'Frozen 2' Songwriters Discuss Writing Music for Animated Musicals | Vanity Fair

‘Frozen 2’ songwriters Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez break down their songwriting process when creating an animated musical. They take us through where they draw inspiration, collaborating with ‘Frozen’ animators, fielding feedback from their own kids, and recording vocals with Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad.
'Frozen 2' is now in theaters!
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[@CurtisBooksMusic]

Her explaining the melody of into the unknown is phenomenal.

[@gloriouslyimperfect]

CurtisBooksMusic they’re both amazing at talking through their process!

[@ahm.774]

Gloriously Imperfect yeaa

[@thethirdcrouch]

the jump of octave as a metaphor is real good i need a transcript of that explanation

[@donnakelly653]

3:01

[@Leticiapais_]

You should watch Howard Ho's videos! He analyses songs and his editing is amazing!

[@ItsMeRhaine]

It’s criminal how little recognition these guys are getting. I found this interview absolutely mesmerizing and love their song writing process.

[@elenajmiller]

little recognition? They've won EGOTs.....

[@MsLilyPickles]

Seems like they’re getting a lot of recognition in their field. And he said he doesn’t like attention... sounds like they’re pretty content. :)

[@Lionspel]

double EGOTs I think

[@Tytytytyty1776]

Uhm theyre EGOTs...

[@gloriouslyimperfect]

@@Tytytytyty1776 he is. She isn’t. He won his Tony awards for shows she didn’t write.

[@bethany5665]

I wish they talked about show yourself even though I know it would've been heavy on spoilers :/

[@RabidArtists]

Agreed, most likely their breakdown would have been bland without the character specifics, but now I'm dying to know!

[@orsygodri1155]

Yeah. I love that song more than Into the Unknown. It's the new Let it Go in my opinion.

[@htranc]

Orsy Godri it IS the new let it go, people just like Into the Unknown better

[@beflying2]

Watch the making of it on Disney +

[@NotAadamRoblox]

Samee

[@PoissonVisageStudios]

Robert Lopez is incredible. He's one of only fifteen people to win an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony, AND he was the youngest person to get them all, AND he got all four in the shortest amount of time out of anyone (10 years) AND the fastest person to get 2 of them all. A seriously record-breaking songwriter. Kristen is amazing too obviously.

[@merlinlee7069]

FXXKING LEGEND

[@tactus72]

Perhaps one day also a Pulitzer to make it a [P.]E.G.O.T., as Lin-Manuel Miranda is also one letter short of a P.E.G.[O.]T. I think Lopez could easily do it.

[@DonShei]

He is the only one with double EGOT.

[@willwalker24601]

John Legend is actually the youngest... and if Cynthia Erivo wins one of her 2 nominations this year, she will be the youngest, and the fastest to get them (Just 5 years).

[@simbarashemukudzeiwilsonma5755]

@@willwalker24601 No Bobby achieved EGOT at a younger age (39 years old) than John Legend who got his when he was almost 40 (around 39.6 years old). It's not a matter of their actual age

[@hollyruth2438]

"the great challenge of storytellers is to teach empathy"

[@carolinhalwaji8933]

Holly Ruth ❄️❄️❄️ this is amazing

[@nickyluvsjesus]

Did I black out when they talked about Show Yourself, THE most emotional moment I've ever had watching a Disney movie?

[@jeannie4524]

nickyluvsjesus it’s probably because it’s pretty much a spoiler

[@BirdsAndWhales]

Me too

[@simbarashemawere9141]

i wanted it so much

[@KittyStarlight]

Kristen Bell, talking about her daughter seeing the movie, before the movie was officially released. "And... something happened." (in the movie) Good job not saying what. Must be difficult to figure out how exactly to do that.

[@ryannguyen7853]

I wanna be them when I grow up. Both of them. Doesn’t make sense but I WANT IT

[@kurtsiecolferites2160]

They’re musical geniuses. Makes TOTAL sense to me, especially as an aspiring composer myself!

[@pinklemoade4779]

I support you! Even me too!

[@omamajohnpaul4215]

You can be greater.

[@whodidthisalexanderdidyouk6389]

ME TOO

[@KittyStarlight]

Robert Lopez. "I wanna be him when I grow up." ^___^

[@marvelfoxmorty5057]

They're the best, I guess 'Show Yourself' song is the heart of the movie, they didn't discuss where it was inspired to avoid Spoilers

[@Blitznstitch2]

The next right thing is about Chris overcoming the grief of the loss of his son. How beautiful. I want to cry more

[@thevegabus]

That story for "the next right thing" was so heartbreaking. To accept all the accolades whilst dealing with tragedy

[@KittyStarlight]

Yes. That was a very good story and very well told. Wow.

