NASA is gearing up to launch a mission to send humans, including a Canadian astronaut, to the moon after more than five decades. The upcoming Artemis II mission is set to take off next week, carrying four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the moon to conduct surveillance, testing, and experiments in preparation for future lunar missions. Canadian singer-songwriter Emm Gryner has commemorated this mission with a new song titled Touch the Sky.
Filmmaker Laura-Lynn Petrick, a Thunder Bay native, directed, filmed, and edited the music video for Touch the Sky. Expressing her excitement, Petrick likened the experience to a “Stanley Kubrick moment” and emphasized the unifying nature of the mission in showcasing human accomplishments.
The music video was a collaborative effort, with some scenes shot near Thunder Bay at Belluz Farms, featuring local actor Leo James Durocher portraying a younger version of astronaut Jeremy Hanson. Additional footage was captured in Sarnia, showing Gryner performing at a piano.
Gryner shared that the song was inspired by discussions with Catherine Hansen, Jeremy’s wife, about creating a song for his upcoming moon mission. Despite initial doubts about pulling it off, Gryner assembled a talented team to bring the project to fruition, resulting in a successful outcome.
The video incorporated footage from NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and Hansen’s training sessions, creating a visually captivating tribute to the mission. Gryner expressed her delight with the final product, emphasizing that the song serves as a tribute to the hard work and dedication of astronauts like Hansen.
Proceeds from the song Touch the Sky are being donated to the Bluewater Health Foundation in Sarnia. This collaboration not only celebrates Canada’s involvement in space exploration but also highlights the artistry and creativity inspired by scientific endeavors.