Leon Thomas and his producers, D Phelps and Rob, show us what went into the making of their hit “Mutt” and reveal how the song is technically not in key. Watch more Behind the Song videos from Variety: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLx_Nt-I7Viqw0ucHEhbIAG5JP7zr5M7i Join Variety to get access to members-only perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgRQHK8Ttr1j9xCEpCAlgbQ/join Subscribe to […]
The Smiths’ explosive title track “The Queen Is Dead” traces its origins from an impromptu live ad-lib in 1985 to a ferocious six-minute studio masterpiece that opens their 1986 landmark album. Beginning with a subversive sample of a nostalgic World War I music-hall tune smashed by howling feedback and thunderous […]
Madison Beer and her producer One Love (Tim Sommers) take us behind her new single “bittersweet,” and talks listening to fan feedback and casting Sean from “The Summer I Turned Pretty” in the music video. Variety Behind the Song presented by TikTok Join Variety to get access to members-only perks: […]
“Frankly, Mr. Shankly” is arguably The Smiths’ funniest song, not just on their 1986 masterpiece The Queen is Dead, but in their entire catalog. While the band is renowned for their sharp melancholy and poetic despair, this breezy, music-hall-inspired gem bursts through with pure cheeky comedy: a hilariously passive-aggressive resignation […]
From a high-school bedroom to a Grammy nomination — Sombr’s journey is anything but ordinary. Sombr breaks down how he built his viral hit “Back to Friends” as the sole producer on the track and shares the personal story behind the lyrics in Variety’s Behind the Song presented by TikTok. […]
Jack Antonoff, one of the most prominent figures in modern music production, sat down with Variety for an episode of Behind the Song, offering an inside look at his collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter on their summer hit “Please Please Please.” Watch more Behind the Song videos from Variety: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLx_Nt-I7Viqw0ucHEhbIAG5JP7zr5M7i Join […]
