A24 has dropped an in-depth video breakdown revealing how Japanese Breakfast crafted the original song “My Baby (Got Nothing At All)” for Materialists, spotlighting musician Michelle Zauner and director Celine Song diving into the song’s meaning and creative process.
Inside the Songwriting Spotlight
In the behind-the-scenes featurette released by A24, Zauner explains how she aimed to capture the emotional core of Materialists through music. The song weaves together gentle folk melodies with lyricism that reflects the film’s romantic and socio-economic themes. Zauner said the track was intended to “feel timeless,” channeling the tension between a love that’s heartfelt and one defined by scarcity—mirroring the film’s emotional and narrative stakes.
“My Baby (Got Nothing At All)” makes sparing yet powerful use of instrumentation. Its intimate acoustic arrangement nods to classic singer-songwriter traditions while maintaining the cinematic scope demanded by the film’s aesthetic. Zauner comments that the refrain echoes the film’s central relationship—a romantic give-and-take where emotional wealth, not material, holds lasting value.
The featurette includes candid moments between Zauner and Song discussing how the lyrics and tone align with key character arcs—particularly Lucy’s connections with two very different love interests. A24’s creative team and Song agreed that having a distinct “original song” added depth, pushing the film’s emotional pulse beyond its visual storytelling.
Since debuting as a standalone track on June 10, “My Baby (Got Nothing At All)” has been praised for its cinematic quality.
A24’s featurette gives a rare peek into the creative alchemy behind Materialists, showcasing how Japanese Breakfast and Michelle Zauner crafted an original song that resonates with the film’s emotional landscape. Between its thoughtful lyrics, delicate arrangement, and poignant collaboration, “My Baby (Got Nothing At All)” extends Materialists’ storytelling—offering viewers a haunting, melodic echo long after the credits roll.
