Katy Perry has released her first new single since 2013’s Prism, an empowerment anthem simply titled “Rise.” The song, which will be used in NBC’s coverage of the 2016 Olympic Games, is an ode to overcoming the odds. Perry said that the track “had been brewing inside me for years” and that she felt inspired to finish it “because now more than ever, there is a need for our world to unite.”
Much like Perry’s “Firework” and “Roar” (that latter of which was also used by NBC during their coverage of the 2014 Sochi games), Perry’s new single is motivational and unapologetic, with lyrics like “Oh, ye of so little faith/ Victory is in my veins/ And I will not negotiate/ I will transform.” NBC put out an inspirational video for the song that features Olympic athletes, including swimmer Michael Phelps, sprinter Usain Bolt, and gymnast Simone Biles, competing in past Olympics:
Vulture has confirmed that “Rise” was produced by Max Martin, rather than Perry’s usual producer, Dr. Luke, who has been in an ugly court battle with pop star Kesha.
