Deadmau5 talks ‘World Of Tanks Blitz’ collab ‘Familiars’ and new music: “Let’s get a little weird with it”

Deadmau5 has spoken to NME about his new track ‘Familiars’, which was released as part of a collaboration with massively multiplayer online game World Of Tanks Blitz.

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World Of Tanks Blitz features over 400 different military vehicles, with teams of seven players engaging in head-to-head combat. Deadmau5’s instrumental, euphoric ‘Familiars’ dropped at the end of November ahead of the World Of Tanks Blitz Christmas event, which is now live and will run until December 26.

The event sees players trying to earn in-game vinyl by completing different missions and quests to gain access to different parties. A number of Deadmau5-inspired cosmetic items are also up for grabs including masks, alongside new weapons and tanks.

“Familiars” has arrived. @deadmau5’ latest track from @WoTBlitz is out now on mau5trap 🪤🖤

listen via 🔗 https://t.co/1UMXaG2Squ pic.twitter.com/QEfLQzL4ps

— mau5trap (@mau5trap) November 29, 2024

“I think this collaboration was one of those moments where everything just clicked and came together naturally,” Deadmau5 told NME. “Blending my music with the video game world is truly a form of self-fulfilment for me. It’s no secret that I’m passionate about both gaming and music. When those two worlds collide, something magical happens. In fact, I could argue that I’m the most ‘video gamified’ EDM artist of all time. I absolutely enjoy this.

“I’ve always had a bit of a fascination with tanks, even before World Of Tanks Blitz. And now, I am kicking off the biggest EDM party in the game, and what excites me the most, is that it has the vibe of ‘let’s have fun and get a little weird with it’,” he continued. “We’ve got the freedom to experiment with tank design, adding things like speakers, lights, turbo boosts, graffiti and other fun elements.”

Familiars was “partially started” when World Of Tanks Blitz reached out about teaming up.  “I went through some of my work, listened to a few tracks, and found one that felt like a perfect fit for the game,” he said. “Both the track and the game embody high energy, intensity, and non-stop action, featuring thundering beats and epic bass drops.”

Deadmau5’s collab with World Of Tanks Blitz is the latest in a string of high-profile music/video game crossovers. Post Malone has teamed up with Hunt: Showdown 1896, Linkin Park performed at the League Of Legends world finals while the likes of Eminem, Ice Spice and Snoop Dogg recently headlined a Fortnite event. “A lot of Rock and Rap stars are nerds at heart, but when you can bring two of your favourite passions like music and gaming together, why not,” Deadmau5 said about the wave of collabs.

Over the pandemic, musicians turned to games like Minecraft and Roblox for virtual performances and it’s something Deadmau5 wants to continue. “There are fans out there that still want to experience the music without having to leave their couch. I’m happy to entertain them there if it makes sense for the project,” he explained.

Earlier this year, Deadmau5 finished up his ‘Retro5pective: 20 Years Of Deadmau5’ anniversary tour, which was a rare moment of reflection for an artist who’s always been about evolution. “I was happy to celebrate on stage with my friends for my fans. That was the best part. Next, I’m going to hang at home for a bit, do music and relax for the holidays before the onslaught of 2025 arrives,” he said.

Speaking about the chances of a new album, he admitted he has an “extensive library of ideas, but I tend to leave some tracks unfinished rather than releasing them.“

“I’m just finishing up my new and improved studio with lots of fun things to tinker with,” he continued. ”It’s an ongoing process really but I’m in mind to put something together. ‘Familiars’ with a vocal might be a possibility. Depends on what inspires me.”

World Of Tanks Blitz’ ‘Deadmau5 In The House’ event runs until December 26. For more details, head here.

In other news, Baldur’s Gate 3 developers have teased their “big” new game with a festive advent calendar but said it won’t be released for a little while: “It needs more time in the oven”.