Everything or Nothing

Background

In 2001, Electronic Arts approached Mýa to participate in its James Bond franchise. She initially expected to only compose the theme song or provide background music, but EA instead asked her to star as Mýa Starling, an NSA agent posing as a jazz singer opposite Pierce Brosnan. The song and game titles derive from EON Productions, the production company behind the Bond films.

Writing and recording

Mýa co-wrote "Everything or Nothing" with Randy Bugnitz and Ron Fair, who also produced the track. Ben Grosse handled the mixing. EA requested a song that would work in a jazz club setting, as it was to be used in a similar environment within the game. Mýa noted that the song fit the game's narrative, allowing her to be herself while also playing a character.

She considered writing a Bond theme an opportunity to write outside her usual personal experience, as the track marked a departure from the concrete, personal material she had used on previous records. Fair produced three versions: a synthesizer-driven main version, a jazz edition, and a techno remix. Mýa was familiar with classic Bond songs like "Goldfinger", "Live and Let Die", and "Nobody Does It Better", but did not immerse herself in Bond film music; however, she researched for the techno version, the first version for which she wrote lyrics.

Unfamiliar with techno, she explored rave, house, techno, and pop music, and invited friends to play music for her. For the jazz rendition, Fair brought in live musicians and modified the melody and rhythms.