understand when there's a lot going on while I'm listening to music, but when it comes to analyzing a track I'm basically an amateur, especially when it comes to complex stuff like this, so I'll definitely be rewatching this a lot more to see if I can make some more sense of it (and as always, apply it to my own work!) And also now I can finally request some other stuff lol. Thanks for this and amazing job!

[@Redhollow]

This was me requesting either Ys or Grant Kirkhope content over and over, lol.

[@BSengen]

You’re teaching me things that are in the last 3/4 of my music theory textbook, but you make it soo much easier than my teacher does

[@PhantomkevX]

High school or Uni?

[@BSengen]

High school, so it isn’t that bad

[@PhantomkevX]

@@BSengen ahh yeah, I took AP theory and the textbook was decent it was just the teachers didnt know how to teach the class unfortunately. Uni gets much better if you decide to continue your music theory journey!

[@BSengen]

@PKPHANTOM I was planning on it.

[@oldbird4601]

@@BSengen same what kinda course you thinking of doing I’m really at a loss I’m a classical music nerd but that’s not where the money is. Music production for movie/video games would pay more but I really fucking like classical damn it.

[@NintendoCapriSun]

Love the way the motif interrupts itself to drop into the 3/4 time signature, that's so clever! I got a lot of weird flashbacks of FF12 music while hearing this too for some reason.

[@AccentedCinema]

Oh my God! I wanted to hear you talk about this game for so long!! Kohei Tanaka's composition for this game is really out of this world. So much personality and style, yet every piece is so tonally consistent. I fall in love with it the first time I turn on the game on my PS Vita. Thanks for making me fall in love with it all over again!

[@justs_]

Woah didn’t expect to see you here, love your video essays!

[@Redhollow]

Man, this game has some amazing music. This brought back so much nostalgia for the game.

[@whimsibee4401]

The piano solo in the middle leading into that colorful section at the end just feels like a warm soft breeze suddenly turning into a gust of wind blowing all around you and its just absolutely gorgeous, I can see how it could easily fit into a game where you are messing with gravity and floating all around. Its so wonderful.

[@gamechops]

Awesome tune, hadn't heard it before. Great analysis!

[@Senneih_cram]

It's impressive how everything in gravity rush 1 is top notch, and how gravity rush 2 still managed to be 10x better ...and how underrated these games are

[@EefFreef]

Is it really? I was so bummed when I found out gr2 wasn't going to be on Vita, but I couldn't justify buying a PS4 just for that one game. Maybe I'll get a used PS4 if the prices drop because of the ps5

[@Senneih_cram]

@@EefFreef gr2 on vita ? Ofc not ;_;

[@Senneih_cram]

It just wouldn't fit in the vita

[@arribaamoeba7017]

@@Senneih_cram Yeah it’s wayyy too huge to be on the vita. It sucks but Gravity Rush honestly should’ve been on ps3 when it first came out in the first place. Hey I mean that’s why we have the remaster for ps4! (Oh and no vita hate, I played gravity rush for the first time on the vita and it was still awesome)

[@d1nae]

i prefered the mechanic of the 1rst game, as the 2nd one just seems very complicated and overwhelming.... i genuinely have no idea on how to upgrade my talents. the story is still good though and the new areas are amazing

[@emmbeesea]

The whole development of the melody over time is so gradual that it almost draws you in to pay attention to _how_ it changes rather than _when_ it changes. Fantastic piece of music!

[@Alystairre]

Melee videos and now I see you on music theory videos :0

[@yellmo4852]

When he said "underated piece from an underated game." I felt that

[@beat-man5167]

The Auldnoir theme is a really comfy song. I remember first playing the demo at a kiosk, looking up the soundtrack and art and really wanting the game.

[@amoschristophers4567]

Beat-Man sameness

[@DuhMasto]

I really enjoy your playfulness in describing music. It's a compelling listen, and it makes a semi-complex topic approachable even for those (like myself) who aren't educated in musical theory.

