Preview Songwriters Roundtable: Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa & More on Making Film Music

Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Cynthia Erivo, Julia Michaels and Jon Batiste sat down to talk about songwriting on 'Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter'. In this preview clip, the artists talk about challenging themselves when it comes to their song writing, the difference between writing for a film versus writing for themselves and more. The full songwriter roundtable will air Dec. 31 on SundanceTV and will be available on KZbin and THR.com on Jan. 2.
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THR Songwriter Roundtable on Challenging Themselves, Writing for Major Films & More
The Hollywood Reporter
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[@ScottThePisces]

Dua Lipa needs more interviews like this because the way she eloquently went through the background of her role in the songwriting for Barbie was so intelligently conveyed

[@Stephaniacat]

dua and the other artist, Jon? and cinthia are interesting people. I would love to see them speak more about their process. Oliva was kinds nervous but seems like a smart girl. billie was a little bit annoying lol and i felt like she was speaking a lot without really saying anything important. Idk lol i just don't vibe with her.

[@huh9069]

Listen to her podcast! Her insights never cease to amaze! ❤

[@user-jh9xt3kc6q]

Listen to her podcast! She’s sooooo intelligent, well spoken, and passionate about so many things.. definitely changed my perception of just the “pop star”

[@fluffyclouds555]

Agreed. I wasn’t aware of the depth of her music or of her. I’m intrigued by her now.

[@-pj6ci]

@@Stephaniacat actually billie is the best 😂 before her part it was pretty dead lol

[@pidygonzales984]

Billie is so humble and in awe of her collegues, so precious, also in awe of her own music which is super cool to me

[@user-rv7ge1tc4l]

Especially considering her level of success. Generally, the fact that Billie, Dua, and Olivia, who are pretty much some of the MOST successful artists in the world are sitting there together is kinda surreal

[@oscararagon6648]

Billie’s annoying af

[@katelynkirby6114]

@@theamberheardplaylist6768 what are u going on about 💀

[@SideEyeee_]

@@user-rv7ge1tc4lnot in the world

[@misslanapaulford]

I wonder if Billie just needed rest, She's accomplished sooo much in such a short period of time.. U have to wonder if she needed to go away and get a rest and recharge and have a goof time doing something else she loves or going somewhere or a holiday to get her creative juices growing experiences. She's still such a young woman, same as Olivia and Dua and michaels.

[@afroditevenus7039]

i love how Billie got the whole table laughing out loud during her turn, she's a real comedian. and it scares me to think she was worried she had peaked, I'm so grateful that she found her flow again. i think this is the happiest and most confident we've seen her. as for Jon Batiste, this is actually my first time hearing him talk and wow, I loveee his accent, not only is he very eloquent but his accent has a pleasant melodious quality to it that makes you really hang on to his words. his remarks about creativity being a tool for survival really touched my heart, because that is also something i strongly believe in. this was a wonderful video with wonderful artists speaking. I can't wait for the full roundtable to be released, all these gems from just a clip is amazing

[@dylankai21]

you're so right!!!! creativity is powerful♡

[@Ttoby89]

I'm 34 and I *still* get worried I've forgotten how to write a song every time I try. Billie makes me feel better, but I can't exactly reassure her hehe

[@jusslee0465]

I love what you wrote here❤ and Billie Eilish is awesome

[@th-bx6bq]

proof that Billie is so charming and magnetic, like she demands attention when she speaks but also she's very personable and warm which is endearing

[@genghisgalahad8465]

She definitely commands attention without demanding it. 😉

[@suspir1ah]

she’s definitely the cool friend in the friend group

[@BH54321]

Wish this was a longer conversation, they're all incredible and insightful.

[@caiosilva1536]

This is a Preview

[@BH54321]

@@caiosilva1536 lol, thanks. Why would I read the title?! Well that was a long preview!

