Get ready to blast off into the cosmos with PJ Harvey's latest single, 'Voyager', a sonic journey that's out of this world! The trailblazing musician has unveiled her brand new track, which soars on a tide of expansive orchestral arrangements and atmospheric synthesisers, conjuring up the vastness of space itself. Released today (24th June) via Partisan Records, 'Voyager' is an electrifying fusion of Harvey's unique sound with themes that explore humanity's place in the grand scheme.
Harvey's creative spark was ignited when renowned physicist Professor Brian Cox invited her to compose a piece for his 'Emergence' tour. But it was a voice memo she sent him, showcasing the developing track, that truly caught fire – and not just because of its sonic majesty! Cox himself was struck by the imagery evoked, likening it to the Voyager spacecraft sending back signals from the farthest reaches of our solar system.
The result is nothing short of breathtaking. Recorded with a full orchestra at Miraval Studios in Provence, 'Voyager' is a love letter to the pioneering spirit of the 1977-launched probes, which carried the iconic 'Golden Record', containing sounds and greetings from Earth. As Harvey puts it, she was thrilled by the challenge of writing from Voyager's perspective, pondering what message it might send back to us – if only we could decipher its language!
For PJ Harvey, this single is more than just a song; it's a cosmic odyssey that has left her breathless. "The expansiveness of the score brought such depth to my music," she beams about her collaboration with Dario Marianelli. And as for researching the Voyager missions? "Fascinating stuff!" – she even included a quote from Carl Sagan, describing our planet as that 'pale blue dot' in all its fragile beauty.
After the critically acclaimed success of her 2023 album, 'I Inside The Old Year Dying', this new release is sure to get pulses racing. And it's not just about the music – Harvey has been using her platform to advocate for a more inclusive industry, including appearing on a wildfire relief benefit album and pushing for fair ticket prices in the UK.
This cosmic collision of art and science is going to leave fans starstruck! Get set to blast off into the orbit of 'Voyager' – and discover why PJ Harvey is once again leading the charge as one of the most innovative voices in music today.