Mark Ronson, the Grammy-winning producer behind hits like “Uptown Funk” and “Shallow,” recently opened up about his experience working on the song “I’m Just Ken” for the Barbie the Album soundtrack. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Ronson revealed that it was director Greta Gerwig’s request for the “most maximalist thing” that led to the creation of Ryan Gosling’s iconic solo.
Ronson, who has worked with a variety of artists from Lady Gaga to Bruno Mars, explained that he was approached by Gerwig to produce a song for the film’s soundtrack. He was given the task of creating a song that would capture the essence of Ken, Barbie’s iconic boyfriend. Ronson shared that he was immediately drawn to the challenge and excited to work with Gerwig, who he described as “a visionary director.”
The producer revealed that Gerwig’s only instruction for the song was to make it “the most maximalist thing ever.” Ronson, known for his ability to blend different genres and create unique sounds, took on the challenge with enthusiasm. He enlisted the help of songwriter and producer Ilsey Juber, who had previously worked with him on the hit song “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart.”
Together, Ronson and Juber created a catchy and upbeat track that perfectly captured Ken’s personality. Ronson shared that he wanted the song to have a retro feel, inspired by the music of the 1960s. He also wanted to incorporate elements of disco and funk, which are signature sounds in his own music.
The result was “I’m Just Ken,” a fun and energetic song that showcases Gosling’s vocals and dance moves. Ronson revealed that Gosling was fully committed to the song and even came up with some of the dance moves himself. The actor’s performance in the music video, which features him dressed as Ken, has become iconic and has been praised by fans and critics alike.
Ronson also shared that he was impressed by Gerwig’s vision for the song and the film. He praised her for her attention to detail and her ability to bring out the best in everyone she works with. He described the experience of working on “I’m Just Ken” as “a dream come true” and expressed his gratitude for being a part of the project.
The Barbie the Album soundtrack, which features “I’m Just Ken” along with other original songs, has been well-received by both fans and critics. Ronson’s contribution to the soundtrack has been praised for its creativity and its ability to capture the spirit of the iconic doll and her world.
In conclusion, Mark Ronson’s collaboration with Greta Gerwig on “I’m Just Ken” is a testament to his talent and versatility as a producer. The song has become a fan favorite and has solidified Ronson’s reputation as one of the most innovative producers in the music industry.
