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.”
Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
