Chris May was commissioned by Xbox to compose the startup sound for the Series X/S consoles, contributing an immersive audio identity to the brand. This collaboration highlights his dual practice in sound and visual media, not just generating imagery, but sculpting sonic moments that resonate in experience.
Xbox Startup (2020)
I created the startup sound for the Xbox Series X|S consoles in collaboration with the team at Ayzenberg. The goal was to design an audio signature that felt modern, calming, powerful, and welcoming, a sound that would mark the beginning of every player’s experience. Built from layered soft synths and detailed sound design, the tone evokes both a spark of energy powering on and a horizon quietly opening.
The process spanned weeks of revisions and exploration, refining a balance between immediacy and subtlety until the sound felt unmistakably Xbox. Now heard by millions each day, it serves as both a functional cue and a brief moment of atmosphere.