Despite having all the necessary elements in place, Deriviere faced a challenging task: creating music that struck a delicate balance.

“We collaborated with seasoned musicians from the South, but we never aimed to replicate their style – that would have been unauthentic, given my outsider perspective. Instead, our goal was to draw inspiration and transform the music into something unique. As a result, the soundtrack naturally incorporates influences from country, bluegrass, blues, and jazz. The most rewarding feedback came from the musicians themselves, one of whom plays blues and the other country, and they were enthusiastic about the fresh twist we brought to their genre,” Deriviere explained.

“These musicians were able to adapt their usual style to my vision, and the outcome was remarkable. I had anticipated that they might struggle with the process, but they wholeheartedly embraced it. For me, this collaborative effort was a resounding success, as we were able to capture the genuine essence of the South and merge it with the world of Compulsion, the world of this music.”The resulting soundtrack, according to Deriviere and Fox, is a true representation of the South, rather than a mere imitation. This was achieved through a genuine collaboration with local musicians:

“When you listen to the soundtrack or the songs, you can sense the presence of real people,” Deriviere remarks. “It feels as though they are there, evoking emotions, telling a story, and inviting you into this world.”

This concept adds depth to the idea that South of Midnight resonates with the player – it’s not just the game itself, but the numerous individuals who contributed to its music.

South of Midnight will be available on April 8, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, and cloud gaming, and will be included in Game Pass from day one. To experience the game’s macabre and fantastical world early, consider purchasing the Premium Edition, which grants access to the game up to 5 days in advance, along with digital extras.

The South of Midnight soundtrack is now available on all major streaming platforms. Additionally, you can pre-order The Art and Music of South of Midnight, a collaboration with Dutch design house and publisher Cook and Becker, which includes a two-LP vinyl set featuring the game’s full soundtrack, presented in a beautiful gatefold, accompanied by a 160-page art book, a comic book inspired by the game, and more.