DURAN DURAN
What Happens Tomorrow
31.01.05
On Epic Records
After a magnificent return to the UK charts with their first single (Reach Up For The) SUNRISE (which entered at #5 and marks their highest debut since A View to a Kill in 1985). DURAN DURAN will release their second single WHAT HAPPENS TOMORROW on 31st January 2005.
Taken from their critically acclaimed new album, ASTRONAUT, which made its impressive UK album chart debut at #3 (their highest since Seven & The Ragged Tiger, in 1983) What Happens Tomorrow is a poignant and emotive song, penned by the five original members of Duran Duran (Simon LeBon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor and Andy Taylor) shortly after the US President declared war on Iraq.
I remember watching a young boy on the news being asked about his fears at the start of what the US Government euphemistically called the War on Terror, Nick Rhodes recalls. I could see him trying to assimilate what was going on and how it was going to affect his life. At the end of the interview, he shrugged and said well, I guess no-one knows whats going to happen tomorrow which is exactly how we were all feeling. No different even though our circumstances were worlds apart. It made you realize how unstable this new world order really is.
Produced at Sphere Studios in London by Don Gilmore (Linkin Park, Good Charlotte) and Duran Duran, and mixed at Olympic Studios by Jeremy Wheatley (Massive Attack, Sugababes and The Dandy Warhols), What Happens Tomorrow - which was one of the last tracks to be written for the band's new album, during a month-long writing and pre-production session in London, some 18 months ago - showcases a deeper and more thoughtful side of the band both musically and lyrically.
With LeBons powerful vocal, the Taylors driving rhythm track and Rhodes elegantly woven signature electronic symphony throughout, What Happens Tomorrow has already been hailed as one of the albums stand-out tracks both by critics and fans alike.
In stark contrast to the lyrics of the song, the video for What Happens Tomorrow portrays a magical night where two young lovers, out late alone, find themselves able to realign the stars in the sky to form unique constellations that look like the outlines of the band members performing. Shot entirely on a sound-stage in Los Angeles by two young film makers, Smith N Borin (Good Charlotte, Cypress Hill, Eminem), and utilizing some of the most up-to-date post production technology, the results promise to live up to Duran Duran's unparalleled reputation for making spectacular videos.
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Astronaut:
Astronaut was recorded at Londons Sphere Studios with Don Gilmore, Dallas Austin (Madonna, Christine Aguilera, TLC, Usher and Gwen Stefani) and Nile Rodgers (Madonna, David Bowie, Duran Duran) sharing production responsibilities with the band. Astronaut marks Duran Durans first release on Epic Records, since they signed their new deal with the major earlier this year. Jeremy Wheatley (Massive Attack, Sugababes and The Dandy Warhols) mixed the album at Olympic Studios in London.
Alongside the standard 12-track album, Epic also released a special limited edition deluxe package of Astronaut, featuring a 24-page colour booklet and a bonus 45-minute DVD that includes candid, behind-the-scenes footage (shot by award-winning documentary film-maker Gavin Elder) and five full-length live tracks from the band's sold-out concert run at Wembley Arena earlier this year. Live songs included are: (Reach Up For The) Sunrise, Hungry Like The Wolf, What Happens Tomorrow, Union of the Snake and Wild Boys. Also featured on the DVD is the spectacular music video for (Reach Up For The) Sunrise the first single off the album.
What Happens Tomorrow
31.01.05
On Epic Records