The Making of ‘What Could Have Been’ from Arcane | Sting ft. Ray Chen 

thanks so much for listening everybody ❤️ lmk if we should make more! im trying to convince sebastien to do one for the production on Dynasties and Dystopia and this will give me ammo 😈

We were so honored to have this performed at the show!

19:22 Completely agree. Because of Stings "fatherly" voice the song also felt like it could be a farewell song from the perspective of Silco. And he could have been singing to both Jinx or Vander. Gave it a whole new layer.

"What Could Have Been" is one of the best soundtrack songs I've ever heard. I was absolutely blown away by Arcane, and a huge part of that was due to the musical storytelling and remarkable soundtrack. As I continue to rewatch Arcane, "What Could Have Been" hits harder each time. Never been emotionally impacted by a song as much as I have been by this one. Fantastic job.

Thank you so much for this Behind The Scenes video! This was so inspiring and I learnded so much! Can't wait to hear your new songs for Season 2!

14:03 as an artist, it takes some real guts to showcase a "failed" version. But it's amazingly elucidating to see how foreign the early drafts were from the end result. You and your team knocked it out of the park

Creator being sentimental and emotional about his own creation is the most beautiful thing ever. Now we know exactly why the song is hitting so hard every time you hear it

8:35 DAMN. Your voice made me break down, the raw emotion you put into it is so strong, no wonder you got emotional every time you shared the song with others.

As much as I love Sting version, I think your vocals give the track an entirely new wholesome mood

There's something very striking about the long held out "why" in the line "why don't you love who I am" paired with the image of the missile flying toward the city. The missile flying across the sky represents Jinx's emotional release visually, while the music echoes that emotional release sonically. This combo amplifies the emotional impact of this scene as a whole and helps us to deeply feel Jinx's desperation.

This is fantastic. It’s so great to see all the steps in the process; especially for composers who are starting out and feeling a little intimidated by the whole process. the song turned out flawlessly, congratulations 👏🏼

Sting nailed it so much. It's amazing to see how even though he's 70 he can still give so much passion to the music

Legendary song, powerful in it's calmness

I would absolutely love to see a “Making of” for Dynasties and Dystopia. It is my favorite song from the show. The music is awesome and the scene it plays in is so fantastic. Please please please do it!

6:50 i wish there was this version available somewhere, its amazing!!

You can't imagine how many times I've listened this song. This is a masterpiece.

As a 60 yr old guy you certainly ripped my heart out with this song. Still brings a tear to my eye weeks & every cover version after. Thankyou.

Couldn't get that final scene and song out of my head for weeks. (Still can't tbh). Thanks for the Incredible song and for this video! Really fascinating to see the process behind such genius work! Looking forward to more epic music moments in season 2. :) Cheers!

I got to provide the atmospheric effects for Sting and Ray when they performed this song and the game awards a month ago and through the many rehearsals I continued to get choked up and drop a couple tears every single run through. Truly a brilliant and moving song. Bravo

Sting had a gorgeous voice but I really think Ray Chen playing opposite to him added an incredible amount of complexity and texture to the piece. Big fan of the mournful, almost grief-stricken counterpoint melody coming from Ray's violin. Whoever wrote those violin parts was top notch.

Can we have the demo version of this where you sing the whole song, I really like your vocals on it😩❤️

6:59 13:33 16:43 everytime I came here to hear your voice it's perfect!

Even the early demo gives me chills. I think there were some nice lyrics there that were cut from the final version.

24:35 tears fell from my eyes the moment I heard the strings and the brass thank you for this masterpiece guys

Absolutely beautiful, I was speechless when I first heard it in the show. I would love a behind the scenes for "Guns for hire" as well. These two songs, for me, elevated the episodes to a whole other level.

For Sting this is a Father/Son epic! He has done many songs on this area before. This song hits him very close to home. His relationship with his own father nearly broke him as a songwriter until he summoned the courage to write about his feelings towards his father after he died. His father tried to force him to give up music and follow in his footsteps as a shipyard worker. Something Sting desperately wanted to avoid at all costs. You can hear it in the power and emotion he brings to this performance. Just listen to Sting's Broadway musical "The Last Ship"

There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting choked up by listening to your own music. That's just pure passion and emotion. It's one of the reasons this piece is so phenomenal as it is!

