I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Riot Games for having me back to compose another Champion theme (although this one is obviously much different from Nilah’s in pretty much every conceivable way). We worked really hard in order to create a theme that not only encapsulated Hwei’s complex persona, but also told his tragic story.

–Ben Hicks via YouTube Comments

Solo Flute: Represents Hwei’s “Light” (His kindness, vibrancy of mind and upbringing on Koyehn)

Solo Cello: Represents Hwei’s “Darkness” (His dangerous intensity of expression and imagination as well as horrified intrigue and despair)

Piano: The connective tissue between the two (Also represents his more grounded, melancholic temperament)

Violin: Jhin/Jhin’s influence

–Ben Hicks via YouTube Comments

Here are some general story bits that we tried to convey through the composition as well as the orchestration:

(0:00 – 1:12) – His early, peaceful life. Painting his visions for his temple masters.

(1:13 – 2:00) – As the years pass, he continues to paint according to the teachings of his temple (flute lead) while also venturing off on his own at night to paint his more “dangerous” and visionary art (cello joins).

(2:00) – Jhin….

(2:25 – 2:37) – Pleading conversation and confrontation with Jhin. This eventually leads to….

(2:38 – 3:02) – Complete and utter devastation and betrayal, brought forth through Jhin’s massacre. Hwei grapples with the shocking revelation and aftermath. He struggles to find balance between his intense sorrow and inner turmoil in conjunction with the hopeful empathy and kindness that lies deep within him.

(3:03 – 3:43) – Present day Hwei, unshackled and wielding his art to fully express his complex emotions in order to manipulate the world around him.

(3:44 – End) – Quiet and lonely reflection that calls back to the intro (although now with more emotional weight and life experience).

–Ben Hicks via YouTube Comments