[@tiffany02020]

I feel like her being a fan of Idina explains so much about how perfect all of these songs are for Elsa. All of this music has so much heart. This was such a neat interview.

[@LucaDolanRuiz]

I was honestly really surprised that a song like "The Next Right Thing" made it into Frozen II. Edit: In a good way obviously. It's a song about a mature subject matter that isn't discussed enough with children.

[@elshas2797]

Why ?

[@MiChJeSu22]

🤔

[@stellac3047]

It wasnt musically enjoyable for me but it had a deep meaning to the character so I'm not mad about it.

[@ligalee142]

@@elshas2797 I would say it is really the 'darkest' and most 'adult-like' song in the movie.

[@KimFebriany]

Why? It made me cry

[@siulexHD]

Use me as “Show yourself is the best song” button ⬇️

[@frxgprince9701]

Is there going to be a separate video where they talk about Show Yourself? Maybe when it’s released everywhere or on DVD? Because I need to know what inspired that song.

[@Butterkappi]

Omg he literally said "queendom" "QUEENDOM!!!!"

[@Butterkappi]

Kristen made a monologue how being an optimist isnt something you're given. Its a choice you makr every day

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

I love the soundtrack, especially Show Yourself and Into the Unknown

[@AxxLAfriku]

RARARARARARARA I just saw something very UNPRETTY! I looked in the mirror! GAGAGAGA!!! But I am the supreme KZbinr of this generation so it is all wonderful! Thanks for listening, dear avery

[@mochiloki]

AxxL w... what

[@kurtsiecolferites2160]

Same. I also love All Is Found. Such a beautiful song.

[@victoriagivskov5055]

Kurtsiecolferite S yeah and the next right thing, it’s amazing and the emotion Kristen showed while singing it is just phenomenal

[@yassi8814]

Show yourself is brilliant and they never mention it’s glory

[@darylesese]

YASSS Kari probably cause it reveals a huge spoiler

[@yassi8814]

daryl esese probably

[@Marie-ly2rd]

“A weird, high pressure play date” That line was funny to me in the way she said it. The songs in the movie were amazing! I can appreciate the songs more knowing how much time and effort the songwriters put into the music.

[@mamadell5723]

Kristen is Anna. Watching her talk is like watching a real life Anna.

[@ceeeboleyn]

the 1 on this video?

[@faroegirl7115]

Its the same with kristen bell

[@lit-b4565]

I wish they could have talked about the history behind Show Yourself, in my opinion the best song ever!

[@alexiero7549]

"people were saying "build a wal" insted of build a brige" thats some wisdom right there

[@sky3fall866]

The music was easily the best part of the movie.

[@kalmasera]

it's really amazing to witness how sincere they are working at their own speciality, they're really poured up everything they had, also really deeply thought about the whole correlation between the story and the songs, it always exciting to see how a professional work

[@LzaLiz]

I could listen to them talk about how they create songs all day. They are brilliant and am excited to follow them on future projects.

[@TravelingThruLife]

Went to HS with Bobby. We always knew he would be great at music and performance arts.

[@PoxyBear]

They are so gifted and talented. Even the songs that wind up as outtakes such as "Get This Right by Kristoff and Anna are awesome. Wonderful storytellers through music. Also Christophe Beck does an amazing job of taking their music and composing whole new orchestral songs.

[@oliviac295]

PoxyBear I liked the Olaf outtake where he says he no longer needs a cloud to stop him melting because Elsa’s powers got stronger... so cool

[@sweetly1634]

Oh my god I loved "Get This Right"! All of the songs were just so cute and relevant, even if they eventually had to be cut out.

[@kurtsiecolferites2160]

The Next Right thing hits me hard because I lost my mom a year ago and I can relate to that part of the lyrics about continuing on but not looking too far into the future and just taking it a little step at a time. And that backstory killed me, oh man. 😩

[@mariah8835]

Your mother would be so proud of you for being able to take that next step and go on. Life has taught you to be the strongest you've ever been yet. I hope in time you can look back and find comfort and content in these moments

[@rosegranger2872]

I am so sorry for your loss! Sending you a big hug!!!

[@lingmajor428]

These people are the people I look up to the most when I was watching Frozen 2, I remember thinking whoever wrote these songs are geniuses and I wish I could write something that beautiful.

