Michael McCann (composer)

Lore & Background

McCann's music incorporates elements of electronic, orchestral, and traditional acoustic instruments, often featuring world, choral, and solo vocals—primarily female and lyric-less. His scoring work, as well as solo and production work, bridges multiple genres including ambient, world, jazz, break-beat, post-rock, trip-hop, drum and bass, industrial, rock, and pop.

He has received award nominations from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, IGN, Spike TV Video Game Awards, G.A.N.G., Hollywood Music In Media Awards, and G4TV X-Play. His sound-design work on the film It's All Gone Pete Tong earned him two Genie Award nominations for Best Overall Sound Editing and Best Overall Sound.

Past projects include original composition work for MTV, VH1, Discovery Channel, The Gap / Old Navy, Paramount Pictures, Alliance Atlantis, Showcase, Audiokinetic, Odeon Films, Ubisoft, NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and FUBAR (as supervising sound-designer), as well as various commercials and independent films.

Reader's Guide

Michael McCann's significance lies in his distinctive fusion of electronic and orchestral elements, which helped define the sonic identity of several influential video game franchises. His work on Deus Ex: Human Revolution, in particular, is widely recognized for its atmospheric, cyberpunk-infused score that blended ambient textures with driving rhythms. By incorporating world instruments and lyric-less vocals, McCann created immersive soundscapes that enhanced narrative depth. His nominations from major industry bodies such as BAFTA and the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences reflect the impact of his contributions. Beyond games, his sound design for the film It's All Gone Pete Tong earned Genie Award recognition, demonstrating versatility across media. McCann's ability to bridge genres—from ambient and trip-hop to industrial and orchestral—has made him a sought-after composer for projects requiring both emotional resonance and technological edge. His legacy includes shaping the sound of modern video game music, influencing a generation of composers who blend acoustic and electronic approaches.

Did You Know?

• He composed the scores for Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, and Borderlands 3.
• His music often features lyric-less vocals, primarily female.
• Past clients include NASA and the Canadian Space Agency.