Brifing

Blackpink's Jennie Debuts Upbeat Solo Single for Netflix Animated Film Steps

The singer contributes the melodic track Someone to Hold to the upcoming movie soundtrack.

2 sources3 min

1New Solo Track Release

Blackpink member Jennie has released her latest solo single titled Someone to Hold. The upbeat, melodic neo-disco track features layered vocals and was produced by Justin Tranter. It serves as a key contribution to the official soundtrack for the upcoming Netflix animated feature film titled Steps, arriving on November 20.

2Cinematic Narrative Shift

Directed by Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, the film Steps reimagines the classic Cinderella story. The plot follows stepsisters Lilith and Margot, voiced by Ali Wong and Stephanie Hsu, who steal a magic wand from the Fairy Godmother. This action inadvertently allows the villainous Priscilla, played by Nikki Glaser, to seize the throne.

3Unexpected Heroic Alliance

To rectify the kingdom's chaotic state under Priscilla's rule, Lilith must form an unlikely alliance with Cinderella, voiced by Amanda Seyfried. Their journey involves navigating the Screaming Woods and battling biker trolls. The narrative emphasizes the importance of their evolving relationship while attempting to restore order to the fractured royal kingdom.

4Production and Creative Vision

Producer Justin Tranter, who crafted the song, describes the track as pure danceable joy inspired by vintage organic dance pop. The film itself is produced by Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell, and Kim Lessing under Paper Kite Productions. Directors Tzue and Ripa noted the song effectively captures the spirited sisterhood of the characters.

5Soundtrack and Score Details

The companion soundtrack for Steps features four original songs written and produced by Tranter. In addition to Jennie, the project includes vocal contributions from Amanda Seyfried, Rose Gray, and Emei. The film's musical score was composed by Kris Bowers, known for his previous work on the popular Netflix series Bridgerton.

6Jennie's Recent Musical Trajectory

This release follows a busy period for Jennie, who recently shared the solo single Less Than a Lover in July. Earlier this year, she also saw success with a guest appearance on Tame Impala’s Dracula remix, which reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the U.K. Singles Chart.

7Context of Solo Work

Jennie continues to balance her solo career with her commitments to Blackpink. Last March, she released her debut solo EP titled Ruby via her label, Odd Atelier. The project featured collaborations with various artists including Childish Gambino and Dua Lipa, preceding her recent world tour and the group's February album, Deadline.

8Strategic Release Timing

The song and the film are scheduled for a simultaneous release on November 20. By integrating pop-star-led soundtracks into animated features, Netflix aims to amplify audience engagement. This release strategy mirrors industry trends where high-profile musical contributions serve as promotional vehicles for streaming content, bridging the gap between music and film.

Original article: Rolling Stone — Blackpink's Jennie Debuts Upbeat Solo Single for Netflix Animated Film Steps