The Music of Cuphead - The Delicious Last Course: Recording the ‘Overture’

The Cuphead - Delicious Last Course soundtrack is comprised of over 110 musicians, performing big band & symphonic music. In Summer of 2021 - in the midst of the COVID pandemic - Studio MDHR brought those musicians together for a series of carefully planned recording sessions.
This is an exclusive look at how some of the game’s music was created. We hope it brings a smile to your face.
CREDITS:
Written and arranged by Kristofer Maddigan
Lyrics by Kristofer Maddigan, additional lyrics by Chad and Jared Moldenhauer
Recorded by Julian Decorte and Jeremy Darby at Canterbury Music Company, Noble Street Studios, and Revolution Recording Studios in Toronto, Canada. (May - September 2021)
Additional video footage shot at Toast + Jam studios in Toronto, Canada
Edited by Julian Decorte and Jeremy Darby.
Mixed by Jeremy Darby at Canterbury Music Company in Toronto, Canada.
Mastering by Peter Letros at Wreckhouse Mastering in Toronto, Canada
Remote camera operation and video post-production work done by Michael Fisher of Fisher Media
-- Inkwell Isles Philharmonic Orchestra --
Conductor - John Herberman
•Violins•
Sharon Lee (Concertmaster)
Sarah Boyer
Tanya Charles Iveniuk
Adam Diderrich
Alessia Disimino
Jamie Godber
Patrick Goodwin
Emily Hau
Adrian Irvine
Emily Kruspe
Praise Lam
Ellen Moore
Lyssa Pelton
Jeremy Potts
Marcus Scholtes
Bijan Sepanji
Aysel Taghi-Zada
Alex Toskov
•Violas•
Carolyn Blackwell
Caitlyn Boyle
Moira Burke
Woosol Cho
Veronica Lee
Rory McLeod
•Cellos•
Bryan Holt
Alice Kim
Liza McLellan
Sybil Shanahan
•Double Bass•
Michael Cox
Stephen Haynes
•Woodwinds•
Flutes - Laura Chambers, Amelia Lyon
Piccolo - Laura Chambers
Oboes - Lief Mosbaugh, Melissa Scott
Clarinets - Colleen Cook, Anthony Thompson
Bassoons - Kristin Day, Kevin Harris
•Brass•
Horn - David Quackenbush
Trumpets - Michael Fedyshyn, Luise Heyerhoff, Rob Weymouth
Trombones - Megan Hodge, Cathy Stone
Bass Trombone - David Pell
Tuba - Jen Stephen
•Harp•
Sanya Eng
•Piano/Celeste•
Christina Faye
•Timpani•
Andrew Rasmus
Percussion
•Kris Maddigan•
-- Queen’s Court Choristers --
Suba Sankaran - Leader
Dylan Bell
Heather Bambrick*
Shannon Butcher*
Rique Franks*
Aaron Jensen
*indicates member of trio
-Featuring Members of ‘The Cuphead Jazz Orchestra’-
Clarinet -Vern Dorge
Trumpet - Jason Logue
Trombone - Alastair Kay
Piano - Jeff McLeod
Bass - Neil Swainson
Guitar - Ben Bishop
Drums - Ted Warren
Orchestra Librarian - Kris Maddigan
Personnel Manager - John Herberman
Copyist - Martin Loomer
This song - and all music in Cuphead - The Delicious Last Course - was recorded following all Government of Canada and Government of Ontario safety protocols, including additional measures taken to ensure performer healthy and safety. These measures included (but were not limited to) daily COVID rapid testing for all on-site personnel (with only those returning negative tests permitted to enter the building), strict capacity limits within all recording facilities, enforced separation between all performing musicians using physical barriers, rigid mask mandates with exceptions only for vocal performers doing their work, and full UV light treatment and sanitization of the recording facilities between sessions. Our immense thanks to Jeremy Darby for figuring out how to record safely and securely with this many performers. No performers or staff working on Cuphead - The Delicious Last Course contracted COVID as a part of their work.
Onsite Nurses provided by ‘C-Care Health Services’
-- Special thanks to --
Matt Endsin @ Songbird Life Science
At Noble Street Studios: Donny DaSilva, Daniel Goldade, Alexander Mak, Zachariah Pepe
At Revolution Recording Studios - Kim Cooke, Creighton Clark, Luke Schindler
LYRICS:
Cuphead
Mugman and
Chalice make a deal
As a team
Adventuring
To help make Chalice real
It’s the Delicious Last Course
Oh the Delicious Last Course
One can eat their fill
and still stay until
the Delicious Last Course
It’s the Delicious Last Course
Oh that Delicious Last Course
There’s tarts, cakes and pies
a dozen scones ‘oh my!’
for that Delicious Last Course
Oh Ms. Chalice just wants to be
just as real as real can be
With the Wondertart
she can then take heart,
it’s off to the bakery
Chef Saltbaker has a plan
The best tart maker in the land
If they’re expedient
with the ingredients
then he might just lend a hand
With that Delicious Last Course
Oh that Delicious Last Course
If there’s a single meal
To help make Chalice real
It’s the Delicious Last Course
Oh the Delicious Last Course
Oh the Delicious Last Course
Searching à la carte
To bake the Wondertart
For the Delicious Last Course
Using recipes to get
Necessities for the
Delicious Last Course
With a wink and a song as long as
Nothing goes wrong...
With that Delicious Last Course

