Alicia Keys interviewed about `Another Way To Die`

20-Sep-2008 • Quantum Of Solace

Black Voices got a chance to interview Alicia Keys about her work on the new James Bond title song "Another Way To Die" for the upcoming film "Quantum of Solace" in Toronto.

What do you think of the film title?

Alicia Keys: Poetically, it's fantastic but I think when you actually try to break it down, it might be one of those things that you're not quite sure what it means. I have a vision where it's lost in time. 'Quantum of Solace' is a dope title but I have no idea what it means.

Did you write the song?

Alicia Keys: Yes, myself and Jack. But Jack really took the lead on that and it was kind of cool because I am a big fan of his music obviously and of The White Stripes, so it was cool to kind of walk in and put my flava on something he really vibed up. He's a big, big Bond fan. He's like, 'Do you remember this character from....' and I would stop him half way and say no.

What's the name of the song and have you seen the film?

Alicia Keys: It's called 'Another Way to Die.' And I did see the movie. I saw it four days ago. It's 'off the chain.'

You're used to creating a song based on your experience, so is it a challenge to base a song from a film, in which what James Bond is going through? Do you put yourself in a different frame of mind when doing this?

Alicia Keys: It is interesting. When you create a song for a movie, it's a different situation. In this one, with Jack taking the lead, it was cool because you get to see the movie for the song to come in. He was able to incorporate feelings into the song. It was an interesting process. For me, it was cool because I was able to come in and put my style in on something I hadn't really created. When I had done songs for films in the past, it is about capturing that moment. Sometimes, it's easier than others.

Does it work in the Monty Norman theme? Like McCarthy did years ago, he worked in the ten famous Bond notes.

Alicia Keys: Yes! It has the essence. You will definitely feel the essence. It's right in the beginning of the movie starts with this crazy car chase scene and it's bananas and once you reveal this reveal, it starts with the song and it's just perfect. Perfect.