Robert Pattinson on his 'Twilight' songs: 'Music is my backup plan if acting fails'
EXCLUSIVE
Heartthrob Robert Pattinson not only stars in the upcoming big-screen adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s vampire romance, “Twilight,” out Nov. 21, he's contributed two songs to the film, one of which, “Never Think” will be included on the official soundtrack.
But the self-effacing Brit insists that the songs’ inclusion was wholly accidental; a mysterious third party slipped director Catherine Hardwicke a copy of his recordings without his knowledge and she opted to include them, surprising Pattinson when he turned up to see some early footage.
“When I went to see the cut,” Pattinson said during an interview Wednesday afternoon, “she’d put these two songs in. They’re old songs, but one of them specifically, it really made the scene better. It was like it was supposed to be there. It’s strange because what was supposed to be at that point in the movie was a big orchestral film climax. Instead it’s this little song with acoustic guitar. I’m singing it, maybe that makes it different, but it’s kind of overwhelming. I hope it’s overwhelming.”
Although many actors try to work in film and television while juggling careers in the pop arena, Pattinson insists he won’t be one of them. “That’s what I was scared about, it looks like I’m trying to get a music career out of it or something,” he said. “I’ve never really recorded anything -- I just played in pubs and stuff –- and I really didn’t want it to look like I was trying to cash in. I hope it doesn’t come across as that. I’m not going to be doing any music videos or anything. Music is my backup plan if acting fails. I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket.”
Judging from the level of anticipation surrounding his first major starring vehicle, he might not have too much to worry about. On the music front, though, Pattinson will be sharing the soundtrack's track listing with Linkin Park, Muse, Paramore, Iron & Wine and Perry Farrell, among others.
-- Gina McIntyre
RELATED: Stephenie Meyer on music videos and mermaids
ALSO : 'Twilight' Countdown: Exclusive Robert Pattinson pic
- All 'Twilight' coverage at 'Hero Complex'
Photo: Kristen Stewart as "Bella," left, and Robert Pattinson as "Edward" are shown in a scene from, "Twilight." Credit: Peter Sorel, via the Associated Press and courtesy of Summit Entertainment.
Thank you so much for this article. Its lovely to read something really new about him. I adore him.
Posted by: jessica | October 09, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Gina thank you for this article. I loved reading it, fans are starved of articles that really have interviews with Rob. Its always regurgitated Twilight blurb. I find him fascinating and different. He has that Depp quirky vibe about him. A slightly dangerous naughty boy feel to him but with a heart of gold. Its a formidable mix.
Posted by: Caz | October 09, 2008 at 05:16 PM
I love his music but I'm glad he;s focusing 100% on acting as I think he's an amzing new talent. I've been reading the early reviews from the World Premiere of his Little Ashes film in which he plays Salvador Dali and the film and his performance sound truly amazing. I hope you get a chance of asking him about that film in future. His performance is brave and charismatic.
Posted by: Holly | October 09, 2008 at 05:18 PM
"self-effacing", perfect word. This is a brilliant article, the kind of article I have been waiting for!
Posted by: Monica | October 09, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Rob always comes across so well. A man with a kind heart and wonderful talent. He is so unassuming. He is a marvelous actor and will I'm certain be the number one hollywood actor very soon.
Posted by: alisonz | October 09, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Cool article! , i like his music and i'm glad it's included in the film!
=]:
http://vamptastic.weebly.com/noticias.html
Posted by: Gigi | October 09, 2008 at 05:28 PM
This guy has amazing talent and I've been waiting for his breathrough for years. I knew he would do amazing things with his career and his musical talent really blew me away. It's so endearing that he loves folksy kind of music. Makes me like him even more and his humbleness makes me respect him more as well.
Posted by: Ally | October 09, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Robert Pattinson is such a unique talent, I'm glad to see that this handsome british heartthrob is getting attention, he deserves it. But, let's not push it over the edge, give the guy some privacy at least.
Posted by: Daisy | October 09, 2008 at 05:45 PM
It is pretty safe to assume that Rob's acting career is about to explode in a big way. He is a very talented actor and breath of fresh air for Hollywood. After Twilight hits theaters, the rest of world will know, not just us current fans. I don't think he realizes what is about to happen to him. In a way it is exicting, but scary. Hopefully, he can remain humble within the industry.
I think I can speak for those in the know about his musical talent, we are on pins and needles to hear more and can't wait for the soundtrack. We give a big thank you to whomever slipped Catherine the songs and thank Catherine for using in the movie.
Jen
Posted by: Jenbarn76 | October 09, 2008 at 05:46 PM
thank you for this article!
so if a career as a singer is only his backup plan, it propably means he isn't ever going to release any music. because there is simply no chance he is going to fail at acting. with his roles in "how to be" and "little ashes" he will proove his versatility and his talent as an actor and after "twilight" he will become a megastar. but if it means he will be able to choose his roles after that and star in many great films i guess i can do without anymore music from him. which is sad because his music is simply amazing. i never heard anyone sounding that ... genuine while performing.
Posted by: kate | October 09, 2008 at 05:47 PM
I HAVE FULL FAITH IN YOU AFTER THAT HOT!KISS WITH KSTEW.