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

The part where the three girls singing the lyrics is spot-on as if you are watching inside the theaters in the 1920s era.

[@SussyPoster69]

It's More like the 1930s but yeah I agree that they nailed the period spot on

[@Dovaz921]

yet in the game show award they used bimbos to sing the song and not the actual women who sing the song

[@SussyPoster69]

@@Dovaz921 they could've been singing and also that's rude

[@VilaToro64]

I instantly thought of train train from fallout 4 lol

[@brokenshadows9357]

@@Dovaz921 lmao incel

[@mystcat3]

My Grandma loved the '30s cartoons, i've shown her this game, even if i was the only able to play it, she was amazed by the art, music and the aesthetics, she was proud of creators and wanted to see more in the future. I told her a new adventure was coming soon. Even if she's in a better world now, i'll always remember her when playing this beautiful game. [UPDATE] I did it, grandma! I've completed it! There was that Legendary Chalice, now as Ms. Chalice, a-and the bosses, animation and the music! did you see it? It was amazing! I miss you so much :(

[@sixstring4718]

🥺

[@gabrielpastel9456]

Rest in peace.

[@gjieferrer1768]

Im glad she loved it

[@redguywithatophat1900]

:( you gave me chills man rest in peace

[@jellycore1316]

Aww, thank you for sharing ^^ It means a lot. That's really special. Rest in peace.

[@PrixtoTNT]

It was so beautiful to hear this music at the Game Awards yesterday!

[@iheartfolly]

it was!

[@RavenclawNimbus]

For a second I thought it said, “It was so delicious to hear this music at the Game Awards yesterday!”

[@JonathanH]

@@RavenclawNimbus It was!

[@diegorico4732]

La escuchamos en vivo en el Game Awards ayer, felicidades Studio MDHR

[@RavenclawNimbus]

@@JonathanH I bet!

[@Foekoe]

Loving this

[@TheihopScreenColorJanyboiman]

Oh hello foekoe!

[@rainbowspongebob]

Same

[@Ani-Albanian]

Are you a furry?

[@SheaN10266]

Big chungus

[@tresblo]

yeah

[@deadtrex]

kinda crazy how you guys still managed to do all of this through a pandemic

[@SteveDC101]

I know right

[@raspyboi]

and what are they going to do if not?

[@deadtrex]

@@raspyboi idk obama, i do not know

[@wittymchitty]

What pandemic?

[@deadtrex]

@@wittymchitty curvid nirntern

[@KyleAllenMusic]

This... This makes me happy... I LOVE THIS AHHH? So much MAGIC in this room! Smiles all around!

[@walkerphillips2818]

Yo Kyle!

