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‘Heated Rivalry’ Music Panel Reveals Score Inspiration and Song Licensing Details

Entertainment5/13/2026
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A panel discussion at Toronto's Departure Festival offered insights into the music of the Crave-HBO Max hockey romance series 'Heated Rivalry'. The show's composer, first-time film scorer Peter Peter, cited classical music as inspiration, while music supervisor Scotty Taylor detailed the licensing process for a prominent Russian pop song. The showrunner confirmed the budget for the upcoming second season remains unchanged.

Facts First

  • A panel discussion on the show's sound featured showrunner Jacob Tierney, composer Peter Peter, and music supervisor Scotty Taylor.
  • Composer Peter Peter, new to film/TV scoring, was inspired by Handel's 'Sarabande' for an elegant score.
  • Music supervisor Scotty Taylor managed licensing for the Russian duo T.A.T.u.'s song 'All the Things She Said'.
  • The show's soundtrack blends Canadian alt-rock from Wolf Parade and Feist with international artists like Wet Leg.
  • The budget for the show's second season remains the same as the first, according to showrunner Jacob Tierney.

What Happened

A panel titled 'Scoring the Moment: Inside the Sound of "Heated Rivalry"' was held at the Departure Festival and Conference in Toronto. The discussion featured showrunner Jacob Tierney, composer Peter Peter, and music supervisor Scotty Taylor, and was moderated by Variety's Jem Aswad. Panelists shared details about the show's original score and curated soundtrack, which includes songs from Canadian artists like Wolf Parade and Feist, French-Canadian artists Phillipe B and Satine, and the British act Wet Leg.

Why this Matters to You

If you enjoy the show's atmosphere, you may notice a more deliberate musical texture. The score, composed by a first-time film/TV composer, was inspired by classical pieces like Handel's 'Sarabande' and uses Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata' as a cue. The inclusion of specific songs was written directly into the script by the showrunner, suggesting a close integration of music and narrative. The upcoming second season will feature Mozart's 'Requiem' in an episode.

What's Next

The second season of 'Heated Rivalry' is in production with a budget matching the first season's. The creative team's approach to music appears to be continuing, with plans to feature classical works like Mozart's 'Requiem' alongside contemporary tracks.

Perspectives

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Music Critics and Analysts observe that the soundtrack functions as a character in its own right and has successfully revitalized the careers of various musicians, particularly those from Canada.
“
Creative Collaborators emphasize the importance of emotional intimacy and mutual trust, noting that a 'warm' and 'love-based' musical approach was chosen over techno to foster connection.
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Showrunners and Directors prioritize a bespoke sound that avoids passing trends or songs with heavy 'baggage' to ensure the music enhances rather than distracts from the narrative depth.
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Music Observers highlight the complex logistical and political dimensions of song selection, such as the 'scary' costs and the symbolic 'fuck-you to Russia' provided by using T.A.T.u.