[@tattie.b8594]

I want someone that looks at Kirsten the way Bobby does. They’re such an incredible team. Congrats on all your success!!

[@Pinkpanda73]

Man, I love listening to Kristen talk, she explains and expresses the process so well! I wish these two, the directors could have a podcast

[@lemongreen6445]

I just love the playful, delightful energy they beam. We can easily see the great joy and love they have for what they do and the songs they make reflects it. 🤗Frozen2 was amazing and im so looking forward to see them do more on other disney projects!!

[@MissWhatever123]

Can’t believe they wrote so many songs that made me cry

[@thecohensisters9993]

This video should have more views. We always only care about actors in movies but there are so many other talented people behind the scenes who make a movie incredible! I'd love to see a video about the animators!

[@paolis2886]

God! When they were talking about "The Next Right Thing" I cried. Thank you for giving us such a perfect song. It was and still necessary

[@zoew_]

THE SOUNDTRACK IS FREAKING INCREDIBLE!!!!!! THESE TWO ARE GENIUSES

[@dearcomrade2358]

it's so amazing to me how huge they actually play in the entire storytelling process. most of the film's biggest moments and turning points happen in-song and it's just so brilliant how they can deliver that so well. i loved this so much. i can't get enough of these videos about the soundtrack, especially of these two. also, the moment they start talking about show yourself, maybe i will just be reduced to a sobbing mess by then.

[@melonade5537]

I LOVE THEM. SUCH ANGELS.

[@meowww12345]

Knowing the story behind the songs makes the songs more meaningfull and much more cooler

[@Kay-dz6xd]

They’re just a very talented wonderful human beings, I always feel happy when i see ppl creative like them

[@mavee2202]

Actually when I first watched "Lost in the Woods", Westlife was the first that popped in my mind

[@wickedly4]

the technicality of music is EXTREMELY MY SHXT. I LOVE stuff like this.

[@meganleahey2628]

Her explanation of Anna being the human heart and Elsa being the mythical heroine was so on point. And Kristoff feeling his feelings! She perfectly described why Frozen is so popular. All the characters are so human and relatable.

[@wsk5nwytscnkfsu]

Megan Leahey It’s so true. One of the beauties of the Frozen series. No matter what life circumstances you are in, you can identify with at least one character.

[@SwimSweetie100]

Disney always has top notch composers. The music is mesmerizing

[@rheniahfrylle]

When they said Queendom I was caught so off guard. But I love

[@blabla666able]

They are the definition of couple goals. 😍

[@soylapuky1982]

This is just gold I hope a lot of people can get what the Lopez’s are trying to do through their music

[@westworlds]

I wish I go to learn more about these two as people and career wise though. What did they study at college? When did they get into music? We know about their enormous successes a this point, but what have been their failures? What did they do pre Frozen? How did they even get onto frozen / Disney? I wish they had done a career breakdown like the actors get. Actors aren't the only people who have fascinating career trajectories. I wish Vanity gave a spotlight to careers of writers, cinematographers, and other behind the scenes people too.

[@Faith-bx4ux]

Smiling throughout and gaining more and more respect for everyone who contributed their talents to this movie. Wow.

[@unarkived]

hearing the process of how they came up with these amazing songs makes me fall in love with the soundtrack even more

[@elizabethrenee889]

This is so cool! You never really realize how much goes into every detail. They did an amazing job.

[@QuirkyCarmi]

Anyone here after WandaVision? They are so talented!

[@DidrickNamtvedt]

I admire these two so much! The first "Frozen" soundtrack is already timeless and amazing but they really stepped it up for the sequel, the music moved me even more than the first soundtrack did! "All Is Found", "The Next Right Thing" and "Show Yourself" are my absolute favorites, they are all so gorgeously written and produced but the rest of the soundtrack is really solid as well. I attended the pre-premiere of "Frozen II" at an outdoor screening here in Norway on December 14th, which was simply such an amazing experience and I'm definitely gonna see it again for a second time in the movie theater in January! :)

[@katielimalona5288]

1:47 Into the Unknown That song is a masterpiece deserves the oscar golden globe and a Grammy. Periodt!

[@strangerthingsfan0458]

Sadly it didn't win the golden globe

[@the.muffin]

I really wish they couldve talked about show yourself despite the spoilers because i will never stop screaming about the musicality and instrumentals

[@MilfLvr420]

I am so glad you guys made this interview. Composing has always had a soft spot in my heart, and a good score is crucial in a film. Kristian and Robert are my inspirations!!

