Spiritbox singer Courtney LaPlante recently opened up about her creative process for “Ties That Bind,” the official cinematic theme for 2XKO, in an interview shared on Riot Games’ Instagram account.
LaPlante explained how she drew inspiration from pop music while working on the track, channeling influences from established artists in the genre. She described her approach to crafting the song’s vocal elements and how she embraced a different artistic direction for the project.
“So my favorite part of songs is adding little ad lib parts. And so I was really feeling myself for this one and living my like pop singer fantasy. So I was trying to channel Ariana Grande a lot,” LaPlante said.
Beyond the musical elements, LaPlante highlighted the creative appeal of working with Riot Games’ characters and world-building. She emphasized how the project’s narrative foundation provided strong inspiration for her songwriting.
“Both these characters and the world that they come from, in general, have so much creativity and like very good world-building that it makes it really easy for someone to be inspired by their stories. As a writer, it was like a perfect writing prompt for me,” she continued.
The collaboration marks a significant milestone for both Spiritbox and Riot Games. It showcases how contemporary rock artists are increasingly venturing into multimedia partnerships. This project demonstrates the growing intersection between music and gaming, where established artists bring their distinctive voices to interactive entertainment experiences.
“Ties That Bind” is featured alongside an animated cinematic trailer for 2XKO, a free-to-play tag fighting game by Riot Games, according to Gematsu. The game launched in early access on PC on October 7. Full release is planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC platforms. This multi-platform approach ensures the track reaches a broad audience across different gaming ecosystems.
The production of “Ties That Bind” involved a collaborative team of experienced music professionals. Per Metal Sucks, the track was co-written and produced by Joe Ford and Michael Pitman. Vocal production and engineering were handled by Josh Gilbert. This combination of talent helped craft a sound that seamlessly blends alternative metal elements with LaPlante’s pop-influenced vocal delivery.
The track’s sonic identity represents a deliberate fusion of genres. Melodic Magazine noted that the song combines alternative metal elements with LaPlante’s pop influence, complementing the game’s narrative and characters. This hybrid approach allows the composition to appeal to both Spiritbox’s existing fanbase and players of 2XKO who may be discovering the band for the first time.
For Spiritbox, this venture into gaming soundtracks continues their trajectory of artistic expansion beyond traditional rock music. The band has increasingly embraced diverse creative opportunities, using their platform to explore new sonic territories while maintaining the intensity and authenticity that defines their core identity. “Ties That Bind” stands as a testament to their willingness to evolve and collaborate with innovative partners in the entertainment industry.
