Exploring the Sounds of Zenless Zone Zero: A Music Interview

The Sonic Revolution of Zenless Zone Zero

When HoYoverse unveils a new title, players typically expect sweeping, high-fantasy orchestral scores or expansive space-operatic soundscapes. Yet, Zenless Zone Zero defies this norm, immersing players into a vibrant world where the energy of underground club culture and vintage aesthetics reign supreme. The soundtrack serves as the lifeblood of the game, pulsating with gritty lo-fi rhythms and the frenetic beats of EDM, establishing New Eridu as one of the most audibly innovative worlds in gaming today.

The Creative Force Behind the Music

At the helm of this audacious auditory journey is Yang Wutao, in collaboration with the dynamic collective known as Sān-Z Studio. This team operates more like a coalition of musical explorers than conventional game composers. Their guiding philosophy revolves around prioritizing raw emotion over industry trends. Each track developed is crafted as a standalone piece of art, resonating not only within the context of the game but also as a unique musical expression that could exist independently in any music genre.

Crafting Unique Character Themes

One of the standout features of Zenless Zone Zero is the individuality of its characters, particularly reflected in their dedicated musical themes. During discussions with Yang Wutao, he shared his approach to creating these soundscapes. Rather than selecting genres based on popularity, the team focuses on the inherent essence of each character. An example can be seen in the character Burnice—her wild energy aligns seamlessly with the explosive vibes of EDM.

Yang emphasizes, “We don’t really think along the lines of, ‘Oh, this genre is trending, let’s use it.’ Emotion comes first, and the genre follows.” This character-centric approach fosters a depth of expression and allows players to connect more intimately with the characters and the narrative.

The Intersection of Electronic Music and Game Design

While many may link Zenless Zone Zero with current electronic music culture, Yang asserts that his team’s music naturally evolved into this style. Collaborating with leading names in dance music, such as Tiësto, felt organic to the project’s ethos. He explains, “EDM fits this game because it’s inherently energetic… you just need to feel it.” The decision to embrace this vibrancy was a strategic one, diverging from the orchestral path taken by other titles within the HoYoverse family.

Character EPs: More Than Just Game Music

The character EPs in Zenless Zone Zero feel as if they were crafted for a live festival rather than as mere background scores for gameplay. Wutao clarifies that the studio never concerns itself with the label of “game music” or “pop music.” Instead, the focal points are energy, emotion, and musical quality. This duality allows character EPs to resonate beyond the game, aiming for a broader emotional connection that speaks to listeners outside of the Zenless Zone Zero universe.

Diverse Musical Influences and Cohesion

The soundtrack of Zenless Zone Zero showcases a vast array of genres and styles, each requiring tailored approaches. The team relies on a collaborative process for feedback, ensuring that individual contributions enhance the overall cohesion of the music. The distinctive sonic landscape reflects concepts rooted in the game’s art direction, transitioning fluidly between the relaxed atmosphere of the streets of Sixth Street and the pulsating intensity of combat in the Hollows, echoing the diverse experiences of New Eridu’s residents.

A Visual and Sonic Aesthetic

New Eridu’s distinct aesthetic—exemplified by its nostalgia-infused design choices like VHS tapes and CRT monitors—permeates not just the visuals but also the audio production techniques. Wutao notes that this retro-futuristic vibe evokes a desire to rediscover sounds that the team associates with their past experiences. Each member brings their unique interpretations of “retro,” creating a rich tapestry of sounds reflecting diverse backgrounds—ensuring that the game’s musical identity resonates with authenticity.

Music as a Core Game Mechanic

In Zenless Zone Zero, music plays a crucial role, functioning as a mechanic for character progression through in-game activities like tuning Drive Discs. Yang highlights that this innovative integration underscores the importance of music within the world of New Eridu, confirming a shared understanding between the game developers and the citizens of its universe. Through their composition, the team aims to make the music not just a backdrop but integral to the gameplay experience.

Navigating Transitions in Sound

One of the more complex challenges faced by Sān-Z Studio is crafting seamless transitions between a wide spectrum of musical styles. While aware that such transitions may not always feel flawless, Wutao believes that the emotional connection tied to each piece of music grounds its relevance in the gameplay experience. The intent is that every piece fits its scene perfectly, providing players with a cohesive emotional journey even amidst diverse musical shifts.

Embracing a Broader Musical Spectrum

Unlike many games that adhere closely to mainstream soundscapes, Zenless Zone Zero strategically adopts a more unconventional approach to its music. This broader spectrum, which remains reflective of the diverse influences within the team, showcases their range and creativity. Even with the release of the game soundtrack on vinyl—celebrating the tangible connection to music—the essence remains the same: to craft pieces that resonate with listeners, be they fans of the game or simply lovers of music.

The Tactile Experience of Vinyl

The April 29th release of the Zenless Zone Zero soundtrack on vinyl offers fans a tactile experience, transforming digital sounds into a physical object. Wutao emphasizes the importance of this experience, arguing that listening to vinyl is about creating a moment, a ritual shared with the music rather than merely consuming it through earbuds. The selection process for tracks included those that resonate most with fans—ensuring that what players hold and cherish has genuine meaning.

This curated experience not only reinforces the emotional narratives within the game but also reflects the ethos of the Zenless Zone Zero team, bound by a collective mission to explore and express complex emotions through innovative musical landscapes.