Still Alive (Demi Lovato song)

Last updated

"Still Alive"
Still Alive - Demi Lovato.jpg
Single by Demi Lovato
from the album Scream VI
ReleasedMarch 3, 2023 (2023-03-03)
Genre Pop-punk
Length3:05
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Mike Shinoda
Demi Lovato singles chronology
"29"
(2022)		"Still Alive"
(2023)		"Heart Attack (Rock Version)"
(2023)
Music video
"Still Alive" on YouTube

"Still Alive" is a song recorded by American singer Demi Lovato for the soundtrack to the 2023 slasher film Scream VI . She wrote it along with Laura Veltz and Linkin Park 's Mike Shinoda; the latter handled its production. Island Records released the song digitally on March 3, 2023, while Universal Music Group sent it to Italian radio airplay as the lead single from the album. It marked Lovato's first music release since her return to rock-infused styles with her 2022 studio album, Holy Fvck . A pop-punk song driven by electric guitars, "Still Alive" contains lyrics about surviving through a living hell.

Contents

Upon release, "Still Alive" received positive reviews from music journalists; several claimed that it felt like a Holy Fvck outtake track. It received a nomination at the 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards for Best Song. A horror film-themed music video for "Still Alive", directed by Jensen Noen, was broadcast on Good Morning America and released alongside the song. It intersperses scenes from the Melissa Barrera-starred film with clips of Lovato and a group of friends fighting off Ghostface. The video ends with a confirmation that the entire plot was part of a movie.

Background and release

American singer Demi Lovato returned to pop-punk and rock-infused music with the release of her eighth studio album, Holy Fvck , in August 2022, [1] with a crucifixion imagery that was banned in the United Kingdom. [2] Various musicians of the genre appeared on the album as featured guests. [3] Holy Fvck became Lovato's eighth consecutive top ten album in the United States, [4] and topped three Billboard charts: Top Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Rock Albums, and Top Alternative Albums. [1]

Fans began to speculate about Lovato's possible involvement in the Scream VI soundtrack in early February 2023. She responded on Twitter to a post claiming the release of "Still Alive" with an eye emoji, although without confirming anything. [5] The singer hinted at the song's release after sharing a phone number and a link which led fans to a brief teaser complete with a Ghostface (Roger L. Jackson) intro and audio clip of "Still Alive". [6] Lovato announced the song, along with its release date and cover artwork, on her social media on February 15. [7] The artwork shows Lovato with a dagger reflecting the image of Ghostface. In a press release, Lovato said: "I couldn't think of a more perfect home for 'Still Alive' than within the Scream universe, I'm a huge fan of the films, so it's an honor to contribute to such an iconic horror franchise". [8] On the following day, she posted an snippet of the song via her TikTok account, and received good reception from fans. [9] "Still Alive" was released as the lead single from the album [10] and sent to Italian radio airplay. [11]

Composition

Lovato, Laura Veltz, and Linkin Park 's co-founder Mike Shinoda wrote the track; the latter also produced it. [12] "Still Alive" is a pop-punk song, [13] [14] [15] a subgenre of punk rock, [10] following Lovato's return to these music styles in 2022. [16] The song incorporates sludge metal guitars, drum patterns, and other characteristics of the genre. [10] In its lyrics, Lovato expresses herself about surviving through a living hell, [14] which echoes her previous mental struggles. [17] The chorus' lyrics ("Already died a thousand times / Went to hell but I’m back and I’m breathing / Make me bleed while my heart is still beating / Still alive") were compared by Billboard to Lovato's 2018 drug overdose, in which she "came very close to losing it all." [13] In an interview at the film's premiere, the singer stated that "Still Alive" has personal meaning for her, as she wanted to express herself and "tell the world how [she is] still alive as well". [12]

Critical reception

Following the song's release, several music critics agreed that "Still Alive" felt like an outtake track from Holy Fvck and would have had "perfect cohesion". [10] [17] Adrianne Reece for Elite Daily wrote that "Still Alive" is a "sickening reminder" that Lovato belongs in punk rock, and described its lyrics as tantalizing. [10] The critic also said that Lovato showcases her strength throughout the track. [10] Billboard's Stephen Daw included "Still Alive" on a list of Best Queer Releases of the Week, and described the song as a masterclass, and "an excellent addition" to Lovato's rock catalog. [18] Vanessa Maki of The Mary Sue opined that it suited the Scream VI film, and called the song a banger and a "single that almost everyone should check it at least once". [19] For Music Talkers, Phil Arnold praised Lovato's vocals on the track and its production, which "take you on a real journey of music". [20] At the 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards, the song received a nomination in the category Best Song from a Movie; it lost to Taylor Swift 's "Carolina". [21]

