Mark Ronson Says Greta Gerwig Wanted the ‘Most Maximalist Thing’ on ‘I’m Just Ken’ | The Breakdown

[@kathydurow6814]

And while the other nominated song from the movie won the Oscar, the performance of this song by Ryan, Mark, Wolf, Slash, the cameraman & co won the night/show.

[@artpro5930]

Absolutely. I haven't seen the movie, but that performance at the Academy Awards was phenomenal and led me down the wormhole of watching videos about how the song came into existence.

[@setphaser]

Yeah how this isn’t the greatest soundtrack song of the decade I’ll never know. It’s got so many references, even American in Paris AND Xanadu BOTH with Gene Kelly … ELO level joy…. Plus Slash Guns n Roses at their best?

[@christinemilham2847]

You know, it's kinda okay if he didn't win an Oscar that night- a Mouseketeer won the Oscars night (and I'm sure his era-peers were eating up the performance) 👍

[@daisyblooms4813]

@@artpro5930same

[@yoonahkang7384]

Both performances were mind blowing in a different way

[@Jessica-bs7br]

“blonde fragility” pops into my mind at random times, with or without the rest of the line or even the song. Just brilliant!

[@olebrumm8]

lmao i thought the lyric was "Is it my destiny to live and die a life of blonde virginity" hahahah

[@lucyw9952]

Omg same!

[@marybarry2230]

Ditto!!

[@jillcnc]

Mark Ronson is the greatest earworm composer of his generation. It's fascinating to watch this kind of "How it took shape" process, especially for those of us with NO musical ability at all.

[@ShowtuneSampler]

Yep, and he relegates the people who actually sang his songs and made them popular to a mere “featured” byline, while he steals the primary credit.

[@mcblaze1968]

True. Shallow was in my brain quite a while, and now Ken.

[@dokidash7052]

@@ShowtuneSampler If he's the producer, lyricist, composer, mixer, etc, and the others only sing, he's giving them the right credit.

[@tessaromein5787]

I completely agree with you! It's such a fascinating process.

[@HoopleHeadUSA]

A masterful example of having your own vision but putting aside ego and focusing on supporting the bigger picture

[@mcnater]

exactly right

[@jasminepetal3972]

Yes!!!

[@stirfryjedi]

Mark Ronson's voice is straight out of the 80's...when I looked him up I didn't even realize he was British-born. Thank you Rolling Stone for committing to such an incredible interview.

[@Scriptease123]

He's lived in the US since he was 8.

[@Kep27966]

It’s interesting, he has an English inflection on some of his vowels. His accent is like 80% American, 20% English.

[@carina9295]

Also a nepo baby

[@sarawang1257]

The way Mark sings reminds me of Elton John singing while playing the piano.

[@solola5632]

@@carina9295 a talented nepo baby, just like Jamie Lee Curtis, Jane Fonda, RDJ, etc...

[@croweau]

What a PRODUCER! so gifted, the perfect temperament and awareness of his role.

[@queen_marika057]

The instrumental track for the "Kenergy" section goes so hard

[@damo5791]

More track breakdown content like this please Rolling Stone. Great video!

[@BucyKalman]

It is symptomatic that Ken would lose to Billie Eilish. Always number two, no matter what I do.

[@kimscioloro]

I love how he breaks the song down bit by bit and you can really hear the beauty of this song, the melody, each note.

[@Lee-n2n1t]

Mark wrote “Shallow” with Lady Gaga it won a Oscar for a star is born! What turned into a joke went center stage at the Oscars with “I’m just Ken”. I bet that production wins an EMMY 💖💖💖

[@bloodhoundgang1642]

Really! I didn't know that 👍

[@Lee-n2n1t]

@@bloodhoundgang1642 yes and Bradley co-starred, directed and co-wrote the script. It was a powerful group of talent. Winning that Oscar a few years ago was everything then Bradley directing that Oscar performance I thought I’ve seen it all until this GEM 💎 came on a few weeks ago.

[@estherbraga2341]

The song from Top Gun was also Ronson's? It was beautiful at the Oscars as well.

[@tinyfarmvanisle3456]

“even though to this day he swears that Ken sang the song”

[@christinemilham2847]

In a way, he pretty much did. ✅️

[@MKPiatkowski]

A true example of letting a character take you over. The best actors do that.

[@Seilolo]

This kind of break down gives you a whole other level of appreciation for the song and all of the creative aspects of this and ANY movie really!

[@findJLF]

I'm actually so impressed with this break-down and song overall. In particular Ryan's vocal is outstanding. Thank you Mark, Wolfgang,, Slash and Mark's team for making this happen!

[@robertfloyd4287]

This sure makes you appreciate this song. I never understood how incredible Mark Ronson is.

[@kristajohnson9173]

I just do not understand how a dude this amazing at what he does is like this. There's this almost wildly unaware humility to him, it's crazy.

