Praise has poured in for Heated Rivalry since its debut on Crave and HBO Max. Critics and viewers have highlighted the show's premise, performances and especially its music, which functions almost as another lead character and has boosted the profiles of several Canadian artists.

The series follows the secret relationship between Canadian forward Shane Hollander and Russian star Ilya Rozanov. Its score and song choices deliberately avoid the obvious, much like the central romance itself.

Peter Peter Delivers an Original Score That Mirrors the Story's Emotional Arc

Montreal singer-songwriter Peter Peter created the original score for the six-episode first season. It was his first time writing for television or film. The music shifts with the characters, moving from colder, more mechanical textures early on to warmer, more intimate passages as the relationship deepens.

Tierney Wrote Specific Songs Into the Script Before Production Began

Showrunner Jacob Tierney had music in mind from the start. He wrote Wolf Parade's 'I'll Believe in Anything' directly into the script and had several other tracks earmarked for key moments. He reached out to Peter Peter early because he admired the composer's album 'Ether' and wanted that same blend of electronic edge and emotional depth.

Music Supervisor Scotty Taylor Cleared a Mix of Canadian and International Tracks

Music supervisor Scotty Taylor worked with Tierney to place songs that felt right for each scene rather than following a strict genre or demographic rule. The result includes two tracks each from Wolf Parade and Feist, plus cuts from French-Canadian artists Philippe B and Satine. British acts Wet Leg and Harrison also feature prominently.

Tierney pushed for female voices in several sequences and insisted on Wet Leg's 'Mange Tout' for the opening of episode two, even though the 2022 track sits outside the show's early-2010s setting. He loved its anarchic energy and felt it captured the attitude of the Russian character Ilya.

The Team Tackled Licensing Challenges for T.A.T.u's 'All the Things She Said'

One of the most discussed choices was the extended use of T.A.T.u's 2002 hit 'All the Things She Said,' which plays alongside Harrison's 2022 cover in a pivotal nightclub scene. The original video featured two teenage Russian singers kissing, a moment that later drew controversy when the performers distanced themselves from it.

Classical Influences and Practical Budget Realities Shaped the Final Sound

Peter Peter drew inspiration from the main theme in Stanley Kubrick's 'Barry Lyndon,' specifically Handel's 'Sarabande,' to give the score a noble quality that matched the characters' quest for love. Tierney also incorporated Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata' for key emotional beats and planned an entire episode in season two built around Mozart's 'Requiem.'

Budget constraints kept the team away from expensive contemporary hits. Tierney avoided chasing tracks that defined 'Brat summer' and instead leaned into the bespoke score Peter Peter delivered. The result feels distinct from other shows airing at the same time.

The Soundtrack Has Boosted Careers and Created Lasting Goodwill for Season Two

Streaming numbers for Wolf Parade, Feist and other featured artists rose sharply after the show aired. Wet Leg told Tierney the placement changed the trajectory of their album. Peter Peter has gained new recognition as a composer, and artists have begun sending music directly to the production team for season two.