The Power of League of Legends Anthems: Interview with Riot Games’ Composers
When Imagine Dragons performed “Warriors” at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, it changed my life forever. As a teenager, I fell in love with the song and became curious about the world of League of Legends esports. Now, nearly a decade later, I had the opportunity to sit down with Riot Games’ principal composer, Sebastien Najand, and music producer Alex Seaver, also known as Mako.
These talented individuals are responsible for creating many of Riot’s iconic songs, including fan-favorites like “Legends Never Die” and “RISE,” as well as music for League’s animated series Arcane. Their latest collaboration, “GODS,” features K-pop sensation NewJeans and has already become a worldwide hit, climbing the ranks of Spotify’s global hits in less than a day.
The creation of League’s Worlds anthems is a year-long process that starts soon after the previous year’s international competition. Najand and Seaver strive to capture the spirit of Worlds while incorporating current musical trends and the grandeur of the event. Choirs play a crucial role in creating the epic opening ceremony before the finals.
Collaborating with NewJeans on “GODS” presented unique challenges, as the song was originally written for male vocals. However, the powerful voices of the K-pop group elevated the song to new heights. While the decision to record the song only in English may seem unusual for a K-pop group, it showcased NewJeans’ fluency in English and added to the global appeal of the anthem.
The success of “GODS” has solidified its place among the legendary anthems of League‘s Worlds. Over 25 million listeners on Spotify and YouTube have embraced the song, marking a decade of Riot anthems and setting the stage for future creations.
The process of creating a Worlds anthem is not without its challenges, as the music team aims to deliver a track that embodies the scale and solemnity of the event. However, over the years, they have honed their understanding of what makes a great anthem and continue to experiment with new ideas.
Looking ahead, both Riot Games’ composers and fans can anticipate exciting collaborations and musical developments in upcoming Worlds anthems. With their dedication to pushing boundaries and pursuing their own musical idols, Najand and Seaver are poised to create unforgettable experiences for fans worldwide.
In my own journey as a fan, I’ve witnessed the evolution of League’s music and its impact on the gaming community. From “Warriors” to “GODS,” Riot Games continues to define the Worlds experience through captivating music that will be remembered for years to come.
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