[@jaunecoltrane5572]

This is for me one of the finest video games ost ever made. I loved the impressionists colors that suggests the hugeness of the city. There were some bits that stylistically reminded me of the style of Masashi Hamauzu. By the way, you should do a video for the FF13 sountrack, it'd be great!

[@jb1980ist]

Second FFXIII!

[@NicD]

7:44 I can't sightread but I make an exception for the Mario theme!

[@ProwersEdits]

13:20 that cadence to me also sounds like a pretty heroic movement, as if it serves to reference the main character Kat as the hero of her story.

[@ItsKoseph]

This has become one of my favourite games of all time recently. thank you for covering it

[@Eyeclops_]

You have no idea how long I have been waiting for this one. I can't believe how good this entire series is, and the game is still one of my favorites to run around in. The music is gorgeous and I can't emphasize how many hours I have spent humming this tune! I'm so impressed by how good your analysis is too! This game was what convinced me to get a PS Vita, and while the console may have been... well... you know, this rather short game alone made the investment worth it. Thanks so much for this analysis!

[@EefFreef]

I was just in the middle of your series of videos on Hollow Knight and I was so happy to see this video! Hollow Knight and Gravity Rush are two of my favorite games in large part due to their soundtracks, and you have done a great job analysing and explaining some of my favorite tracks. Great stuff man

[@EdoloChannel]

Not even two minutes into the video and I'm already shedding tears. No game has made me feel like a kid again like the first Gravity Rush, and Auldnoir's theme is a big part of this feeling.

[@SticktheFigure]

Hell yeah hell yeah hell yeah, I love Gravity Rush. So happy to see you talking about one of the best elements of said game.

[@thegustbag]

This is the first time Gravity Rush has been brought to my attention for ideas in its soundtrack and I gotta say, it might be the most compelled I've ever felt to check it out for myself

[@Imicus]

Dude, I have been waiting for this since I discovered your channel years ago. I knew you'd deliver a great one!

[@andreibaradayenka2016]

Duuude this is one of those pieces where every note choice is perfect. There's not a measure that lacks emotion and momentum. Bravo Mr. Tanaka, you've created a masterpiece!

[@elecboy5126]

The increase in written analogies as you talk is a welcome addition!

[@christophermarsh1580]

10:33 it kinda feels like "parkour jumps" (maybe ballet?), with that hang time in the air before a brief landing only to step into the next jump/flip. Instead of floating back like the clarinet motif, it lands a bit harder.

Kohei Tanaka is amazing. My first introduction to his music was through the End of Eternity / Resonance of Fate soundtrack. He can compose from classical to hard rock and everything in-between, and it always sounds cohesive, compelling and robust. Gravity Rush / Daze soundtrack is just another display of his marvellous work, I love it. Thank you for making this video!

[@jescareno1990]

The quality of your content continues to reach new highs.

[@scrustle]

Finally this soundtrack gets some attention!! It definitely deserves it. These games have some of the best music in the entire medium, and don't get anywhere near enough love for it.

[@JaviR101]

Love this underrated game. Gravity Rush 1&2 is filled with so much charm and happy to see you talk about it

[@youraverageperson6211]

This is a amazing channel! You make music more interesting by using everyone's favorite games, and you make it super easy to understand even for someone with little music theory! I will definitely be watching your future videos

[@MooseEatsBears]

I'd heard of this game but I didn't know the music was so beautiful!

[@CrazyAznKT]

They go on sale every now and then, you should check them out; they’re such lovely experiences!

[@RobToria]

Tanaka is a living legend in japan , this game is him at his best legit. I 100% recommended buying the game and the soundtrack.

[@pitchblack5422]

BRO PLEASE play this game, i beg of you, people sleep on this game SOOO much and i oath 1 and 2 are so wholesome and heartwrenching

[@happycamperds9917]

I like how the previous three comments are progressively getting more assertive in their game recommendation.

[@RurouniZel]

In the videogame world Kohei Tanaka (aka God) is best known for his work on the Sakura Wars series going all the way back to the Sega Saturn days and all the way to the most recent PS4 game. His music is godlike.

