Out now on renowned label Monstercat, “You Call Me Reckless” arrives as a landmark collaboration between Swedish producer F.O.O.L, multi-genre artist Essenger, and Beijing-based metalcore group Life Awaits. This single holds dual significance as both a forward-thinking music release and the official anthem for the 2025 VALORANT Champions Tour across China (VCT CN).
Serving as the soundtrack for the tournament’s playoff campaign, the track is paired with a fully animated Riot Games music video and will be featured across livestreams, in-stadium segments, and official VCT CN content.
The production fuses high-impact guitar riffs, cinematic electronic arrangements, and emotionally charged vocals, creating a sound built for the competitive intensity of the VALORANT stage.
The arrangement begins with atmospheric synth layers and Essenger’s commanding vocal delivery, establishing an immediate sense of urgency. Instrumental layers from Life Awaits amplify the track’s energy, while F.O.O.L’s signature electronic edge drives its momentum.
This blend is intentional, as F.O.O.L explains, “We wanted to capture the vibe of China’s championship-winning Edward Gaming team and their fearless, aggressive play-style. They’re known for taking risks and surprising their opponents, and we wanted to bring that energy into the arrangement, production, and lyrics. The track is packed with high-intensity, championship-on-the-line moments, tense builds, and big drops to make it feel like a true gaming anthem. I am very proud of how it turned out, and cannot wait to hear what people think.”
Essenger highlights the collaborative process, noting, “It was a fun challenge putting together this track for the VCT CN championship, and a pleasure to work with F.O.O.L and Life Awaits. I’m really happy with the result and excited for its implementation in the tournament.”
F.O.O.L’s reputation for blending cinematic elements with bass-heavy production has earned him recognition across gaming soundtracks, including placements in Fortnite, Rocket League, and Beat Saber.
Essenger’s ability to merge alternative rock songwriting with electronic instrumentation adds a distinct emotional layer to the project. Life Awaits, with their growing influence in China’s rock scene, bring a raw, live-band energy that complements the track’s esports-driven narrative.
As VCT CN 2025 unfolds, “You Call Me Reckless” stands as both a competitive rallying cry and an example of music’s ability to bridge cultural and genre divides. Through this collaboration, Monstercat, Riot Games, and the artists involved deliver a release that resonates in both the gaming arena and the global music community.
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Raised in upstate New York, I was always a big fan of music but never really listened to electronic music. Within the first month of attending Florida State University and meeting some new friends, I was introduced to the rave scene. After seeing Ekali at my first show, I was instantly hooked. Since then, I have dived into every subgenre of electronic music, picked up DJing, and mixed for clubs and different entertainment events in Tallahassee. Once graduating with degrees in marketing and hospitality, I was hired for a sales position. However, I recently decided to leave my sales job to pursue my dream of working in the music industry. Currently, I run Magnetic Magazine's Melodic Techno Charts, along with my role as a PR and marketing specialist for different artists and labels. Some of my favorite artists are REZZ, Kyle Watson, TOBEHONEST, San Pacho, Josh Baker, HUGEL, ARTBAT, Vintage Culture, Ganja White Night, CamelPhat, Green Velvet, Jungle, Milky Chance, Paco Versailles, Franc Moody, and RÜFUS DU SOL. My favorite festivals are Hulaween (by far), EDC Orlando, and all the different venues during Miami Music Week. Outside of music, I love sports (especially hockey, soccer, tennis, basketball, and spike ball), going to the movies, working out, sushi, Chick-fil-A, food in general, and hanging with my dog Maui and my cat Loki. Feel free to reach out to me via my email or on IG, I love expanding my network of friends and business opportunities!
