Wolf Parade’s “I’ll Believe in Anything” Sees Resurgence Thanks to Hockey Drama – What Does This Mean for Music Licensing?
A 2005 track from Canadian indie rock band Wolf Parade, “I’ll Believe in Anything,” is experiencing a significant revival after being featured in the HBO Max show Heated Rivalry, a series centered around gay hockey. The song’s inclusion has led to a doubling of Spotify streams – from 20 to 40 million – and a surge in the band’s monthly listeners, exceeding two million.
The Power of Sync Licensing in the Streaming Era
This resurgence highlights the increasingly important role of sync licensing – the process of licensing music for employ in visual media – in the modern music industry. While streaming royalties provide a consistent income stream, a well-placed sync can deliver a massive, immediate boost to a song’s visibility and popularity. Heated Rivalry isn’t just providing exposure; it’s introducing a generation of viewers unfamiliar with Wolf Parade’s earlier work to their music.
The impact extends beyond streaming numbers. The band has announced a reissue of their 2005 debut album, Apologies to the Queen Mary, and a new t-shirt geared towards hockey fans, capitalizing on the newfound association. This demonstrates how a single sync can unlock multiple revenue streams and fan engagement opportunities.
Solo Renditions and Artistic Reinterpretation
Wolf Parade member Spencer Krug has responded to the song’s renewed popularity by releasing a solo piano version of “I’ll Believe in Anything.” He debuted the rendition in Vancouver and was motivated by the positive reception to create a polished recording. Krug shared on Instagram that he’s refined the song over the years, making adjustments to the key, lyrics, and arrangement to better suit a solo performance.
This trend of artists revisiting and reinterpreting their work is becoming increasingly common. It allows musicians to connect with their audience in new ways and explore different facets of their creativity. The solo piano version offers a stripped-down, intimate take on the original, appealing to fans who appreciate a more nuanced sound.
The Hockey Connection: Niche Audiences and Targeted Exposure
The specific connection to the gay hockey community through Heated Rivalry is noteworthy. It demonstrates the power of targeted exposure. The show’s audience is likely to be highly engaged and passionate, and their enthusiasm for the music featured in the series is amplified by the show’s themes and representation. This illustrates how aligning music with specific communities can foster deeper connections and build a loyal fanbase.
Wolf Parade is leveraging this connection with a new t-shirt design for hockey fans, further solidifying the link between the band and the show’s audience.
Upcoming Performances and Continued Momentum
Wolf Parade has a series of Canadian shows scheduled for mid-March, and Spencer Krug will also perform a solo show in Vancouver on June 5. These performances will provide opportunities to capitalize on the momentum generated by the song’s resurgence and connect with fans in person.
FAQ
Q: What is sync licensing?
A: Sync licensing is the process of obtaining permission to use a song in visual media, such as film, television, and video games.
Q: How does a song gain placed in a show like Heated Rivalry?
A: Music supervisors work with show creators to select songs that fit the show’s tone and themes. They then negotiate licenses with the rights holders.
Q: What is the benefit of a solo rendition of a popular song?
A: It offers a fresh perspective on the original, appeals to a different audience, and allows the artist to showcase their versatility.
Q: Where can I locate Wolf Parade’s music?
A: Their music is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
Did you understand? The original version of “I’ll Believe in Anything” is featured on Wolf Parade’s debut album, Apologies to the Queen Mary, released in 2005.
Pro Tip: For musicians, proactively submitting your music to music supervisors and licensing libraries can significantly increase your chances of getting your songs placed in visual media.
Want to learn more about the impact of music in television? Explore our article on the rise of soundtrack tourism.