I feel like that line, or moment in the song *"Why don't you love who I am,"* is the most poignant, encapsulating and emotive moments of the whole song. There's just something so raw and so perfect about the fact that the phrase is not repeated, yet captures the entire spirit of the song and the plot on screen. It's not only just Jinx crying out emotively in the song, but also physically setting things into motion that can't be undone. It's like that rocket is symbolic of her irreparably breaking apart, because not only is she forever changed but so is the world around her, from the devastation that she has unleashed on herself and those around her. She is so alone in that moment, and I think you all did a phenomenal job, this was one of the best and most memorable moments onscreen moments I have ever seen in creative media.

They nailed it with this song. Can’t get this outa my head even now

The soundtrack of this show is breath taking. It's half the reason why Arcane is a complete piece of art. So emotionnal. I cannot wait for the next (s) seasons, but take all the time you need. Thank you for the a-ma-zing work!

Dude I already have like nostalgic feelings about when the Arcane hype was at its peak. I've played League for almost 9 years at this point and it was so nice to see everybody come together and mutually agree that yes, this show actually rules. Like it was bizarre to see people I follow on Twitter go "holy shit i've never played league but this arcane show goes crazy", even people who meme about League and make it the butt of the joke every chance they get could admit it's amazing. Thanks for making such a beautiful soundtrack.

Amazing song. Glad you took the time to share this process with us! ♥️

This is what I've been waiting for: Making Of/Behind the Scenes content of Arcane. Love this song, great emotion in the composition! I understand now why the song is so impactful, you aimed for words when there was no dialogue. I love that the song doesn't muddle the message as the scene plays out. I look forward to seeing the Arcane composers at the Grammys/Emmys

Honestly, what could have been was just perfect. You walked away from the show with emotion that is impossible to describe, elation and sorrow intertwined that just leaves you... I don't even have the words to do it justice. And a lot of that is built by the song. Arcane is just one of those things where everything comes together in such a way which you can not forget. And hearing about the behind the scenes is so interesting to. I so hope for more content on the score for Arcane. Sting's voice was the icing on the cake. And I think what you said about wanting something special for the final scene, without doubt you nailed it.

EVERYBODY CHOKED AT THIS SONG.

Watching this now and the initial demo gave me chills. One of my favorite songs from the soundtrack.

Finished another rewatch of Arcane and came back to rewatch this video. Probably rewatching it for the second time, lol. Can't remember

I'm so impressed by every second of everything that is going on in this video. Thank you for sharing & Thank you for the song! Just a big WOW.

This is a masterpiece. Arcane raised the bar of what sophisticated storytelling can be. Wow! ❤

I have been obsessed with this song ever since watching the finale (I think I listened to it about 30 times on repeat in one day), and it still hasn't stopped haunting me. I ADORE Sting's singing of this song... but wow, your original demo is also just STUNNING. You bring a whole different vibe to the song than I've been listening to! I don't know if it's ever possible to release the full demo, but it's such a stunning version. Thank you for sharing this behinds-the-scene look at this song! Please share more!

Its mind blowing how you can not only make an incredible song, but one that befits the visuals and the audio happening on the screen, and make it all seem so seemless and perfectly placed. Absolutely talented beyond anything I could comprehend, hats off to you.

This song still makes me cry, thank you for creating something so beautiful for us!

This was the best song in a series filled with excellent songs

what I love the most is the heavily autotuned "back up " vocal in the chorus, it gives it such an otherwordly quality in a weird way, really goes with the aesthetic of the show. Amazing job!

This video is like an early Christmas gift for me, thanks so much! I feel like there’s still a thousand questions I’d like to ask you about your work on Arcane - it’s just that good - but I’m so grateful for this insight on “What Could Have Been”. The OST and the original score (or let’s say the “orchestral” score) in Arcane are so beautifully interconnected, I still can’t stop listening to both. Will you consider making more videos about the other songs from the soundtrack? Edit: btw I totally screamed when I saw Ray in episode 5. I knew he’d be doing the song with Sting but I didn’t know he was doing a cameo - I think it’s hilarious the animators gave him a fretted violin/horn contraption!

24:44 I usually don’t listen to classical music but that instrumental was surreal. The amount of beauty in the 20 seconds you played is insane 💗 props to everyone who worked on music in the show, it made watching an otherworldly experience.

Every time I hear the crescendo of it.. when Jinx fires the cannon.. I always get chills. From the base of my neck and down to my toes. chills.