[@angelukulele]

these two are such talented human beings. i wish i could also write song while gliding on the ice skating rink

[@Gisselliiee]

The Next Right Thing is just a gift. Thank you two for this song.❤

[@KillJoy_Since2017]

The soundtrack is amazing

[@meigslife]

The music for this movie is one of the most beautiful this year.

[@sobabycarpediem]

Lopez Anderson-Lopez will always have my heart. They've made so much stuff I love.

[@keziahcarissa2976]

imagine they were your parents

[@novapersson8347]

i wish

[@Nada-eb4bg]

Next right thing & All is found sums up the whole movie it’s really has a beautiful story

[@Russsian_Simp]

+

[@badgerm0le]

It's such a beautiful soundtrack

[@sparkly.7829]

i love these type of videos so much, there should be more :(

[@dearcomrade2358]

i love this type of videos i have been looking all around for this type of videos please continue making this type of videos (side note the piano at the background sounds wonderful)

[@misstrebecca]

I love how she says I wrote it and brought to him.. see love

[@improvementTime10.3.17]

10:40 so fun when not writing in a vacuum but have all these other artists inspiring you to explore unthinkable pathways 11:00 process is really back and forth

[@aliviabarrow6313]

Most wholesome people I’ve ever seen

[@natbae5535]

What an amazing process and it's so amazing and lovely to hear how you guys create and breathe life into these characters and stories through your music!!

[@mangafan9991]

This was amazing. I love these two, they really bring the soul to the movie...

[@nikkigrossman4244]

Love it! Been listening to the soundtrack non-stop since I saw it and it was great to hear the background to some of them. I kind of wish they talked about the outtake songs and how that was decided.

[@KAZAM707]

I just want to squish their cheeks. Love them! Such a powerful couple.

[@Claraimal]

God. I love their interviews. They are geniuses.

[@farikhaazizia7396]

This is the most beautiful interview...

[@meisong0717]

The next right thing encourages me every day now. When life gets hard and down and overwhelming, just take one breath, one step, do one thing at a time. One right thing after another, that's how we defeat depression.

[@jdcv17]

Loved their dynamic and hearing the story of each of the songs.

[@zoef6749]

love love love this! hearing about the process just makes me appreciate it SO much more

[@thiagoteixeira6537]

I had no idea they worked on Coco! That's awesome!

[@nin_the_destroyer2602]

The music in Frozen 2 was absolutely amazing. I listen to it in my car. So full of emotions, very moving and peaceful.

[@byrevery]

Thank you so much for making this! I idolise Bobby and Kristen so deeply, I'm glad they are given the space to explain their songs and give us an insight for how they crafted them. Frozen 2 is Disney's best sequel for sure.

[@jaclpz]

Thanks to you both so much for all the amazing songs. Loved every single one.

[@chimmylights7323]

Why am I crying 😭😭😭 the next right thing

[@sketchios5158]

These two are sooo wholesome! They truly keep the Disney spirit alive with their music.

[@expensivepink7]

they are the most incredible duo ever

[@sarahlee9106]

i would’ve liked to hear that wind beneath my wings duet. 😯

[@ellie3593]

sarah lee lol that’s what I was thinking

[@kiikat]

So great to hear them explain!

[@jjp1220]

Thank you for Show Yourself my new ultimate favorite song of Disney it always moves me.

[@mila9150]

this made me appreciate and love the songs even more❤️

[@schatzionline]

What about show yourself?! My favorite song ever!

[@edisonhombrebueno807]

Amazing! Thanks for this. The behind the story process is quite fascinating

[@ptite_audrey]

It was so interesting! Please make another video and talk more about the songs and especially show yourself!

[@thiccbunda]

they are so humble for making me cry all month

[@ShaharHarshuv]

"dealing with the unimaginable" - did you just reference miranda?

[@willwalker24601]

"What will the song of the film be?" Into the Unknown... I feel like that was obviously going to be the most popular one...

[@josedecoca692]

What an incredibly talented and sweet couple!

[@rosalinahoffkjrgaard3783]

so powerful, I cried twice

[@TDItaly98]

This is so fascinating! Thank you for this

[@flamebattousai]

Couple goals. My favorite modern composers. All their songs are amazing. ♥️♥️♥️

[@JozantoSA]

I absolutely loved the movie. Watched it twice and still loved all the songs. Thank you everyone who worked on this film

[@dearcomrade2358]

the way that i cried throughout her explanation for the next right thing