Leeds Conservatoire has a host of expert staff, engaged in music and performance making at the highest levels. Professor of Songwriting Keith Ayling was recently approached by Red Bull to collaborate on a theme for the Red Bull Wololo, a global competition for hit video game franchise Age of Empires. The grand finale was hosted at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Professor Ayling recording
Professor Ayling said, “It was an incredible opportunity. I worked with composer Ben Fowler on bringing his original orchestral composition to life with a vocal arrangement, with a specific shanty flare.”
Utilising Saltburn Smugglers, the north’s biggest shanty group founded by Professor Ayling, the unique track was recorded within hours to a very tight schedule to make sure it was ready for the Wololo itself.
Crediting those involved, Professor Ayling added, “I have to give a lot of praise to Saltburn Smugglers who were wholly committed to making this sound as great as it does - to Rick Robinson for recording and to Kate Ayling who did an amazing job, arranging the vocal parts for our voices.”
Listen to ‘Dancing Chariots - Londinium Version’ on Spotify.
Red Bull Wololo has cemented itself as one of the most iconic competitive events in real-time strategy (RTS) gaming history. The 2026 competition in London was the eighth edition and brought top players from around the world together.