Music video

The music video for "Still Alive" premiered on Lovato's Vevo channel on YouTube at midnight EST on March 3, 2023. It was also broadcast on the American Broadcasting Company television show Good Morning America. [22] The video was directed by Jensen Noen and produced by Phoenix Vaughn, Tanner Gordon and Veronika Graves, [13] and features cameos by Mike Shinoda, co-writer and producer of the song, and Spencer Charnas, which stated that he's "honoured to have a little cameo" in the video for "one of [his] all time favourite movie franchises." [23] [16]

It starts with Lovato showing up at a hotel with a group of friends. She hands an invitation to a hotel worker, that reads "Do you like scary movies?." Lovato and her friends sit down for a screening of the film. The video also contains scenes taken from the film starring Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Hayden Panettiere, and Courteney Cox. [24] The screening stops and the person in charge of it, drops dead and Ghostface appears to attack Lovato and her friends as they try to fight off him and escape. By the end of the video, Lovato manages to finish off the villain and it ends up being that it was all part of the screening. [25]

The video also generated favorable reviews. Maki praised Lovato's style for being "very mature [and] alt", and the presence of Shinoda which generated interest in the public. [19] Arnold said that the video "makes the concept [of the song] a little easier to follow and grasp, but is also beautifully cinematic in the way it is put together". [20] The Honey Pop's Rachel Finucane called it eye-catcher, and said that the predominant black and blue colors "work perfectly". [17]

Charts

Chart performance for "Still Alive"
Chart (2023)Peak
position
Czech Republic (Rádio – Top 100) [26] 20
UK Singles Downloads (OCC) [27] 55
UK Singles Sales (OCC) [28] 55
US Alternative Digital Song Sales (Billboard) [29] 2
US Rock Digital Song Sales ( Billboard ) [30] 4

Release history

Release dates and format(s) for "Still Alive"
RegionDateFormat(s)LabelRef.
VariousMarch 3, 2023 Island [31]
Italy Radio airplay Universal [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Demi Lovato</span> American singer (born 1992)

Demetria Devonne "Demi" Lovato is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. After appearing on the children's television series Barney & Friends (2002–2004), she starred in the Disney Channel short series As the Bell Rings (2007–2008). Lovato rose to prominence for playing Mitchie Torres in the musical television film Camp Rock (2008) and its sequel Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010). The former film's soundtrack contained "This Is Me", her debut single and duet, which peaked at number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Demi Lovato discography</span>

American singer Demi Lovato has released eight studio albums, two soundtrack albums, one remix album, five extended plays (EPs), 55 singles, and 17 promotional singles. According to Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Lovato has achieved 51 million certified units. As of August 2023, she has sold 9.7 million albums and 23.9 million song downloads and her songs have registered 7.7 billion on-demand streams in the United States. Each of Lovato's studio albums debuted in the top-ten on the US Billboard 200, and four of which have received platinum or higher certifications and two gold certifications in the U.S. She has a total of 36 chart entries on the US Billboard Hot 100, including four top-ten songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La La Land (Demi Lovato song)</span> 2008 single by Demi Lovato

"La La Land" is a song by American singer Demi Lovato. It was written by Lovato, Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas and Kevin Jonas and produced by the Jonas Brothers alongside John Fields, for Lovato's debut studio album, Don't Forget (2008). It was released as the album's second single on December 18, 2008, through Hollywood Records. "La La Land" is one of six songs on the album co-written by the Jonas Brothers, who also contributed backing vocals and guitars to the track. Lovato said that she wrote the song about being herself in Hollywood and not letting other people change who she is. Musically, the song is a guitar-driven pop rock song and the lyrics speak of Lovato feeling "out of place" in Hollywood.

