When Pitch Perfect 2 burst onto the scene, it brought with it “Flashlight,” a captivating original song crafted by the acclaimed artist Sia. Back in 2015, Entertainment Weekly delved into the story of how this now-iconic track was created, exploring its significance within the film and pondering if it could reach the heights of “Cups,” the surprise hit from the first movie. As we revisit the highlights of that year, let’s rediscover the journey of “Flashlight.”
By now, many have enjoyed Pitch Perfect 2 and likely found themselves immersed in its dynamic soundtrack. Amidst the familiar medleys and covers, one song stood out – “Flashlight.” This original piece became the heart of the sequel, stepping into the role previously held by “Cups,” the unexpected chart-topping sensation from the original Pitch Perfect. While “Flashlight,” penned by the celebrated singer-songwriter Sia, possesses a distinct sound compared to “Cups,” it aimed to capture the same infectious quality.
Jason Moore, who directed the first Pitch Perfect and produced the sequel, reflected on the phenomenon of “Cups.” “What could ever replicate ‘Cups’?” he questioned. “Its journey was so unique, unlike any song on the radio in decades. ‘Flashlight’ has the potential to resonate with audiences musically. It’s fresh, and we hope people will embrace it. Can it become a sensation like ‘Cups’? It’s unpredictable.”
The inception of Pitch Perfect 2 didn’t inherently demand an original song. Instead, Kay Cannon’s script organically called for a song written by Emily (Hailee Steinfeld), the newest member of the Barden Bellas. This song serves multiple crucial roles: Emily’s audition piece and, crucially, the song that empowers the Bellas to triumph at the world championship.
This narrative need gave birth to “Flashlight,” emerging from a precise songwriting brief outlined by Moore and the production team. “We needed emotional depth concerning friendship, a sound that would soar in a large, gospel-inspired arrangement, and an instantly memorable hook to captivate the audience,” Moore detailed. “Sia perfectly captured that essence.”
Sia’s previous track “Titanium” gained significant traction in the first Pitch Perfect, fostering a connection between her and Moore. Prior to the explosion of “Chandelier,” Sia was immersed in her 2014 album when Moore reached out, presenting her with this unique songwriting challenge. Collaborating with Sam Smith (then on the cusp of fame) and Christian Guzman, she delivered “Flashlight,” which immediately resonated with the filmmakers.
Moore recalled the initial lyrical direction of Sia’s draft. “The original lyrics were quite somber, but the word ‘Flashlight’ was always central. I loved its simple, heartwarming connotation – it felt fitting for the characters’ age and the theme of friendship.”
To inject more optimism into the song, Moore contributed some placeholder lyrics, drawing from his musical theater background. Sia then refined these for the demo. By the time director Elizabeth Banks approved the final version, Sia generously insisted on granting Moore a lyric co-writing credit. “[Adding that to my Wikipedia page] was unexpected,” he joked.
“Flashlight” makes several appearances in the film – during Emily’s audition, in the studio as Beca (Anna Kendrick) remixes it, briefly in a riff-off, during the world a cappella championships, and in the end credits featuring Jessie J’s radio version accompanied by a music video. Jessie J’s involvement, like Sia’s, stemmed from her enthusiasm for the first Pitch Perfect.
“Sia even approved a club remix,” Moore added. “We were eager to see the melody remixed by a skilled DJ.”
The inclusion of original songs in both Pitch Perfect films raises the question of whether this is becoming a franchise signature. “Will Pitch Perfect 3, if it happens, also feature an original song?” Moore pondered. “It’s premature to say, but possibly. ‘Flashlight’ felt integral to the narrative. Perhaps we’ll find a new way to integrate an original song if there’s another opportunity.”
Adding a humorous note, Moore touched upon an unintended pattern. With “Cups” and “Flashlight,” are Pitch Perfect original songs destined to be named after everyday household objects? “Yes,” Moore quipped, “Pitch Perfect 3 will be ‘Bicycle.’”
In conclusion, “Flashlight” became more than just a song for Pitch Perfect 2; it was woven into the film’s DNA, carrying themes of friendship and empowerment. Its creation, guided by Sia’s talent and the filmmakers’ vision, highlights the magic that can happen when musical artistry meets cinematic storytelling. The success of “Flashlight” solidified its place as a memorable anthem in the Pitch Perfect saga, proving that sometimes, lightning can strike twice, even if in different forms like a flashlight instead of cups.