[@listentoday6]

Wow, that orchestra is amazing! I've always liked that in the song and now hearing it with just that and Ryan's voice alone is magical 😍

[@Pen12160]

Such a talented & modest man, no ‘main character’ syndrome, just a lovely human.

[@katiethompson6538]

why did the ending, with his descripion of RG's full body takeover to sing the song, make me emotional? The beauty and power of art!

[@MatheusC1729]

So beautiful how he talks about his artists, with such admiration. The fact he knows people like Amy Whinehouse and Ryan Gosling and Slash and Greta Gerwig are the starts make stuff just better

[@mybadoof4934]

Absolutely love how much talent went into making such an iconic song! So cool to hear about the little tidbits we don’t get to fully appreciate while just watching the movie 💕💕

[@PRODJUN]

Im glad publications are doing breakdowns for the nominated tracks this year by Artists/Producers🔥🔥🔥

[@SharonCasey-d3w]

I had never heard of Mark Ronson until a few months ago, and now I see him everywhere. Talented, intelligent, modest, unassuming, yet great. What a gift he has! Also, watching this, I had never really appreciated just what goes into making these songs and these movies. Ton of work, that.

[@brinduc]

And he is married to Meryl Streep's daughter (Grace Gummer)! I learnt that recently 🙂

[@funnerz]

He’s a legend! I’m surprised not many people recognise him, the 9th most viewed video on youtube is his song Uptown Funk with Bruno Mars.

[@Natalia-df5iw]

This background info is amazing and makes both the song and the movie even better!! Thank you for sharing! I´d so love to see Ryan sing in that booth

[@aliceflanagan3672]

Im just overwhelmed with Mark Ronson and the talent he brings to any project.

[@tannsolo]

I found myself crying through the last 90 seconds of this interview. This whole process is so very moving and in someways is an exemplification of the themes of the film. I feel so much gratitude for everyone involved. Thank you for this lovely song and every way it manifested in the world. May it heal.

[@richh33]

Super video, thanks so much Rolling Stone - and Mark. As a "serious" movie (and music) fan, this movie has confounded so many expectations in the best way, because of the respect, energy and love you all gave it. All of those things really come out here - and did in the best way on Sunday night. It took a truly special song to deny you the golden statue, but in all other ways this is so much more than enough and definitely one of those times when I wish the Academy could have shared the award.

[@luciladealejandro8448]

The orchestral bits are gorgeous. Love to have it broke it Down for us. Thank you

[@anne-louisegoldie]

This song has become its own thing. Everyone who was part of its making, brought their talent and passion for the Barbie (and Ken) vision. I enjoyed Mark talking it through, thank you 😊xx

[@benrosn8154]

This is awesome, honestly I really wanted to hear this demo and it’s so cool hearing the evolution of a song

[@samanthac.349]

A Van Halen was involved in the creation of this song? That makes so much sense, and Wolf elevated that whole section.

[@sweepingdenver]

Have you listened to his solo album? It's AWESOME.

[@samanthac.349]

@@sweepingdenver No, I haven’t. I’m listening to a podcast about LOTR right now. It’ll be over in a couple hours, and then I’ll put Wolf’s music on. 😉

[@kingslaphappy1533]

I knew he played bass but man can he play guitar!

[@sweepingdenver]

@@samanthac.349 He played every track of every instrument, a la the first Foo Fighters album. This a great video poking fun at it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r36noJ1ui7utnpo

[@christinemilham2847]

If Ken's gonna get a rock anthem, then sure, throw in the works - Ronson, Slash, Van Halen . . .😎

[@setphaser]

10:08 slash killing it with incredibly satisfying harmonies! ❤

[@eatmoremusic3650]

Now I get why Wolf was at the Oscar’s performance! What an epic, this behind the scenes is incredible

[@creatinotionchannel2680]

Wow all I could hope for as far as behind the scenes insight to one of my favorite songs ever! Thanks so much for doing this.

[@MissMisnomer_]

Billie might have taken home the Oscar, but "I'm Just Ken" will always be the winner of my heart. It was the perfect song to take us through the changing scenes and kept me smiling all throughout. Amazing job to everyone involved

[@sundance9042]

This song and Ryan Gosling deserved the Oscar. Love the Kenergy 💖💖

[@DanielPestanaTranslations]

This is exactly what we want to see on this channel. More, please.

[@Aqualyra]

Wow! Ronson has such a lovely, soothing voice, very 10 cc!❤

[@dreaming.of.cali.]

Incredible. Everyone who worked on this deserves an award ⭐️🩷

[@AmazingJane137]

He’s very modest

[@croweau]

It's what makes him a truly terrific producer

[@annemccarron2281]

He certainly stands out from others on the entertainment business. It's refreshing, to say the least.

