The National contributing new song to Portal 2
Ohio-born indie rock group The National has officially become video game famous. The band, responsible for such tunes as "Bloodbuzz Ohio" and "Conversation 16" (video after the break), will be lending its sound to Portal 2 with a new song written expressly for the game.
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THE NATIONAL PENS ORIGINAL SONG FOR PORTAL 2
Top Music Act Contributes to Highly Anticipated Game Sequel
March 11, 2011 -- Valve, creator of best-selling game franchises (such as Half-Life, Portal, Left 4 Dead, and Counter-Strike) and leading technologies (such as Steam and Source), today announced an original song by popular recording artist The National will be included in its upcoming game, Portal 2, when it is released the worldwide the week of April 18.
Portal 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the title that earned over 30 Game of the Year Awards in 2007. The sequel adds new characters, game mechanics, and multiplayer co-op to the award-winning formula that made the original a global phenomenon in gaming.
"The inclusion of the original song, Still Alive, in the first Portal game was part of what made the game special," said Chet Faliszek, writer at Valve. "For Portal 2, we wanted to extend the use of music. When Bug Music mentioned to us that The National might be interested, we jumped at the opportunity to work with them."
"After I met with Valve and learned about the intricacies and story line of the first Portal game, I knew The National's music would fit beautifully in the sequel." said Julia Betley, Bug MusicManager. "The National's raw and emotive music evokes the same visceral reactions from its listeners that Portal does from its players. It was exciting and a privilege to bring together two exceedingly talented creative teams to create something special for Portal 2."
Portal 2 is due for release worldwide the week of April 18 for Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC and Mac. Visit thinkwithportals.com for more info.
About The National
High Violet' is The National's most acclaimed and fastest-selling album to date. Released in May 2010, it debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top 200, and prompted the New York Times to claim "The National is in a league of its own." The band has toured non-stop since the album's release, with highlights that include sold out shows at Radio City Music Hall and Brooklyn's Prospect Park; a concert at the Brooklyn Academy of Music to benefit the Red Hot Organization, with accompanying live webcast on Youtube and Vevo directed by D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus; and mainstage performances at Bonnaroo, Sasquatch, and Lollapalooza, where they "seduced everyone" according to USA Today.
