Science Fiction

Album: Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (2018)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This ode to sci-fi is a track from Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino which is an album set on a moon-based luxury resort. Asked by Pitchfork what is it about the sci-fi genre that appeals to him, Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner replied:

    "Science fiction creates these other worlds within which we can explore our own, and I wanted to write something about that idea. So, through reading sci-fi books and watching films like Fassbinder's World on a Wire, I began to access that sort of vocabulary - then suddenly we're talking about virtual reality moon casino experiences."
  • Of the album's space theme, Turner told BBC Radio 1's Annie Mac:

    "I think it started with the idea of science fiction and how the worlds that are often created in it, the idea of space travel or time travel or whatever it might be, is quite often, by my estimations, used to put out there an idea about the world we're living in. I think firstly I became interested in that idea, and that's what the song 'Science Fiction' explores a little bit.

    And then I ended up I suppose making a world of my own after that. And once I'd opened up this sort of box of language related to science fiction, I couldn't help myself. There's a reference to a rocket or something or other every 20 seconds. But I'm only human."
  • I want to make a simple point about peace and love
    But in a sexy way where it's not obvious


    Mojo asked Alex Turner if the above lyric was about the dilemma of every pop writer who yearns to say something 'meaningful.' He replied: "Yeah, it's not a disclaimer, but I think you have to recognize the vanity of that. It was the only way I could go there. Others are capable of going there in different ways."
  • Arctic Monkeys performed the song live for the first on September 7, 2018 during their gig at the Manchester Arena.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Don Felder

Don FelderSongwriter Interviews

Don breaks down "Hotel California" and other songs he wrote as a member of the Eagles. Now we know where the "warm smell of colitas" came from.

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Emilio Castillo from Tower of Power

Emilio Castillo from Tower of PowerSongwriter Interviews

Emilio talks about what it's like to write and perform with the Tower of Power horns, and why every struggling band should have a friend like Huey Lewis.