Tag: secret genius

Meet the Behind-the-Scenes Talent Behind 21 Savage’s Grammy-Nominated Album ‘I Am > I Was’

January 24, 2020

When it comes to creativity, they say two heads are better than one. And when you add a few more to the mix—say, an entire team of artists, producers, and songwriters—it’s often music to our collective ears. Case in point: 21 Savage’s collaborative session with both emerging and established songwriters and producers. The three-day sessions in Atlanta back in July 2018, put together by Spotify’s songwriter relations team, resulted in two Grammy nominations including Best Rap Song for “a lot” (feat J. Cole) and Rap Album of the Year for i am > i was.

At the 2018 event, 21 Savage and a team from Epic Records worked with a hand-selected group of songwriters, producers, and artists, including producers DJ Dahi, J. White, Cardo, FKi1st, and Nija Charles. Four of the songs the team worked on made it onto the Grammy-nominated album, so you could say the rest was history. Check out the tracks for yourself: 

a lot (feat. J. Cole) – produced by DJ Dahi & J. White and nominated for Best Rap Song of the Year

a&t – produced by FKi1st & Nija

good day (feat. ScHoolboy Q) – produced by Cardo & 30 Roc

monster (feat. Childish Gambino) – produced by DJ Dahi & Axlfolie

We sat down with three producers from the session —DJ Dahi, Nija Charles, and J White—to get their take on what it was like to work on the Grammy-nominated album.

How was this workshop different from other songwriting you’ve done?

DJ Dahi: What made the camp special was the creative freedom. This really felt like a music conference where people were introduced to other writers and producers who they admire but might not have gotten a chance to work with before.

Nija Charles: Usually rappers already have their verses written, and I just create the hook based on what they’ve done—but here we had a blank canvas. Collaborating for a rap album was definitely a new and rewarding experience.

How was working with 21 Savage compared with other artists you’ve worked with? 

DJ Dahi: It was dope. We really got a chance to lock in and talk about life. I believe to make great music you have to have a connection. We were able to do that in a short period of time which was amazing.

J White: He’s super genuine and a very hard worker.

What was it like working with Spotify?

DJ Dahi: Working with Spotify was great. They’ve shown a lot of support for writers and producers over the years. I believe they understand the value of what we do.

Nija Charles: Working with Spotify was cool because they were able to bring a bunch of dope people together to make magic and give us a spotlight for our work.

How can we continue to support and encourage women in music creation/production?

Nija Charles: I think the way to continue to support and encourage women is opportunity and representation. I also think highlighting and giving the spotlight to women who are successful helps show other women that it’s possible. And I feel giving more women opportunities is the best support.

Tell us a little bit about the role Spotify has played in your career and in connecting you with fans.

J White: Spotify has helped me get recognized by fans who might not otherwise know who the producer is and has helped show them what it takes to create a song.

How has your life changed, career-wise, since the session? What have you been up to?

Nija Charles: Since the session, my life’s changed tremendously. I’ve worked with more rappers, and I’ve worked on numerous number one albums. I’m Grammy-nominated, was featured on a song with Beyoncé for the Lion King album, and I’m working on my own projects. 

What’s the best part of being behind the scenes of a Grammy-nominated album?

DJ Dahi: I take pride in being a producer. I believe the best songs always come from collaboration.

J White: Just being creative and having freedom to do what I love. 

Scroll through some behind-the-scenes photos to see the Spotify-hosted session in action.

Quincy Jones, Ali Tamposi, Murda Beatz and Tank God Win Top Honors at Spotify’s Secret Genius Awards in Los Angeles

November 17, 2018

Hosted by NE-YO, The Second Annual Awards Show Featured Dynamic Performances by Bebe Rexha, Becky G, Daniel Caesar, Terrace Martin and Jacob Collier

Last night, Spotify honored the leading tastemakers, producers, songwriters and engineers behind some of the year’s most successful songs at the second annual Secret Genius Awards in Los Angeles. Grammy-Award winner NE-YO hosted the show that celebrated 14 categories including Songwriter of the Year, Producer of the Year, Breakthrough of the Year, and Social Message of the Year.

