LaLiga unveils its new sound identity by Lucas Vidal

Click here to listen to the main track titled "Heartbeats of the future": 

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The one-time Emmy and two-time Goya-winning composer was entrusted with composing the piece, which was recorded in Madrid, Prague and London.

Over 130 musicians of over 20 nationalities brought the music to life, with LaLiga fans playing a starring role.

23rd July 2019.- LaLiga has today unveiled its new sound identity, a musical composition developed by international composer Lucas Vidal that looks to represent the sound of all the football fans who leave their hearts, voices and souls in every stadium that they set foot in to cheer their team on.

The piece was recorded in Madrid, Prague and London, and saw a total of 130 musicians of 20 nationalities take part in its recording. The idea was born in the Spanish capital, where the initial demo was put together and the finishing touches added to the final piece. The choirs were recorded at Smecky Music Studios in Prague, while the orchestral parts, played by musicians with a wealth of experience in recording film soundtracks such as Star Wars, Jurassic Park and The Avengers, were recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London. 

LaLiga president Javier Tebas stated: "What we're presenting today is essential for LaLiga and will be a defining moment in LaLiga history. It's an epic, integrating and recognisable sound that all Spanish football fans can identify with. We've made it with impeccable professionalism and added an international flavour, in keeping with LaLiga itself, so that supporters from all over the globe feel that the music belongs to them."

Composer Lucas Vidal, a one-time Emmy and two-time Goya winner, admitted that taking part in this project "has been a dream come true. I was very excited to accept the role and immediately knew just what a big responsibility it was. I simply had to rise to the challenge for the fans, who have inspired me, thanks to their united chants, energy and commitment. I hope to give back to them through this music some of the passion that they feel whenever they watch a LaLiga match."

The project, which Movistar has also been involved with through LaLiga, was hatched during a year of hard work and places its fans at its very heart. It is they who have left their mark on the competition over time, making them main pillars in the musical piece. 

The start of the music involves future fans, those who were still in the womb at the time of recording and were predestined to be passionate football aficionados from birth, given their mothers' love of the beautiful game. LaLiga put together a special initiative inviting pregnant women to have their unborn babies’ heartbeats featured in the music. Over 3,000 people took part in May and 90 were chosen, one for each year since LaLiga’s inception in 1929. The 90 heartbeats represent the fans of the future and care has been taken to incorporate them into the very heart of the music.  

The second element of the composition is made up of fans applauding in a rhythmic and constant manner, a sound with which all football supporters across the globe can identify. "Heartbeats and applause are intrinsically linked and bring energy together to generate a state of collective happiness and excitement," explained Vidal.

The third component, the melody, stands out for the way it brings wind and string instruments together and crescendos, leading up to an epic moment with an increased beat. The main melody, which is played by horns and trumpets with vocals, fluctuates between four chords that look to connect with LaLiga fans' positive emotions. Instruments from different cultures are used in the song in a bid to give it a more universal feel.

Ad hoc versions for specific occasions

LaLiga has developed four different versions of this musical identity, which will be used based on the setting in question:

•A main track titled 'Heartbeats of the future’ lasting 3:40. Its versatility means it can be used at different points of the game and/or broadcast. The music will be incorporated into every LaLiga broadcast on television and the long-term aim is for it to be used on radio broadcasts as well.

•Underscore version: the rhythm and tone are designed for slower-paced moments.

•A corporate creation: for other professional LaLiga settings (headquarters, events etc.)

•An audio logo and closing version: to wrap up LaLiga's range of audio-visual content (advertising campaigns, digital pieces, etc.)

The four versions of this musical identity take it beyond a simple anthem, taking LaLiga to another level as a brand and as an organisation. This is yet another step forward in LaLiga’s bid to be established as a major player in the entertainment industry and to provide visibility for each of its clubs on the international stage.

About LaLiga

Founded in 1984, LaLiga is a sports association comprising the 41 teams that make up the first and second divisions of professional football in Spain. LaLiga, based in Madrid, is responsible for the LaLiga Santander and LaLiga 1|2|3 leagues and the television production, which in the 2018/2019 season reached more than 2.7 billion people globally. The association also has an active foundation and was the world's first professional football league to establish a league for intellectually challenged footballers: LaLiga Genuine Santander.