Seeing the success Arcane has must be so satisfying for you. Congratulations, this will be remembered forever.

What Could Have Been leaves me sobbing every single time I listen to it I don't know what kind of magic this is but you did such an amazing job bringing this final scene to live and having everyone's jaw on the floor ;__;

The First Demo singing was CRAZYYYY Nice

I can't describe the chills this masterpiece gives me! preach to you man

This was so interesting and inspiring! Could have listened to you explaining the details all day! Thank you for the insight! Is there any chance we will get a look into some of the other tracks aswell?

What an incredible job you did. This whole show moved me so much, but that final scene broke me. Such an amazing marriage of visuals, emotion, mood and music. Thank you so much.

Surely I'm not the only one who wants a full-length demo version of this?

What an incredible soundtrack + score. Arcane is a beautiful marriage of story, art, and music and you guys knocked it out of the park. Love how up front you are with the things you tried that didn't work out, it's so cool hearing about the process. So much respect for what you guys have done here - can't wait to see what you guys come up with next!

Thank you and everyone who worked on this masterpiece for existing in this Age...🙌🏼

I love the lyrics, especially “I want you to lose like I lose when I play, what could’ve been”. Just a devastating confession of regret and agony.

I've been listening to this song over and over, and all of the covers as well. It is a masterpiece, and you absolutely nailed it. It's the perfect song for the final scene.

I NEED your version of the song on spotify. I would listen forever

Thanks for posting this video, really interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes! Masterpiece!

Goat. Best song of the soundtrack ❤️

This song really deserves an Emmy, it touches my heart in a way I can't explain. Only hans zimmer had kinda that effect on me, but this, damn, I can't even explain it.

I think an Emmy nomination should be given for this.

One of the most meaningful individual pieces of music from a series ever. Thank you, to you and all of your collaborators at Riot and beyond.

And this one especially is so special for us fans, we just can tell how hard everyone involved in Arcane has worked so hard to make Arcane happen. Thank you so much and we are so excited for season 2! Good luck everyone!

I got into the album Fable after I watched Arcane. I had no idea you were this involved in the production and I'm so floored. I listen to What Could Have Been almost daily and now it's more rewarding to know that one of my favorite artists wrote it and is involved with one of my favorite series.

It's so amazing that he took the time to really go deep into the thought and working process him and the other people working on this song went through.

this song is a masterpiece! I can't stop playing it!

Not gonna lie here, but i like your "raw" version much more. Gets in the feels.

dude im a big metal fan and not very used to listen to new music but damn, all arcane ost made me cry like a little lady sir,one of the best ost i've ever heard. congrats and ty for all the hard work. you guys are the best

i got chills every time i hear this masterpiece

Can you upload this version of the song too ? Because I love this one so much. You say that "pieces" word so epic that I can't help but hear that in my head again and again. And I thank you for this beautiful piece of song. I absolutely will listen to this song forever.

The making of PLAYGROUND PLEEEEASE that would make my life 20 times better

Dude, this song brings me to tears just thinking about it. I bawled my eyes out first watching this scene in Arcane, but since then even though I've mostly forgotten the storyline, somehow this song still tears me to pieces. It's such an amazingly beautiful creation!

I was asking myself how is it possible to perform this song without breaking down crying so i see exactly what you mean. You guys did nail it, we would all be so lucky to create something so powerful in our lifetimes.

So amazing having your songs as my favorite songs for such a long time, and now you're scoring one of the biggest shows right now. So proud and excited to see what you're going to do in the future

Heard the song for the first time at the game awards. Blew me away. Had no intention of watching but now I'm in

This song became my hangover cure for 2 weeks straight, including playing it on loop for 2 hours while working. It speaks volumes of the composition chops and interpretation that one does not grow tired of a musical piece after such intense listening sessions. You guys have dethroned Bear McCreary’s final montage of All along the watchtower in Battlestar Galactica, and coming from a fan of that series like myself, it’s no small compliment. At 47, I thank you for offering my ears the best scene score I have been blessed to enjoy to date. Keep it up for season 2. You’ve set the bar quite high on that one.😉

I love this song so much.. hits right in the feels, thanks for showing us this!

Had this song on repeat for 2 weeks straight, still listening to it, its that good, and it hits me right into the feelings everytime it starts over !

There's something really special about that demo, something that's missing from the final version. What an incredible series you all made!