The intimate room was filled with over 500 of some of the biggest beatmakers and industry innovators who came together to celebrate the brilliant contributions of music’s Secret Geniuses. This year Spotify Premium also invited 100 of the most passionate music fans on to attend the show and join the celebration. Additionally, in support of the recent launch of its EQL Directory, a Global database for women in Audio and Music Production, Spotify donated tickets to Girls Make Beats.

Performances of hit songs such as “I’m a Mess” by Bebe Rexha, “Human Nature” by Jacob Collier, “Sin Pijama” and “Mayores” by Becky G and “Get You” by Daniel Caesar had attendees singing throughout night. Along with high energy performances that had the crowd out of their seats, top artists including Keith Urban, Tiesto, Bazzi, Charli XCX, Swae Lee, Timbaland, and Kelly Rowland presented awards to the night’s winners.

Bebe Rexha, Ty Dolla Sign, Becky G, Daniel Caesar, Jacob Collier and More To Perform at Spotify’s Secret Genius Awards

November 8, 2018

Keith Urban, G-Eazy, Tiesto, Timbaland, Bazzi, Max Martin and More To Take the Stage as Presenters

Awards Set for November 16 in Downtown Los Angeles

On November 16, the second annual Secret Genius Awards will celebrate the masterminds—songwriters, producers, engineers and mixers—behind the music that fans are streaming the most on Spotify in 2018. Singer, songwriter and producer Bebe Rexha; rapper, songwriter and producer Ty Dolla Sign; Latin pop singer Becky G; R&B singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar, British singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier; and singers Terrace Martin and Robert Glasper will perform before a room full of their peers, mentors and idols at the special evening taking place at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Spotify founded the Secret Genius program in 2017 as part of its mission to remain dedicated in supporting creators in the music industry.

Bebe Rexha began her rise as a solo artist in 2013 and has since released hits including the country collab “Meant to Be” with Florida Georgia Line, “Me, Myself & I” with G-Eazy, and “In the Name of Love” with Martin Garrix. She has also written songs for artists such as Selena Gomez, Eminem, Nick Jonas and more. Ty Dolla Sign has released several hits including “Blasé” and has written songs for Rihanna, Post Malone and Chris Brown. Singer and actress Becky G is best known for her infectious 2014 hit “Shower” and is set to release a new Spanish album. Canadian Daniel Caesar broke through with “Get You” featuring Kali Uchis and recently released a new single “Who Hurt You?” in October 2018. Grammy Award Winner Jacob Collier first gained recognition in 2012 for his viral video performance of Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘bout a Thing” catching the attention of producer Quincy Jones, the 2018 Secret Genius “Legendary Genius Honor” recipient. Jacob will perform as part of a special tribute to Quincy for the night. Ty Dolla Sign, Terrace Martin and Robert Glasper will also take the stage for a special tribute performance.

Additionally, Spotify will welcome Keith Urban, G-Eazy, Tiesto, Timbaland, Bazzi, Max Martin, The-Dream, Tricky Stewart, Marcella Araica and Duro as Awards presenters. Earlier this month, Spotify announced that singer-songwriter Ne-Yo will host and the venerable, iconic producer, Quincy Jones, will receive the “Legendary Genius Honor.”

The second annual Secret Genius Awards will celebrate the masterminds behind the music that fans are streaming the most on Spotify this year. Spotify founded the Secret Genius program in 2017 as part of its mission to remain dedicated in supporting creators in the music industry.

The Secret Genius Awards are made up of 14 categories and include Songwriter of the Year, Producer of the Year, Breakthrough of the Year, Social Message and more. A complete list of Secret Genius Awards nominees can be found here.

Spotify Announces Nominees for 2018 Secret Genius Awards

August 22, 2018

NE-YO to Host Annual Award Show Recognizing the Most Influential Songwriters, Producers and Engineers in Music on November 16th

Beatmakers. Hitmakers. Songwriters. Producers. Engineers. Mix Engineers. What do all of these individuals have in common? They are Secret Geniuses—the quietly known, seldom recognized driving forces behind the most listened to music in the world. But the secret won’t last long.

In response to the success of last year’s inaugural Secret Genius Awards, Spotify will again honor some of the most creative minds in music at the second annual awards show November 16 at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Grammy-Award winner NE-YO will host the show which will celebrate Secret Geniuses across 14 categories.