"Don't Forget" is a song by American singer Demi Lovato, from her debut album of the same name. It was written by Lovato and the Jonas Brothers, who co-produced the song with John Fields. It was released as the album's third and final single on March 17, 2009, through Hollywood Records. The inspiration of the song came from Lovato falling in love with someone who later left her. According to Lovato, it is one of the songs on the album that she most relates to. Musically, "Don't Forget" is a midtempo glam rock ballad that features Lovato singing with breathy falsetto vocals. An accompanying music video was released on March 20, 2009. In 2023, the song was re-recorded for her first remix album Revamped.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skyscraper (song)</span> 2011 single by Demi Lovato

"Skyscraper" is a song recorded by American singer Demi Lovato for her third studio album, Unbroken (2011). It was released by Hollywood Records on July 12, 2011, as the lead single from the album. The song was written by Toby Gad, Lindy Robbins, and Kerli; the former handled its production. American singer Jordin Sparks provided background vocals for the track. It was inspired by a picture of the apocalypse, in which the world was in ruins and, among collapsed buildings, one skyscraper was standing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give Your Heart a Break</span> 2012 single by Demi Lovato

"Give Your Heart a Break" is a song recorded by American singer Demi Lovato for her third studio album Unbroken (2011). It was released on January 23, 2012, by Hollywood Records, as the second and final single from the album. The song was written and produced by Josh Alexander and Billy Steinberg. "Give Your Heart a Break" incorporates drums, violin and strings. The latter two, according to music critics, are reminiscent of those used in Coldplay's "Viva la Vida". Lyrically, the song chronicles the protagonist's attempt to win over her lover who has been hurt in a previous relationship and is fearful of committing again. In 2023, the song was re-recorded for her rock-compilation Revamped with Bert McCracken from the rock band The Used.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heart Attack (Demi Lovato song)</span> 2013 single by Demi Lovato

"Heart Attack" is a song recorded by American singer Demi Lovato. It was released on February 25, 2013, as the lead single from her fourth studio album, Demi (2013). The song was produced by Mitch Allan and Jason Evigan of The Suspex, who co-wrote the song along with Lovato, Sean Douglas, Nikki Williams, and Aaron Phillips. "Heart Attack" is an electropop song that employs cardiac motifs to represent the fear of falling in love. It received acclaim from music critics, many of whom complimented its lyrics and Lovato's vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cool for the Summer</span> 2015 single by Demi Lovato

"Cool for the Summer" is a song by American singer Demi Lovato. It was released as the lead single from her fifth studio album Confident (2015) on July 1, 2015, by Hollywood Records and Island Records, and premiered on radio on the same date via Republic Records. Lovato co-wrote "Cool for the Summer" with Alexander Erik Kronlund, Savan Kotecha, and its producers Max Martin and Ali Payami. It is a pop and pop rock song with an electronic instrumental arrangement, a synthesized beat and an electric-guitar riff during the chorus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Confident (Demi Lovato song)</span> 2015 single by Demi Lovato

"Confident" is a song by American singer Demi Lovato. It was released on September 18, 2015, by Hollywood and Island Records as the second single from her fifth studio album of the same name (2015). Lovato co-wrote the song with Savan Kotecha and its producers Max Martin and Ilya Salmanzadeh. Commercially, it reached number one in Israel and the top 30 in Canada, the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Scotland, and the United States. The song has been certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sorry Not Sorry (Demi Lovato song)</span> 2017 single by Demi Lovato

"Sorry Not Sorry" is a song by American singer Demi Lovato and the lead single from her sixth studio album, Tell Me You Love Me (2017). Island, Hollywood, and Safehouse Records released the song on July 11, 2017. Written by Lovato alongside Sean Douglas, Trevor Brown, William Zaire Simmons and its producer Oak Felder, it is a pop and R&B track. An acoustic version of the song was present on the deluxe edition of the album. Years later, a re-recorded version featuring British-American guitarist Slash was released as a promotional single and included on Lovato's first remix album, Revamped (2023).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eat Me (song)</span> 2022 song by Demi Lovato

"Eat Me" is a song by American singer Demi Lovato featuring guests vocals from American singer Royal & the Serpent, taken from Lovato's eighth studio album, Holy Fvck (2022). The artists wrote the song along with Laura Veltz, Keith "Ten4" Sorrells, Warren "Oak" Felder, and Alex Niceforo, while production was handled by the latter three. Containing electric guitar riffs, "Eat Me" emphasizes on Lovato's feminine image and how she sees contradictions in the American media and music industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skin of My Teeth</span> 2022 single by Demi Lovato

"Skin of My Teeth" is a song by American singer Demi Lovato from her eighth studio album, Holy Fvck (2022). It was released by Island Records on June 10, 2022, as the album's lead single. She co-wrote the song with Oak Felder, Alex Niceforo, Keith "Ten4" Sorrells, Laura Veltz, and Lil Aaron, while the former three handled its production. "Skin of My Teeth" is a rock, pop-punk, and grunge track, led by electric guitars and drums. Lyrically, it deals with society's criticisms about addictions and drug rehabilitation, as well as Lovato's own struggles. Its title references the biblical phrase of the same name.

