The National have had a gloomy hand in soundtrack work in the past (Game of Thrones, Bob's Burgers), but the New York popsmiths were apparently told to tone down their usual schtick for an upcoming contribution to a forthcoming The Hunger Games soundtrack.
Speaking with NME, vocalist Matt Berninger explained that the producers of the film had the outfit retitle their "Dying is Easy," deeming the number's name "too dark." The compromise led the band to dub the track "Lean," which seems to suit Berninger just fine.
"The song almost didn't make it because it was too dark for The Hunger Games soundtrack, which I thought was sort of funny because it's about killing kids, I don't know how a song can be darker than that?" he quipped. "So we had to change the name of the song; I actually like the name 'Lean.'"
Despite the name change, Berninger described submitting the song a "fun project," adding, "It was a cool change from how we normally work on things — to write something for something else. It was kind of a pressure release thing and it was fun, we really enjoyed it."
It's unclear at present which instalment of The Hunger Games will feature "Lean," but The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is due in theatres November 22. Soundtrack info has yet to be solidified behind the project.
The National just wrapped their North American tour in support of their sixth LP, Trouble Will Find Me, last night (September 22) in Vancouver.
Speaking with NME, vocalist Matt Berninger explained that the producers of the film had the outfit retitle their "Dying is Easy," deeming the number's name "too dark." The compromise led the band to dub the track "Lean," which seems to suit Berninger just fine.
"The song almost didn't make it because it was too dark for The Hunger Games soundtrack, which I thought was sort of funny because it's about killing kids, I don't know how a song can be darker than that?" he quipped. "So we had to change the name of the song; I actually like the name 'Lean.'"
Despite the name change, Berninger described submitting the song a "fun project," adding, "It was a cool change from how we normally work on things — to write something for something else. It was kind of a pressure release thing and it was fun, we really enjoyed it."
It's unclear at present which instalment of The Hunger Games will feature "Lean," but The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is due in theatres November 22. Soundtrack info has yet to be solidified behind the project.
The National just wrapped their North American tour in support of their sixth LP, Trouble Will Find Me, last night (September 22) in Vancouver.