[@BabyBillIsCool]

HIII

[@laylover7621]

This is even more grandiose than the actual Cuphead OST. This is going to be so huge. I actually cannot wait.

[@DramaticQuantom]

It's not. Cuphead's original soundtrack will never be topped.

[@Yohoat]

@@DramaticQuantom we haven't heard it yet m8

[@DramaticQuantom]

@@Yohoat Sure, but really?

[@reno.rodolfo3089]

Can just we love both and stop comparing?

[@laylover7621]

@@reno.rodolfo3089 just because I'm comparing does not mean I don't love both? The cuphead soundtrack is some of the best video game music I've ever fucking heard, I'm just excited because they seem to have upped the ante ever more with this one.

[@tod4849]

Fun fact: If you listen to the lyrics more closely, it tells the story on why they went on that island.

[@GhostCT3]

Yeah I was watching it with the subtitles on. From what I can gather, they are there to help Chalice become alive again, right?

[@TheBossua]

@@GhostCT3 oh i thought it was getting pieces of an airplane to escape the island

[@suitloonfourever1808]

@@GhostCT3 me too

[@mman6564]

The lyrics are in the desc. It seems to be that Cuphead and Mugman made a deal with Ms. Chalice to help her be real by gathering ingredients on the island so that Chef Saltbaker can make a "Wondertart". Seems fun!

[@blueknight4274]

its like the og title theme where they explained the story in the lyrics

[@gwimbly8683]

Your new music Is truly gonna *slap* the audience away during those new boss fights!

[@josephgiftedvidsnetwork5911]

Parry that audience if they're wearing pink!

[@cheeseboi8769]

the gameplay is gonna slap even harder

[@FriendlyTume]

Facts

[@alexsilva28]

I can confirm I was slapped hard

[@erizo8002]

The way that every player looks at the conductor at 2:21 shows how in line every instrument is. Absolutely amazing music MDHR!

[@say-cred]

of course the players look at the conductor lmao. Such an obvious comment. You ever been in a concert band or orchestra?

[@citriosis]

​​@@say-credNo need to be rude about it. It may come as a surprise to you that no, not everyone has been in a concert band, orchestra, or choir, nor has everyone seen one perform in person. Anyway, to the original commenter, this person is right. This is the norm for good group performances (e.g., concert band, orchestra, choir, etc.). Honestly conductors are quite an underrated part of the performance. In the end, musicians aren't psychic, and we can't just go off of one another's ✨ vibes ✨, lol.

[@Taffles-hh9cu]

what do you _think_ a conductor is for

[@raninabwani4383]

The most underappreciated work in cuphead games, thank you for releasing this 🙏

[@agent_t147]

If the music is this good you know the game will be legendary

[@Abandoningthisaccount]

@@agent_t147 FAX.

[@user-ku5ji9sm4p]

one of the best songs from the first game is Mr KingDice

[@mr.chokesondik6538]

@@user-ku5ji9sm4p don’t you mean die house?

[@user-ku5ji9sm4p]

@@mr.chokesondik6538 yes

[@galacticmess7050]

This doesn't just bring a smile but it warms my heart and brings me so much happiness. The love and care the team puts into their work will forever be a big source of inspiration for me.

[@Sycorav]

The fact that i recognise some of the musicians in this video from previous music videos of the Cuphead soundtrack really made my heart warm c:

[@DanielRodriguez-ni7hv]

Gracias por el Guego ya me pasé el Guego completo

[@guaxinim_gacha]

I feel like I'm in the 30's when these 3 women start singing, by the way, they sing wonderfully!

[@WackytoonstudiosSince]

When the world needed them most, they returned

[@redguywithatophat1900]

Not funny didn't laugh

[@ethereal7262]

@@redguywithatophat1900 Didn’t care didn’t ask

[@mrcheese1890]

@@redguywithatophat1900 you're just mad because you can't make something funnier

[@PyramidCat_]

I'm not so old, but it's so nostalgic.. Sounds like echoes of old music's era. Respect to musicians!

