From Opera Houses to Boss Battles
Amanda Achen didn’t plan to become one of the most distinctive voices in video game music. In fact, she’s not even a gamer. But that’s exactly what makes her work feel so otherworldly. One night she’s belting operatic high notes in Carnegie Hall with the Distant Worlds symphony; the next, she’s rapping into a travel mic set up in a walk-in closet between back-to-back Attack on Titan shows. It’s this blend of high craft and genre agility that’s made her a secret weapon for composers and game studios across the globe.
Her journey into this world started in the most classical sense: fresh out of university, auditioning for the Angeles Chorale in Los Angeles. From that opportunity, she was tapped for soprano solos in Carmina Burana, and later invited to perform at major concerts for Final Fantasy and Studio Ghibli. It was there that she first crossed paths with Masayoshi Soken, the renowned composer behind Final Fantasy XIV.
“We exchanged business cards backstage—and in Japan, that’s a big deal,” she says with a laugh. That seemingly small gesture led to a major theme being written for her voice, and eventually, to a whirlwind of performances across global FanFests in Japan, London, Vegas, and more.
Bending Genres and Breaking Expectations
But Amanda isn’t just riding the wave of orchestral nostalgia. She’s actively bending the boundaries. Her first voice acting role was in Warframe, where she voiced (and vocalized) a demon-possessed electric guitar. “It was completely wild. Even the voice director said they’d never done anything like it,” she recalls. “It fused singing and character work in a way that felt made for me.”
She recently dipped into rap with only 24 hours’ notice, recording a verse for Wuthering Waves from a makeshift studio in her dressing room. The track, titled “Off Work,” became Zani’s theme—a gritty, unexpected turn for a classically trained soprano. “I had two shows that day, but I said yes. I think I just love saying yes to the things that scare me.”
A New Era for Vocalists in Gaming
That fearless curiosity is quickly making her one of the most in-demand voices in the space. While many classically trained vocalists may limit themselves to concert halls and operatic arias, Amanda is equally excited about raves, video game conventions, and collaborations with progressive metal bands.
“There’s a whole generation of musicians who haven’t realized what’s possible in this space,” she explains. “Gaming is where every genre comes together—you can sing in any style, voice any kind of character, and reach millions of listeners who truly care.”
What Comes Next?
What’s next? More concerts with Distant Worlds, new collaborations with DJs, and a dream to one day sing with Andrea Bocelli. But beyond the big names, Amanda is building something even more meaningful: a new kind of music career that thrives on versatility, play, and the joy of the unexpected.
“This world is exploding with opportunity. And the more I experiment, the more I find myself.”
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Connect with Amanda Achen: linktr.ee/amandaachen
Upcoming Performances: Paris, Vancouver, and more with Distant Worlds
Photos courtesy of Amanda Achen. For booking or press inquiries, contact info via Linktree.
