SB19’s “Burn the Flame”: Tech, Beats, and Esports Glory
SB19’s “Burn the Flame”: Tech, Beats, and Esports Glory
Music Meets Esports: A Global Stage in Manila
The Honor of Kings International Championship (KIC) 2025 is more than just a tournament—it’s a cultural event. And this year, it comes with a soundtrack that’s as fiery as the battles themselves. SB19, the “Kings of P-pop,” have dropped “Burn the Flame”, the official anthem of KIC 2025, now streaming worldwide. SB19’s “Burn the Flame”: Tech, Beats, and Esports Glory
This isn’t just another promotional track. It’s a carefully engineered fusion of hip-hop, rock, and electronic production, elevated by Filipino percussion elements like the kulintang. The result is a sound that bridges local heritage with global esports culture.
For readers, this means esports isn’t just about gameplay anymore—it’s about identity, pride, and the technology that makes these global collaborations possible.
Igniting the Arena with Sound and Spirit
“Burn the Flame” captures the fire of competitive gaming through SB19’s signature vocal dynamics. Hard-hitting rap verses collide with soaring high notes, creating a sonic landscape that mirrors the intensity of esports battles.
The lyrics—“I’m a warrior, burning burning up the flame. We are the KINGS. It’s HONOR SHOWTIME!”—aren’t just catchy. They embody the fearless spirit of competition.
What makes this track stand out is its integration of cultural instrumentation into modern production. By weaving traditional Filipino sounds into a global anthem, SB19 and the production team have created something that resonates both locally and internationally. SB19’s “Burn the Flame”: Tech, Beats, and Esports Glory
For readers, this means esports music is no longer generic—it’s becoming a platform for cultural storytelling.
Behind the Anthem: Engineering Sound for Champions
The anthem is the product of a powerhouse collaboration. Brenan Espartinez, Filipino singer and songwriter, led the charge on lyrics, arrangement, and vocal production. His work shaped SB19’s vocals into a rallying cry for warriors worldwide.
At the helm of the mix is Chris Galland, a four-time Grammy nominee known for working with Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and K-pop groups like Stray Kids and ATEEZ. Galland’s role was crucial—balancing explosive beats with cultural layers to create a sound that resonates across arenas.
Mixing isn’t just about volume levels. It’s about engineering clarity, depth, and impact. Galland’s expertise ensured that “Burn the Flame” could hold its own in both headphones and stadium speakers.
I’ve always said that production quality is the invisible backbone of music. You don’t notice it when it’s perfect, but you feel it when it’s lacking. Here, the engineering elevates the anthem into something truly global.
For readers, this means you’re not just hearing a song—you’re experiencing a carefully crafted audio technology showcase.
Streaming Power: Music as a Digital Weapon
The anthem isn’t confined to the stage. It’s live on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, ready to power up playlists worldwide.
Streaming platforms are more than distribution channels—they’re ecosystems. They allow tracks like “Burn the Flame” to reach millions instantly, creating a shared experience across borders.
For readers, this means accessibility. Whether you’re grinding ranked matches or just vibing to the beat, the anthem is a click away.
My Take: Why This Anthem Matters
I’ve covered enough esports events to know that theme songs often feel like afterthoughts. “Burn the Flame” doesn’t. It’s intentional, powerful, and deeply tied to both Filipino identity and global competition.
What I like most is the fusion of culture and technology. The kulintang meets electronic beats. Local pride meets international production. SB19’s vocals meet Galland’s engineering. It’s a perfect example of how tech enables collaboration across continents.
For readers, the benefit is clear: you’re witnessing esports evolve into a cultural phenomenon. It’s not just about who wins—it’s about how music, technology, and identity converge to create something bigger than the game.
The Road to KIC 2025: Tech and Competition
Sixteen of the world’s strongest Honor of Kings teams are set to clash in Manila. The Group Stage kicks off November 14–18 at Shooting Gallery Studios, Makati City. The Knockout Stage follows on November 20–23, leading to the final clashes on November 28–29 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
The Grand Finals on November 30 will crown the KIC 2025 Champion, awarding a lion’s share of the US$1,000,000 prize pool, an exclusive in-game skin, and global bragging rights.
For readers, this means the anthem isn’t just background music—it’s the soundtrack to one of the biggest esports events of the year.
Credits Forged in Honor
“Burn the Flame” is the product of an elite roster of creative minds:
- Lyrics: Kasper Larsen, SCHUBA, POPKIN, LAS, Brenan Espartinez
- Composition: Kasper Larsen, SCHUBA, POPKIN, LAS
- Arrangement: Kasper Holm Larsen, with additional arrangement by Brenan Espartinez
- Production: KayAndMusic, POPKIN, Neil “YUNG BAWAL” Raymundo, WILDMNDS
- Mixing: Chris Galland
- Mastering: Zach Pereyra
This lineup reflects the global nature of esports music production. It’s not just local talent—it’s a fusion of international expertise.
For readers, this means the anthem is more than entertainment—it’s a showcase of how technology connects artists worldwide to create something truly unique.
Technology as the Hidden Hero
Behind the beats and vocals lies technology. From digital audio workstations to streaming platforms, from mixing consoles to AI-driven mastering tools, every layer of “Burn the Flame” is powered by tech.
Esports thrives on technology, and so does its music. The anthem is proof that innovation isn’t just about gameplay—it’s about how culture is produced, shared, and experienced.
For readers, this means appreciating the invisible tech that makes your favorite songs possible. It’s not just artistry—it’s engineering.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
