Caroline Polachek has released ‘On The Beach’, her first contribution to a video game soundtrack, for Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, the forthcoming sequel to Hideo Kojima’s acclaimed 2019 game. The track, co-produced with long-time collaborator Danny L Harle, blends Polachek’s soaring vocals with metallic synth textures and martial percussion, aligning with the game’s emotionally charged and cinematic tone.
“‘On The Beach’ was actually one of the first songs I ever made with Danny L Harle, but it was too alien and industrial- almost too evil – to work sense on Pang, so I set it aside til the right thing came along. When Kojima approached me about DS2, I showed him the sketch of it and he agreed that it was a perfect fit, and so eight years after starting this song, it got reopened, extended, and finished for the perfect setting.” – Caroline Polacheck
Personally invited by Kojima following a meeting in Paris, Polachek joins a curated lineup of artists contributing to the game’s soundtrack, which also includes Woodkid, Magnolian, and Hania Rani. Kojima Productions has a history of integrating music into its storytelling, with past collaborations from CHVRCHES, Low Roar, and Bring Me The Horizon earning dedicated fan followings.
Accompanying the release is a Timefall Mix – a reworked string arrangement of the track – and a music video that incorporates Death Stranding 2 gameplay footage with multilingual subtitles and symbolic imagery reflecting the game’s themes.
This marks Polachek’s first solo release of 2025, and her first since 2023’s Desire, I Want To Turn Into You, which earned critical acclaim and industry recognition, including a GRAMMY nomination and inclusion in multiple year-end best-of lists.
Buy/Stream ‘On The Beach’ HERE.
