Hailee Steinfeld had a new project to complete while her husband, Josh Allen, and the Buffalo Bills prepared for their bye week. The actress and singer had just watched Allen help Buffalo beat the Las Vegas Raiders 33-30 when she shared news about her next musical release. With the Bills enjoying a break after reaching a 5-1 record, Steinfeld turned the spotlight to a song she recorded for Disney’s upcoming animated movie, Hexed. The track brought an old rock hit back into focus.
Hailee Steinfeld announces career update
Steinfeld announced that she had recorded a cover of The Cars’ 1984 hit “Magic” for the Hexed soundtrack. The song was scheduled to release on October 23, which will give listeners their first taste of the music ahead of the animated film’s theatrical debut.
The idea came together after Jared Bush, a co-writer and executive producer on Hexed, contacted her about the opportunity. Steinfeld shared the story in the latest edition of her “More B.S.” newsletter, explaining that she welcomed the offer.
Hailee, working against a tight deadline, brought in music producer Demitri Lerios, a longtime friend who was married to her best friend, Greer Gustavson. Their familiarity helped them move, even though Lerios was initially in the middle of an ocean when the project came together.
“Demitri lugged my favorite mic all the way across the country (bless him). We created a makeshift recording studio in our house. Then, for two days straight, we worked on this song. I hoped we’d have enough time to finish — accounting for the laugh attacks I knew we’d have after hours of light deprivation — and we got it done!” Steinfeld said.
Disney’s Hexed brings Steinfeld back to music
The release gave Steinfeld another opportunity to use her acting and singing careers. She is a voice of a teenager named Billie, who finds that she has magical powers and gets involved in finding herself in a mysterious witch world. Rashida Jones voices her mother, Alice, in the animated adventure.
Disney scheduled the full soundtrack for November 20, five days before the movie opens in theaters on November 25. The album features Steinfeld’s cover with an original score by Kris Bowers, whose previous work includes The Wild Robot.
“Magic” is a song by the American rock band The Cars that originally came on their 1984 album Heartbeat City.
For Steinfeld, the project followed her contribution to the Sinners soundtrack with the song “Dangerous.” Her return to recording came during a busy period for her family, with Allen looking at his NFL season and their life with their baby daughter, Harper Haize. The Buffalo Bills quarterback had spoken about becoming a father before the Raiders game, saying the experience had made him more affectionate and emotional.