<i>Holy Fvck</i> 2022 studio album by Demi Lovato

Holy Fvck is the eighth studio album by American singer Demi Lovato. It was released on August 19, 2022, through Island Records. Primarily a pop-punk and hard rock record, Lovato conceived it as a return to the early rock-influenced roots from her first two studio albums, Don't Forget (2008) and Here We Go Again (2009), while also containing glam rock and heavy metal elements. Its lyrical themes explore religious undertones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Happy Ending (Demi Lovato song)</span> 2022 song by Demi Lovato

"Happy Ending" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Demi Lovato for her eighth studio album, Holy Fvck, released on August 19, 2022, through Island Records. The seventh track on the record, it was written by Lovato along with Laura Veltz, Jordan Lutes, and its producers Warren "Oak" Felder, Keith "Ten4" Sorrells, Alex Niceforo, and Mitch Allan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">29 (Demi Lovato song)</span> 2022 single by Demi Lovato

"29" is a song by American singer Demi Lovato from her eighth studio album, Holy Fvck (2022). Island Records released the song on August 17, 2022, as the album's third single. It was written by Lovato along with Oak Felder, Alex Niceforo, Keith Sorrells, Laura Veltz, and Sean Douglas. Produced by Felder, Niceforo, and Sorrells, "29" is a rock song with lyrics about age gaps in relationships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Substance (song)</span> 2022 single by Demi Lovato

"Substance" is a song by American singer Demi Lovato. It was released through Island Records on July 15, 2022, as the second single from her eighth studio album, Holy Fvck (2022). She co-wrote the track with Jutes, Laura Veltz, and its producers Alex Niceforo, Keith Sorrells, and Warren "Oak" Felder. It is a pop-punk and rock track, incorporating guitars and drums. The lyrics of the song include a criticism of the contemporary society.

<i>Scream VI</i> (soundtrack) 2023 soundtrack album by Brian Tyler and Sven Faulconer

Scream VI (Music from the Motion Picture) is the soundtrack to the 2023 film Scream VI, the sixth instalment in the Scream franchise and the sequel to Scream (2022), directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. Featuring musical score composed by Brian Tyler and Sven Faulconer, the score was released by Paramount Music on March 10, 2023, alongside the film. It was preceded by two singles—"Still Alive" performed by Demi Lovato and "In My Head" by Mike Shinoda and Kailee Morgue.

<i>Revamped</i> 2023 remix album by Demi Lovato

Revamped is the first remix album by American singer Demi Lovato. It was released on September 15, 2023, through Island Records. Produced entirely by Warren "Oak" Felder, Alex Niceforo, and Keith Sorrells, the album comprises ten re-recorded rock versions of songs from Lovato's previous albums. It served as a follow-up to her return to rock music with her 2022 studio album Holy Fvck, and included pop-punk inspirations. Featured musicians include Slash, Nita Strauss, Bert McCracken, and the Maine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chula (song)</span> 2024 single by Grupo Firme and Demi Lovato

"Chula" is a song by Mexican band Grupo Firme and American singer Demi Lovato, released through Music VIP Entertainment on August 15, 2024. It was written by Lovato, Eduin Caz, Luis Mexia, Manuel Orozco, Warren "Oak" Felder, Oscar Linnander, Pablo Preciado, and Sean Douglas, while Felder, Linnander, and Sheeno handled its production. Before its official announcement, both acts premiered the song at a concert in Austin, Texas, as part of the group's La Última Peda concert tour. "Chula" is a Spanglish dance-pop track, which marked a departure from Lovato's rock-infused sound.

