Satellite (Rise Against song)

Last updated
"Satellite"
Rise Against-Satellite.jpeg
Single by Rise Against
from the album Endgame
ReleasedNovember 1, 2011
RecordedSeptember 2010–January 2011 at The Blasting Room, Fort Collins, Colorado
Genre Melodic hardcore [1]
Length3:58
Label DGC, Interscope
Songwriter(s) Rise Against
Producer(s) Bill Stevenson, Jason Livermore
Rise Against singles chronology
"Make It Stop (September's Children)"
(2011)		"Satellite"
(2011)		"I Don't Want to Be Here Anymore"
(2014)

"Satellite" is a song by American punk rock band Rise Against, featured on their sixth studio album Endgame (2011). Written by lead vocalist Tim McIlrath, "Satellite" is a melodic hardcore song expressing the idea that the band stood by their social and political beliefs, and that they would not conform to mainstream media. The song first premiered on March 4, 2011 in a webisode series detailing the recording process of Endgame, but was not released as the album's third single until November 1, 2011. The song impacted radio on the same day. [2]

Contents

The song was positively received by critics and praised for its passionate lyrics.

Background

Tim McIlrath (pictured in 2015) Tim McIlrath 2.jpg
Tim McIlrath (pictured in 2015)

"Satellite" was written by lead vocalist Tim McIlrath in collaboration with the song's producers, Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore. Stevenson and Livermore engineered the song alongside Andrew Berlin, while Chris Lord-Alge served as the mixer. It was recorded at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado and mastered by Ted Jensen. [3] Rise Against first unveiled the song on March 9, 2011 a webisode documenting the studio recording sessions for Endgame. [4] The band later released the track as the album's third and final single on November 1. [5]

During the writing process for Endgame, McIlrath noted how he took inspiration from the song "Not Ready to Make Nice" by the country band The Chicks. "Not Ready to Make Nice" was written in response to a controversial statement made by Natalie Maines about then U.S. President George W. Bush. The lyrics for "Satellite" were inspired by the Dixie Chicks song. [6] McIlrath also saw the song as a way of expressing that the band stood by their beliefs and that they wouldn't conform. [7]

Composition

Gnome-mime-audio-openclipart.svg
"Satellite"
A 30 second sample of the song's chorus.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Satellite" is a melodic hardcore song. [1] John Fortunato of The Aquarian Weekly described the song as a "fist-pounding mantra", [8] while Davey Boy of Sputnikmusic commented on how "Satellite" was produced to "enhance the [album's] melodic nature". [9]

Lyrically, the song features several paradoxes and metaphors, such as "You can't fill your cup, until you empty all it has". [3] According to McIlrath, the song's title comes from the idea that "Rise Against is kind of like a satellite and every once in a while we're in orbit over you - we pop into your lives and play show". [7]

Reception

The song was positively received by critics. Chad Grischow of IGN commented on the "melodic bliss hidden in the [song's] hammering riffs", and noted how "Satellite" and fellow Endgame track "This Is Letting Go" make the album a "tough resist for even those not accustomed to the staggering punk package it wraps it all up in". [1] Boy labeled the song an "infectious sing-along" and praised the track for its fiery and passionate social commentary. [9] Ulf Kubanke of laut.de found "Satellite" to be a perfect pop song, praising its anti-establishment message. [10] However, Alex Young of Consequence of Sound described the song as one of the haphazard moments from the album, [11] while John Gentile of Punknews.org felt that some of the lyrics were clichéd and bland. [12]

Music video

The accompanying music video was directed by Marc Klasfeld, [13] and was released on November 1, 2011. [14] Filmed during numerous Endgame Tour performances, the idea for the video stemmed from the distinct reaction by fans during live performances of the song. In response, the band felt compelled to dedicate the video to their fans. [15] Alongside concert performances, several behind the scenes shots of the concert production crews are also shown. [16]

A mashup video was produced, combining the music video with various motocross riders, including Blake Williams and Robbie Maddison. [17]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Endgame. [3]

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Germany (BVMI) [21] Gold150,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<i>Siren Song of the Counter Culture</i> 2004 studio album by Rise Against

Siren Song of the Counter Culture is the third studio album by American punk rock band Rise Against. Released on August 10, 2004, it was Rise Against's first album on a major record label, after the band signed with DreamWorks Records in September 2003. The recording sessions for the album with producer Garth Richardson were mostly split between two studios in British Columbia. These sessions were marred by numerous distractions and inconveniences, such as the absorption of DreamWorks into Geffen Records, the arrival of a new guitarist, accusations of the band selling out, and the birth of lead vocalist Tim McIlrath's child.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rise Against</span> American punk rock band

Rise Against is an American punk rock band from Chicago, formed in 1999. The group's current line-up comprises vocalist/rhythm guitarist Tim McIlrath, lead guitarist Zach Blair, bassist Joe Principe and drummer Brandon Barnes. Rooted in hardcore punk and melodic hardcore, Rise Against's music emphasizes melody, catchy hooks, an aggressive sound and playstyle, and rapid tempos. Lyrically, the band is known for their outspoken social commentary, covering a wide range of topics such as political injustice, animal rights, humanitarianism, and environmentalism.