[@dudeguy1894]

I see video game music theory, I click. I see Gravity Rush, I click. I see Gravity Rush music theory, I CLICK LIKE I'VE NEVER CLICKED BEFORE!

[@saniakshay12]

This game is just lovely and the Auldnoir music feels perfect for Gravity Rush the game calm yet chaotic. Aggressive but chill too.

[@wavelength3856]

Superb and thoughtful analysis of this piece!! I really love how you focus on the interplay between the instruments.

[@vossel_games]

Hey man I'm a huge fan of your videos! I always love and appreciate how much thought is put into each and every one, but I feel like you should kinda structure the video in a more visual way with audio breaks (maybe like title sequences for each section of the video). I noticed that I have to rewind the video multiple times in order to understand some of the points you make. Which might be because you bring up one point after another with no break in between them, and no break means less time to process all that new information. Idk, I might just be slow at retaining so much info at once, so please don't take this as "you should do your videos like this, and not like this." I'm just giving you a heads up on my experience with your videos, and I feel like a few other people feel the same way. Keep up the great work regardless!!

[@calebolds9609]

The Gravity Rush series is one of my alltime favorites

[@unicron004]

you've done it again. August of last year you published an ace combat music theory video and you have published another video that involves more of my favorite things. thank you for bringing recognition to somewhat forgotten franchises & IPs and staying out of the Gimmicky/Popular stuff when you make your Music Theory Videos. Thank you again for adding more to Gravity Rush and putting a spotlight on this franchise on your channel.

[@birubu]

I love how your intro is just 3 chords and a bass melody on a synthesizer and yet it has become so iconic

[@flipboitj]

I'm happy to see Gravity Rush getting some recognition. Both games are so underrated.

[@teapotofdoom]

Man I love your work and analysis, just fantastic stuff, every time!

[@lewa3910]

Over a year since this was uploaded and only NOW does the youtube algorithm show it! Dam! Love Gravity Rush, Love it's music, & Love Kat, my Gravity Queen!

[@miiks...5...3...9...]

The Electricite boss theme casually referencing half of the OST while still being unique makes it easily one of the most insane video game tracks ever

[@maryamj7018]

this is my absolute most favourite game. I love video games but I've always been hilariously bad at them. I have slow reflexes and it takes too long for my eyes to accept a change in the visuals for me to realize an enemy was approaching me. this game manages to be so accessible, while still maintaining a challenge for me, but it's more a challenge of figuring out which shifting style to use or monitoring my gravity gauge than it is training my fine motor skills. the music is really the best thing about it though: undistracting but not generic, and makes it really hard tostop playing the game without pulling out your headphones and googling the soundtrack. it's really fitting for the game mechanics:simple would super recommend both games to anyone who likes a good blend of fun and mystery! also, this video is super cool, im obsessed with your editing style will definitely be subbing

[@baconknightproductions8297]

I've always wondered how Chuck Salmone made the Hylics 2 tracks chord progressions sound so satisfying

[@erka4646]

Wow, that short shift to Gm in the main theme slays me right to the heart. Perfectly placed, for the perfect effect. ...Wow xD

[@rapture_bishop]

Now that I'm in high school marching band, watching these already great videos are more interesting

[@Viviantoga]

Ah, so requesting for something every month is how it works, huh? OK time to give it a go: I was wondering if you have any experience with the Ar Tonelico series. I've recently been exploring the soundtracks thanks to a recommendation, and I gotta say the vocal tracks are incredible. There's a very dense richness to the choral harmonies that invokes a heck of an otherworldly atmosphere, that from what I've been told about the games is very fitting for the setting. I guess it doesn't hurt that the games involve singers invoking ancient melodies to save the world from catastrophe, so the music really has to be on point to convey the magnitude (which judging from my experience with solely the music, certainly must). Hopefully this comment at the least can be reason enough for you to give the songs from the series a listen, whether or not a vid ever focuses on it. I can try coming up with specific songs to explore more thoroughly in the future (one of the problems with dedicating your listening time while working at a company where the mp3 player needs to stay hidden, heh: I barely know any names).

