Sixteen years after Plants vs. Zombies first shuffled onto the scene, its music remains one of the franchise's most recognizable traits. With iam8bit, EA, PopCap, and Lakeshore Records now preparing two special vinyl releases in honor of the series — one of which nods to the Billie Eilish hit "Bad Guy" that famously sampled the theme — Plants vs. Zombies' musical legacy is getting the spotlight it deserves.
The Best War Games recently interviewed Peter McConnell (Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare and Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville) about his time composing for the Plants vs. Zombies series and the release of the vinyl. During the interview, McConnell reflected on the music of Plants vs. Zombies, his process of adapting the original motifs of Laura Shigihara (Plants vs. Zombies and Plants vs. Zombies 2 lead composer) for his own projects, and how he feels the Plants vs. Zombies vinyl will impact both gamers and music-lovers.
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Plants vs. Zombies' Whimsical Musical Journey
Q: When you first began working on Plants vs. Zombies, did you ever imagine the soundtrack would become such a beloved part of gaming history?
A: Actually, yes. I had the benefit of starting on PVZ after the original Plants vs. Zombies had clearly established itself as an icon in gaming culture. Laura's unforgettable melodies served up with intricate counterpoint, and the disarming, delightful J-Pop aesthetic had already set the standard.
Q: What do you think it is about the Plants vs. Zombies soundscape that has given it such staying power 16 years later?
A: Ultimately, I think it's Laura's thematic approach and the delicate, almost fragile sounds used. These are elements I tried to honor and carry on in all my work on PVZ 2. They are a perfect complement to the unique style of the visual art. Imagine, zombies being charming? — but they are!
Q: How did you approach balancing humor, tension, and charm in music for a game as unique as Plants vs. Zombies?
A: I think part of the humor comes from having these light-hearted melodies repeated over and over and building as though they were menacing. And it’s funny because, of course, you actually get worried and excited as you play the game.
Q: Music from Plants vs. Zombies has gone beyond the games with TikToks, memes, and even Billie Eilish's 'Bad Guy.' What’s it like seeing your work echo through pop culture like that?
A: One of the benefits of writing music for games is that you get to participate in the flow of the culture and touch the lives of many people in a small way. When a title like Plants vs. Zombies becomes a hit, that is especially rewarding. You get messages from fans all over the world, and the sense of really having made an impact, particularly as an inspiration to other composers.
Q: Your work brought a whole new energy to the series. What was your vision when transitioning Plants vs. Zombies into a more action-packed musical space?
A: I think that as any game franchise evolves, it explores new territory, and with that may naturally come a sense of increased drama. But that being the case with Plants vs. Zombies 2, I also tried to honor, and never to lose sight of, the sense of lightness and playfulness of the original. It is a delicate balance, for sure. I wanted to bring my own voice to the music, but with respect. It still had to be unmistakably Plants vs. Zombies.
Q: Did you reference any of Laura's original melodies or motifs when crafting new themes? How did that musical dialogue between past and present work?
A: Absolutely. Those themes are essential to the game. Certain pieces, like the intro music, seed pickup, and the mini-games, must be immediately recognizable melodically. Where I tended to use my own themes was in the "wave" pieces, which were about the new environment of each world: pirates, the Wild West, the Middle Ages, and so on. It made sense for them to have their own themes.
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Plants vs. Zombies' Road to Vinyl
Q: What can you tell us about the tracks selected for the new vinyl release, and why those pieces were chosen?
A: I selected tracks that I thought reflected the whimsical variety of the game. We got to explore so many fun and entertaining worlds, and I wanted to really highlight that richness. In a couple of instances, I expanded the pieces to include versions of the music that were never released. I think of those as little Easter eggs for the fans who really know the tunes.
Q: What do you think the vinyl format brings out in Plants vs. Zombies' music that digital sometimes doesn’t?
A: I still remember when vinyl was the only thing! Vinyl has always been special for me — not just for its sound, but because you can hold the record, read the liner notes, actually sit down with the music, because you have to physically put it on your turntable and drop the needle. Music deserves that kind of attention, and I am so grateful that PVZ music can be heard this way.
Q: What do you hope fans feel or remember when they drop the needle on these records?
A: I hope they remember how much fun they had playing the game, and maybe some particularly happy moment in their lives they might associate with it. That's how it is for me. I remember the time I was writing it, working with the team, playing the game with my family. It's a little slice of life.
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- Developer(s)
- PopCap
- Publisher(s)
- EA
- Franchise
- Plants vs. Zombies
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Tower Defense
The Plants vs. Zombies vinyl soundtrack is available in two collectible formats: a 7" limited edition single featuring a riff on Billie Eilish, priced at $15.99, and a deluxe 2xLP edition priced at $44.99. Pre-orders are now live at iam8bit.com, and will remain open through July 15.