League Of Legends Announces New Boy Band HEARTSTEEL

The world of esports and music is about to collide once again as Riot Games, discloses their latest creation – a virtual boy band known as HEARTSTEEL. 

This groundbreaking announcement marks yet another innovative foray into the world of music for Riot Games, a company that has consistently blurred the lines between the gaming and music industries.

A Fusion of Music and Gaming

HEARTSTEEL, the brainchild of Riot Games, is a groundbreaking concept that fuses the virtual world of League of Legends with the harmonious realm of music. The group is set to comprise six virtual members, each personifying beloved champions from the League of Legends universe. The four voices behind these virtual personas belong to talented artists Baekhyun, ØZI, Tobi Lou, and Cal Scruby, who will breathe life into the characters and lend their voices to this musical endeavor.

Diverse Artistic Influence

What sets HEARTSTEEL apart is its commitment to embracing a wide array of musical influences from different genres and eras. Riot Games envisions HEARTSTEEL as a “one-of-a-kind” entity that draws inspiration from various sources to craft a unique identity. The result is a musical group that promises to be a symphony of genres, uniting fans from different musical backgrounds and League of Legends enthusiasts.

Debut Single: PARANOIA

With its debut single, “PARANOIA,” HEARTSTEEL is ready to make a splash. The eagerly awaited debut is set for October 23rd, 2023. “PARANOIA” is certain to enthral viewers and fans alike with its unique fusion of virtual personalities inspired by League of Legends champions and the musical prowess of real-life performers.

Meet the Members

Among the virtual members of HEARTSTEEL are characters from the League of Legends universe who have been brought to life by the talents of the aforementioned artists. Baekhyun takes on the persona of Ezreal, ØZI breathes life into Sett, Tobi Lou becomes Tobi Lou K’Sante, and Cal Scruby lends his voice to the character of Kayn. League of Legends characters Yone and Aphelios also join the ensemble, although it has not yet been confirmed if these champions will vocally appear in the songs. Instead, Yone has been designated as the group’s ‘producer,’ while Aphelios assumes the role of ‘instrumentalist and songwriter.’

Riot Games’ Musical Ventures

The launch of HEARTSTEEL adds to Riot Games’ ever-growing portfolio of virtual music groups. The company made waves in 2018 with the introduction of K/DA, an all-female group that featured members from (G)I-DLE, Madison Beer, and Jaira Burns. Riot Games’ musical projects have continued to expand with the virtual metal band Pentakill and another virtual group called True Damage.

The Stellar Lineup

HEARTSTEEL features an impressive lineup of artists. Baekhyun, a member of the new group, is a renowned K-pop artist and the lead singer of the globally acclaimed group EXO. Joining him is ØZI, a Taiwanese-American singer-songwriter, adds a layer of diverse musical influence. Cal Scruby, a Los Angeles-based rapper, is not a stranger to the League of Legends community, having previously collaborated with Riot Games for the All Stars 2022 anthem, “Run It.” Lastly, Tobi Lou, a versatile artist with a background in hip-hop, R&B, and pop, was born in Nigeria and raised in Chicago.

Riot Games’ Vision and Community

Maria Egan, the Global Head of Music & Events at Riot Games Entertainment, shared her thoughts on this groundbreaking new project, saying, “Riot’s virtual artists have been some of the most innovative and beloved music moments for our players. The idea of an all-male band has long been speculated on by fans, and we’re so excited to bring this fantasy to life. HEARTSTEEL is a deep collaboration between all our talented in-house creative teams and some incredible new artists. The ethos of HEARTSTEEL is a supergroup of musical soulmates greater than the sum of its parts – a philosophy that our community embodies every day through their dedication to our games.”

Riot Games’ commitment to involving the gaming community and blurring the lines between the worlds of music and gaming is evident in their continuous efforts to create immersive experiences that resonate with their players.

In the Midst of Esports Splendor

The release of HEARTSTEEL comes during a vibrant period for League of Legends in the realm of esports. The 2023 World Championships are currently underway in South Korea. The tournament showcases the highest level of play in the League of Legends universe and attracts fans from around the globe. This year’s international event anthem was performed by the up-and-coming K-pop group NewJeans, adding yet another layer of synergy between gaming and music.

HEARTSTEEL represents a new and exciting chapter in the ongoing relationship between gaming and music. Riot Games, already well-known for their creative musical endeavors, continues to break boundaries with the creation of this virtual boy band. 

As they push the envelope with their dynamic and innovative projects, Riot Games ensures that fans of both gaming and music can come together and experience something truly unique. The debut of HEARTSTEEL and the simultaneous climax of the 2023 World Championships only serve to demonstrate the company’s commitment to entertaining and engaging their ever-growing global audience. The fusion of gaming and music is in full swing, and Riot Games is leading the charge.