Barbie’s iconic figure, along with the renowned music producer Mark Ronson, unleashed ‘Ken The EP’ to the world this Wednesday.
Ryan Gosling is spreading Kenergy vibes this festive season! The beloved actor from Barbie and the accomplished music producer, Mark Ronson, who previously collaborated on the soundtrack for the movie ‘Barbie: The Album,’ have joined forces once again. This time, they’ve unveiled ‘Ken The EP,’ featuring revamped renditions of Ken’s original anthem, “I’m Just Ken.” And as a delightful surprise for the holidays, they’ve unveiled a brand-new Christmas-themed edition of the song.
To complement the EP’s release, Gosling, aged 43, and Ronson, aged 48, delved back into the world of Barbieland. On Wednesday, they premiered a music video for “I’m Just Ken (Merry Kristmas Barbie).”
The video showcases the Golden Globe-winning actor alongside Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, the writer and producer of Barbie: The Album, in the recording studio. Amidst the festive ambiance with garlands and twinkling lights, Ronson aims for a merry rendition of the song, while Gosling, in his best Ken mode, raises doubts, pondering if the Christmas vibe might deter post-holiday viewership. However, swayed by reassurance and sporting a stylish pair of shades, Gosling eventually embraces the yuletide Kenergy, delivering an enthusiastic performance. The ballad, now adorned with strings, bell-infused choruses, and a heartwarming “Merry Christmas, Barbie, wherever you are” message, becomes a delightful gift to fans of the Greta Gerwig-directed film.
The EP, ‘Ken The EP,’ not only features the “Merry Kristmas Barbie” version but also presents two other revamped iterations of the song. “I’m Just Ken (In My Feelings Acoustic)” offers a stripped-down rendition carrying Gosling’s new verses, resonating with ’70s soft-rock vibes. Meanwhile, “I’m Just Ken (Purple Disco Machine Remix)” pulsates with dance-floor-ready rhythms reminiscent of Dua Lipa’s contribution to the movie’s soundtrack, “Dance the Night.”
Prior to the EP’s launch, Ronson shared insights on Instagram about his collaboration with Gosling. Reflecting on their time together recording the soulful anthem, Ronson expressed initial nerves about Gosling’s vocals but soon realized the actor’s exceptional talent exceeded expectations. The duo revisited their creative aspirations in November, envisioning a live version that culminated in the Christmas-themed rendition, crafted with enthusiasm despite the time constraints.
Following the EP and music video’s release, Eva Mendes, Gosling’s wife, expressed admiration for her husband’s musical abilities and lauded Mark Ronson for encouraging more of Gosling’s musical endeavors. Mendes also praised Gosling’s lesser-known rock duo, Dead Man’s Bones.
The Ken EP arrives on the heels of the critically acclaimed ‘Barbie: The Album,’ which garnered significant attention with nominations for several Golden Globe and Grammy awards. The Margot Robbie-led film earned nine Golden Globe nods and 11 Grammy nominations, securing spots in various categories, including Best Original Song – Motion Picture, where “I’m Just Ken,” “Dance the Night,” and Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” are recognized. Additionally, at the Grammy Awards, Eilish’s poignant ballad and Lipa’s disco-pop hit vie for awards, competing for the prestigious Song of the Year title, among others. Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice’s collaboration, “Barbie World,” and “I’m Just Ken” each received nominations, adding to the extensive acclaim surrounding the film’s soundtrack.