<i>The Unraveling</i> (Rise Against album) 2001 studio album by Rise Against

The Unraveling is the debut studio album by American punk rock band Rise Against, released on April 24, 2001 by Fat Wreck Chords. Following the release of the extended play Transistor Revolt in 2000, the band signed with Fat Wreck Chords and began working on the album at Sonic Iguana Studios with producer Mass Giorgini. Musically, The Unraveling is rooted in melodic hardcore, which later came to be the band’s signature style; conversely, its lyrics differ from their more politically-driven later work, focusing more on personal relationships and issues.

<i>Revolutions per Minute</i> (Rise Against album) 2003 studio album by Rise Against

Revolutions per Minute is the second studio album by American punk rock band Rise Against, released on April 8, 2003, by Fat Wreck Chords. After establishing a fanbase with their 2001 debut, The Unraveling, the band members wanted to record an album that distinguished them from other Fat Wreck Chords bands of the time. They chose Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore to produce the album, with whom they developed a strong rapport. Recording took place from November to December 2002 at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tim McIlrath</span> American rock musician (born 1978)

Timothy James McIlrath is an American rock musician. He is the lead singer, rhythm guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of the punk rock band Rise Against. He is vegan and straight edge.

<i>The Sufferer & the Witness</i> 2006 studio album by Rise Against

The Sufferer & the Witness is the fourth studio album by American punk rock band Rise Against, released on July 4, 2006. A melodic hardcore album, it comprises thirteen tracks that focus on melody, catchy hooks, and rapid-paced tempo. Social and political issues as well as the concept of self-reflection constitute the majority of the lyrical content.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ready to Fall</span> 2006 single by Rise Against

"Ready to Fall" is the first single by the punk rock band Rise Against from their fourth studio album, The Sufferer & The Witness (2006).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Swing Life Away</span> 2005 single by Rise Against

"Swing Life Away" is a song by American punk rock band Rise Against. It is an acoustic ballad, with a sharp guitar sound and optimistic lyrics about daily life and the working class. The song was first included in the 2003 compilation album Punk Goes Acoustic, and was later expanded upon in the band's 2004 album Siren Song of the Counter Culture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give It All</span> 2004 single by Rise Against

"Give It All" is a song by American rock band Rise Against. It was originally recorded for the 2004 compilation album Rock Against Bush, Vol. 1, while a slightly altered version appeared on the band's third studio album Siren Song of the Counter Culture later that year. It is a hardcore punk song, with lyrics that are about "being a punk rocker in today's world," according to lead vocalist Tim McIlrath. It was released as Siren Song of the Counter Culture's first single in October 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prayer of the Refugee</span> 2006 single by Rise Against

"Prayer of the Refugee" is a song by American punk rock band Rise Against, featured on their fourth studio album The Sufferer & the Witness (2006). The lyrics were written by lead vocalist Tim McIlrath, and deal with the themes of forced displacement and the societal issues surrounding refugees. The song uses a contrasting verse-chorus form, with slow and melancholic verses against fast-paced and chaotic choruses. It was released as The Sufferer & the Witness's second single on December 6, 2006.

<i>Appeal to Reason</i> (album) 2008 studio album by Rise Against

Appeal to Reason is the fifth studio album by American punk rock band Rise Against. It was released on October 7, 2008. A melodic hardcore album, Appeal to Reason marked a musical shift from the gritty hardcore punk sound that had previously defined the band's career to what some have viewed as a more radio-friendly sound, with greater emphasis on production and bigger, more anthemic choruses. The album's lyrics primarily focus on political issues in the United States, such as the Iraq War and the Bush administration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Re-Education (Through Labor)</span> 2008 single by Rise Against

"Re-Education " is the first single from American punk rock band Rise Against's fifth studio album, Appeal to Reason. The single was released digitally to digital stores and radio stations on August 26, 2008. A music video was released on the same day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Savior (Rise Against song)</span> 2009 single by Rise Against

"Savior" is a song by American punk rock band Rise Against, featured on their fifth studio album Appeal to Reason (2008). In contrast to the social and political topics normally discussed in Rise Against songs, "Savior" is about forgiveness and broken relationships. It is a punk rock song, with a "frenetic pace" that John Hanson of Sputnikmusic described as reminiscent of tracks from the band's 2003 album Revolutions per Minute. It was released as Appeal to Reason's third single on June 3, 2009.