[@lankyimnida595]

​@@BH54321don't worry it does throw us off a bit when it says it's a preview but it's 18 mins. long. Kinda hyped to see the full video if they're this confident to release such a long preview

[@rvvrlmfao]

i think the full version is going to be near an hour long, it airs on the 31st but it will be available on youtube on the 2nd of january

[@norhan..]

Fr

[@PristineWhens]

Olivia Rodrigo has DEFINITELY changed. She’s no longer the bright-eyed 17-year-old girl who released drivers license. She grew up

[@iris-xo]

yeah reaching that level of fame so young def changes someone, i'd say the direction she's taking her career and handling herself is admiring too, you can tell she's actively pushing herself to improve and get better rather than just ride the success/attention

[@Jamestaylor01967]

It’s mad to see her maturity. But now billies song Goldwing just seems more truthful and scary than before.

[@slipperychugger]

And grew up fastttt lol that girls evolved quick

[@dylankai21]

i don't know why that's relevant for you watching this video. when it's about songwriting🫥

[@Jamestaylor01967]

@@dylankai21 I’d say because as she aged she matured and grew and you can hear that in her sound and writing style - so honestly it’s very important. Also, in relation to my comment. Billie wrote an entire song dedicated to how Hollywood has these bright eyed young girls and rips them of their joy, it was a warning to all the young artists and she has said she mainly thought about Olivia and now that very thing came true. Hope that helps

[@iris-xo]

Olivia seems so intelligent like the way she carries herself and actively listens/pays attention is admirable.

[@litehouseaj2394]

she seemed out of it for a bit but mostly yeah

[@litehouseaj2394]

@@Jack-tk1is true I've been following her since Bizaardvark she definitely has her own personality and is very natural on camera. I stan.

[@dolphin7282]

Billie opened her mouth and the whole table started laughing she literally is funny just by existing

[@DonMichaelJr]

“Creativity as an act of survival” hit home for me.

[@hearmenow909]

I felt that too. 👊

[@yashira629]

The collective "mhmm" when he said that made me chuckle but those are some strong words

[@csilt]

Me too, I am working at becoming unblocked reading The Artist's Way.

[@PianoHits]

I could listen to Billie talk for hours she is such a rare soul

[@Aaron-jf2oc]

You know she's a man hater she literally hates men to me. A woman like that is real bad news

[@jellyfishsquawk]

@@Aaron-jf2ocno she is not ur such a snowflake

[@creativeinking]

Me too

[@Andersonsantos__]

Billie can be talking for hours, that I'd will easily listening

[@amiwhoremayat]

Billie is such a born entertainer! The way she had everyone around the table laughing and so encapsulated wow.

[@BRIIE_]

I think also acknowledging Cynthia at this table is the biggest thing for me. Seeing a lot of the comments talking about the others I couldn’t help but want to know even more about Cynthia! She is wise and well spoken and just so eloquent and talented!! Give Cynthia her flowers man!!!❤️💐

[@VictoriaWElise]

Thank you for this! She deserves her flowers! She’s behind so much music and magic in the industry

[@steffijmusic]

Something about Jon Batiste's words describing his support and love for his wife and their creative style of coping with her cancer brought me to tears. So happy she is okay.

[@karenhenry1233]

The documentary he's talking about is on Netflix. I really enjoyed it. He's so talented & very devoted to his wife.

[@TrueFallacy]

Billie story of intense self-doubt, and then just “doing it anyway”…. SO IMPORTANT for people to hear this. Just opening up and “trying”…. You’ll never get to that amazing idea, that amazing melody, until you try!

[@umchile.anywaysso1408]

You can literally FEEL the charisma oozing from Billie!

[@michaelvogel3443]

I love seeing Olivia at the table. Her songwriting is top-notch. On GUTS, she had me laughing while listening to get him back! and wiping away a tear during the grudge a few minutes later.

[@movieblues4614]

Billie is such a gifted storyteller. Look at how she had the whole table hanging on her words. She does not have to try to reveal herself in songs - she only needs to tell her stories. Bob Dylan, Taylor Swift, that's what they do.

