Sabrina Carpenter Producer, Jack Antonoff, on Crafting ‘Please Please Please’

[@denarendall]

There is nothing cooler than listening to creative people explain their process. His passion is contagious! I love that jack acknowledged Sabrina’s dreamy vocals. She does not get enough credit!

[@toromomo8]

I think she gets enough credit, she is the most popular she’s ever been right now and grammy nominated

[@zaretzi.f.b]

variety never stop doing vids like this

[@ALCHESTERTAGWALAN]

it's for the grammy campaign

[@zaretzi.f.b]

@ALCHESTERTAGWALAN okay...everything is a campagin and promo for smth now, i just like vids like this

[@cesarv2804]

Check Mixing With The Masters! They also do breakdowns on the process. :)

[@ritua7s]

fr

[@benicerh]

@@cesarv2804 or song exploder that's been doing it for 10 years

[@elliexeneropi9725]

i love just how absolutely nerdy he sounds. like he just starts going off and trying to excitedly explain how they work

[@MonticArckeys]

Listening to any expert talk about their passion or field, no matter what it is, is thrilling. Especially when it's engaging.

[@n3bmusic]

yes, haha... like (crazy sound Fx plays) Atnonoff's like: " Whatever tF that Is". ;) lol

[@sadman1143]

Personally this video is the reason why please please please is superior than espresso, the vocals, the production is totally genius

[@Salma80791]

@@sadman1143 I always felt that way! The Grammy museum performance of espresso slaps tho. Before that performance I was MEH about espresso

[@KeepCalmContemplateYourChoices]

Now let's not pit two absolute divas against one another 😭 I refuse to turn Espresso and Please Please Please be made rivals

[@sadman1143]

@@Salma80791 i love espresso it's such a funny pop song but please please please's vocals are another level

[@sadman1143]

@@KeepCalmContemplateYourChoices hahaha yes i agree but i wanted to speak from a vocals perspective

[@Salma80791]

@@sadman1143 yeah the vocals are great! I love when sab shows them off!! I also rlly like the story and production in please please please. It makes me love it even more ! Also the mv is sooo well-shot

[@Vanessa-uo6lt]

You know, of all the pop girlies jack works with, i think sabrina is the one who fits his style of dreamy shimmery synth pop the best

[@lessismore8533]

This particular song has 80s synth tho, not dreamy sparkly lol, unless you want to call it an 80s version

[@lessismore8533]

..

[@lukegarris0n]

@@lessismore8533the 80s invented dreamy shimmery synth pop lol… what are you on about

[@michaelolympus5994]

What did he do with Taylor's?

[@inhobiswinecellar9571]

i love how he works with all the pop girlies

[@BalancedLightYoga]

I can’t comprehend what it’s like to have a brain like this

[@lessismore8533]

Honestly many ppl just mess around in a keyboard until they find something that sounds cool and turn they use it..

[@masonklein]

@@lessismore8533 Let's admit that antonoff is a genius

[@Viper-dz2kw]

It’s funny after a while you can’t remember what it’s like to not be wired like this. I remember the first years I was producing I could literally feel my brain rewiring itself to hear music differently, I don’t even remember what it’s like to hear music as a whole and not a collection of parts.

[@alexpolakis2016]

@@Viper-dz2kwI’ve noticed this too now. Very difficult for me not to listen to Individual parts in a song now

[@davismorgan99]

These videos are kind of funny because having a musical brain like Jack is something that is created over decades of playing and listening to music. You can use the techniques that he uses, but at the end of the day he’s just creating a sound that he has in his head. If you can’t get that sound in your head then you’ll never write the music no matter how talented you are. It just comes from banging your head against the wall countless times and recognizing what the music you like is actually doing.

[@lessismore8533]

He did a good job with the harmonies. Definitely sounds like heaven

[@jessicacampbell2549]

people can say whatever they want about jack, but he really is a musical genius

[@nicoc225]

What do people say?