You are responsible for so many feels I wasn't wanting but needed. This arrangement is haunting painful and amazing. Thank you.

I think people tend to ignore the credit of song writers. Hats off!

incredible to see how this all came together!

I need a full mako version of what could have been on Spotify

I just stumbled over your upload and I'm just in awe. Even though I love Stings input to this, which turns this already amazing piece of composition into a masterpiece and fits the narrative and speed of the imagery perfectly, I strongly believe your "Demo" and even your "cleaned up reiteration" for the final version and delivery is one hell of an emotional rollercoaster. I could LITERALLY hear the connection you were talking about and have with the characters and the story. I suddenly got super emotional about it and was finding myself repeating this "Making Of" Non-Stop that day. Heck, I even admit that I cut out all the parts you played for us just to lay them behind one another to play it on repeat. It's Day 3 at the moment. Is there a possbility for an additional release on AppleMusic or other services? I know that might be very unlikely but I have to ask. Also, thanks for the very insightful information on how this all came to life. Christians decision to give you the opportunity to give this last track a (forceful a.k.a. dont-screw-this-up) shot was just the perfect move and shows how much talent he also has in delegating creative processes. Sorry for all this blabla. Had to type this down.

Can't even begin to properly thank you for this. You are absolutely amazing, When I hear this song I want to watch the whole series over again. I almost cried just listening to you talk about it, your passion.. is just amazing. Not just the vocals the music itself, just encapsulates the hope and despair we felt throughout. I've heard other reactors say the same thing. I love your vocals, hearing the raw version is just beyond. Just, amazing thank you. thank you. ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

This song took the animation to a higher lever,fits in the editing so well!!

Thank u so much for uploading this. Hearing you initial demo was a privilege to hear ❤️

Alex, I just wanted to say thank you for your amazing work with this series. It was an incredible challenge and you rose to it, met it, and made it yours. The combination of art, animation, VO, and script was astounding and you and your team's work on the music tied everything together perfectly. It is truly one of the greatest pieces of narrative entertainment ever made. I can't effectively describe how it all affected me, but thank you so much. As a musician, you have inspired me more than anything has in many years. Thank you for this inside look at the process, it answered a lot of questions I had. I look forward to everything you and the team does with this project!

God do I love these Behind the Scenes... What a legendary soundtrack

This is amazing! Thank you for sharing with us the process of making this masterpiece.

Distinctly remember listening to Beam constantly while playing League years ago, and now you're writing music with Sting for my favorite show. Crazy

Thank you for this beautiful, sorrowful song. It’ll be with me as long as I live. It ruined me even before I realized what the lyrics were. Once I did, it so perfectly connected to my own feelings toward someone at the darkest point of my life, it took me right back to that time. I had to leave work for the day it hit me so hard. And my inconsiderate musician-brain likes to obsess over songs until I learn every little nuance, so it kept playing over and over in my head. After a few days I was able to get through it without crying. Now I’m almost through learning Ray Chen’s solos so I can perform it this weekend (in VR so that’ll be fun). It’s rare nowadays for me to love a song so intensely I obsess over it like that, and I have *never once* had a piece of music affect me so much emotionally. Just.. thank you. 💕

I've listened to your music since I was in highschool, I was so shocked and excited to see you as a composure for this amazing series, happy for your success and wishing you a brighter future. You're great!

Absolutely brilliant.

This is a masterpiece of a song, congrats man. This is my favorite part of the entire show.

I actually heard the song first and had no idea about the show and it isn’t a style I would normally watch but the song was so hauntingly beautiful I had to check out the whole story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Glorious song

Thanks so much for showing the process, the song is an absolute masterpiece and it’s so inspiring to see the way it came to be! The lyrics are incredibly powerful and really reach into the depths of one of the most heartbreaking human emotions: regret. The most amazing thing to me is seeing how many people it took to get to that final version, the collaboration of so many talented minds that finally bring together what we see in the show following the dinner party scene, which is arguably the best written and animated I have ever seen, to tie together the ending of the season. It’s absolutely incredible. Thank you for putting so much effort into the soundtrack! Also privately this song has made me cry so many times in the best way, its hard sometimes for me to identify how I feel and this song puts the turmoil and mourning of the last half a year into words for me and is incredibly validating and I love it.

thank you for this great insights on the song. I would love to see more of the making of Arcane's music projects and in general. Can't get enough of this masterpiece!