Posted by: Nicole | October 09, 2008 at 05:55 PM
hi i am a huge fan of Robert Pattinson. He is a great actor and a fine looking guy
i am 14 and love twilight it is the BEST book i have EVER read. i love Edward Cullen. well i have tried a lot to get him to be my friend on myspace but he is never on to accept my request but maybe one day he will
Posted by: Jayme Wyatt | October 09, 2008 at 07:44 PM
He has such a nice and unique personality.
Posted by: Melyrose | October 09, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Thank you so much for sharing this interview with us. Those of us who have been following Rob's career, whether from his days as Cedric Diggory or just as recently as the Twilight phenomenon, are grateful for any insight, any morsel of information, any photo, any soundbite we are given. :)
Posted by: Paige T | October 09, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Hey Rob, no one thinks you’re trying to cash in, and we’d love to see a music video from you. We want to hear your lullaby on the DVD extras. Some of us are eagerly awaiting Little Ashes, too. You’ve been doing a good job of keeping your private life private, and a lot of us support you in that, too. Hang on to every bit of privacy you have because once Twilight opens you are going to not only be Mr. Young Hollywood, you are going to be hotter than a firecracker. I hope you get back home to London for Christmas and have some time to relax, you deserve it.
Posted by: Alice Cullen | October 09, 2008 at 09:39 PM
I don't know about his acting chops but this boy has the most wonderful character. I like him a lot. And his singing voice is great. Thank you for this small yet very informative article.
Posted by: lua | October 10, 2008 at 12:56 AM
Rob will definitely become a superstar because he has the perfect mix of talent, versatility, charisma, danger, charm,humour and sex appeal. Phew a heady mix. I wonder who gave Hardwicke the music. Probably Kristen. I'm happy he's focusing on his acting as he really is sensational. I hope he realises he has a lot of fans who will stick with him throughout his career. We love all his work and are looking forward to seeing him play Dali in Little Ashes and Art in How To be. His role in Little Ashes sounds terrifying. I'd love the LA Times to interview him about the role. Its a huge challenge for someone so young. The reviews have been fantastic.
Posted by: Andrea | October 10, 2008 at 04:45 AM
Rob's voice was sexy as hell. I cant remember being so turned on by a voice. I thought the trailer worked very well indeed. A good blend of tension and action. The initial music had a very exotic feel to it. I loved that. They could have left out the one tiny shot of the prom (kept that for later) but on the whole I was enthralled. I am a huge fan of Pattinson now. He's got me for good like it or not.
Posted by: Tania | October 10, 2008 at 05:13 AM
A new interview, and with interesting questions...GREAT! Thanks a lot!
The others are always asking the same questions like: "So, you didn´t know the book before you auditioned?"
That starts to get on my nerves, and I bet, on his too!!
Maybe you could do an Interview about "How to be" (Where he got an award for) and "Little ashes"( -----> wounderful reviews after the world premiere lately) with him!
That would be absolutely great and needed!!!!
Posted by: Lucia | October 10, 2008 at 06:13 AM
Thanks so much for this article! He is just great, so humble
Posted by: Maria | October 10, 2008 at 06:25 AM
Can we please have an interview with him about his Salvador Dali role in Little Ashes. I really admire this actor so much. Fans who have seen his Dali performance say he's fantastic. I cant wait to se the film. I love his music but rather he focused on acting so he can become the biggest movie star in the world. He can be if he works hard enough and picks roles wisely. Its all within his grasp.
Posted by: erica | October 10, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Thanks for the article. I hope that Robert will not totally abandon his music. Having some of it already on my ipod and loving his music already I hope that he will continue with it. Thank you to whoever slipped the music to Catherine. People will soon learn what a talented actor Robert is but it would be nice if they could also hear what a talented musician he is as well.
Posted by: Cathy | October 10, 2008 at 07:31 AM
Great article. Agree with previous poster it is nice to read an article without the same old questions. As far as his music its kind of the reason I was interested in him as an actor.
I just read Twilight this summer and when I went on some sites to check out the movie I read that he had music out there. I went to check it out with a little bit of amusement in my mind. (because normally actors with music are not that great, sorry!) I was REALLY surprised and impressed. He was actually talented! I was raised on Dylan, Guthrie and Van Morrison and his music is refreshing to hear. I would hope that he would eventually continue with music, but sadly I don't think he'll need THAT backup plan! : )
Maybe someday.(fingers crossed)
Posted by: LoveTuFawning | October 10, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Ugh.. he has good talent but - so ugly!!!
Yuck : "heartthrob"? That's a gross word too.
Posted by: Moustram Brighton | October 10, 2008 at 11:00 AM
We are starved of real interviews with Rob so thanks for this. I too would love an interview focused on his Dali role. I read a review of someone who saw him in it and said it was a terrifying role and they wanted to ask how he managed to develop such a wonderful performance. This is only the beginning of a formidable acting career. I'm happy for the music to go on the backburner. Its time to dedicate himself to his acting. I'm greedy and want to see him in many roles. He just received the best actor award at the Strasbourg Film Festival for Art in How To Be so I hope he finally realises how good he is.
Posted by: Judith | October 10, 2008 at 12:03 PM