WOTC Announces ‘Dungeons & Dragons – Bardic Inspiration: A Musical Journey Through The Forgotten Realms’

Welcome to the table,

I got into records pretty heavily this past Winter. I wanted a record player for a long time, but when it comes to spending money on stuff like that for myself I end up talking myself out of it more often than not. So my wife, being the amazing person she is, surprised me with a record player and a handful of really cool records that absolutely delighted me.

What I love the most about listening to music on a record is that it feels so intentional. You have to take the time to sit down and set up your needle and player. You set up the record, and then you get maybe 30 minutes of music time before you need to flip it over or change the record. Fast-forward and skip are not really a thing, and there are no ads in the middle of your songs or between song breaks.

For me, it’s very intentional and feels very present and anchoring. As someone who likes the rituals of life, listening to music on my record player just fits when I want to relax and not play on my phone or do a million things at once to feel productive because the voice in my head is always holding me to some unattainable standard.

Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast has announced today at Brand Licensing Europe 2024 a new record titled Dungeons & Dragons – Bardic Inspiration: A Musical Journey through the Forgotten Realms, and I’m delighted!

This album was created by composer Michael Gatt in celebration of the 50th anniversary of D&D and will be available in fall 2024 in vinyl, Dolby Atmos, and digital formats, meaning I’ll be able to get this on my magic mirror and on my record player.

The album will have 12 original tracks created to evoke iconic locations within D&D’s most famous setting, the Forgotten Realms. Each track serves as a homage to the lore and adventures that have defined D&D for half a century. What is super intriguing to me is that I’ve been told this new album “provides a sweeping tour of the Sword Coast.”

Whatever that means in musical terms it has my attention. Composer Michael Gatt, co-producer Jeremy Jarvis, and visual artistic director AJ Hanneld’s real-life odyssey across the world bring unexpected instruments, otherworldly textures, and a spellbinding 40-person choir to the record.

For listeners seeking a true collector’s collectors’ piece befitting five decades of D&D, the physical album release will feature an epic double vinyl (180g, gatefold) that boasts stunning artwork and bespoke designs by renowned agency TBWA\Chiat\Day.

The album will be available in fall 2024 on double vinyl format for $49.99, as well as in Dolby Atmos and digital formats. As more info becomes available I will keep you posted!

Until next time, I really hope they do limited wax presses of this in funky colors… like… a golden record for this release would be spectacular!