Unreleased Matt Bomer and Diane Warren Tracks Hint at a Lost Musical Chapter

In a revelation that has sent ripples through both the acting and music industries, two-time Emmy-nominated actor Matt Bomer has disclosed the existence of unreleased "rough tracks" he recorded with the prolific 17-time Oscar-nominated songwriter Diane Warren. The existence of these musical collaborations, tucked away in a vault, offers a tantalizing glimpse into a potential artistic avenue Bomer explored but ultimately left behind.

Bomer, currently garnering critical acclaim for his role in Fellow Travelers, shared this intriguing detail during a candid conversation with host Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. The actor revealed that these recordings are intrinsically linked to the 2015 film Magic Mike XXL, a project that unexpectedly opened doors for his musical aspirations.

The Unexpected Musical Spark of Magic Mike XXL

The genesis of Bomer’s musical foray can be traced back to the success of the original Magic Mike in 2012, helmed by director Steven Soderbergh. During the filming of its sequel, Magic Mike XXL, a moment of spontaneous performance sparked the idea of Bomer lending his voice to the soundtrack. While between scenes, co-star Channing Tatum, known for his own dancing and performance background, encouraged Bomer to entertain the background artists. Bomer chose to perform a cover of Stevie Wonder’s soulful ballad "Lately," originally recorded by Jodeci. This impromptu rendition captivated the producers, who recognized his vocal talent and subsequently sought his participation in the sequel’s soundtrack.

For Magic Mike XXL, Bomer delivered a memorable cover of D’Angelo’s sensual hit "Untitled (How Does It Feel)." This performance, a significant departure from his typical on-screen roles, showcased a raw and emotive vocal delivery that resonated with audiences. The success of these soundtrack contributions, particularly their reception on streaming platforms like Spotify, surprised Bomer himself, as he hadn’t initially anticipated such a positive response.

An Offer to Record an Album and the Music Industry’s Labyrinth

The positive reception on Spotify piqued the interest of industry professionals. Bomer recounted how representatives from Tower Records approached him with a proposition: to record an album. When asked about his songwriting capabilities, Bomer admitted to having written music since childhood, a fact that further fueled the possibility of a dedicated musical project.

Following this overture, Bomer penned three original songs. He was reportedly informed that he would be connected with producers to bring these compositions to life. However, the journey into the music industry proved to be a far more complex and challenging landscape than the acting world. "If you think the entertainment/acting side of things is crazy, the music industry’s like, ‘No, no, dog, watch this.’ It is some craziness," Bomer remarked, highlighting the intense and often overwhelming nature of the business.

Logistical Hurdles and the Decision to Shelve the Project

Despite the initial momentum and the promise of collaboration, the proposed EP never materialized. Bomer cited significant logistical issues as the primary reason for shelving the project. The complexities surrounding contract negotiations and the desire for substantial percentages by various parties proved to be insurmountable obstacles. "People wanted such a big percentage, which is so complicated between the lawyer, and it was too much, and I had kids," he explained, emphasizing the practical considerations that weighed heavily on his decision. The demands of the music industry, coupled with his growing family responsibilities, led him to prioritize other aspects of his life.

The Undisclosed Collaboration with Diane Warren

The revelation about the unreleased tracks with Diane Warren adds another layer of intrigue to this unfulfilled musical chapter. Warren, a legendary figure in songwriting with an unparalleled track record of hits and Oscar nominations, represents a pinnacle of musical achievement. Bomer described her as a "total legend."

Bomer elaborated on his decision to keep the recordings with Warren private. He understood that releasing such material would inevitably lead to promotional obligations, including appearances on talk shows and extensive touring. "I knew that if I released them into the world, I was gonna have to go on talk shows and do them, and tour around the country with them, and do all this stuff. And I was like, ‘You know what? I love her music, but if I’m gonna do this, it has to come from me,’ and so we never released it," he stated. This sentiment suggests a desire for a genuine and fully committed artistic endeavor, rather than a project undertaken with reservations or due to external pressures. The implication is that Bomer felt he couldn’t fully invest himself in the promotional aspects required for a public release at that time, thus choosing to preserve the recordings as a private artistic statement.

Supporting Data and Context

• Diane Warren’s Legacy: Diane Warren has penned over 100 songs that have charted on the Billboard Hot 100, including hits for artists like Cher, Celine Dion, Aerosmith, and Lady Gaga. Her 17 Oscar nominations are a testament to her enduring impact on film music.
• Ludwig Göransson’s Achievement: The mention of Ludwig Göransson, who recorded one of the songs, adds significant weight to the production quality of these tracks. Göransson, a Swedish composer and producer, has recently won his third Academy Award for Best Original Score, highlighting the caliber of talent involved even in the early stages of Bomer’s musical explorations. His work with Donald Glover on Atlanta and Black Panther further solidifies his status as a highly sought-after collaborator.
• The "Magic Mike" Franchise’s Cultural Impact: The Magic Mike films have achieved significant cultural traction, transcending their initial premise as mere male stripper movies. They have been praised for their exploration of male camaraderie, vulnerability, and the complex realities faced by individuals in the entertainment industry. The soundtrack for both films played a crucial role in their overall appeal, blending original compositions with carefully curated covers.
• Music Industry Dynamics: The music industry is notoriously competitive and often characterized by complex contractual agreements, revenue sharing models, and significant marketing demands. Artists, particularly those transitioning from other fields, often face a steep learning curve in navigating these intricacies. The "percentage" Bomer referred to could encompass royalties, publishing rights, producer fees, and distribution splits, all of which can become highly contentious.

Broader Implications and Future Possibilities

The existence of these unreleased tracks, particularly those with a songwriting icon like Diane Warren, raises questions about artistic potential and the paths not taken. While Bomer has found considerable success as an actor, his foray into music, even if unfulfilled, suggests a genuine passion and talent for the craft.

The disclosure may also reignite interest from fans and industry insiders alike in hearing these "rough tracks." In an era where previously unheard material from established artists is frequently released, the possibility of these Bomer-Warren collaborations surfacing, even in an archival capacity, remains open. However, Bomer’s explicit statement about the reasons for their non-release suggests a definitive decision has been made.

The narrative underscores the multifaceted talents of individuals in the entertainment industry and the often-unseen artistic explorations that occur behind the scenes. While Bomer’s acting career continues to flourish, the unreleased music with Diane Warren serves as a fascinating footnote in his professional journey, a testament to the creative impulses that drive artists to explore diverse forms of expression. The vault containing these tracks may remain closed for now, but the story of their creation offers a compelling insight into the intersection of film, music, and the personal choices that shape an artist’s career.