007 First Light composers blend legacy and modern sounds
Joe Henson and Alexis Smith of The Flight explain their approach to scoring the soundtrack for the video game 007 First Light in an interview with TechRadar.
Capturing the classic Bond sound
This musical pair modified their characteristic blend of synth and acoustic tones to match the classic James Bond style. Joe Henson stated that there was never a question about how they would attack the project because their sound is what they do. He noted that everything learned over the past decade gave them the tools required for this specific score. Alexis Smith added that legacy meant including brass, strings, orchestral, and jazz elements while keeping room for modern touches.
Balancing tradition with current edge
Henson described the franchise as moving with the times by balancing classic sounds with a current edge. The composers needed to retain the cultural significance of the theme while incorporating their own spin to make an original sound for First Light. "According to Smith, the soundtrack needs to give players a sense that they live within the world of James Bond." He listed spy craft, intrigue, action and romance as vital characteristics that no other projects have managed to combine.
Award nomination details
At the Ivors Composer Awards, the score for 007 First Light by The Flight has been nominated in the Best Original Video Game Score category. The ceremony will be held at Grosvenor House in London on November 17, 2026. The pair developed an instinctive feel for when something sounded Bond enough based on their upbringing watching movies in 1980s Britain.
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