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'Break Up' develops Scarlett's role as singer
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Published: October 23, 2009
LOS ANGELES - Three years ago, Pete Yorn contacted Scarlett Johansson about recording a duets album. He wanted to create something with a '60s vibe, similar to Serge Gainsbourg's recordings with Brigitte Bardot.
Yorn didn't know whether Johansson could sing, but thought she would be a good fit. "I figured most actors are multitalented. They've got to be able to do a lot of things and they probably have some ability to sing," the 35-year-old singer-songwriter said.
Last year, Johansson released "Anywhere I Lay My Head," a gauzy assortment of Tom Waits covers. Many argued her singing voice was hidden behind a curtain of effects so impenetrable, it was impossible to tell if she could sing. Some fans and critics weren't sold on the idea that she was serious about pursuing a musical path.
Now that "Break Up," her collaboration with Yorn, has been released, does she hope it will add some positive notes to her music career?
Johansson says she's still not looking for anyone's approval, adding she doesn't "realy validate myself through critical praise."
AP: Pete, why did you reach out to Scarlett?
Yorn: For some reason the image I had in my head and the context of the project, Scarlett just seemed right for it. In fact, when I asked her if she would do it I didn't even know she could sing. ... I knew that she was very talented and it was like an afterthought. I was like, "Oh, I'm sure she can sing."
AP: What surprised you the most, musically speaking, about working with her?
Yorn: I was really surprised with how fast she learned the songs. She didn't hear any material beforehand. She came to the studio and I had to teach her the songs very quickly. We didn't have much time because she was very busy at the time.
AP: Scarlett, a lot of people thought it was perhaps going to be a one-time thing when you released your CD last year. Here you are back again. Do you think this will prove to the critics that you're serious about your music career?
Johansson: I don't hope for anything. Of course whenever you put something out you hope that people are into it. But I don't really validate myself through critical praise. You know it's wonderful to have that but you know you expect when you put something out that people are going to like it, some people aren't going to like it.
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