[@ariellekwong206]

no need to sneak in that one name at the end babes

[@nikhilsonavane8939]

​@@ariellekwong206 there are no sneaks. are you gonna deny taylor swift isn't a great story teller? she's been doing that since she was 16. dwelve into her music more, listen to speak now (the song), no body no crime, cardigan, august, betty and so many more. c'mon do your research before hating, do better.

[@ariellekwong206]

@@nikhilsonavane8939 i heard her music. it's truly awful. high-school level lyricism, that or she tries too hard. no maturity and very petty

[@ryangalindo9480]

nah OP is right though. i noticed exactly what they said about billie as i was watching the moment right now in real time. i thought it was beautiful how they’re all in tune with her words and story. billie is something else. ❤

[@becauseisaidso92]

Taylor is literal trash

[@8teenOfficial]

I really love how Dua, Billie, Julia and Olivia in the same table together

[@kifflom4032]

Really the new age of song writer's.

[@jakestroll6518]

So funny you picked all the white passing artists. You’re telling us a lot about you.

[@tigars7756]

@@jakestroll6518 You shouldn't be allowed to leave comments

[@luvqr6161]

u cannot be serious@@jakestroll6518

[@ei8425]

Or maybe they just chose to mention the artists they like the most and were most excited to see, how simple is that​@@jakestroll6518

[@kay-lee8571]

I’m glad Jon’s wife is doing better ❤ I can’t even imagine how hard that would be to not know for 2 months if the person you love is going to live or not.

[@VictoriaWElise]

Cynthia has a power to bring people in. So happy to see her apart of this conversation. She is so talented and LOVE her music!

[@SoulKnightKing]

Get that Racist Brit outta there. So overrated and a mediocre songwriter

[@savin_zx]

the way Billie made the whole table laugh just made me laugh too! she is so naturally funny and nice, I love her.

[@malonifox]

I could have listened to 3 more hours of this conversation. What a talented group of people.

[@matcha.cinnamon]

billie must be such a cool person to be around cus she got the whole table laughing while also connecting with her on her story/process of song writing🥺

[@livshopeurok]

olivia is so well spoken, articulate and intelligent. i admire her image and how inspiring she is for all young children. what a great role model for gen-z !!!!!

[@Hakuna23]

Her imagine = a dead robot following a part, and boring. She is a Taylor swift copycat in everything she does .. most boring pop artists ever , Taylor was already boring and now we have her copycat… yikeees She is fake not a role model! She likes acting like a role model coz she cares about charts and success .. but real people real humans and real artists are not perfect and like that! It’s how that toxic industry works on them 😊 there is nothing interesting and original in her, she has no personality both in her persona but also in her work and she is doing this on purpose bc she cares more about her success than to truly be herself. I've seen many like her, too many...

[@Aaron-jf2oc]

She's not a great model she literally supports abortion

[@justthenamekevin]

young children are gen alpha btw

[@PotatoWaffle-sl4xf]

@@justthenamekevin gen z is like 13 and up or something like that so a lot of them are still young children

[@justthenamekevin]

@@PotatoWaffle-sl4xf 13 and up is not young children

[@jenifergo6860]

I love how Billie talks about What was I made for. For me it's literally the song of the year. I think I never contacted to a song so much and then the movie came out and it fits so well together. Also Barbie is THE movie of the year. It's just so beautiful and you see how much work and real feelings and emotions are involved in this masterpiece.

[@laylaheneaghan1331]

The way billie lifted the whole rooms mood when she started talking

[@IbokRock811]

SO much talent!! I feel like Jon Batiste is STILL underrated - but that’s quickly changing!! Can’t wait for the whole convo ☺️ wow!

[@mickeyp-f5435]

I absolutely enjoyed his story. He spoke so eloquently and heartfelt. It truly made me see him in a different light as I’m not too familiar with him.

[@Mariogiussepe]

Even MADONNA acknowledged him ,while on Tour.