[@NeoTheHumalien]

I can't wait to feel the frustration while playing this game. So I'm pretty hyped for it! The music is what makes this game a masterpiece in my eyes!

[@donnnut]

*ears

[@oxob3333]

@@donnnut that too

[@channingbloom7125]

200

[@ponkz3250]

Studio MDHR lets give them a round of applause. They totally made my day. And the talent they have is mind blowing. Studio MDHR was totally accurate on making the music sound like it was in the 1930s. This definitely suited the game itself. Even makes me wanna be a game creator. Awesome job!!

[@Aberyyyy]

It has been far too long since we've had one of these, such an absolute treat.

[@Noodle-hd8sn]

I just realized... D - Delicious L - Last C - Course That's clever

[@eduardod14s]

Silk song is coming btw

[@malik-a-creeper]

Wait, you serious?!!

[@Taffles-hh9cu]

@@eduardod14slol no

[@Taffles-hh9cu]

lol thats clever i did not realise

[@Abandoningthisaccount]

This sounds amazing!!! Everyone did such an amazing job with putting this together. It sounded so mystical and magical at first and I loved how it changed to jazz! I am so excited to hear the soundtrack of the DLC soon!!! ^^

[@Nah-win-66]

Yes

[@lukethedoge4842]

Forget about the music the gameplay about to be FIRE 🔥🔥🔥

[@peydev]

huge props to the composers and the musicians here, this is a masterpiece!! can't wait for the dlc on the 30th!!

[@NesuProps]

Watching the musicians happy and smiling with this, specially the three girls singing show the dedication and passion of a great studio. Thank you, Studio MDHR

[@curllum]

The guy on the triangle was REALLY focused He has the most important job

[@545Booboo]

You do know who that is, right? And he's playing 1st & 2nd triangle - he's a big deal :)

[@nzoabr]

This music slaps! Thank you for the good work Studio MDHR, it was worth the wait

[@bigbriangaara7461]

Now Make more videos about the soundtrack MDHR

[@omexicano404]

Man... that shit bring tears to my eyes, showing how much we evolved...from a single dot in a screen to a game with orchestra and all the love and hardwork we can receive.

[@Parks_21]

I love it how everything MDHR does transports you back in time.

[@mrmilkyshakes5657]

I love seeing how all of the musicians are having so much fun

[@raspyboi]

so proud of yall and so excited to finally play this Delicious Last Course 🙏

[@raspyboi]

@@flabba23 obviously bro

[@bigbriangaara7461]

President turn into epic gamer

[@AnthonyIsDaBoss]

It sounds so good that if old people listened to it they would think that they were in a bakery that sponors their world famous delicous last course

[@war77el]

Thank You, MDHR, for continuing to bring the level of production to us that you do & creating opportunities/jobs like this for others creative groups of people that contribute to bringing the team's vision to fruition.

[@thestarhopper]

They absolutely nailed the 1920s/30s feel of the game world. The music, the art, the animation style. It feels like you're playing through an old Disney classic.

[@Kuce]

This DLC is going to be well worth the wait! All the hard work and effort they are putting into this sets a fine example of how games should really be made. With all the lacklustre releases these last couple years, Studio MDHR is taking their time to ensure we get the best possible continuation of an already outstanding game. Game companies need to take note.

[@nbadude44]

This song is gonna be stuck in my head for weeks. It's the one thing during the entire Game Awards that had me smiling.

[@danielbuenrostro304]

This song is very catchy, I can't get it out of my mind, great job!

[@VoiceNerd]

I'm so glad you guys are still around. I was really starting to lose faith but saying that the DLC is continuing to move along bring so much joy to my heart.

[@Arrivera_]

Simplemente hermoso AMO SU MUSICAA son unos genios en eso

[@cirsh2225]

el primero comentario en español que encuetro xddd

[@Arrivera_]

@@cirsh2225 xdd me acabo de dar cuenta que tengo 82 likes y hola hispanohablante promedio JAJSJA

[@l.azar.B]

La neta es que si su ritmo las voses y la orquesta es inprecionante simplemente los estudios MDHR hicieron un gran trabajo yo no tengo pero se admirarlo

[@Enchanted___]

This is amazing! I cried listening to it because it has been SO LONG that to get this AND a trailer is a blessing! See you in June 2022

[@epicguygamer5571]

WOOOOO BABY THAT’S WHAT I’VE BEEN WAIT FOR!

