Heated Rivalry composer Peter Peter on crafting score: 'Pretty insane, especially for a first gig'

Composer Peter Peter says scoring the breakout hit series Heated Rivalry has been a surreal and career-defining experience, calling the opportunity “pretty insane, especially for a first gig.”

The Canadian musician, previously known for his experimental electronic and ambient work, stepped into television scoring for the first time with the hockey romance series and quickly found his sound becoming a key emotional backbone of the show. From high-intensity on-ice moments to intimate scenes between rivals-turned-lovers, Peter’s music has become deeply intertwined with the show’s identity.

“I was improvising live. That’s how a lot of it happened,” Peter explained, describing how he often composed while watching scenes unfold rather than following rigid musical plans. The instinctive approach allowed him to respond directly to the emotional rhythms of the story, capturing both urgency and vulnerability in real time.

Peter revealed that the opportunity came unexpectedly, after being contacted directly by the show’s creative team. “It wasn’t something I anticipated, but I was into it right from the start,” he said. From the beginning, he understood that music would play a crucial role in translating the emotional tension between the characters, especially the push-and-pull dynamic that defines Heated Rivalry.

Tracks from the score, including the pulsing opening theme and softer, romantic compositions, have been widely praised by fans, many of whom credit the music with heightening the intensity and intimacy of the series. The soundtrack’s success has also introduced Peter’s work to a global audience far beyond his previous reach.

“It’s crazy to see compositions of mine on another level of audience,” Peter said. “Being a particle, even just being a particle, in this whole phenomenon brings a lot of spotlight. So I’m very grateful for that.”

As Heated Rivalry continues to dominate conversations and fandom spaces worldwide, Peter Peter’s score stands out as one of the show’s most defining elements, proving that music can be just as vital to storytelling as dialogue and performance.