[@luzjuanolo]

the way billie REVIVED that table

[@rphla]

billie is so charismatic, love her personality

[@emmanuelardama]

That part at 8:17 when Cynthia sang those few seconds of Billie's song made me melt

[@m1ckkey]

Billie is literally so iconic I can’t 😭❤️

[@Aaron-jf2oc]

There's a lot of more talented people than her, trust me

[@nnsllx2632]

@@Aaron-jf2ocwe really don’t care

[@-pj6ci]

@@Aaron-jf2oc​​⁠​⁠ Billie is the only pop artist with more credits in her work especially nominated at the Grammys next year. Her credits so far: songwriter, producer, composer, vocal producer/editor, mixer/engineer, musician(3instruments), director, editor of her mv, scenographer, creative director of her shows,designer Etc She is also a great actress, dancer, aerial gymnast, horse rider Etc Now try doing these things since you were 15 and find me a pop artist especially from this century who does everything by herself EVERYTHING even music videos Etc since she was 15.. or even you do this and have her success: 2nd best selling female artist globally since 2019 after Taylor swift with only 2 albums , almost 20 Guinness world records, Biggest world tour 2022, she also won the best pop tour award of the year .. 1 Oscar, 1 Golden globe, 1 critics choice award, an ASCAP VANGUARD award for the innovative IMPACT in pop music “shaping the future of music , creating new subgenres” , now she is already winning the most with this Barbie song.. and with most nominations both Grammys, Golden globe Etc .. etc etc … do the same .. then talk 😊

[@pebblesdavies1071]

@@-pj6cisince she was 13 actually. she’s so inspiring

[@fionabubeqi9728]

@@Aaron-jf2oclook i get what you’re saying. But its not always about who is the best. Everything is subjective. Its like sports you don’t always root for the best team you root for your hometown or for YOUR favourite player. What would be the point if everyone rooted for the same team. And its not even that but you cant say one team is better than everyother. One season a certain team might win and the next season they might not even qualify. So everything is about what you like. Im 15 and billies songs are what brought me joy in dark times. Maybe they are not for you, but you dont have to make other ppl feel bad for liking her jut because you dont. And anyway happy holdays😊

[@hassanw07]

Olivia is soo well spoken my lorddd

[@user-rv7ge1tc4l]

Billie is so well-spoken it's crazy

[@DaddyMim]

The way billie can command a room is insane. She’s just it.

[@marciaw.2194]

Cynthia Erivo is a phenomenal talent. Someone should write a whole musical just for her.

[@thomasbowers1210]

Yes, she reminds me of Audra McDonald who is a legend!

[@jenniferlara5645]

I love how eloquent Cynthia Erivo and Jon Batiste are. Such a fan of the both of them.

[@hiLol-gn6rh]

When I first started listening to billie, I got hooked because of her sweet and loving personality. Honestly, there isn't anyone on this earth that can compare to her. Love ya lots billie!😍😁

[@Satukbs]

This table was like a champions league. It was an amazing opportunity for me to watch the whole video. All artists are so talentend and their visions are so pure and unique!

[@DIYDazzleNails]

billie is always such a light. so hilarious and real and intelligent

[@Yarden493]

Billie has been so honest and sincere I love her so much

[@MayLily]

What a great roundtable! They've literally got the most current successful younger generation of pop artists (Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo) here at this table, mixed with more experienced songwriters/musicians (Julia Michaels, Jon Batiste, and Cynthia Erivo)!

[@jasonz31]

The way billie captivates the room like wow

[@meganer6290]

Dua Lipa seems to be an adorable person, talented, humble and SO beautiful. She is just being herself, not stealing anyone's spotlight. I love her.

[@jamshedmurtazaev3303]

You are right i adore her

[@satoru_111]

billie Eilish and olivia rodrigo and dua lipa With each other these are the dreams of the era

[@oliviaallen567]

He is such a great interviewer. He lets them finish their thoughts and asks great questions which seems to be rare for interviewers today.

