THE TRUE POPSTARS

The Writers + Producers Behind Your Favorite Hits

image above: emily warren; cover image: benny blanco

BY: Alexis Eichelberger

Many of the biggest names in music write their own music, but often they have a little help. Some of the most talented creators often don’t perform their best works, but we can’t deny that they are the true stars of the industry.

Here are six of our favorite songwriters behind the biggest hits out now:

Julia Michaels

A songwriter and a performer, Julia Michaels is a visionary. She’s been penning hits since she was just 20 years old, often alongside fellow stellar songwriter Justin Tranter. Michaels’ biggest songwriting credit include Selena Gomez’ “Bad Liar”, Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” and Lady Gaga’s “Heal Me” as heard in A Star Is Born.

 

Benny Blanco

With his hand in more than 100 million album sales, Benny Blanco should be a household name. He’s worked alongside Katy Perry, Rihanna, Maroon 5, The Weeknd and dozens of other high-profile artists as both a songwriter and producer. Among his most recent hits is “Eastside,” a collab featuring Halsey and Khalid, which was the first track he chose to release under his own name.

Jack Antonoff

You’ve probably heard of him in at least one of the following contexts: a songwriter and producer, the frontman of the indie band Bleachers, Taylor Swift’s musical partner in crime, or the notorious Lena Dunham’s ex boyfriend. He’s got his name credited on a number of Swift hits including six songs on her album ReputationOther artists who have benefitted from Antonoff’s songwriting skills include Lorde, Lana Del Rey and Troye Sivan.

Emily Warren

Emily Warren is an up-and-comer in the songwriting game compared to the seasoned creators we’ve mentioned so far. But she’s got the potential to be every bit as big as the previously three. She’s credited on a number of recent charting hits including Dua Lipa’s “New Rules.” She’s also ventured into the EDM world, penning a number of popular songs with The Chainsmokers like “Don’t Let Me Down,” “This Feeling” and “Until You Were Gone.”

Jake Gosling

No, not THAT Gosling. This one’s made a name for himself after he transitioned from musician to producer. Now, he works with some of the biggest American and British artists in a number of genres, including Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, One Direction, All Time Low and Major Lazer. Some of his biggest hits include Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” and Shawn Mendes’ “Treat You Better.”

Ali Tamposi

Ali Tamposi, a Palm Beach native, is just 29 years old and has a number of Grammy-nominated hits attached to her name. She’s most known for Kelly Clarkson’s “Strong (What Doesn’t Kill You),” which is the long-time artist’s most commercially successful single to date. She’s also worked alongside Justin Bieber, Camila Cabello, Demi Lovato and more.