“I look forward to hosting Spotify’s Secret Genius Awards this Fall and joining in the effort to properly recognize and raise awareness of the creative minds behind the music,” said NE-YO. “As both a songwriter and artist I understand just how much these men and women drive the musical soundtracks of our lives. It’s important we honor their hard work and immense contributions.”

Last year, Spotify founded the Secret Genius program as part of its mission to remain dedicated in supporting music’s creator community, which includes artists, songwriters, producers, engineers and mixers. Secret Genius shines particular light on the masterminds behind the music that fans are streaming the most on Spotify. Since the program’s inception, Spotify continues to tell the stories behind today’s biggest hits on the Secret Genius podcast, hosts songwriting “Songshops” camps, and provides studio access to rising songwriters, among other ongoing efforts.

The 2017 Secret Genius Awards honored Rick Rubin as the Legendary Genius, Max Martin as producer of the year, J Kash as songwriter of the year and more with performances by Shawn Mendes, Halsey and PartyNextDoor.

Today, Spotify is honored to announce the brilliant, innovative, thought-provoking songwriters and producers nominated for the 2018 Secret Genius Awards. Presenters, Performers and the recipient of the Legendary Genius Award will be announced at a later date. And the nominees are…

__________________

2018 Secret Genius Nominees:

SECRET GENIUS: SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Ali Tamposi
“Havana” – Camila Cabello; “Wolves” – Selena Gomez and Marshmello; “Let Me Go” – Hailee Steinfeld, Alesso, Florida Georgia Line and Watt; “Lonely Together” – Avicii ft. Rita Ora

Brian Lee
“Havana” – Camila Cabello; “Wolves” – Selena Gomez and Marshmello; “Let Me Go” – Hailee Steinfeld, Alesso, Florida Georgia Line and Watt, “Lonely Together” – Avicii ft. Rita Ora

Starrah
“Havana” – Camila Cabello; “Feels” – Calvin Harris ft. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry and Big Sean; “What Lovers Do” – Maroon 5 ft SZA

Justin Tranter 
“Believer” – Imagine Dragons; “Friends” – Justin Bieber and BloodPop

Sarah Aarons 
“Stay” – Zedd and Alessia Cara; “The Middle” – Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey

SECRET GENIUS: PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Louis Bell
“rockstar” – Post Malone ft. 21 Savage; “Psycho” – Post Malone ft Ty Dolla $ign; “Candy Paint” – Post Malone; “Better Now” – Post Malone; “Wolves”– Selena Gomez and Marshmello

Frank Dukes
“Havana” – Camila Cabello; “Never Be The Same” – Camila Cabello; “Better Now” – Post Malone

Boi-1da

“Gods Plan” – Drake, “No Limit” G Eazy

Andrew Watt 
“Let Me Go” – Hailee Steinfeld, Alesso, Florida Georgia Line and Watt; “Lonely Together” – Avicii ft. Rita Ora

Murda Beatz

“Nice For What”- Drake, “Butterfly Effect” – Travis Scott, “Motorsport” – Migos ft Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, “Portland” – Drake ft Quavo and Travis Scott, “It’s a Vibe” – 2 Chainz ft Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz and Jhene Aiko

Steve Mac 
“Your Song” – Rita Ora; “Strip That Down” – Liam Payne and Quavo

SECRET GENIUS: BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR

Tank God 
“rockstar” – Post Malone ft. 21 Savage

6ix
“1-800-273-8255” – Logic ft. Khalid and Alessia Cara

David Park 
“I’m The One” – DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper and Lil Wayne

The Orphanage
“Sorry Not Sorry” – Demi Lovato

Whiskey Water
“IDGAF” – Dua Lipa

SECRET GENIUS: POP

Ian Kirkpatrick 
“New Rules” – Dua Lipa; “Bad Liar” – Selena Gomez

Benny Blanco 
“Happier” – Ed Sheeran; “Crying in the Club” – Camila Cabello; “Now or Never” – Halsey

