Katy Perry unveiled her first new song in three years with “Rise,” the singer’s theme for NBC’s broadcast of the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. Perry also shared the single’s video, a riveting montage of memorable moments and athletes from Olympics’ past.
Produced by pop extraordinaire Max Martin, “Rise” is a galvanic sequel to her 2013 smash hit “Roar.” Perry sings: “When the fire’s at my feet again/ And the vultures all start circling/ They’re whispering, ‘You’re out of time’/ But still I rise.”
“This is a song that’s been brewing inside me for years, that has finally come to the surface,” Perry said of “Rise” in a statement. “I was inspired to finish it now, rather than save it for my next album, because now more than ever, there is a need for our world to unite,” Perry said in a statement.
“I know that together we can rise above the fear – in our country, and around the world. I can’t think of a better example than the Olympic athletes, as they gather in Rio with their strength and fearlessness, to remind us how we ALL can come together, with the resolve to be the best we can be. I hope this song can inspire us to heal, unite, and rise together. I am honored that NBC Olympics has chosen to use it as an anthem before and during the Rio Games.”
“Rise” marks Perry’s first new song since the release of her smash 2013 LP Prism. The single will be utilized by NBC Olympics’ production team throughout the event, including during the coverage of the August 5th opening ceremony, Billboard reports. “Rise” is available now through iTunes and Apple Music.
– Rolling Stone
