Solo artist and lead vocalist for Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Karen O, has joined forces with Willie Nelson for a cover of the Queen and David Bowie hit, “Under Pressure”. The Wednesday release also saw features from Karen O’s Yeah Yeah Yeahs bandmate Nick Zinner, as well as TV on the Radio‘s Dave Sitek.
As Consequence of Sound reported, a statement regarding the song’s origins explained how the duo came to work on the track. Karen O reached out to Nelson earlier this year, asking if the music icon would sign a letter to Congress compelling them to work on aid for independent music venues. With that request, Karen O also asked him if he would collaborate with her.
Much to her surprise, Nelson signed the #SaveOurStages petition and accepted her request to work on a song together.
Related: Save Our Stages Fest Raises Over $1.8 Million In Donations For NIVA Emergency Relief Fund
“At this point my mind was melting but I had to focus and pull a song out of the ether that was worthy of a living legend,” O said in a statement. “Then like a bolt out of the blue ‘Under Pressure’ came to mind. I’ve heard this song countless times without processing the gravity of what Bowie and Freddie were singing about, maybe because their performances are so exhilarating you get swept away in the high of that duet.”
She continued, “Our cover was meant to be more intimate but just as saturated with the power of love. I can’t listen to this song without tearing up every time Willie comes in.”
The Willie Nelson and Karen O rendition of “Under Pressure” arrives with a much slower tempo, but equally powerful sound. Nelson and O trade sections of verses and choruses, while steady guitars guide the song with the famous melody.
“Love was in every step of this coming to life thanks to Willie and what he means to all of us who worked on this,” said Karen O in a Facebook post. “Like many of you I’ve been alright but not alright through all of this, the dream of this song lit the way through many dark days, hope it does the same for you.”
Listen to the reimagined version of “Under Pressure” below and click here for additional listening options.
Karen O & Willie Nelson – “Under Pressure”
[Video: Karen O]
[H/TÂ Consequence of Sound]