"Be an Astronaut" is a song by English singer, songwriter, and musician Declan McKenna. It was released on 5 August 2020 as the fourth single from his second studio album, Zeros.[1][2] The song was written by Declan McKenna and produced by Jay Joyce.

"Be an Astronaut"
Single by Declan McKenna
from the album Zeros
Released5 August 2020
Genre
Length4:35
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)Declan McKenna
Producer(s)Jay Joyce
Declan McKenna singles chronology
"Daniel, You're Still a Child"
(2020)
"Be an Astronaut"
(2020)
"Rapture"
(2020)

Background

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McKenna announced the release of the new single on his social media on 4 August 2020. The song was released on 5 August 2020, and the song premiered on Beats 1 with Zane Lowe on the same day.[3]

Critical reception

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Robin Murray from Clash said, "There's a hint of Bowie here, with Declan pushing his art in a different direction. A lush return from the boy wonder, 'Be An Astronaut' is the sound of this 21 year old setting his sights on the stars."[4]

Music video

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A music video to accompany the release of "Be an Astronaut" was first released onto YouTube on 7 August 2020. The video was directed by Huse Monfaradi.[5]

Track listing

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Digital download and stream[1]
No.TitleLength
1."Be an Astronaut"4:35
2."Daniel, You're Still a Child"3:58
3."The Key to Life on Earth"4:06
4."Beautiful Faces"3:16

Personnel

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Credits adapted from Tidal.[6]

  • Jay Joyce – producer
  • Declan McKenna – composer, lyricist, associated performer, guitar, piano, synthesizer, vocal
  • Court Blankenship – assistant engineer
  • Jimmy Mansfield – assistant engineer
  • Nathan Cox – bass
  • Soren Bryce – cello, violin
  • Gabrielle King – drums
  • Jason Hall – engineer
  • Matt Wolach – engineer
  • Michael Freeman – engineer
  • Isabel Torres – guitar
  • Matt Colton – mastering engineer
  • Mark 'Spike' Stent – mixing engineer

Charts

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Chart performance for "Be an Astronaut"
Chart (2020) Peak
position
US Adult Alternative Songs (Billboard)[7] 24

Release history

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Release history and formats for "Be an Astronaut"
Region Date Format Label
Various 5 August 2020[1] Columbia Records

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Be an Astronaut". Spotify. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  2. ^ "Declan McKenna shares new track 'Be An Astronaut' and delays forthcoming album". NME. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  3. ^ "Declan McKenna teases new track 'Be An Astronaut'". NME. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  4. ^ "Declan McKenna Shares 'Be An Astronaut'". Clash. 6 August 2020. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  5. ^ "Declan McKenna - Be an Astronaut (Official Live Video)". YouTube. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  6. ^ "Credits / Be an Astronaut / Declan McKenna – TIDAL". Tidal. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  7. ^ "Declan McKenna Chart History (Adult Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 6 May 2022.