Interview: Discussing the Music of ‘Barbie’ with Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt

Among the many things that I adore about Barbie, my favorite film of the year, the music and songs are right there amongst the top tier. Whichever tune you prefer, they add to one of the true cinematic experiences of the year. So, when below the line interview opportunities presented themselves for Barbie, I was incredible eager to talk to songwriters and Academy Award winners Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt. Along with the likes of Dua Lipa and Lizzo, they helped write the songs we all have fallen in love with (or in the case of Billie Eilish‘s What Was I Made For, just produced). Today, my chat with the Oscar winners comes your way.

Below, you can hear my conversation with Ronson and Wyatt. They won the Oscar for co-writing Shallow with Lady Gaga on A Star is Born, and that’s just the tip of their musical iceberg, so they more than have their bona fides. Here, we talk about not just making the music, but what it’s like to see the songs play out in Barbie once the film is complete. It’s a very interesting discussion, especially if you’re a fan of the movie like I am.

In my rave review of Barbie, I had this to say, in part:

Co-writer/director Greta Gerwig deserves a ton of kudos for not just thinking of this take on Barbie, but for executing as well. Along with her co-writer/partner Noah Baumbach, they imbue this film with societal commentary, some sly digs, and an epic takedown of the patriarchy. This isn’t a political film (those trying to weaponize it as such are laughable, unless they actually believe what it’s skewering is how the world should be, in which case they’re evil, ignorant, or both), but the points it makes are quite lucid. At the same time, Gerwig is determined to entertain, not just amazing production design and ace performances, but with dance numbers, action scenes, and constant surprises. There’s no way to expect what she and Baumbach had up their sleeves. 

Here now is my interview with Barbie co-songwriters Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt. Enjoy:

Barbie is available to own right now!