Deadmau5 performs at Austin City Limits in 2015.
Jack Plunkett/Invision/APProlific electronic producer Deadmau5 wanted a unique location for his next music video. Through the video game Core, he’s enlisting a legion of gamer fans to make it for him.
Deadmau5 announced today (July 15th) that he is partnering with Core and developer Manticore Games for the deadmau5 x Core Dystopian Worlds Art Collaborations, which will give fans the chance to make their own virtual world to host the producer in the music video for upcoming single “When the Summer Dies,” featuring the pop artist Lights. Core is a game and creator platform that allows players to make their own mini-games and worlds within the system.
“I’ve been blown away by the creativity I’ve seen on Core,” the artist said in a statement. “Some of my passions are game, experience, and world design, and Core’s capabilities as a platform and its creators who are capable of doing all kinds of cool stuff are the next level in user generated art and experiences. I’m looking forward to checking out what fans and artists will create for my new single with Lights.”
Contestants have from now until July 26th at noon P.S.T. to submit their worlds for the contest. Along with the chance for fans’ work to be featured in Deadmau5’s new music video, there’s a $50,000 prize pool, and Deadmau5 is giving away a meet-and-greet for a future show, lifetime VIP passes for his events and autographed merchandise.
Deadmau5’s partnership comes as video games are beefing up their status as partner to the music business. E-sports organizations like FaZe Clan and XSET are courting major stars for investments and brand partnerships, and games like Fortnite and Roblox have been prominent hosts for the likes of Travis Scott and Lil Nas X to host immersive livestream concerts. Scott’s show helped slingshot his single “The Scotts” featuring Kid Cudi to the top of the Rolling Stone 100 Songs Chart, and 33 million people “attended” Lil Nas X’s concert.
For the music business, video games are a relatively accessible tool to market new music, get more sync licensing placements and let artists interact more uniquely with fans — while for the video game industry, music and immersive musical events get press for games and are a means to helping develop richer metaverses for players to experience.
“We’re thrilled that deadmau5 shares our passion for putting the power of artistic expression in as many creators’ hands as possible,” Jordan Maynard, Manticore Games’s co-founder and chief creative officer said. “Core is more than just a place to play and make games; it has endless potential for new forms of social interactivity and artistry. We can’t wait to see the worlds our creators bring alive for the new video, and we look forward to working together with deadmau5 on future projects.”
NEWS
The multi-hyphenate entertainer has scored five new certifications, including a platinum plaque for “Issues/Hold On,” which has sold over one million equivalent units in the U.S. The Kanye West-produced track is lifted from her 2018 album, K.T.S.E., which has been crowned gold for selling over 500,000 equivalent units.
Taylor’s third LP, The Album, has also reached gold status, tallying her second project to become RIAA certified. The King Combs-assisted “How You Want It,” a single from The Album, has been certified platinum.
Last, but not least, Taylor’s “Do Not Disturb” featuring Chris Brown is now gold. The steamy jam appears on her 2014 debut album, VII.
Taylor took to social media to celebrate her new RIAA updates. “Father God I thank you and I praise you in the name of Jesus. Thank You for showing patience with me, your kindness, grace & mercy every day. Your mercies never cease,” she wrote in a caption for her photo of her with her new plaques.
She continued, “Father God, please continue to instruct and teach me as I continue my faith walk. Thank you for keeping my head high to keep my crown from falling. I love you. Thank you for reminding me the wait is not punishment, it was preparation. Thank you to everyone involved with helping me bring these albums and songs to life. I am filled with much gratitude! WE PLATINUM & GOLD YALL.”
In other news, Taylor just released her new single “Long Time.” It’s the first offering from her upcoming album Escape Room, which will be accompanied by a short film. Taylor directed and produced the visual under her production company, The Aunties. It co-stars LaKeith Stanfield and Aaron Pierre, who appear in the video for “Long Time” as well.
Further, Taylor joined Ciara on her “Ecstasy (Remix)” alongside Normani. “When Ci hit me about jumping on this remix, it was an automatic yes,” Taylor said. “To be a part of this moment with two queens I love so much! Not only do I get to call Ciara and Normani my friends I get to call them my sisters! That’s black girl magic. We bringing the sensual, the sisterhood, and the soul. Let’s go!”
Taylor stars in Tyler Perry’s new drama Straw, now streaming on Netflix, alongside Taraji P. Henson and Sherri Shepherd.
