Wolf Parade’s “I’ll Believe in Anything” Gets Solo Piano Rendition After Heated Rivalry Boost

A song from the Canadian indie rock band Wolf Parade is experiencing a resurgence in popularity after being featured in the television show Heated Rivalry. Band member Spencer Krug has responded to the renewed interest by releasing a solo piano version of the track, “I’ll Believe in Anything,” on February 20 through Sub Pop.

A Viral Moment for a 2005 Track

Originally released in 2005 on Wolf Parade’s debut album, Apologies to the Queen Mary, “I’ll Believe in Anything” first appeared on Krug’s solo project, Sunset Rubdown. Since Heated Rivalry premiered on HBO Max in November, Spotify streams of the song have doubled, increasing from 20 million to 40 million. This surge in popularity has also pushed Wolf Parade’s monthly listeners past two million.

Did You Know? Spencer Krug initially debuted the piano rendition of “I’ll Believe in Anything” in Vancouver last month.

Krug’s Reflections on the New Version

Krug shared his thoughts on the new piano version via Instagram, stating it is “easily the best” solo rendition he’s created, though still second to Wolf Parade’s original. He detailed specific changes he made, including adjusting the key to ease vocal strain and refining lyrics to avoid awkward rhymes. Krug expressed that the new version feels “heartfelt, grandiose, cathartic and a joy to play,” and evokes feelings from when he first wrote the song over two decades ago.

Expert Insight: The revival of a song nearly two decades after its initial release highlights the unpredictable nature of cultural trends and the power of media synchronization to reintroduce art to new audiences. The artist’s response with a new interpretation demonstrates an engagement with this renewed attention and a willingness to revisit and reimagine past work.

What’s Next for Wolf Parade and Spencer Krug?

Wolf Parade is scheduled to perform at several Canadian shows in mid-March. Krug is also slated to return to Vancouver for a solo performance on June 5. The band may capitalize on their increased visibility with further performances or releases, but this has not been confirmed. Krug could also continue to perform the solo piano version at future shows, potentially expanding his solo repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the renewed interest in “I’ll Believe in Anything”?

The song gained renewed attention after being used in the television show Heated Rivalry.

When was the original version of the song released?

The original version of “I’ll Believe in Anything” was released in 2005 on Wolf Parade’s debut album, Apologies to the Queen Mary.

Where can I find the new piano version of the song?

The solo piano version of “I’ll Believe in Anything” was released on February 20 through Sub Pop.

How do you think the use of music in television and streaming shows impacts the lifespan and reach of a song?