IO Interactive and Amazon MGM Studios have revealed that singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey will perform the official title track for the upcoming video game, 007 First Light. The song has been co-written and composed by Del Rey alongside David Arnold, marking the latter’s return to the James Bond franchise.
While the track, First Light, is currently available on various streaming platforms and an official lyric video (see left), the game’s full title sequence is scheduled to be broadcast on official social media channels at 5am AEST tomorrow morning.
The game itself serves as a re-imagined origin story for the iconic secret agent, focusing on a 26-year-old James Bond as he begins his career in espionage. This project represents IO Interactive’s first major foray into the Bond universe, aiming to provide a modern interpretation of the character’s beginnings through both narrative and musical elements.
Hakan Abrak, the CEO of IO Interactive, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration between the two artists and what it means for the game’s identity:
It’s a joy to watch two extraordinary talents like Lana Del Rey and David Arnold combine forces, the result feels instantly ‘Bond’ while still bringing a fresh identity for 007 First Light. Bond’s return to gaming is a landmark moment for us at IO Interactive, and having a title song of this quality makes it even more special.
Meanwhile, composer David Arnold discussed the importance of a title track in establishing the tone of the Bond universe and his experience working with Del Rey on the piece.
The music of James Bond has always been a huge part of its identity. A title song has to tell us about the world we are about to enter into. It has to intrigue, excite, and beckon us in. This song joins a long line of genre defining songs, each one creating a benchmark of style that adds to the magnificent heritage that is ‘The Bond Song’. That’s why I was so excited to work with Lana, an artist who brought elegance, atmosphere, and her totally unique character to this piece, which I hope will open the world of Bond to a whole new audience