References

  1. 1 2 Rowley, Glenn (February 17, 2023). "Demi Lovato Previews 'Still Alive' With Help From Ghostface Mask". Billboard . Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  2. ↑ Daw, Stephen (February 16, 2023). "The 'Satanic Panic' Is Back: How a Bygone Moral Crisis Returned With Queer Artists In Its Crosshairs". Billboard . Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  3. ↑ Cowen, Trace William (August 19, 2022). "Demi Lovato Shares New Album 'Holy Fvck' f/ Yungblud, Royal & the Serpent, and Dead Sara". Complex. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  4. ↑ Garcia, Thania (August 29, 2022). "Demi Lovato Earns Eighth Consecutive Top 10 Album With 'Holy Fvck' Debut". Variety. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  5. ↑ "'Still Alive', ¿próxima canción de Demi Lovato?". Mega Star (in Spanish). February 14, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  6. ↑ "MOVIESDemi Lovato Confirms 'Scream VI' Single "Still Alive" Ahead of Release". Bloody Disgusting. February 15, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  7. ↑ Rowley, Glenn (February 16, 2023). "Demi Lovato Teases 'Scream VI' Song 'Still Alive': Here's When It Arrives". Billboard . Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  8. ↑ Mier, Tomás (March 3, 2023). "Demi Lovato Is 'Still Alive' After Fighting Off Ghostface in 'Scream 6' Music Video". Rolling Stone . Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  9. ↑ Rowley, Glenn (February 17, 2023). "Demi Lovato Previews 'Still Alive' With Help From Ghostface Mask". Billboard . Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Reece, Adrianne (March 3, 2023). "Demi Lovato's Haunting "Still Alive" Video Will Make You Scream". Elite Daily. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  11. 1 2 "Demi Lovato "Still Alive" | (Radio Date: 03/03/2023)". Radiodate.it. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  12. 1 2 "The Story Behind 'Still Alive' By Demi Lovato From 'Scream 6'". Stage Right Secrets. March 12, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  13. 1 2 3 Brandle, Lars (March 3, 2023). "Demi Lovato Unleashes 'Scream VI' Cut 'Still Alive': Stream It Now". Billboard . Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  14. 1 2 Bell, Sadie (March 3, 2023). "Listen to Demi Lovato's resilient, pop-punk banger "Still Alive" off the Scream VI soundtrack". Alternative Press. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  15. ↑ Tate, Sarah (March 3, 2023). "Demi Lovato Is 'Still Alive' After Escaping Killer In 'Scream'-Themed Video". iHeart. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  16. 1 2 Shutler, Ali (March 4, 2023). "Demi Lovato shares 'Still Alive' from 'Scream 6' soundtrack". NME. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  17. 1 2 3 Finucane, Rachel (March 8, 2023). "Why Demi Lovato's 'Still Alive' For Scream VI Shouldn't Be Their Only Foray Into The Horror Genre". The Honey Pop. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  18. ↑ Daw, Stephen (March 3, 2023). "Queer Jams of the Week: New Music From Demi Lovato, Kali Uchis, Boygenius & More". Billboard . Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  19. 1 2 Maki, Vanessa (March 9, 2023). "Demi Lovato's Single for the 'Scream VI' Soundtrack Slaps". The Mary Sue. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  20. 1 2 Arnold, Phil (March 9, 2023). "Review: Demi Lovato - Still Alive". Music Talkers. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  21. ↑ Iasimone, Asbley (May 7, 2023). "Here Are the 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards Winners: Full List". Billboard . Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Demi Lovato drops new song 'Still Alive' from 'Scream 6': Watch the music video". Good Morning America. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  23. ↑ Carter, Emily (March 3, 2023). "Demi Lovato releases Still Alive video featuring Mike Shinoda, Spencer Charnas". Kerrang. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  24. ↑ Hamman, Cody (March 3, 2023). "Scream 6: Demi Lovato takes on Ghostface in "Still Alive" music video". JoBlo. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  25. ↑ Squires, John (March 3, 2023). ""Still Alive" – Watch Demi Lovato's 'Scream VI' Music Video Featuring New Clips from the Movie!". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  26. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 39. týden 2023 in the date selector. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Official Singles Downloads Chart". Official Charts Company. March 10, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  28. ↑ "Official Singles Sales Chart". Official Charts Company. March 10, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  29. ↑ "Demi Lovato Chart History (Alternative Digital Song Sales)". Billboard . Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  30. ↑ "Demi Lovato Chart History (Rock Digital Song Sales)". Billboard . Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  31. ↑ Lovato, Demi. "Still Alive (From the Original Motion Picture Scream VI) - Single". Apple Music (US). Retrieved August 27, 2023.
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.