Lana Del Rey Bond Song Composer Talks Its ‘Musical Violence’

Make no mistake: just because it’s for a video game and not for a film, ‘First Light’ is no lesser Bond song. The theme tune for 007 First Light – the up-to-date, official, story-driven James Bond game – is an absolute blast of pure MI6 goodness, tapping up two almighty talents. On vocal duties is Lana Del Rey, the mega-star whose alluring Americana-steeped balladry has made her one of the biggest talents of recent decades (and who, right from her first single, had a few things to say about ‘Video Games’). And she’s teamed up with legendary Bond composer David Arnold, to bring those unmistakeable 007 vibes.

Arnold’s legacy has spanned several eras of Bond, from Pierce Brosnan’s ‘90s films (Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough) and Daniel Craig’s reinvention of the character (Casino Royale). With First Light, he wanted to blend Rey’s talents with the bombast of a stellar Bond song. “You’ve got these verses which are more gentle and exposed, with the sweetness of Lana’s vocal,” he tells Empire. “Then you get what is best described as musical violence. When the brass comes in, it’s like something’s kicked off. They call them stabs for a reason. It’s pretty vicious and it’s an amazing sound.”

The legendary composer found Lana Del Rey to be the perfect partner for a song that blends subtlety and sharpness. “I was so thrilled when she said yes because it makes a big difference when you have someone who brings that kind of style and elegance,” Arnold says. “She’s in her own universe of creativity. But she did take a step into our world a little bit. She didn’t shy away from the slightly more brash aspects of what a Bond song can be.”

In a post-No Time To Die world, the future of Bond is being kept tightly under wraps; Amazon’s MGM Studios is steering the next era, with a up-to-date 007 yet to be cast, and Denis Villeneuve currently in line to direct. Should the desire be there, Arnold would be cheerful to bring some instant Bond energy on the score. “If I got asked, I’d do another one,” he says. “But the chances of those things lining up are so rare. They will be making their own decisions about the sort of movie they want to make and the sort of music they want for it. And I trust them to make the right decision. I’m excited to see what they do, whether I’m involved or not. I’m happy either way!” Game on.

Read Empire’s full David Arnold interview in the Aliens issue, on sale Thursday May 7. Pre-order a copy online here. 007 First Light arrives on PS5, Windows and Xbox Series X|S from May 27.