[@Mr.Skylight]

Jon Batiste is such a treasure. I wish I could be half as thoughtful, gracious, and hopeful as he.

[@hoy68290]

Billie you are so amazing 💖 Smart, sweet, fun, brutally HONEST, and talented! The youngest and also the only pop artist with more credits in her work! Go girl! You are special! 👏🏻 And the Jon speech😭 I cried….. amazing creative soul!! I’m so sorry for his wife I hope she is doing well … 💔 love them all!

[@rsbellam]

the minute billie took the spotlight i was in tears man

[@MurphyMosby]

I feel like we'll nostalgically look back at this video in 20 years and realize it marks an important era in music history.

[@lovebills]

Billie is incredibly beautiful

[@charmed13693]

The conversation about music and storytelling marry so well. Music is what touches something something we cannot put into words sometimes and I’m so happy to see these artists express, the motivation and inspirational aspects of working on film. It’s very different than just releasing your own music and I can’t wait to see the whole interview and where the conversation leads.

[@iamrjdennis]

This is absolutely amazing to see! Billie, Dua, Olivia, Cynthia, Julia, and Jon, are all such incredible artists. It's a privilege and so inspiring to listen to them all talking together about the craft! Thank you for sharing this! 💛

[@Cutieteddybear]

What Jon said... creativity really can be an act of survival!! ❤

[@kurtiswatson]

Great host, great guests, incredible roundtable!

[@julieta9]

I love seeing Billie dua and olivia at the same table!! My favourites artists!!! I love them!!!!❤❤

[@dani_rose4]

my heart is so full seeing billie n olivia together🥹

[@obassipaulineashu-nso8601]

No one talking about the amazing Miss Erivo ❤ act, produce and sing! Hats off to her😊

[@billiexxx_eilish]

Billie keeps this meeting going, she makes everyone laugh so sweetly

[@landongmcallister]

something about olivia and billie being in the same room together just makes me so ecstatic, i love it so much

[@darthflauschi4553]

They are all brillant but I admire Jon so much. His approach to the challenges, he and especially his wife encountered and still have to deal with is mindblowing

[@freiyakd]

dua lipa is incredibly eloquent, i never get tired of listening to her speak in interviews 🥺

[@eyesthere]

It's nice to see these new crop of pop musicians sit as a unit and talk about making songs for film. Must be refreshing for them considering how competitive and stressful the world of pop music usually is. As Billie and Olivia said its gives them new motivations when they feel uninspired or overwhelmed.

[@xiomara4362]

Jon is such a special human being. So happy his wife is doing better ❤️‍🩹

[@zannyorange]

That was so perfect to end with John Batiste words. The profundity, depth, and healing of music is so powerful. John's words grounded the conversation in humanity.

[@bea1480]

this group is insane. I had actually paused the video to echo what Julia had said about the women at this table before she said it. I do like that this era of celebrity seems to lift each other’s art up more so than what i remember growing up

[@samara.ariel.jpg_]

this needed to be longer!!!!!! literally some of there strongest most genuine artists at this table that I deeply adore even before much of their major successes over these recent years. theyre all insane amazing in their own things. ive gotten to meet billie and Cynthia they are such lights and give warm hugs. I love them so much.

[@samara.ariel.jpg_]

and im not sure about dua but all the other artists have touched based in theatre and acting theatrical inspirations and films. I think that's vital to become a serious in touch story teller.

[@ih8uxo]

Full episode comes out December 31!!! This is a preview

[@Hakuna23]

This is just a preview a clip 😂 can you read the title of this video?

[@julieta9]

Billie looks so precious🥺🥺🥺

[@vlad-igor]

Idk why I need Sia, Florence, Adele, Taylor, Lorde, Bjork, Lady Gaga to be in a round table.. Since all of them are unique in songwriting skills.

