Q&A: Against the Current’s Chrissy Costanza talks FINAL FANTASY XIV: Dawntrail
Chrissy Costanza’s musical talents make the new Arcadion raid series hit hard. We find out what it’s like to be part of Dawntrail and why music and gaming are so interconnected.Are you ready for The Arcadion?
The new raid series for FINAL FANTASY XIV: Dawntrail is now available, allowing parties of up to 8 players take on the challenge of the realm’s greatest arena. You’ll take on some of the toughest fighters, taking on clash after clash to the roar of the crowd.
Of course, a spectacle such as this needs music to match - and it more than delivers thanks to the musical talents of Chrissy Costanza! The singer songwriter is the lead vocalist for Against the Current, and she’s also just released her first solo track, “7 Minutes In Hell”!
If you’ve played through AAC Light-heavyweight M4, you’ll have heard the new track, titled “Give It All” - and you’ll agree it’s pretty epic! But how does Costanza feel about it? We recently sat down with the talented artist to find out:
What excited you the most about being a part of this project? What was your reaction when you found out about it?
As a lifelong gamer, getting to be a part of a series as iconic as FINAL FANTASY is such an incredible honor. For this song in particular, getting to be the voice of one of the “villains” is something completely new to me, so I was really excited to get to showcase such a different kind of character’s voice and story.
How does it feel to have your music featured in FINAL FANTASY XIV and the FINAL FANTASY series as a whole?
It’s a complete dream come true! I’ve been surrounded by the FINAL FANTASY series for most of my life, and FINAL FANTASY XIV completely took the world by storm. Hearing my voice as a feature in it is a completely surreal experience.
What was your reaction when you first heard the final version of the theme song?
Whenever I hear a song in its final form it’s always emotional, but this one in particular was even more so. The voice of this song is extremely passionate and determined, it really evokes a lot of feelings from the listener.
What personal touches or influences did you give to the vocals of the song?
I wanted to make sure I played into the nuance of the emotions of the song and didn’t just sing it straight through. I tried to really put myself into the character’s head and heart and sing as if I were truly feeling everything they would be feeling during the raid battle.
How do you hope your fans will respond to hearing your voice in-game?
I hope they will be really excited! I’ve always had a bit more of a rock voice, and I think it fits this song really well and I hopefully will help empower their experience.
Can you share your thoughts on how music and video games intersect?
I’ve been both a musician and a gamer my entire life and LOVE both worlds so much. I think music is the foundation of so much of the world, whether it’s the soundtrack of movies or just playing in a store while you’re shopping, it can completely change the emotional landscape of your experience.
Gaming itself is an immersive experience - video games can be exhilarating, exciting, scary, sad, awe-inspiring, and more. Pairing the right music with the right game just completely enhances the players’ experience, and also brings the game out into the real world. It’s more than just a song, it’s more than just a game.
How do you feel about the growing trend of musicians collaborating with video game developers?
I really love it! My favorite collaborations though, will always be when musicians collaborate with games, franchises, or types of games that they truly love and are passionate about. I think that authentic passion always comes through and makes it such an epic experience for fans of both the musician and the game.
What aspects of the game (or game music) do you think align well with you and your music style?
I’ve always leaned more into the rock world, so I think doing anthemic theme songs and battle music is where I shine best. Though I would love to try some different genres and themes as well! But definitely anthems are where I am most passionate.
How do you balance your passion for music with your interest in gaming?
Luckily in today’s world they intersect so much! I listen to the soundtracks of my favorite games as often as I listen to any other of my favorite albums. They’ve both been part of my life since I was just three years old, so the balance has always naturally been there.
What message would you like to send to your fans who are also gamers?
I would love to say THANK YOU for all of the time you’ve given to me, it’s such an honor to make music for you. Getting to bond together over our favorite games is the best, I am so grateful for fans that feel much more like friends since we share so many of the same passions.
I love the time we get to game together, and I hope to continue to make you proud!
Many thanks to Chrissy for her insight - and her incredible vocal talents. You can hear her in action during FINAL FANTASY XIV: Dawntrail’s new raid series, the Arcadion!
The expansion is available now:
If you’re yet to experience FINAL FANTASY XIV Online for yourselves, then you should check out the substantial Free Trial, available on Windows, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Mac and Steam. It lets you play through the base game, A Realm Reborn, as well as two full expansions: Heavensward and Stormblood - and with no restrictions on play time!
That’s the equivalent of three full FINAL FANTASY games that can be played with friends, or experienced solo if you prefer!
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