[@Ruth_Heasman]

Love that, the song, the incredibly articulate walkthrough by Mark, the great film, the truly incredible performance by Ryan, the deeper meanings, the humour, all of it!

[@zzulm]

Thank you for remembering Amy Winehouse she was a very talented artist with a tragic life but she loved her music and that's her legacy.

[@kr2112]

OMG! As if I weren’t already blown away by the movie performance, but then the incredible, once-in-a-lifetime blockbuster concert at the Oscars has stuck with me ever since. This song has been an earworm I don’t want to shake. And NOW this?! Mark Ronson gives so much here and is obviously a musical genius and generous soul. I thought Ryan Gosling should have won the Oscar before, but hearing about what he put into this and how he transformed something great into something profound, just makes me think he was edged out because perhaps it’s assumed that the subject matter is less serious and therefore less deserving of this award. Thank you for sharing this. It is soooooooo goooooood!!!!!

[@julietwochholz9755]

Agree that Ryan deserved the Oscar, even more so when you think about singing in character. His performance was incredibly nuanced, and this Ken Rock Opera Song will be celebrated for a long time to come.

[@GLD9191]

Obsessed with this song, the instrumental is phenomenal. The movie sequence wow.

[@vasilikonstan]

Ack! This song makes me cry Every Single Time! It's just so raw and full of emotion. Amazing work, amazing film.

[@salaparuta]

I find funny i get the most emotional with that "put your manly hand in mine" which at the same time is the funniest sentence imo

[@vasilikonstan]

Oh yes that is THE line. The unabashed bro love 😭 @@salaparuta

[@Leanne507]

This was so fun to watch, so great to learn about the creative process and the many collaborations. Thank you! Amazing! 💖✨

[@filmmaker610]

This song deserves the Oscar

[@kimscioloro]

I agree!! To me, the Billie song sounds just like someone whining and it's nowhere near as beautifully complex as this song!

[@stella448]

Mark Ronson is amazng! He deserves more accolades!

[@robyoung9968]

Mark is so cool, I admire his songwriting. I love Ryan singing I am Ken. I love Mark breaking down the song.

[@sarahsyed9354]

Whoa. The thoughtfulness of his explanation!

[@rufarojunior]

Mark Ronson is an absolute legend

[@ktrmeadow]

What a fantastic delivery of the production for an amazing portion of the movie

[@cristinaj2504]

Such intelligent, talented, creative people creating work they really care about. Lovely BTS peek. ❤

[@monica11760]

This was so interesting to hear Mark talk about how it all came together!

[@Jodisallaboutjodi]

I was spellbound through this whole thing. I love you Mark R. ❤

[@sngray11]

Even though this song didn’t win an Oscar, the performance of this song won the Oscars and will be an iconic moment in history for all time. 💗

[@lpycb42]

I wonder if it’s eligible to win an Emmy

[@catherinebateman280]

You should have won the academy award this was the best song of the year 100 percent! No other song had all the brilliance re musicians !! And the singing!!

[@denisesf5]

We need more Ryan singing. With Mark at the helm preferably!😍😍

[@nancybarta8167]

Love the vintage 1960 ken on his desk!!!I have a dozen or two myself !!!

[@BigSteve6945]

You can see how artists would love to work with Mark Ronson. He is so calm and collected.

[@marybarry2230]

As much as I love the I’m Just Ken song and dancing in the movie, I think the live performance really was incredible!

[@hunnerdayEDT]

Ryan was showing off his Disney roots

[@n1kij]

I love this song even more now!

[@user-tt5xj5ib1e]

The mark of a great star is someone who celebrates the work of everyone around him above his own, humble and an amazing talented artist, heres to you Mr Ronson :) 😍🤩😍

[@balto20002]

This was awesome. I love hearing musicians talk about process.

[@arnesahlen2704]

YES! Ryan plus you two songwriters and the I'm Just Ken! production itself owned the Oscars. 💐Barbie💥 won the award of public opinion with Greta, Margot, Ryan and the whole cast & crew.

[@nztheatreluva]

What an incredible video - I LOVE hearing how each part came about

[@Caroll8artiste]

It’s become my earworm ❤ So perfect, 😍 you & Ken

[@FacheChanteDeux]

It is crazy how watered down Mark's English accent has become:). I love that he always pays tribute to the unforgettable Amy Winehouse. I hope he does an album with Raye to capture her purest jazz tone mixed with R&B. That would be a great project.

[@auchhaus]

Mark is incredible. Thank you for sharing your process

[@parklady4233]

Omg, this song makes me so happy! I just love it and listen to it on KZbin music all the time ❤

[@susien7323]

This song is genius as was the soundtrack to Barbie. And regards to Ryan Gosling he is and I can just say it in one word he was a Mouseketeer . As a kid he could sing, he can act he could dance he could perform he knows his stuff.a friend of mine actually called after the performance on the Oscars saying oh my God Ryan Gosling can sing?! I said, of course he was a Mouseketeers he’s brilliant.

