Matt Berninger Debuts “Walking on a String” Featuring Phoebe Bridgers for Film Between Two Ferns: The Movie

Zach Galifianakis‘ new film, Between Two Ferns: The Movie is now on Netflix and features a scene with The National frontman Matt Berninger and Phoebe Bridgers. The two sing their new song, “Walking On A String” shown around the 42-minute marker in bar scene. The song will be released as a single on October 17 via Dead Oceans. The song was written by Berninger, his wife/frequent collaborator Carin Besser and Mike Brewer; recorded with Walter Martin on guitar and Matt Barrick on drums (both of The Walkmen); and produced by Phoebe, Tony Berg and Ethan Gruska.

The new film features Will Ferrell, Keanu Reeves, David Letterman, Matthew McConaughey, Brie Larson, Jon Hamm, Benedict Cumberbatch, Peter Dinklage, Chance the Rapper, Paul Rudd, Adam Scott, Rashida Jones and more. Regarding the music scene with Berninger and Bridgers, film director, Scott Aukerman wanted something that would fit for a bar in the heartland of America, where part of the movie is set. The song, “Walking On A String” was recorded in two versions, pop and Americana, and will be released by Dead Oceans on October 17.

Though it’s part of a movie about a sarcastic, silly internet talk show, “Walking on a String” is described as wonderfully sweet and sincere. Netflix’s subtitles describe it as “melancholy country-folk,” and though Bridgers and Berninger have played together live many times, this marks their first truly new collaborative effort. The band’s performance in the movie was filmed at Oh Grady’s bar in the San Fernando Valley, CA.

Directed by Scott Aukerman and co-written by him and Galifianakis, Between Two Ferns: The Movie is a mockumentary following the host as he tries to save his show with a road trip to track down special guests. There are tons of cameos, including, Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper, Tiffany Haddish, and more. It’s live now on Netflix, and you can watch the trailer below.

UPDATE (10/17): Matt Berninger has released the official video for “Walking on a String” with Phoebe Bridgers. Take a look at the visuals below:

Photo Credit: Kalyn Oyer