[@Adrie_Atmosphere]

I literally don't know a single thing about music but I keep watching your videos for some reason

[@nh8444]

Awesome analysis. I remember getting this game on the vita and loving the fluffy, bouncy soundtrack as I flew around the towns. Most of this eludes me, but I love trying to learn more about music. Reading music is like trying to do math in front of a room full of people. So…. Lol. I focus on other things now lol.

[@ProwersEdits]

Oh my god yessssssssss Thank you for covering the music of Gravity Rush

[@WillowEpp]

Yeah, I feel like Tanaka's always shined the brightest when he has an orchestra. One Piece may be the most _popular_ thing he's worked on but Gunbuster (back in 1988!) and Gravity Rush are probably my favourites among his (honestly pretty extensive) body of work.

[@juanfloristan]

Do you think it's a coincidence that the ascending/descending motiv from Auldnoir is virtually identical to Monteverdi's opening fanfare to his opera Orfeo ed Euridice? Maybe it' supposed to evoque this kind of ancient mythical atmosphere so suitable for the game? Great analysis ans thank you for everythinf you do!! ❤

[@block36079]

Thanks for making this video on one of my favorite games series introduced in the last decade, your analysis was amazing and took notice of things I didn’t, I’ll be looking forward to a gravity rush 2 theme one day.

[@irl_lizard7880]

Gravity Rush and its sequel have such amazing soundtracks 😭

[@TheManPF]

It would be neat to hear you talk about something other than melody and harmony, a lot of other important aspects of a soundtrack to delve into that are unexplored here, instrumentation, arrangement, mixing, etc. and they are at the most very briefly mentioned

[@bm1259]

Great work as always! Do you ever plan on writing and releasing your own arrangements of videogame music or releasing your own stuff at all?

[@ethanunkefer7682]

I'm pretty sure he doesn't take requests but god I'd love to hear him talk about the music of Risk of Rain/RoR2.

[@TheNoMoreGamer]

More please! The Gravity Rush franchise is the best thing to come out on PlayStation in a long time.

[@davewhetten7617]

This is probably your best video since the one you did on Civ VI. With some of your videos, while the analysis is top-notch, I don't really feel that it helps me further understand the piece once I go and listen to it after the video (thinking Gusty Garden Galaxy, in particular - great piece, but not difficult to understand). I understand quite a bit of music theory, and I'm really impressed with what you did here - top-notch analysis (as usual), enhanced my listen to the full piece after the fact, and I even learned something new! Thanks so much, and keep on making videos! On a different note, I'm hoping that someday you'll try to pull of an analysis of Disasterpeace's Panacea from Hyper Light Drifter - probably one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever heard. Also, Dandara's Relentless Choir track by Thommaz Kauffmann, while perhaps not very difficult in harmonic structure, does have an absolutely transcendent piano line. I did a transcription of it a while ago, and I'd be happy to lend it to you and find out what your thoughts are!

[@s.lajoie9961]

At this point I'm going to have to make a playlist of all the amazing music you have introduced to me! Another amazing video as always!

[@roxorsoxor]

2:10 audio chirp

[@jonanabuke7000]

that settles it then. i'm hooked on orchestral pieces now.

[@theoneonyoutube4925]

This piece reminds me of a symphony I played with my old youth orchestra several years back. It’s Sibelius’ second, and I think you’d really like it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXKyl2dseL2Ul9k

[@jonanabuke7000]

@@theoneonyoutube4925 cool. i'll give it a listen then.

[@cupofgreentea]

I'm currently playing gravity rush 2 and I am so happy that somebody actually talks about it!

[@nicholaswise5818]

13:46 even if unintentional that was a great "speak low" quote

[@MrKashifdon]

Gravity Rush and Gravity Rush 2 soundtracks are perfection!

[@TiagarMusic]

He: play the first note of the whole thing My Brain: Thats Sound very Familiar, you will think about it for 5 hours now, k?

