At Deadline, Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell recently shared their insights on the heartfelt Barbie ballad, “What Was I Made For?” Eilish admitted that this song provided an outlet for honesty and vulnerability that may not have been possible without the parameters of an assignment. Describing the duo’s creative process, she explained that the song emerged from a particularly dark and uninspiring phase in her life, ultimately serving as a catalyst to reignite their creativity.
The emotional power of “What Was I Made For?” earned it the distinguished title of Song of the Year at the Grammys, where it triumphed over tracks by Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, and others. This achievement further solidifies Eilish and O’Connell’s reputation as musical forces to be reckoned with, following their original song Oscar win for “No Time to Die” in 2022.
During their conversation with Deadline’s Crew Call, O’Connell revealed that Greta Gerwig, the director and co-writer of Barbie, gave them complete creative freedom and encouragement, prioritizing the value of their ideas. This collaborative approach not only facilitated the creation of the heart-rending song but also left a lasting impact on their work with others.
The song’s inclusion in the movie at a pivotal moment, when Barbie meets her maker, Ruth Handler, honors Eilish’s own practice of incorporating childhood home video footage into her concerts. The parallels between this scene and her own performances underscore the emotional connection between Eilish, the song, and the film.
In discussing their songwriting process for “What Was I Made For?”, O’Connell likened it to the concept of “automatic art” as described by Jackson Pollock, emphasizing the importance of allowing creativity to flow freely without overthinking. Eilish praised her brother’s ability to effortlessly play instruments and emphasize the importance of spontaneity in their music creation. Additionally, the duo revealed their familial ties to Barbie, with their father working as a carpenter for the toymaker Mattel.
Eilish also hinted at their future plans, indicating a shift away from creating songs for movies and a new focus on a forthcoming album. Their openness about their creative process, family connections to Barbie, and future aspirations provide a deeper understanding and appreciation for the profound impact “What Was I Made For?” has had, not only as a powerful ballad but also as a reflection of Eilish and O’Connell’s artistic journey.
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