How did Wolf Parade's song "I'll Believe in Anything" gain popularity again?

Wolf Parade's 20-year-old song "I'll Believe in Anything" saw a significant revival due to its prominent use in the TV series "Heated Rivalry," a choice driven by the showrunner's long-standing appreciation for the band's music.

What made the licensing of "I'll Believe in Anything" for "Heated Rivalry" unique?

The licensing was unique because showrunner Jacob Tierney provided a highly detailed pitch outlining exactly how and where the song would be used, indicating a deep care for its narrative integration, which the band found compelling.

What has been the impact of the show "Heated Rivalry" on Wolf Parade's music?

The show has led to a massive surge in digital streams for "I'll Believe in Anything" and has re-engaged both long-time fans and a new, younger audience, increasing interest in the band's live performances and catalog.

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Wolf Parade's 20-Year-Old Hit Finds New Life

9 Feb

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Summary

Song revived after 20 years due to TV show placement.
Licensing pitch was highly detailed and intentional.
Digital streams increased significantly post-show.

Wolf Parade's 20-Year-Old Hit Finds New Life

Wolf Parade's 2003 track, "I'll Believe in Anything," is experiencing a remarkable revival after two decades, largely due to its integration into the popular TV series "Heated Rivalry." Showrunner Jacob Tierney, a dedicated fan, specifically sought out the song, developing a detailed pitch that highlighted its intended narrative placement.

This intentional licensing approach by Tierney, who had a prior connection with the band's members dating back to a potential project 20 years prior, stood out from typical, more generic requests. The band members, Spencer Krug and Dan Boeckner, found the care put into the pitch compelling, making it an easy decision to license the song.

While the financial compensation for such placements has shifted from the lucrative deals of the early 2000s, the visibility provided by "Heated Rivalry" has led to a reported 3,000 percent surge in streams for "I'll Believe in Anything." The band acknowledges that the exact monetary value of these streams, particularly from platforms like TikTok, remains somewhat elusive.