2020 has not been a walk in the park for most people if not all. For this reason, Google, the world’s best search engine, decided to do something different for its annual look back. Google hired Peter CottonTale’s expertise to create an original track for its 2020 Year in Search Campaign. The outcome is nothing more than remarkable. Delivering nothing less than perfect, Peter featured Chance the Rapper, Cynthia Erivo, the Chicago Children’s Choir, and the Matt Jones Re-Collective Orchestra. He titled the song “Forever,” which has become the first full-length song to feature on Google’s homepage.
The Making of the Track
The Grammy-winning producer/composer wanted to use the platform by Google to honor and bring to light Black creativity. As a result, Peter worked together with 80 Black artists, producers, side musicians, engineers, and music executives. He focused his scope on Black creatives who had positively impacted their communities during this roller-coaster of a year.
Peter remarked that those involved in making the music were either leader themselves or surrounded by leaders. He added that these people were actively pushing for change in their community.
Chance the Rapper was not part of the original track. On his Instagram handle, Peter said that they decided to bring in Chance after the original soundtrack hit 30+ million views. Initially, the project was not a full-length track.
Sneak Peak of the Music
What better way than to start a song with an exceptional feminine voice! Cynthia Erivo opens up the track with her excellent vocals. Her lyrics communicate the song’s theme. Majorly, speaking about how rough the year has been and the hope for the future. Erivo reminds us that “we can get it together somehow.’ She then gets into the song’s hook with a crescendo.
Oh boy! After the hook, who comes next? You guessed right, Chance the Rapper. He syncs with the beats to portray his lyrical genius. Throughout the verse, he remains relevant to the theme as he raps out his lyrics. He addresses injustice and revolution. Chance raps;
“I have got the power to be, the power to be… we can finish the puzzle, let’s put our heads together.”
In the background, you will frequently hear the voices of background singers who bring the music to life.
The final bit of the track will provoke you into a dance party, with the repetition of the lyrics “Let’s get it together somehow” and danceable instrumentals.
Charitable Project
Peter highlights that unity is what will get us through this season.
“Showing what’s best about who we all are and giving everyone hope, a bit of celebration too, that by working together, growing together, we will get through this period,” the composer/producer says.
His collaboration with Google gave him $50,000 in donations, which will go to the Chicago Children’s Choir and Merit School Music.
Peter acknowledges that 2020 has been a crazy year for him, just as it has been for most people. He sees it as an honor and blessing to take part in conceptualizing the year’s struggle right from global health concerns to the Black struggle. He mentions his gratitude for Google involving him and consequently giving him a platform to showcase Black artists.
If you have not had a chance to listen to the song, it is available on major music platforms!
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