[@n.j.porter8717]

If you haven't seen La La Land, where he sings, you are missing out!

[@yonuttoty]

Funniest part is the line "Can't play the regular tempo...because.. its insane" :))) right on, that is a really cool solo, hats off

[@sheila2759]

What a genius Mark Robson is ..how cool would it be to have the gift of creating songs like this with just cues from Greta…he understood the assignment to a tee

[@mkrezanski6606]

So did Billie and Finneas that’s why they made everyone cry 😭 and win an Oscar . That song was the heart of the movie . This song was the Kenergy of the movie lol!

[@arnesahlen2704]

👏 Bravo Rolling Stone! Bring experts on and give them the forum to speak expertly.

[@donadfull8887]

Both of the Barbie songs resonate very well with today’s young adults (and everyone else too, but especially them). With societal trends, men are feeling less and less appreciated, more in the background, more like 2nd class, and more like “accessories”. This helps to put that expression out there, and shows a way to handle it positively. And this way of not taking it too personal and handling it positively is attractive to the ladies too, which helps break out of the negative rut. So that’s why Everyone loves it so much. And then What I’m Made For just grabs your heart and wrenches it a bit, and ALL of us have had those feelings expressed in the song. Eilish’s voice just captivates you and does not let go.

[@lillypatience]

Mark seems like such a nice guy.

[@demt69ca]

And That is why It deserves the Oscar!

[@poppyseeds1844]

When the director laughs the way we see Greta laughing you know it's a winner. The movie was great, but Ryan lifted up the Oscars single-handed. Nothing else this year made me feel really happy.

[@joshnizzle]

I thought it was ridiculously dumb to be honest. I took my niece and she loved it but I think Oppenheimer was the far better movie that weekend.

[@jamesg409]

@@joshnizzlesuch an unnecessary comment bro.

[@Chibbykins]

​@@joshnizzle this is the most 'dude who calls himself a cinephile' comment lol. I bet that scene where the Kens won't shut up about The Godfather must've hit close to home for you

[@joshnizzle]

@@jamesg409you’re unnecessary

[@joshnizzle]

@@Chibbykinsnope never said anything about being a “cinephile”. Just that the movie was stupid. It was.

[@fanwatisha]

Thanks Mark and RS!! This song is so amazing-the ideas, the writing, the arrangement, the performers-all absolutely fabulous. It’s great to hear how it all happened! That creative process is fascinating, and inspiring. Also dang sexy, Mark. Way to go dude!

[@Kevin-ql3wv]

pleaseee release the full orchestral version of this songgg

[@spicydaddy2526]

Ronson and Wyatt are world class craftsmen

[@markdeckard7651]

13:26 "Even though he [Ryan] swears he didn't sing the song, Ken sang the song." 😂😂😂

[@n.j.porter8717]

💥💥💥

[@julesw3397]

I think I’ve watched Barbie too many times. Because “I’m Just Ken” and “What was I Made For” are clearly on rotation in my internal 6-CD player.

[@Mmmbop0987]

It’s always so interesting to see people break down their process start to finish

[@letstardust]

Love you, Mark! You always touch my soul with your music. 💗

[@daxlough292]

great song Mark ! the opening is amazing the rest song is like Neil Diamond meets Flash Gordon, and I love it. Catchy AF , cant get it out my head !

[@sweetlady7317]

Deep down i knew it got a bit inspiration from Queen somewhat, esp from flash gordon era

[@billbayard3966]

The correct song won, but this was THE moment of the night and probably many previous telecasts of this as well.

[@MMacAttack]

Had no idea mark Robson was married to Meryl streeps daughter till this awards season

[@anahicortes9002]

perfect song.

[@miraclewalkerproductions]

I love that song. Brilliant

[@GabyBraca7]

Those string arrangements are insane.

[@Rodney.or99]

That mannequin wearing speedos and having a small disco ball in its lap is IMPORTANT part of the process. Can you imagine having more space to move your mouse? Not me 😀

[@RKC-1234]

This was such a cool ride!

[@skywatcher5741]

I love to hear the whole background, iconic 🎶

[@Wraith983]

Should've won the Oscar. straight up.

[@rabblerousin8981]

Wow, this was a great video that made me like the song even more

[@svetlanak1043]

This song should have won the Oscar.

[@mairinkelly-may8998]

This is one of best " break down " of a birth of a song I have watched BUT what would you expect from Mark Ronson who worked with Amy Winehouse on one of best albums EVER Back to black. Tu Mark thoroughly enjoyed this analysis 🎉🎉❤❤

[@jeannickqualao9733]

Damn I wish he did film Ryan Gosling in the recording booth