EA and Rhino Records announce Throwback Trax

Electronic Arts has announced that Madden NFL 2005 will be the first title to feature EA Sports Throwback Trax Powered by Rhino Records, the world's leading catalog music label. While the existing EA Trax initiative will remain focused on breaking in new artists in games, Throwback Trax will complement those tracks with some of the best music from the '80s and early '90s.

Throwback Trax will be featured in all of EA Sports upcoming titles, including NBA Live 2005, FIFA Soccer 2005, NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup, Rugby 2005, and NHL 2005. No specific track listings have been announced at this time, but notable artists on the Rhino label include House of Pain, Pantera, MC Lyte, Faith No More, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Cure, and Violent Femmes.

"EA Sports Throwback Trax Powered by Rhino opens up the musical experience within the game and gives today's players a chance to rediscover and experience these unforgettable tunes all over again," said Steve Schnur, worldwide executive of music at EA. "Rhino is a perfect partner because they have the richest, most diverse catalog of songs. If it is cool, it is part of their roster. And now, it is in our games."

"Music discovery is about being turned on to a great song that you've never heard before, whether it's brand new, or a timeless track," added David Dorn, senior vice president of new media strategy for Rhino Records. "Music is an essential part of the gaming experience and gaming is an essential vehicle today for music discovery. We're obviously thrilled to be working with EA to bring the best music of the past back to those who were there the first time, and to expose today's younger gamers to something that, for them, will be completely new and cool."

Madden NFL 2005, which is currently scheduled for release in August, will feature two songs from Throwback Trax. We'll bring you more information as soon as it becomes available.