<i>Endgame</i> (Rise Against album) 2011 studio album by Rise Against

Endgame is the sixth studio album by American punk rock band Rise Against. It was released on March 15, 2011, by DGC Records and Interscope Records. A melodic hardcore album, Endgame continues the trend by Rise Against towards more crisp, polished production, which began with the band's previous album Appeal to Reason. Social and political commentary constitute the majority of the lyrical content on Endgame, and a major theme revolves around the end of humanity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Help Is on the Way</span> 2011 single by Rise Against

"Help Is On the Way" is a song by American rock band Rise Against, featured on their sixth studio album Endgame (2011). Inspired by lead vocalist Tim McIlrath's visit to New Orleans, the song is about the slow response time for aid to disaster stricken areas. It incorporates elements of punk rock and melodic hardcore, with lyrics that allude to Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. "Help Is On the Way" premiered on KROQ-FM on January 17, 2011, and was later released as Endgame's lead single on January 25.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Make It Stop (September's Children)</span> 2011 single by Rise Against

"Make It Stop " is the second single from rock band Rise Against's sixth studio album, Endgame. The single was released to digital music outlets on May 30, 2011. The song hit radio stations the following day. It peaked at number six on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart and number eight on Billboard's Rock Songs chart. The song is part of the It Gets Better Project.

"Wait for Me" is a song by American rock band Rise Against, featured on their sixth studio album Endgame (2011). The song impacted radio on June 12, 2012. Written by lead vocalist Tim McIlrath, the track is notable for being one of the slower songs off the album. It was released as a promotional single in 2012, and was the final single released for Endgame. The song received positive reviews, with praise for its slower and methodical nature. It reached number 14 on the US Rock Songs chart, and was featured on the "Best Songs of the year" lists by KROQ-FM and WSUN-FM.

<i>The Black Market</i> (Rise Against album) 2014 studio album by Rise Against

The Black Market is the seventh studio album by American punk rock band Rise Against, released on July 15, 2014 through Interscope Records. A melodic hardcore album, The Black Market comprises twelve songs that focus on mid-tempo rhythm, vocal hooks, and strong bridge sections. The album's thematically introspective lyrics are a departure from the band's typical social and political topics, and revolve around dark subject matter.

"Tragedy + Time" is a song by American punk rock band Rise Against. The song was released as the second single from their seventh album, titled The Black Market. The song impacted radio on October 21, 2014. According to lead singer Tim McIlrath, the title of the song comes from the phrase "tragedy plus time equals comedy". The song is a playable track in Guitar Hero Live.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Grischow, Chad (March 14, 2011). "Rise Against: Endgame Review". IGN . Archived from the original on September 26, 2015. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  2. ↑ "AllAccess.com Alternative eWeekly". AllAccess. October 25, 2011. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 Endgame (liner notes). Rise Against. DGC Records, Interscope Records. 2011.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  4. ↑ "Rise Against Post New Song "Satellite" In Final In-Studio Webisode". KROQ-FM. March 9, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  5. ↑ "Satellite" (CD single) (Media notes). Rise Against. DGC Records, Interscope Records. 2011.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ↑ O'Donnell, Kevin (December 22, 2010). "First Look at Rise Against's Upcoming Album". Spin . Archived from the original on September 26, 2015. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  7. 1 2 Garner, George (February 15, 2015). "The Ultimate Rise Against Videography" ("Satellite" slide). Kerrang! . Archived from the original on January 4, 2015. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  8. ↑ Fortunato, John (May 4, 2011). "Interview with Tim McIlrath from Rise Against: Prophesying A Favorable 'Endgame'". The Aquarian Weekly . Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  9. 1 2 Boy, Davey (March 14, 2011). "Review: Rise Against - Endgame | Sputnikmusic". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  10. ↑ Kubanke, Ulf (March 11, 2011). "Endgame - Preaching with a Punk Bazooka" (in German). laut.de . Retrieved January 10, 2015.
  11. ↑ Young, Alex (March 17, 2011). "Rise Against - Endgame | Consequence of Sound". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  12. ↑ Gentile, John (March 15, 2011). "Rise Against - Endgame | Punknews.org". Punknews.org. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Satellite - Rise Against - Vevo". Vevo. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  14. ↑ Common, Tyler (November 1, 2011). "Rise Against release music video for 'Satellite'". Alternative Press . Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  15. ↑ "Satellite New Music Video". riseagainst.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  16. ↑ Kim, Dave (November 2, 2011). "Rise Against Pay Tribute to Fans in "Satellite" Music Video". WGRD-FM . Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  17. ↑ Wilkie, Jim (March 15, 2012). "Riders mash up in Rise Against video". X Games. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  18. ↑ "Rise Against Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  19. ↑ "Rise Against Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  20. ↑ "Rock Songs Year End 2012". Billboard . Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  21. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Rise Against; 'Satellite')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie . Retrieved March 13, 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.