🎻 Interesting facts about the music in Detroit: Become Human — from its emotional themes to the technical details behind the soundtrack:
1. Composed by Philip Sheppard 🎻 Philip Sheppard — a British composer and cellist known for his work on films (127 Hours, Lucy) and video games. ▪️ For Detroit: Become Human, he crafted orchestral music with a focus on violin and cello to emphasize the humanity of androids.
2. Kara’s Theme Was One of the First Compositions 🎶 "Kara Main Theme" was written as early as 2012 for Quantic Dream’s original tech demo. ▪️ Initially a short scene, the music was so powerful that it inspired the creation of the full game.
3. The Music Adapts to Player Choices 🎮 The soundtrack dynamically changes based on the player’s decisions: ▪️ Danger = tense, unsettling music. ▪️ Calm moments = lyrical, melancholic themes. ▪️ Endings = the orchestra may play three different variations of a track, reflecting the outcome.
4. Live Orchestra & Unconventional Instruments 🎻 Recorded with 80 musicians from the National Orchestra of Lorraine (France). ▪️ Alongside traditional instruments, electronic textures and distorted sounds were used to mirror the human-machine conflict.
5. Connor’s Theme Is Cold & Mechanical 🤖 Each protagonist has a distinct musical identity: ▪️ Connor (the detective android) – rigid, rhythmic, with electronic beats, mimicking machinery. ▪️ Markus (the revolutionary leader) – epic, choral, like a hero’s anthem. ▪️ Kara (the nurturing android) – gentle, sorrowful, with a focus on violin.
6. Inspired by Classical Composers 🎼 Sheppard drew influence from Gustav Mahler and Dmitri Shostakovich—their dramatic symphonies shaped the game’s emotional depth. ▪️ Markus’ scenes sometimes feature choral elements reminiscent of Shostakovich.
7. Recorded in a Legendary Paris Studio 🎙️ The score was recorded at Studio Grande Armée—the same studio used for Amélie and Gravity. ▪️ Sound engineers utilized the hall’s unique acoustics for a cinematic sound.
8. Music Intensifies Moral Dilemmas 😢 In key moments (e.g., "The End"), the music deliberately slows down, making players feel the weight of their choices. ▪️ Bad endings may feature cut-off notes, creating a sense of unfinished tragedy.
9. Unique Themes for Different Endings 🎭 With hundreds of possible endings, many have their own musical variations. ▪️ Peaceful protest - triumphant, almost sacred music. ▪️ Violent revolution - aggressive, with heavy brass and percussion.
10. The Soundtrack Got a Vinyl Release 💿 The official album was released not only digitally but also on vinyl—fans love its warm, analog sound.
The music in Detroit: Become Human isn’t just background—it’s a narrative force, amplifying the game’s drama, tension, and ethical questions.
