Alicia Keys just released her new Alicia album, which occasioned our career-spanning interview. But she’s already back today with a new song that wasn’t on the LP. It’s a duet with Brandi Carlile called “A Beautiful Noise” designed to drive voters to the polls. “I have a voice,” goes the hook. “Started out as a whisper, turned into a scream.”
“A Beautiful Noise” premiered by surprise Thursday night during Every Vote Counts: A Celebration Of Democracy, a CBS special hosted by Keys, Kerry Washington, and America Ferrera. Other credited songwriters include Brandy Clark, Linda Perry, Lori McKenna, Ruby Amanfu, Hailey Whitters, and Hillary Lindsey. According to Variety, Live Nation exec Ali Harnell conceived of the song as a celebration of women’s suffrage and minority voting rights: “This year is the 100-year anniversary of the 19th amendment and the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.” The corporate forces behind the song are encouraging voters to hashtag their voting selfies with #ABeautifulNoise as part of a “challenge” because of course they are.
Watch the video for “A Beautiful Noise” below.