[@judebrown3932]

THATS WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT! WOOO-(disappears)

[@legendarygoldenmushroom6439]

No matter how many times i listen to this, it will never stop sounding so beautiful

[@mattman9656]

I can’t wait to hear the full soundtrack! It feels like you are breathing new life into a genre that has drifted away. You guys are the best!

[@cmod1147]

omg i just fell in love with this masterpiece

[@GoodKnightNintendo]

Oh yeah, all of these recent uploads, Studio MDHR... yeah, I greatly appreciate them! Can’t wait! ...mhrm... as you were :)

[@avivyoukerharel2140]

That was exactly what I needed, I can't wait to hear all the new tracks!

[@newfiegrrl]

KUDOS to all involved in this undertaking ... amazing music and a wonderful experience to be a part of. Can't wait to hear the whole thing!!

[@Lr1010]

the amount of effort and money they put into this game is fucking unreal. little to no editing required, all real instruments and real voices. its amazing. there really wont be another game like it, Cuphead is a one of a kind. Bravo to studio MDHR for this absolute masterpiece. 👏👏👏

[@BladeShadowWing]

Love Cuphead's soundtrack, and if this is any indication, the DLC's music will be incredible! Also love Kris Maddigan's percussion playing!

[@plushbattle6673]

When I started up the DLC for the first this shocked me but in a good way.A true banger

[@elcanaldealejandrofficial]

Awesome

[@Abandoningthisaccount]

Indeed.

[@elcanaldealejandrofficial]

@@Abandoningthisaccount they definitely brought the smile that I waited for, 3 years.

[@Abandoningthisaccount]

@@elcanaldealejandrofficial Glad to hear! So have I, but it was really worth the wait. Their music has always indeed been amazing and I'm so glad it's continuing. It really improved!

[@theincognito7947]

I love the woman in the middle, at the start of the song she was just singing casually but as it goes on she enjoyed it more.

[@gurpreetbajwa4490]

When the World needed Cuphead most. He came back ☕

[@user-mh6bs7vo9h]

The creativity of this Video has been worked on, the content is very beautiful😇💕

[@StarvinMarvin828]

This is something special, I truly love this and can't wait for the DLC in June great job studio MDHR you have done it again

[@ayte3656]

The ladies singing are super talented WOW

[@gustx56.86]

I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS DLC FOR A LONG TIME, I believe you will not disappoint us NEVER good job 😆

[@InstrumentManiac]

Ahhh thank you so much for recording this process! It's so incredible to see how grand the arrangements are for this game. Really looking forward to playing AND listening to this fantastic work of art :)

[@pugz2857]

already know this is gonna be a banger

[@omaramo19]

StudioMDHR is so good, they found a word to rhyme with "ingredient".

[@frananimationsstudio3541]

I love how you work with a lot of love and affection to make this amazing game, it comes out soon

[@minotlaarchives2098]

my mom: it's good that my son listened to classical music me:IS THE DELICIOUS LAST COURSE

[@alanabridgewatermusic]

Amazing! Go team ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@AdventureSnivy_]

Hey, King D

[@canal-lb9ys]

can't wait for Cuphead the delicious last course

[@walmaker8372]

It's beautiful... I've listened to this for five hours now!

[@daviddev5377]

This recording was soo good that i’ve got caries

[@benteash5761]

YOOOOOOO IM HYPED FOR THE DLC, TAKE YOUR TIME ITLL BE GREAT

[@COIFISHGAMING]

Studio MDHR honestly thank you for bringing art back to games, Cuphead has universal appeal and we love it ;) Somehow the 1930s art style is only matched by the insane talent of the composer and big brass band! Bravo.

