Better When I’m Dancin’: A Conversation with Meghan Trainor for the Home Entertainment release of Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Movie
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved “Peanuts” gang make their big-screen debut, like they’ve never been seen before, in state of the art 3D animation. Snoopy, the world’s most lovable beagle – and flying ace – embarks upon his greatest mission as he takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis The Red Baron, while his best pal, Charlie Brown, begins his own epic quest.
From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the ICE AGE films, SNOOPY AND CHARLIE BROWN: THE PEANUTS MOVIE will prove that every underdog has his day.
THE PEANUTS MOVIE, starring Charlie Brown and his loyal dog Snoopy, is the first big screen CG film based on the indelible comic strip by Charles M. Schulz. It’s a hilarious and heartwarming animated adventure that is thoroughly immersive, staying true to Schulz’s art, and bringing the legendary cartoonist’s work to life in 3D.
All Charles Schulz’s beloved characters appear, from Lucy and Linus to Pigpen and Peppermint Patty.
Grammy nominated, multi platinum superstar Meghan Trainor has written and recorded two original songs, ‘Better When I’m Dancin’’ and ‘Good To Be Alive’ for the PEANUTS MOVIE, based on Charles M. Schulz’s iconic comic strip...
How did you get involved in THE PEANUTS MOVIE?
Fox asked me whether I would be interested in doing a song for the film, because they liked my confidence and my empowering ‘self-love’ songs and they said ‘we want something similar for this movie.’ They wanted something that would help people to feel confident, and that would help Charlie Brown to feel confident. Then the director (Steve Martino) showed me some clips of the movie, which were amazing. They showed me how Charlie Brown learns how to dance, so I knew right away I was going to write a dance song and I wrote ‘Better When I’m Dancin’.’
How exciting has it been for you?
Being a part of the PEANUTS movie is a big deal. I was terrified and honored. When I told my grandmother, she was pumped! I told my cousins and they were pumped too. I still have to pinch myself. It’s not real, but it is real! It’s unbelievable.
How did you come up with the concept for ‘Better When I’m Dancin’?
I came up with it when I was on my tour bus. At one point I got sick on tour; I had a show to do and I was miserable. But I noticed that when I was on stage and I had the crowd there and I was dancing, I felt much better, I forgot that I was sick. I wrote the song on my ukulele, and then I sent it to them and they loved it. It’s a feel-good song.
What is it do you think about the song that connects with the theme of the film and with Peanuts?
It's fun, it's upbeat and it can play in the dance scene in the film because it is an actual dance. It's really nice and it’s easy to remember. It's just: ‘…better when I'm dancing,’ over and over again (laughs).
What about the other song, ‘Good To Be Alive’?
That was another family thing for me. I went home to Nantucket (in Massachusetts). I finally got to chill with my family after my first tour and I was really appreciating life and being in the moment. I was appreciating that I could be with them all and that they were all healthy and happy and that I was in my own bedroom. I was pacing back and forth and I made the beat. I thought: ‘what’s a good, happy song that talks about being alive and how awesome it is right now?’ I was like; ‘it feels so good to be alive …that’s it, right there!’ I wrote it and I produced it with my younger brother, Justin, and then I brought my entire family into my bedroom. That’s where I recorded it. I had them sing the chorus and the backgrounds. Isn’t that cute? We videotaped the whole thing. It was like a Partridge Family (the 70s TV show THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY) gathering. It was great.
What do you enjoy about the Peanuts gang?
They are adorable and quirky and fun and real, just like life. That's why I think the cartoon has been so big and so popular for all ages. My grandmother and my parents watched PEANUTS. All generations love it; kids nowadays love it and immediately relate to the comic strip, because it's about the struggle of Charlie Brown and what he goes through and how he overcomes all his challenges.
What was it like going to watch the movie and hearing your own song?
It was the first time ever that I’ve had a song in a movie. It was amazing. I was in the theatre, my whole family was with me and we were eating popcorn and enjoying the movie. But I remember my heart was pounding out of my chest because I knew my song was coming up. I didn't know exactly when it was coming up, but I kept saying 'all right, it's going to be here soon!' Then when it finally happened, truthfully, I wanted to stand up and dance, but I kept my cool. My brothers and I were dancing in our seats. It was very emotional. I cried when I walked out of the theatre. It was definitely a special moment for me and my family.
What do families have to look forward to?
The movie is great. Family films are the best because everyone can relate to them. Everyone’s got a family, everyone has a heart and everyone loves music. THE PEANUTS MOVIE feels good, it’s fun and it makes you happy.
Which characters do you like particularly and relate to?
I love Charlie Brown obviously, everyone can relate to him, but Sally, his little sister was cracking me up in the film. She is a star; she is amazing and adorable. Growing up I loved Snoopy. Snoop’s the main dude, he is hilarious. Lately I’ve been watching the older Charlie Brown specials and Snoopy is the funniest. He doesn’t even have to talk and he’s hilarious. That’s impressive.
How much do you identify with Charlie Brown?
I definitely identify with him. I’ve had confidence issues just like Charlie Brown, of course I have, and that’s how I got started as a musician. That's how I got to be a pop star, because I was working on my self-love in my music and the world reacted to it in the best possible way, which helped me out. So I know just how Charlie Brown feels and I think everyone knows how he feels at some point in their lives. Everyone feels insecure at times.
The film's about friendship and family and love and big dreams. How much do those themes resonate with you?
Well, they do because those themes are all the reasons why I'm here now. If I didn't have a great family, with loving parents who have supported me since I was really young, I would not be able to live out my dreams. To have a good family makes a big difference. I live with my two brothers and they are my best friends and I truly believe if I did not have them in my life, then I would not be here. My friends and the people who surround me are really important. That's why I related so much to this movie. Charlie Brown and Snoopy are ‘homies’. Without Snoopy’s love I don’t know where Charlie Brown would be!
Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie Film Page | Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie Review
SNOOPY AND CHARLIE BROWN: THE PEANUTS MOVIE IS OUT NOW ON DIGITAL HD™ & ON BLU-RAY™ & DVD ON 30TH MAY, COURTESY OF TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
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