Indie gaming publisher Wired Productions has announced the formation of Black Razor Records, a brand new music label aiming to bridge the divide between the worlds of gaming and music. The label's first release, Arcade Paradise, is a 4-track EP themed around the game of the same name, and all proceeds from the EP are going to charity.
What's this new gaming music label all about?
The lines between the worlds gaming and music are getting more and more blurred. Earlier this year, Epic Games purchased music platform Bandcamp, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics opening ceremony memorably featured several iconic gaming compositions, too. Now, there's a new gaming music label in town, and its first EP is all about gamers' mental health.
Black Razor Records says its mission is to "bridge the gap between the video game and music world". Its debut release is Arcade Paradise, a 4-song EP themed around its namesake, which was released for PC and consoles earlier this year. The title song is all about Arcade Paradise protagonist Ashley and their "struggle with authority", according to ex-Prodigy live drummer and EP collaborator Kieron Pepper.
Created alongside Pepper, as well as Ivar & The Horde singer Stu Brootal and Brighton producer Ben Pickersgill, the EP showcases a rap-rock sound and also features an electro remix of the title song. Technically, it's not really a 4-track affair; the other three tracks are remixes or edits of the original, but we'll let Black Razor off this once since it's for charity.
According to Wired Productions, if you buy the Arcade Paradise EP from Bandcamp (where it'll set you back £3 or your regional equivalent), all proceeds will go to the mental health charity Safe In Our World. As a proud partner of Safe In Our World ourselves, we know how important the charity's work is, so we'd urge you to get out there and buy the EP. It's solid if you like your early-2000s nu-metal.
What is Safe In Our World and what kind of work does it do?
Safe In Our World is a charity that aims to raise awareness of mental health issues in the gaming world. Its main aim is to support everyone across the gaming industry, both professional and enthusiast, by encouraging discussions around topics like burnout, bullying, and the positive ways in which gaming can impact our mental health.
Other initiatives started by Safe In Our World include gaming bundles, fundraising events, and campaigns encouraging gamers and streamers to play the games they love in support of charity. It's an extremely worthwhile cause, especially when topics like creator burnout and industry crunch are getting more and more prevalent.
If you'd like to buy the Arcade Paradise EP and support Safe In Our World, you can do so right here via Bandcamp. Be sure to take a look at the official Safe In Our World website for more info on this charity's vital work as well.