[@LuckyFA_]

HERMOSA MUSICA, gran trabajo a todos :D

[@AlexTruce]

Now I just waiting to hear this song in the game😍😍😍

[@rodry3464]

One of the things I really was waiting for this DLC is the music... THIS is what I was talking about!! Another round of good and amazing jazz music that we love. Thank you so much! I'm so hyped!!!

[@thamago8117]

It's just heart warming to see how everyone is just having fun while working on this game 🥰

[@mrcrisps2005]

ive been fans of this series since 2015 and i'm super excited to play this next installment of the series

[@intCubito45]

I love how everyone at some point has a smile in their face

[@MeloettodioS]

😭You guys perform phenomenally!!!

[@laurencharlton3722]

Hearing this every time brings a huge smile to my face, I love it!!!

[@dulpher1059]

That was fantastic! I can’t wait for the game!

[@abrahamcruz2152]

I've actually never played the game myself, but I find myself astounded by the music and true care that went into the craft of the game. Crazy

[@OndrejS_CZ]

This sounds amazing! I'm so excited for the DLC!

[@9386AliG]

We have almost a month! So pumped up for the game!

[@cheatcode436]

I love that there was a guy that played ONLY the triangle. The drum guy could tap the triangle? NO. THIS SPECIFIC GUY WILL PLAY IT, AND NOTHING ELSE. Really enjoyed the DLC. Love what you guys do. :)

[@gentlemangamerec7025]

This sounds amazing! I'm super happy that you guys care for your musicians as you do for your games!

[@Melancholy1-23]

I love being able to listen and watch as the music of cuphead is being made, there is just something about the music in this thats just beautiful, and these beautiful people using these amazing instruments to make the sounds. I just want more of these types of videos to be made, its so satisfying.

[@SALMAN-vm9xl]

Nice work MDHR Thanks 👍🏽

[@MonsieurToc]

« We hope it brings a smile to your face »… No sir, it brings THE FEELS!!! 🤯😍🤤

[@Sycorav]

Massive respect for all the musicians in this video and of course MDHR managing to pull all this together through the mess of the pandemic, +Respect

[@duckee9096]

I’ve been waiting for 4 years for these and it’s only 3 months away and I’m sssooo excited

[@Automatoon]

This is amazing! can't wait to play the DLC

[@Axoloyal]

this game need to be on the awards this 113 musicians are working hard they should all get a good ton of raise

[@Itshomski]

This was amazing great job to everyone working on it!!!

[@mehreen5338]

THIS MAKES ME WANT TO CRY OUT OF SADDNESS AND HAPPINESS

[@mehreen5338]

No fucking way the first game was out in 2017

[@CookieCakePopz]

@@mehreen5338 ikr your pfp reminds me of Kumiho Cookie from Cookie Run Kingdom lmao

[@mehreen5338]

@@CookieCakePopz yeah cause it is!!

[@FinCo18]

This sounds just like the real game! Good job you all!

[@muffinlu]

This song it's been in my head for soo long actually 😃

[@yass_suiiii3248]

Bravo everybody, remarquable job. Such a hyping music. Bravo bravo and bravo.

[@TheCaliforniaHP]

cuphead always proving that creativity in gaming still exists

[@diegorico4732]

Suena increíble, Felicidades studio MDHR, esperemos que las aventuras de Cuphead y Mugman estén lejos de terminar

[@atumgion69]

So many dedication to this. I WILL BUY IT!

[@Pac-man234HD]

Another great soundtrack of the indies games :)

[@reliusclover8842]

This sure brings a smile to my face, how delighful freaking awesome music you got here, mister. Thank You. Please bring the making of for the recording of "Bourre on The Boards" !!!!

[@carlosign7898]

So the DLC is about Cuphead, Chalice and Mugmann getting the ingredients to make a magic tart and make chalice real and not a ghost as in the first game?

[@ErrorNumber404]

This is true creativity

[@cupkidstudios]

I can’t wait for the new dlc, I can say now it’s going to sound great!

[@jakeriver6261]

I’m surprised how nobody has mentioned the ending bum bum ding with the editing swapping between the bass and piano idk something about it is very satisfying.