By Danica Ward
Staff Writer
Physical media and “Heated Rivalry” fans rejoice.
After being released to streaming platforms on Jan. 16, Billboard exclusively announced on March 24 that the hit show’s soundtrack album will be released on CD and vinyl.
A hockey romance adapted from Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” book series, the show follows major league stars Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander as they battle both on the rink and with their hearts.
Since its debut last November, the show has captured hearts worldwide. From memorable lines to the “boy aquarium” of it all, “Heated Rivalry” is the biggest new thing.
The show’s creator, Jacob Tierney enlisted Canadian singer-songwriter Peter Peter, to compose the show’s score. Tierney told Billboard, “From the first day I started writing the show, I knew music would be as integral to the series as the actors themselves, and Peter’s work was what I had on repeat. His original score doesn’t just sit underneath the story; it carries the emotion, the rhythm and the pulse of the show. I honestly can’t imagine this series without it. Peter’s music is completely woven into what the show is and how the story comes alive on the screen.”
Released through Milan Records, the full soundtrack consists of Peter’s complete score, as well as the many songs that appear throughout the first season’s six episodes. Plus, the CDs show shirtless pictures of the show’s two stars.
Some of the songs from the soundtrack have gone viral on social media, further spreading the “Heated Rivalry” phenomenon across the pop culture zeitgeist.
“Mangetout” by Wet Leg appears in the beginning of the second episode. “My Moon My Man” by Feist has been everywhere in media users’ posts referencing the show. A whole trend was even started by an integral scene with Shane and Ilya that features t.A.T.u’s “All The Things She Said,” covered by Harrison. Wolf Parade’s “I’ll Believe in Anything” has also become the more heartfelt song referenced by fans to convey what the show means to them.
The soundtrack to the show’s first season has dominated social media. As a landmark show for queer joy, romance and existence, the songs included further acts as a conveyor of emotion.
So, to enjoy the world of “Heated Rivalry” over and over again in person, you can purchase the soundtrack on CD and vinyl July 10.
