Sonic The Hedgehog’s 40th Birthday Celebration: Adventurous Music and Movie Hopes
There are many opinions in the Sonic fandom, but one thing is certain: Crush40 kicks and. Although there will be endless debate about Sonic’s greatest game and which 3D titles are better, there is no argument against the band that helped to define the blue blur’s sound since 1998’s Sonic Adventure.
Crush 40, composed of Johnny Gioeli as a singer and Jun Senoue as a guitarist/composer, provided Sonic with countless rock songs to score his most memorable moments. Crush 40 has been a constant companion to Sonic’s screens for the past two decades, from opening cutscenes to the climactic finale battles.
What’s it like to be in the hedgehog’s game band? What happens when songs are taken from the living room onto the stage? Gioeli and I spoke to each other about Crush 40’s past, impact, and future plans.
Gioeli explains via Zoom, “When I was contracted to do the Sonic games, that’s when everything changed.” It became more creative and I was forced to see [music] as a film score. I was given drawings of very, very minor animation. I had to take Jun Senoue’s piece of music and go into the studio and read about what was happening.
Senoue was a big fan of Gioeli’s Hardline band, and they collaborated on Sonic Adventure in 1998. They also worked together on Open Your Heart’. Soon after, the pair recorded tracks for SEGA’s NASCAR Arcade. Gioeli’s idea was born around this time.
Gioeli stated, “I told Jun, ‘This is more then just writing songs for the game. We should create a band.'” “Either way the music supports the games, the game supports music, and it would be much more beneficial for us to form a band.”
Gioeli does not play video games despite Crush 40’s close relationship to Sonic. The singer needed help when writinwithlyrics that reflected Sonic’s design and attitude. Gioeli explains, “I used to have these [documents] that I had to give to my daughter because I wasn’t an avid gamer.” “And I’m asking, ‘Can this be read? It’s what? This is the real deal. “Who the hell is an Eggman?” I didn’t know.”
It turned out to be a blessing, because Gioeli said that he wrote Crush 40 songs more on emotions, with the basic plot and imagery helping him guide his lyrics. Gioeli clearly succeeded in creating one of the most iconic songs for Sonic and video games: Sonic Adventure2‘s Live & Learn’.
Gioeli says that the idea behind the song was simple. “It was me imagining somebody navigating through the game getting crushed and learning and getting past and continuing to live.” Gioeli admits that he wasn’t initially sold on the song: “I thought Live & Learn’ was bad. After I had written the melody and the lyrics, I sent it back to Jun.
Gioeli was concerned about the reception of his work. He couldn’t gauge how people felt about it for many years. He was not present in their living rooms when they started their Sonic games and he had never performed these songs live. However, this changed at the 2008 Tokyo Game Show. Crush 40 performed its first live performance.
Senoue and Gioeli made sure to save the best for the end, performing a live version of ‘Live & Learn’. “We begin the song, and I do my cues. And I see this frickin’ mosh pit. And I think, “Wait a minute.” This song is very special. This song is very important. It’s important, I don’t know why.
Senoue captured the performance on YouTube. The crowd’s reaction confirmed Gioeli’s suspicions that Crush 40 was larger than he could have imagined.
Gioeli said that he didn’t know how large this franchise was before assuming the role in 2008. I didn’t get the franchise. I didn’t know the fanbase or the community. I could have done more for the fans. Now, I am more available for the fans.”
Gioeli’s enthusiasm for music has not waned over the past decade. Crush 40 closed last year’s Sonic 30-year anniversary symphony. This saw Senoue reunited with Gioeli, albeit via the internet, to perform their most recognizable songs.
Gioeli, like all those who were there, was caught up in the moment. “I was overwhelmed by the comments. It was just another reminder of the importance of the community and what a wonderful memory it is. They are my heroes. For them.
Although Crush 40 was a big hit at the anniversary event, SEGA doesn’t approach the band as often today. Gioeli understands that SEGA isn’t very interested in Crush 40 today, partly because Sonic’s musical style has changed over the past two decades. He’s fine with this.
He says, “This might be disappointing, however, we’re not asked as often to be involved anymore.” “We’re the old guys, to be honest. SEGA is seeking fresh, new blood. They want to invite another Crush 40-inspiration.
Gioeli will continue to interact with fans and get involved in their projects. He also stated that he doesn’t have any animosity toward Crush 40’s aftermath: “I’ve had mine time and I’ve been my history, you’ll know, god bless new artists.”