[@kavenxiong5521]

This is the first time I've heard of Gravity Rush and oh my god the B roll footage of the game looks so fucking fun

[@kroebird92]

A very pleasant surprise on my lunch break, awesome breakdown of a beautiful piece

[@thishouseofglass]

Great stuff as always man

[@midflight_art]

👏 people 👏 need 👏 to experience 👏👏 the Gravity Rush series 👏👏

[@rezonance4937]

Gravity rush content!! this game left me with so much post game depression but the soundtrack was sooo good

[@PiercingSight]

After the Gm is introduced, the D no longer sounds like the tonic chord at all to me. It always sounds like the dominant, even when written as the tonic. Every resolution to D feels like it want to go to Gm. Gm is the tonic chord in my head even though it rarely resolves to it, the A major modulation being just a step up from the Gm tonic. To me it gives the music a very disconnected and floaty feeling, as if it's begging to be set down, but only gets to barely brush the floor every once in a while. The major over minor layering also feels hopeful in spite of the constant temptation or threat to settle into a more sad and desperate feeling in the minor tonic.

[@Ranzha_]

At 6:50, peep the three falling notes at the beginning of the second string response being repeated one bar later :)

[@ndescruzur4378]

Finally another video, you're a very good youtuber, 8-bit music theory

[@arcadmix]

Ah this track is one my favourites! Great content as always.

[@Squirrel354]

I had never heard of this game or song but am I glad I saw this video. This song is absolutely amazing and the game looks so interesting and polished. I'm definitely buying the game and listening to more of this composer.

[@nintendokirby64]

YES! FINALLY! IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS! DUDE, DISCOVERY OF GRAVITY IMMEDIATELY SET THE MOOD

[@smugsenko]

That song does crazy things in obvious ways.

[@japanimated9683]

Holy fawk , this music is awesome thanks for pointing out this master piece! I don't understand half of what your saying but yeah I get why it sounds good.

[@d1nae]

man i miss this game

[@utatoners]

gravity rush is probably my favorite series ever, this made me SO happy!!!

[@dosgos]

Wonderful video! Really speaks to me and I learned a lot here.

[@jvg7498]

Oh hey KZbin recommended me a new video on Gravity Rush. WAIT A NEW VIDEO ON GRAVITY RUSH?! AND IT'S ABOUT THE MUSIC?!

[@tapetedepadaria]

Underrated soundtrack of an underrated game indeed

[@teokure5427]

I've been waiting for this forever! My favorite OST!

[@Mr555lman]

You should definitely analyze pleasure quarter from the same game. It's featured in plejaune and was added onto in the second game that really blew me away. Just saw this channel and subscribed anyways👍👍

[@harryrobinson6195]

jesus christ what a gorgeous piece of music

[@dankl3ss194]

I was waiting 4ever for a new video. And totally worth the wait :3

[@nitephysh]

Great video and great music!

[@kineyatore9798]

I never expected an 8-bit music theory on my favourite game series but hey I can say one thing, I have never clicked on a video so fast before.

[@PhantomKING113]

Nice vid! (…) Next up tloz ss? Pls. This ost remembered me of it in some parts. Also, why didn't I know about this ost before? I have faith that some patreon will ask for it some day...

[@shirosasaki9596]

Might I request The Last Story's music? You probably haven't heard of this game, and absolutely no one talks about it, nor it's amazing soundtrack. I'd love to hear you dissect some of the music, whether it's the main theme or a boss theme or whatever. Great video on this, though! It's so interesting to learn about music theory!

[@YishTheFish]

Oh my god a video about Gravity Rush I'm so happy thank you for making this!!!

[@Plasmariel]

As I am writing video game music, this helps a lot!

[@TheForeignGamer]

Hey 8Bit, I was curious about something. I'd really love to get into composing but I don't really know where to start or what I'd need. Do you have any suggestions for a music theory nerd that's totally a compositional noob?

[@domoparty]

i would kill for a music theory and composition course by you

[@DavidSaulesco]

Alundra, the first one. Lovely game and amazing, in every sense, music by the one and only Kohei Tanaka.

[@i_cam]

Dang I kinda want to get this game now, just listened to this song for an hour

[@user-bp1gx3qt3o]

What an amazing piece of music