Just last month, ONEREPUBLIC brought fans a special project that showcased their love for music and gaming with the release of “Mirage,” a song written specifically for the new Assassin’s Creed game, Mirage.
LISTEN NOW: ONEREPUBLIC at 'We Can Survive'
The project was an easy “yes” for the guys, who admit gaming is another big passion of theirs, especially while on tour.
“On tour, we’re big gamers,” frontman, Ryan Tedder told Audacy’s Bru in the Hard Rock Artist Lounge ahead of taking the stage for Audacy’s We Can Survive show over the weekend. “We heard about 'Assassin’s Creed' — that they were going to launch a new one — back in the spring.”
“We were in Bangkok, I think, when we first got the call about it. Literally started writing it that day. Didn’t even know what the game’s about, just knew kind of the name of it. It was one of the fastest things we’ve ever done. Heard about it and the next day — I believe we were in Tokyo — writing lyrics for what became ‘Mirage.’”
As dedicated gamers themselves, the guys took the task very seriously and made sure all elements were right on target for the 9th Century Baghdad-themed game.
“I understand the fanbase of 'Assassin’s Creed' and how hardcore the gamers are that love 'Assassin’s,' so we really dug into everything,” said Tedder. “Even using some of the catchphrases and 'Assassin’s Creed' lingo… there’s lines in the second verse where I’m literally using 'Assassin’s Creed' lingo from the game.”
The group also pulled in tour opener, Mishaal Tamer, to help make the song as authentic as possible.
“Mishaal Tamer who has been opening up for us — a Saudi Arabian artist — he featured on it, which is incredible,” said Tedder. “He’s singing in Arabic in the bridge, which is amazing. It’s by far the most different sounding record we’ve ever done. One of the coolest things we’ve ever done.”
Check out the song, “Mirage (For Assassin’s Creed)” available now and hear more about the creative process by checking out ONEREPUBLIC's full interview with Audacy’s Bru above. And for more, check out the band playing Runaway or Run To with Bru below.