GTA 6 Soundtrack: Artists, Radio & Score
What you need to know about the GTA 6 soundtrack is that Rockstar Games has not officially announced the full track list, radio stations, or composer for the score as of this writing. Based on the game’s first trailer (December 2023) and Rockstar’s established patterns, expect a large licensed soundtrack spanning multiple genres and decades, a dynamic score that reacts to gameplay, and a radio system that satirizes modern media.
What the Trailer Revealed
The first GTA 6 trailer, “Trailer 1,� features the song “Love Is a Long, Long Road� by Tom Petty (released 1989). This choice is consistent with Rockstar’s tradition of using iconic, era-spanning tracks in trailers (e.g., “Radio Ga Ga� for GTA VI’s predecessor, “The Chain� for GTA V). It also hints at the game’s setting: Vice City, a fictional version of Miami, Florida. The song’s themes of longing and travel align with the trailer’s montage of characters, nightlife, and coastal roads.
Importantly, the trailer’s music is not necessarily in the game’s radio. Rockstar often licenses separate songs for trailers. However, the trailer does confirm that the game will feature licensed music and that the soundtrack will be a major marketing point.
Radio Stations: What to Expect
Rockstar has not published the official station list. Based on GTA V and GTA Online, which have over 20 stations, and the Vice City setting, here is what is likely:
- Genre variety: Expect stations for pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic, Latin, country, and talk radio. Vice City’s 1980s setting in GTA: Vice City (2002) had stations like “Flash FM� (pop) and “V-Rock� (rock). GTA 6 is set in modern times, so the soundtrack will likely mix current hits with older classics.
- Licensed music: Rockstar typically licenses hundreds of songs. For GTA V, the soundtrack included tracks from Queen, Kendrick Lamar, and Stevie Wonder. For GTA 6, expect a similar range, possibly with a heavy Latin influence given the Florida setting.
- Original music: Some stations may feature original tracks produced for the game, especially in genres like electronic or reggaeton, to avoid licensing costs and to create a unique sound.
- Talk radio: GTA games always include satirical talk shows. These are not music but are part of the “radio� experience, with fictional hosts and callers parodying current events.
The Score: Who’s Composing It?
No composer has been officially announced for GTA 6. For GTA V, the score was composed by Tangerine Dream, Woody Jackson, The Alchemist, and Oh No. For Red Dead Redemption 2, Woody Jackson worked solo. It is highly likely that Woody Jackson, who has worked with Rockstar since GTA V, will return for GTA 6. However, this is speculation. The score in GTA games is dynamic: it changes based on what you are doing (chasing, sneaking, driving fast). Expect the same in GTA 6, with music that adapts to the player’s actions and the game’s weather and time of day.
How the Radio and Score Work in Game
In GTA V, the radio plays when you enter a vehicle. You can switch stations with a button, and each station has its own DJs and commercials. The score plays during missions and key moments, but it is often quiet during free-roam so you can enjoy the radio. GTA 6 will likely follow this model. The PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of GTA V have a “radio wheel� for quick station selection. GTA 6 will likely have a similar interface. The game may also feature a “radio off� option, which some players prefer.
Common Misconceptions
One big misconception is that the trailer song will be on the radio. It might, but it is not guaranteed. Another is that the soundtrack will be “80s only� because of the Vice City name. The game is set in modern times, so the soundtrack will be contemporary, with some older tracks. Also, some fans think that Rockstar will release the full track list before launch. Historically, Rockstar keeps the soundtrack secret until launch or just before. They did release a “The Music of GTA V� album on streaming services after launch, so expect something similar for GTA 6.
How to Listen to the Soundtrack Outside the Game
Rockstar has released official soundtracks for GTA V and GTA Online on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. The GTA V soundtrack has over 50 songs, but it is not the full radio track list. For GTA 6, after launch, you can likely find official playlists curated by Rockstar, as well as fan-made playlists. The score may also be released as an album, as was done for RDR2.
Alternatives and Similar Games
If you want a similar radio experience now, play GTA V or GTA Online. The radio stations there are extensive. For a more modern, story-driven score, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a good example of dynamic music. Other games with great licensed soundtracks include Cyberpunk 2077 (with its own radio stations) and the Forza Horizon series (which has a variety of stations). None of these will be GTA 6, but they can fill the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the GTA 6 soundtrack be available on Spotify?
Likely yes, but not until after the game releases. Rockstar released “The Music of GTA V� on streaming services in 2014, a year after the game. For GTA 6, expect a similar delay, possibly at launch or a few months later.
Can I mod the radio in GTA 6 on PC?
If GTA 6 comes to PC, modding will probably be possible, just as it is for GTA V. Mods allow you to add custom radio stations or replace existing songs. However, Rockstar has not confirmed a PC release date, so this is speculative.
Who is the artist for the trailer song?
The trailer song is “Love Is a Long, Long Road� by Tom Petty, released in 1989. It is not a new song; it is a classic rock track.
Will the radio stations have DJs?
Yes, almost certainly. GTA games have always featured fictional DJs who talk between songs. Expect a mix of real celebrities and voice actors. For GTA V, DJs included Cara Delevingne and Danny Brown.
Is there a release date for the soundtrack?
No. The game itself is scheduled for release in 2025 (per Rockstar’s announcement), but the soundtrack has no separate release date. It will likely be announced closer to launch.
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