Justice is taking its partnership with Rockstar Games from the airwaves to the record shelves. As expected, the beloved French electronic duo will release Grand Theft Auto VI: Original Score on Dec. 11 via Because Music, Ed Banger and Rockstar Games. The news is bolstered by a new single, “Pusher,” featuring the duo’s first-ever collaboration with fellow French electronic music innovator Gesaffelstein.
As previously reported, Justice’s music is central to the sonic world of GTA VI, Rockstar’s long-awaited next installment in its blockbuster video game franchise (due Nov. 19). The score was created by group members Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay in close collaboration with Rockstar, with the music designed to respond dynamically to gameplay as users explore the fictional, Florida-esque state of Leonida and follow protagonists Jason and Lucia.
The physical release will come in two-CD and three-LP editions, including a limited crystal-clear vinyl pressing alongside standard black. Across 30 tracks, plus bonus digital material, the album collects roughly three hours of music from the game. “The scope of the game is so large geographically and thematically that it was clear from the beginning the music would also have to be very broad in terms of emotions, genres and textures,” de Rosnay said. “We were given the freedom to explore as many things as we needed to, musically speaking, as long as it made sense with the game.”
Justice already previewed the score earlier this month with “Flower in a Hurricane,” featuring Tame Impala, SZA and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. The track has become a career milestone for the duo, reaching No. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 34 on the U.S. Alternative Radio chart.
King Gizzard’s Stu Mackenzie said in a recent interview that the band submitted six songs to Justice for their GTA needs, and that “some of the other” tunes “might be included in the game in some capacity. But to be honest, I don’t really know what’s going on. I’ve been making techno in my bedroom this whole time.”
Just before the score’s release, Justice will perform a DJ set at Simifest in Mexico City on Dec. 5.