[@abdullahjaved0330]

He's won producer of the year at the grammys three years in a row. I think 5 times in total.

[@WaveReact]

he's the best!!

[@bri-tn8mg]

@@nicoc225they say his production is bland, boring, and overdone. i’ve seen a lot of people say they’re tired of him producing so many of the pop songs we hear today but i love his work.

[@Benprogfuse]

No

[@Kenzzy39]

He said "you hear it and it's just always been there" THATS EXACTLY how I felt when I heard espresso for the first time. Instant classic.

[@DanThomasUK]

He’s right, I never noticed it before but it’s such an ABBA song ❤

[@michaelolympus5994]

There is so much power with ABBA songs

[@laurabolanos9712]

YES! And I got major “hopelessly devoted to you” vibes in the outro with the vocals

[@gabrielcarter8065]

dude the dolly comes through so clear in please please please

[@bassfacekillah]

big time!

[@soaribb32]

And also the ELO with the synths

[@dleblanc]

The Beatles as well. The chords in the bridge are very much the Beatles.

[@beatsbykana]

so crazy how much him and finneas talk about the unheard but felt aspect of music

[@lisad.2390]

I love that he speaks to the emotional impressions he wants to achieve. And he’s so incredibly passionate about creating music, it’s infectious!

[@skylarsouthard2114]

He loves music. You can truly tell

[@PierreJamerson]

Not sure why Jack gets hate, he’s an exemplar of a great music producer. Recently fell in love with his work. Great work Jack

[@lucasb9285]

His work with Taylor is mid

[@whydidimakethis9417]

@@lucasb9285Says more about Taylor than Jack tbh

[@PierreJamerson]

@@whydidimakethis9417 exactly, he can clearly flex his capabilities but sometimes the artists or songs don’t require the vast possibilities. It’s maybe why he stays busy because of his flexibility and not an ego driven style or approach to every project.

[@Jess-y7c]

@@lucasb9285Taylor isn’t Mid Incel

[@user-th6rh8zp3t]

he is a one trick pony and his sound is getting old

[@julianmemento]

I’m a house DJ and producer who doesn’t consume pop but I love learning from producers in all different areas. Time and time again I see the love for the human touch being appreciated by these great producers. I took away from this video the passion to create not just music but soundscapes for listeners to peel like a never ending onion. The more you do for the love of the art the more tidbits you leave behind for listens to unravel from every single listen and that’s the beauty of our journey as appreciators of music.

[@ninagates3390]

you should be a writer too!

[@normanfooteii5300]

I love that you said this. The human touch is exactly why AI could never. It can get close, but until it lives like we do and has living ancestors it will never beat us

[@officialpierluk]

11:05 « whatever the fuck that is » LOL .. seriously a brilliant song and production

[@marcellkovacs5452]

It felt like he surprised himself as well when he played that glissando riff

[@callumbrady88]

Sounds like a nod to Dancing Queen opening

[@syntezjaofficial4240]

sounded like start of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun to me

[@n3bmusic]

Exactly lmao genius mind at work...

[@michaelolympus5994]

THAT FLUTE 🤯🤯 WE NEED MORE OF THAT VERSION!!! IN FULL VERSION!!!

[@thecompanysingersph]

her stacked vocals sound like vintage Olivia Newton John!! absolute velvet.

[@jwckauman]

Been saying that all along. A little Please Mr Please?

[@bubbleblowinbab]

those flutes!!!!! i'm crying that was so gorgeous

[@runningdowncorridors]

I love learning how songs were made and jacks work is amazing

[@ordinarryalien]

I'm not interested in this type of music, but his passion is contagious, and I learned a lot.

