Katy Perry new song: Listen to surprise Rio Olympics anthem 'Rise
The track "Rise" marks the artist's first release of new music since her 2013 album Prism, which itself featured the rousing likes of "Roar" as its lead single. "When, 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," she sings.
The track will tie-in with NBC's coverage of the games, with Perry announcing its release on her own Twitter; though this isn't any hint as to a possible upcoming album, with the pop star intending the song entirely to be a one-off piece of music to commemorate the Games.
"This is a song that’s been brewing inside me for years, that has finally come to the surface. 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 (via Billboard). "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."
Artwork for the track has also been released, a moody piece, featuring Perry rising out of the waters; alongside a brief snippet of the song (found Perry's Twitter), which very much sees the singer in her usual power anthem mode.