[@nikhilsonavane8939]

I SECOND THIS and add lana del rey in there

[@BaileyPotts-jb3no]

We need one with all the 2010's pop queens. Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Rhianna, Taylor Swift, Adele, Lana Del Rey, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez. I Would LOVE that

[@Bafhco7807]

“Unique” most of them are not

[@Bafhco7807]

@@BaileyPotts-jb3nono thanks 😂

[@luzjuanolo]

Billie is really so sweet and genuine with everyone I love her so much

[@OfficialSpencer]

Dua, Olivia and Billie, what a moment 🎉

[@kheybarmammadnaghiyev113]

I love how Billie covers the most of the 18 minutes lol

[@billieeilishstann]

Billie's smile is soooo cute🩷🩷💗💗

[@robynschwebe4768]

I love how present they all are during this conversation. Also, John is the BEST listener.

[@Snarkapotamus]

There's an INCREDIBLE amount of talent sitting around that table - and not an ego to be found! Kudos to one and all...

[@lesleyalfaro6556]

I love Jon Batiste so much, what a lovely origin story to his doc.

[@tidalthrills]

What a table chock full of musical geniuses! There aren’t a whole lot of folks out there who do it quite like these guys and gals do.

[@malcomgopoto4240]

I could listen billie talk about her music for hours ❤

[@Dojakeet]

I wish more artists sat down together and talked about their music it’s like all of my worlds COLLIDING 💀❤️

[@niachristine]

Oh my gosh. I had tears at the end of this video. So beautiful what Jon Baptiste had to say.

[@marinastuartm]

Billie is so down to earth and smart!!! I love seeing her growing in music industry. She is amazing in every thing she does. ❤❤❤

[@preasia731]

Julia Michaels literally has so many hits with amazing pop stars.. she is so underrated man!

[@Brittfoxy]

Billie Eilish has saved my life so many times I would do anything to just tell her how much art meant to me… I can’t explain man… she’s powerful

[@MoonlightAstros]

The Elegancy and respectfulness that they give to each other is so beautiful. How they all talk about the power in which finding things in ourselves to reach a bigger audience for the human condition is absolutely incredible.

[@By_Yoshi]

Who came to see Billie???

[@luckyarchery]

Loved seeing Cynthia and Jon here as their work is phenomenal and so underrated, and I'm such a huge fan of Billie. I really enjoyed this conversation!

[@linny286]

Jon Batiste sums it up beautifully. Great clip.

[@xvicky]

i loved everyone talking around this table ! Billie has such a unique personality ! i really love her ! and i was so happy to watch Cynthia for the first time, she is so intelligent and seem like a true creative.

[@VictoriaWElise]

She is a well rounded creative! I love that she knows how to give the artist their props. I can tell she loves what she does

[@andressadosanjos4208]

release it pleeease, i'm so excited to see this whole conversation. i admire all these songwriters so much

[@elmardiabkl-5219]

Billie Eilish love you girl

[@-pj6ci]

Love Billie ❤️❤️ a rare rebel anti conformist sweet soul with finally something original and interesting in pop music which is so rare nowadays unfortunately….

[@edwardgroves364]

What a talented group

[@rozyy15]

I CAN'T WAIT for the rest of the video!! I can already tell that this won't feel long enough once it comes out. If there's ever the possibility for an extended edition, that'd be amazing! :)

[@Labhansha-mq7yz]

Dua was really president for us ❤❤ , Love her energy and voice and the vibe she gives amazing ❤❤❤🥰🥰🥰

[@JoseEduardo1594-]

Billie is such a genuine soul 😍

[@galaxiandancer]

This roundtables are some of the best content I have ever seen on YT. They are always fascinating. I wished we could have this in several languages and several countries. There's just so much to discover... Keep'em coming

[@rebeccak4343]

So beautifully wrapped up and worded my John Batiste ❤ Hope his wife recovers swiftly

[@ZeldasMask]

Dua is on another level she’s so ethereal

[@wheniwasolder021]

BILLIE LOOKS SO PRETTY

[@zaheaven_.lalonee7870]

The genuineness in this video is the rarest thing to man. I absolutely adore each of these beautiful people 😭.