[@Nor-p5v]

Sabrina Carpenter voice > Taylor Swift voice

[@MrJetix-su7qn]

@@Nor-p5vwhy compare, they both beautiful their way

[@lessismore8533]

@@MrJetix-su7qnthat “both beautiful “ redundant cliche, still doesn’t mean ppl can’t have preferences..as long as there’s respect

[@sethhoward1095]

I'm not usually either, but this song completely won me over. It's really brilliantly done.

[@RyannaArcher]

@@Nor-p5v There's zero reason why you needed to make this comment.

[@btbrotherton]

Must be incredible to be in a room with someone this level of musical genius and watch them create one of these masterpieces.

[@jovid4621]

It's a masterpiece. Interesting to see how sounds from decades ago easily hold on to today's listening expectations, and hits are still being made using all those well engineered instruments

[@Nfiacko]

For sure! I always felt like this song has a 70's vibe to it.

[@1gnore_me.]

jack doesn't get the recognition he deserves. truly a musical genius

[@elinachessmusic]

he's the most talked about producer in the industry right now, behind any pop hit since the start 2020s, what do you mean ?

[@MeadowlarkAudioworks]

Shoutout to whoever uploaded this in mono

[@patrickromeoau]

lmao

[@iamchiragdahiya]

Now I’m gonna be listening the song with a whole different perspective! And it’s gonna sound even more beautiful now.

[@tomato2891]

what the heck i've been listening to and obsessing over this song for the past 24 hours, wondering how they made it and now i come across this video to answer all my questions!! such a good song

[@Photoshoplilli]

I have no idea what he's saying but he's making total sense

[@west4coast77]

Love hearing about Jack's process, his innate musical ability and great instincts. He's crafted a memorable track. And he's right - Sabrina's voice and performance are wonderful. Thanks for posting.

[@asdfghjkl09871]

if the word "nerdy" is a person, it's Jack. it's adorable when he moves his head and whole body to tell the story

[@BobBobu-x6n]

If this doesnt win Record or Song of the year...😭

[@all.too.wqll.13]

It definitely should

[@normalizenatalie]

if it's doesn't hopefully it's bc RAYE or Chappell won ❤️

[@syntezjaofficial4240]

They have written some cool instrumental parts on this album. I didn't listen mainstream pop since 2013 but I'm addicted to this song and Taste.

[@nlknikki]

The beginning is so 80s synth to me. I’m addicted to this song it’s so catchy more than espresso for me!

[@colinwood8376]

You should check out Coleurs-Closr

[@shafiqdufrene5438]

What a masterclass on how to keep the listener in the song. True respect for the listening music experience.

[@xoxo_sean]

8:18 the way i heard this exact flute sound in the song and immediately knew without looking that jack antanoff produced this song says a lot 💀💀💀

[@michaelolympus5994]

I suddenly need a full version of that

[@Jmwilson1989j]

I come from a heavy background(metal and rock) but have studied music. It's so fucking refreshing to hear a song,that uses such a beautiful progression,instead of the same 4 chords all the way through and it has a great descending bassline throughout. There's unusual key changes and the section towards the end(middle 8?) is very powerful and again great chords. Overall musically and sonically it's a masterpiece,some people will just see it as an average pop song but beneath that is a very well orchestrated and produced song. The guy deserves great respect for his vision.

[@axerfernandes]

I wish the orchestral sections would also be released bcoz they are soooooo beautiful and yeah just great🤩please please please release them too

[@heytheredela]

I love watching these behind the scenes things with songs…it just blows my mind how technical a song can be! Beautiful! 🎶🎼🎵

[@inhobiswinecellar9571]

they are so technical. but they make it look so easy so youd never guess

[@gnilkaew123]

I need more of him talking about music in my life

[@melomane]

I recently got to work in the video crew for Bleachers at Madison Square Garden. This guy is no joke. I wanted to write him off but now I’m sold. He’s the real deal.

[@MorePlausible]

What changed your mind?

