Harmonix, MTV GAMES Unleash "Highway Star" Cinematic on the World

Why Deep Purple's "Highway Star" for this Rock Band cinematic?
"Highway Star," is not only a classic track but also a slightly deeper cut that in a subtle way exposes Harmonix's love for true rock and roll. The lyrics are a perfect match for the amazing visuals that we had planned with Pete Candeland and Anna Lord at Passion Pictures. The song's driving beat, bellowing vocals and old school riffs made for the perfect soundtrack for the pacing of the animated band's fast-paced road tour.

Why Passion Pictures?
I am a big fan of Pete's and love the work that he has done. Many people know Passion for their rad animation work for the band Gorillaz, but their innovative music videos and work in the TV/Film industry is equally amazing. Pete obviously knows and loves rock music and rock lifestyle and that was crucial for me. We at Harmonix pride ourselves in our knowledge of music and knowing that a creative partner like Passion Pictures had a similar affinity made me really psyched to work with them. It was also clear from our very first meeting that Pete and Anna had a good creative vision and understood the vibe that I was hoping to get with the cinematic.

What does it say about Rock Band/What are we trying to evoke?
One great thing about Rock Band is how it gives people the feeling of playing music in a real band. For this animation, we wanted to try and convey the power of being in a real Rock Band but beyond the obvious realism of rock bands. There is an excitement and camaraderie to playing in a band and we wanted that to be amped up and presented in a crazy way. I ultimately wish that we could make a full-length feature based on these characters and the world that they rip through.

We hope you dig the Rock Band cinematic as much as we loved creating it.

R O C K!
Ryan Lesser
Harmonix Art Director