Caroline Ailin
“New Rules” – Dua Lipa

Emily Warren 
“New Rules” – Dua Lipa

Jason Evigan

“What Lovers Do” – Maroon 5 ft. SZA, “Girls Like You” – Maroon 5

SECRET GENIUS: HIP HOP

Tank God 
“rockstar” – Post Malone ft. 21 Savage

Cardo
“God’s Plan” – Drake

Yung Exclusive
“God’s Plan” – Drake

TM88

“XO TOUR Lif3” – Lil Uzi Vert

Nic Nac

“I’m the One” DJ Khaled (feat. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance The Rapper)

SECRET GENIUS: R&B

James Fauntleroy 
“That’s What I Like” – Bruno Mars; “Finesse (Remix)” – Bruno Mars & Cardi B; “Filthy” – Justin Timberlake

Christopher Brody Brown
“That’s What I Like” – Bruno Mars; “Finesse (Remix)” – Bruno Mars & Cardi B

The Stereotypes
“That’s What I Like” – Bruno Mars; “Finesse (Remix)” – Bruno Mars & Cardi B

Syk Sense
“Location” – Khalid; “Shot Down” – Khalid; “Saved” – Khalid

PartyNextDoor
“Wild Thoughts” – DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller

SECRET GENIUS: DANCE

Jordan ‘DJ Swivel’ Young
“Something Just Like This” – The Chainsmokers

Vincent Pontare & Salem Al Fakir 
“More Than You Know” – Axwell & Ingrosso

Ed Drewett
“Mama” – Jonas Blue

RØMANS

Mama” – Jonas Blue

Giorgio Tuinfort
“2U” – David Guetta ft Justin Bieber

SECRET GENIUS: LATIN

Gaby Music
“Se Preparó” – Ozuna; “SUBEME LA RADIO” – Enrique Iglesias; “Dura” – Daddy Yankee; “Ahora Dice” – Chris Jeday, J Balvin and Arcangel

Hi Music Hi Flow 
Se Preparó – Ozuna, Tu Foto – Ozuna

Torres & Rengifo
“Echame La Culpa” – Luis Fonsi ft. Demi Lovato; “Báilame (Remix)” – Nacho, Yandel, Bad Bunny

Adam Assad
“Mi Gente” – J Balvin, Willy William

Mohombi 
“Mi Gente” – J Balvin, Willy William

SECRET GENIUS: ROCK

Mattman & Robin
“Believer” – Imagine Dragons; “Walking The Wire” – Imagine Dragons

Joel Little
“Whatever It Takes” – Imagine Dragons

David Pramik
“Home” -Machine Gun Kelly, X Ambassadors, Bebe Rexha

Jake Sinclair
“Death Of A Bachelor” – Panic! At The Disco; “Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time” – Panic! At The Disco

Camille Purcell
“Rain” – The Script

SECRET GENIUS: COUNTRY

Ashley Gorley

“Unforgettable” – Thomas Rhett; “Marry Me” – Thomas Rhett

David Garcia 
“Meant to Be” – Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha; Take Back Home Girl – Chris Lane feat. Tori Kelly

Jesse Frasure 
“Unforgettable” – Thomas Rhett; “Marry Me” – Thomas Rhett

Shane McAnally
“Unforgettable,” “Marry Me” – Thomas Rhett; “Written in the Sand” – Old Dominion

Josh Miller
“Meant to Be” – Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha; Take Back Home Girl – Chris Lane feat. Tori Kelly

SECRET GENIUS: SOCIAL MESSAGE

6ix, Andrew Taggart, Dylan Wiggins

“1-800-273-8255” – Logic ft. Khalid and Alessia Cara

Johnny McDaid, Steve Mac

“What About Us” – P!nk

Frank Dukes, Doc McKinney
“Pray For Me (with Kendrick Lamar)” – The Weeknd

Benj Pasek, Adam Gubman, Alex Lacamoire, Greg Wells, Justin Paul

“This Is Me” – Keala Settle, The Greatest Showman Ensemble

Ludwig Goransson
“This Is America” – Childish Gambino

SECRET GENIUS: ENGINEER

John Hanes

“Love Lies” – Normani and Khalid; “Never Be The Same” – Camila Cabello

Rick Steel

“Unforgettable” – French Montana ft. Swae Lee

Andres Restrepo

“Mi Gente” – J Balvin & Willy William

Kesha Lee

“XO TOUR Lif3” – Lil Uzi Vert

Steve Fitzmaurice

“Too Good at Goodbyes” – Sam Smith

SECRET GENIUS: MIXING ENGINEER

Manny Marroquin
“rockstar” – Post Malone ft 21 Savage; “I’m The One” – DJ Khaled; “Attention” – Charlie Puth; “Congratulations” – Post Malone; “Silence” – Marshmello and Khalid; “Wild Thoughts – DJ Khaled, Rihanna and Bryson Tiller; “I Fall Apart” – Post Malone; “Psycho” – Post Malone; “Sorry Not Sorry” – Demi Lovato; “Feel It Still” – Portugal. The Man