[@RyannaArcher]

@@MorePlausible just seeing Jack play live with Bleachers will change most minds about him. They put on about the best live show I've seen, and I made concerts a hobby for many years, seen everybody. Bleachers is something very special. I would also like to know what changed melomane's mind tho too since you asked lol

[@theonewiththeblueeyes]

Oh that flute is beautiful 🤩 who knew I needed a classical version of this song!

[@ayeholmes91]

I KEPT trying to figure out why the song is addictive…it does the same thing as short videos or high stimulation TV shows…feeding you something new every few seconds lol. Makes sense…great job.

[@ryan-qr8no]

he started campaigning for the grammy let's win another producer of the year

[@lfior]

Why? What’s the point? Aren’t other producers deserving an award and some recognition? We know who JA is

[@EverythingSwiftlogical]

@@lfior its not about who knows him though, it’s the fact he deserves it for his work and growth and evolution as someone who was told over and over he’d never amount to anything as a producer. With the amount of layers, and hidden things you don’t normally hear that add so much texture and immerse the listener into the experience of a song over and over while doing it differently is something that deserves to be recognized. This is something you especially see in his produced tracks on reputation. Hell, getaway car has him moaning in the back and you can’t tell unless you hear the stems. Yet it immerses the listener and adds texture. And quite frankly it’s something I’ve never seen before Jack. So yes, he deserves it. Because he worked his entire life for this, and should get recognition for his batshit crazy abstract ideas that make pop masterpieces.

[@caityzales]

What a great producer. I admire his craft

[@Famanortenaofficial]

Amazing Video Thank You Jack For Sharing These Priceless Insights Of The Making!!

[@TheEmmalinexx]

I have no idea what Jack is saying audio wise, but I love this!!! More from Jack !!!

[@kurtisa.murray2711]

It's so wild seeing Jack at this stage of his career, remembering him as the goofy dude from some random band (steel train) talking about how The Format makes weird "circus music" on their live DVD at the Mayan. IT was crazy enough seeing them get huge with FUN but having no clue he's been behind all this huge pop hits til recently is blowing my damn mind

[@vinsmashies]

i looooooooove when producers dissect songs!!! I can see how proud they are!

[@jfraislebem]

Happy to understand why I’m so addicted to this song!

[@freddiegarner2581]

11:00 trying to explain your homework to the music tech teacher after starting it the night before high as a kite

[@Thm0_0]

Not a Sebrina Carpenter fan but that hook vocals in please, please, please has always so heavenly to me ❤️

[@sherlyerina13]

please make more vids like this! One of the reasons y i love listening to diff versions of the song,instrumental/background vocals/harmonies

[@careless_daughter]

check out song exploder, podcast/netflix show with the same concept as these videos

[@bethanysykes4748]

This is why Jack is one of the best to work with!!!! Love hearing the progression and ideas coming to life. Soo good!!❤❤❤

[@mariom6412]

This guy is processing music on a very high level

[@remixisthis]

Pop Music is so fascinating where you have total encyclopedia music knowledge producers combined with talent performers and singers to make hit songs

[@LexAladar]

This is art, and sound is the ink. Anyone who’s truly passionate about their production and their sound, you will be able to feel it through the music. It’s a next level of attention to detail and sound design.

[@ItzBwo]

I know I’m biased with how big of a bleachers fan I am, but watching Jack explain the creative process with all of these tiny details is mind blowing

[@michaljuricka]

He is such a gem of a human being 💫 super cool video!!

[@danteyoutu]

How did Jack go from being that kid playing the guitar outside record stores with Nate to this award winning producer. Amazing. I love his work with Fun and his own records

[@glitch1989]

I LOVE JACK ANTONOFF

[@JackieLovesCheese]

More Jack Antonoff!

[@mkrd2000]

You can infer that he's such a great and sought-after producer not just because he gets how to connect the human and the tech elements of music in cool ways, but also because he can explain it so articulately and relatably.

