Peter Peter on Scoring ‘Heated Rivalry’ and the Power of Silence
The electronic score of HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry, composed by Peter Jones under the stage name Peter Peter, has become a focal point of discussion among fans of the Canadian sports romantic drama. From the gritty synth symphony of the opening track “Rivalry” to the intimate melodies accompanying key emotional moments, the music plays a crucial role in shaping the show’s atmosphere.
From Synth-Pop Musician to Composer
Prior to Heated Rivalry, Jones had released five albums as Peter Peter but had no prior experience as a composer for television. Series creator Jacob Tierney, a long-time fan of Jones’s 2024 record Éther, initially envisioned incorporating needle drops from the album into the series. Yet, due to timeline constraints, the project shifted towards an entirely original score, with Jones ultimately writing dozens of cues across the six episodes.1
A Turbocharged Trial by Fire
The production timeline proved challenging. After Crave moved the release date forward, Jones faced a demanding schedule, completing an episode’s score in as little as ten days.1 He collaborated closely with Tierney, sharing drafts via Google Drive for rapid feedback. Jones utilized a combination of digital and analog synthesizers – Access Virus, Korg Mono/Poly, and Juno-60 – alongside a drum machine (Elektron Analog Rytm) and a Hapax sequencer, to create the score.1
Finding the Right Tone for Intimacy
Initially, Jones’s first attempts at scoring intimate scenes felt “intrusive” and “almost vulgar.” He pivoted towards lighter melodies and synth-chord arrangements to better reflect the emotional depth of the relationships.1 One example of this shift is the original song “It’s You,” written to replace a planned needle drop from Éther during a pivotal scene between Shane and Ilya in episode two. Tierney encouraged Jones to add lyrics, resulting in a track that captures the characters’ growing feelings for each other.3
Sonic Worlds for Different Relationships
Jones differentiated the musical landscapes for the two central relationships in the series. For Shane and Ilya, he employed pulsating synths and electronic beats. In contrast, the relationship between Scott and Kip was characterized by the use of guitar, inspired by the theme from the soap opera The Young and the Restless, which Jones found to be surprisingly sensitive and romantic.1
The Power of Silence
As the series progresses, particularly in the final episode, “The Cottage,” the music becomes increasingly sparse. Jones intentionally used silence to heighten the tension and anticipation, emphasizing the vulnerability of the characters.1 This deliberate use of quiet underscores the emotional weight of the scenes and allows the performances to resonate more deeply.
“Heated Rivalry” Nights at The Clapham Grand
The popularity of the Heated Rivalry soundtrack has extended beyond the screen. The Clapham Grand in London hosts regular “Heated Rivalry” club nights, featuring the show’s music and creating a dedicated space for fans to celebrate the series.2 A “Heated Rivalry: The Day Party!” was scheduled for February 21, 2026.2
New Music Released
Peter Peter has released two original songs from the series, “Rivalry” and “It’s You,” satisfying fan demand for the music featured in the show.3 “Rivalry” serves as the opening theme, while “It’s You” accompanies a particularly intimate scene between Shane and Ilya.3
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