Riot Games, the leading video game developer and publisher, has launched its newest virtual sensation, HEARTSTEEL. This avant-garde ensemble consists of reenvisioned League of Legends champions including Ezreal as the lead vocalist, Kayn taking charge as rapper and instrumentalist, among others. Within this groundbreaking Riot Games Music (RGM) project, HEARTSTEEL emerges, walking the path paved by iconic acts like K/DA, Pentakill, and True Damage. The buzz is real: Baekhyun from EXO is set to be the voice behind one of the champions!
HEARTSTEEL is recognized for their absolute commitment to originality and unbridled artistic expression. They’ve crafted a unique sound, blending a myriad of musical influences, culminating in their debut single, “PARANOIA.” This track, embodying the band’s distinctive lyrics and dynamic energy, is set to launch on Monday, October 23 at 8:00 AM PT across all major streaming services and with a YouTube music video.
Maria Egan, the maestro behind Riot Games Entertainment’s Music & Events, shares her insights on their trailblazing musical endeavors: “Our virtual artists at Riot constantly shape the future of music for our players. HEARTSTEEL, eagerly awaited by our fans, exemplifies our relentless pursuit of musical evolution. By harmonizing our in-house geniuses with vibrant new talents, we’ve birthed a band that epitomizes harmony in diversity, echoing the sentiments our players deeply connect with.”
Marking a new era, HEARTSTEEL aligns itself with Riot’s roster of esteemed virtual musicians. Prior to HEARTSTEEL’s rise, RGM was the force behind K/DA, setting records with “POP/STARS,” and other bands like Pentakill and True Damage. To date, the RGM lineup boasts an expansive collection of over 750 songs, amassing an incredible 10 billion+ streams.
In this ensemble, we see luminaries like BAEKHYUN as the voice of Ezreal, ØZI portraying Sett, Tobi Lou embodying K’Sante, and Cal Scruby giving life to Kayn, all ensuring an unforgettable auditory journey for fans globally.
Members of HEARTSTEEL
SETT
Sett, the mastermind and joint head of HEARTSTEEL, embarked on this venture following his departure from his inaugural record label. With hip-hop’s audacious and assertive styles as his muse, Sett took the reins in crafting the team’s wardrobe for the “PARANOIA” video and synergized with ØZI for the rap section.
K’SANTE
Serving as the other pillar of leadership in HEARTSTEEL, K’Sante harnesses his melodic prowess and creative directorial skills to crystallize the band’s essence. Merging his abilities with tobi lou, he crafts lyrics soaked in emotions, drawing cues from the rich tapestries of R&B and hip-hop.
EZREAL
Ezreal’s journey to fame began with a tailor-made bubblegum-pop sensation. But within the realm of HEARTSTEEL, he’s discovered a newfound autonomy over his artistic endeavors. Teaming up with EXO’s BAEKHYUN, this captivating singer seeks inspiration from the global community of his admirers.
KAYN
Kayn is the unpredictable force of the group, expressing his defiant nature through his stage persona, Rhaast. Ousted from his previous ensemble, this versatile rapper and musician embraces the avant-garde and the novel. In his collaboration with Cal Scruby, Kayn consistently breaks boundaries.
APHELIOS
Positioned as HEARTSTEEL’s central musical craftsman and wordsmith, Aphelios introduces a silent brilliance to the group’s lyrical and melodic fabrications. A man of few words, his relentless quest for sonic excellence directs the band. Assisted by a myriad of instruments and his twin, Alune, Aphelios continually scales new artistic peaks.
YONE
Having once been the driving force behind global pop chart-toppers, Yone became jaded with the mainstream musical paradigm. Reenergized within the HEARTSTEEL collective, he infuses the band with his incisive acumen and unparalleled production flair. His fervor for electronic tunes and his precision-centric approach delineate the group’s auditory identity.
BAEKHYUN
An illustrious member of both EXO and SuperM, stands out as a leading vocal powerhouse in the K-pop arena. His repertoire boasts three hit mini-albums, namely City Lights, Delight, and Bambi, as a solo act, supplemented by a range of independent tracks and OSTs. His global acclaim is underscored by his record-breaking 9th million-seller achievement, spanning group and solo projects.
Cal Scruby, rooted in Los Angeles, has earned his stripes in the rap community for his ingenious wordplay and distinct visual flair. His lyrical narratives resonate, often interspersed with athletic allusions and humorous self-reflection. Beyond his collaboration with Riot, he has joined forces with industry giants such as the NFL, EA Sports, and Ciroc Vodka.
Hailing from Los Angeles and nurtured in Taipei, ØZI’s ascent in the Mandarin music galaxy has been nothing short of meteoric. His multifaceted talent as a vocalist, lyricist, producer, entertainer, and visionary has fetched him innumerable commendations. His inaugural album, “ØZI: The Album,” clinched six nods at the esteemed Golden Melody Awards, Mandarin music’s pinnacle of accolades, culminating in his win as the “Best New Artist.”
Tobi Lou, a prodigious talent, has stamped his mark on the modern musical landscape. With his roots in Nigeria and formative years in Chicago, Lou has crafted a distinctive musical avenue, blending the essences of hip-hop, R&B, and pop, punctuated by irresistible harmonies. His standout track, “Buff Baby,” catapulted him into the limelight, earmarking him as an artist with a promising trajectory.