[@sarahjayneriley]

And that’s why he’s #1

[@ronitmahadik4464]

The 15 hours you spend for that 1 second of music is what separates you from the rest. World class🔥

[@oifogs3287]

Producer of the Year, indeed. Producer of the Decade.

[@themusician216]

People talking about their process. It's everything i need.

[@Vanessa-uo6lt]

Please please please is my most listened song of the year!!!!!

[@WhiteOakAmps]

This Producer is the most accessible modern studio cat who just told us how to do it: "Leave Space" just super cool how much serious fan base increase happens because of these artists' willingness to share. 😮

[@KevinTong-su6bj]

My jaw dropped! You are incredibly talented Jack. It makes me start writing songs 🎶

[@salmahlizerd]

Always love watching him work

[@annalaube]

Dang this is so cool thank you!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@CornelioAustin]

The second verse is the most impressive. Totally untraditional and pushing the norm.

[@florencejackmusic]

Loved this video!!

[@MadisonKeesler]

Thank you for creating and sharing this video. So inspiring to see!

[@reneebilleaudeaux250]

I love watching Jack and Charlie Puth explain music. Layering and adding in random yet genius little things to songs is so interesting and impressive.

[@playdatepod]

this is spectacular

[@RekhaKaula]

Finally some information I can use! Thanks for this deep dive, Variety. Sabrina's record is worth popping the hood for!

[@cho.s.en1]

So far I didn’t like her other songs but this is up my alley. Congratulations 🎉

[@Brandyrose111]

So what I’m getting from this is I need the orchestral version and Acapella version 😆💙✨👌🏻

[@johnnyq1992]

Been waiting for this since the song came out

[@jerrywemhoff]

Everything that's special about Jack Antonoff came out of a checkbook.

[@sthenx0r]

What what a genius this guy is! Looking forward to more work from him.

[@wearefoley]

That Juno is absolutely addictive

[@sophianarida]

Record of the year for me

[@mylenar.1350]

Didn't understand 85% of the video but jack I love you

[@AE-mp1bj]

Thank you Variety for putting out a great substantive video on this vs Mix with the Masters “trailers” 🙏🏼🥺

[@JessicaAlatorre-b7k]

i luv this acoustic man

[@mooseman7628]

He is a nerd by definition, and its absolutely brilliant

[@guitarfumar]

He’s the real MVP. Didn’t just sing please a hundred times. Made it feel real.

[@camerongonzales4784]

This man has GOT to be neurodivergent. A literal genius. This is awesome! Thank you, Jack for your brain.

[@vigh4696]

I know right? I had that exact feeling, he has to be hahaha and I fucking love it.

[@abby_bellamy]

bro what 😭🙏

[@Mf7d89]

He seems on the spectrum

[@robbiedubbelman3024]

@madslagsallupinthisgaff I think people may think it's more because of the mannerisms, and neurodivergent doesn't have tp be autistic

[@formerastronaut]

"So I turned up the bass" - A FRIGGIN GENIUS.

[@Pyroific]

nice to see the people who actually make the music getting some recognition

[@BTSwithChristy]

the magic of music ✨

[@altermoremusic]

Що тут скажеш, ще один геній 🔥👍🏻 Пісня чудова, якість взагалі вогонь. Як вона зроблена! 🔥

[@rosa_rosess4359]

Variety keep doing videos like this please

[@vinsmashies]

it's the verse 2 having a key change matching the vibe of having a fun idea

[@MCKING0006]

I love this

[@JoshSchroeder]

This song and production is easily my favorite in pop music in the last decade. Hats off to Jack and thank you for the production break down!

[@worldadmin9811]

jack is so special

[@Katertot8895]

I know Swifties (myself included) always rag on Jack Antonoff, but I recently went through all the TS songs he produced and a lot of them are my favorites. When he's on, he is ON. He's so good at what he does and going from something like fortnight to please please please really show his range in pop music.

[@trevorbennett]

This guy seems awesome to work with