Serban Ghenea
“Believer” – Imagine Dragons; “What Lovers Do” – Maroon 5 ft. SZA; “Dusk Till Dawn” – ZAYN; “Wolves” – Marshmello & Selena Gomez; “That’s What I Like” – Bruno Mars; “Meant To Be” – Florida Georgia Line & Bebe Rexha

Jaycen Joshua

“Havana” – Camila Cabello; “Unforgettable” – French Montana and Swae Lee

Josh Gudwin

“New Rules”– Dua Lipa; “IDGAF” – Dua Lipa

Leslie Brathwaite

“XO TOUR Lif3” – Lil Uzi Vert

Announcing the Equal (EQL) Studio Residency Program for Women

August 15, 2018

In partnership with Berklee College of Music and Electric Lady Studios, Spotify’s EQL Studio Residency will help open the door for emerging female producers and engineers while shining a light on the great work already being done by women in the music industry.

Starting in October, the program will offer three residencies in three different cities: New York, Nashville, and London. During these paid six-month residencies, one participant in each city will work hands-on in our studios and gain access to invaluable networking and mentoring opportunities to further her career.

In New York, the resident will split her time between the famed Electric Lady Studios and our own Spotify Studios. In Nashville and London, residents will work out of our Secret Genius Studios, where we’ve shown our commitment to supporting emerging songwriters and producers.

“Women are underrepresented as artists, songwriters, engineers and producers,” says Kerry Steib, Director of Cultural Impact. “We have to use our resources to create opportunities to address this, and do it with great partners across the industry. This is just the beginning.”

“This exciting collaboration recognizes the many contributions women make in the music industry,” says Darla Hanley, Dean of the Professional Education Division at Berklee. “We are happy to support and mentor the recipients of the EQL Studio Residency and look forward to sharing our expertise and many decades of combined experience across all corners of the industry with them.”

“Electric Lady is thrilled to partner with Spotify’s EQL Studio Residency alongside Berklee College of Music in encouragement of more women in audio production, “ says Lee Foster, Partner/ General Manager Electric Lady Studios. We are strong supporters of this movement and look forward to meeting the next generation of women engineers and producers.”

Ready to apply? Here’s what you need to know:

  • Applications are now live and close at 5 p.m. EST on August 24.
  • Residencies will start October 1.
  • Apply here: Nashville / New York / London

Spotify Honors Songwriters With New Secret Genius Ambassador List

June 13, 2018

Behind every great artist is a stellar support squad who amplifies their voice and helps them reach their dreams. One behind-the-scenes team member for many artists is a songwriter or producer, a “secret genius” who helps the artist make their vision come to life.

Last year, Spotify founded Secret Genius to shine a light on the creators behind the songs we know and love. Secret Genius revealed all the songs written or produced by the same creator on a playlist, told the stories behind hits on the Secret Genius podcast, and hosted global songwriting camps throughout the year called “Songshops.” Additionally, the coinciding launch of Secret Genius Studios offered up-and-coming songwriters access to the latest studio equipment, as well as opportunities to connect with each other and collaborate on future hits.

The inaugural class of inspirational Secret Genius ambassadors included some of today’s greatest hitmakers, including Boi-1da, Erika Ender, James Fauntleroy, Starrah and more. The first-ever Secret Genius Awards honored the creative forces behind the year’s biggest hits, including Rick Rubin, who was presented with the Legendary Genius Award.

Now coming up on its second year and second cohort, Spotify will once again feature these songwriters in the podcast and Songshops, and honor them at the second annual Secret Genius Awards later in the year.

The next wave of ambassadors will help continue the program’s mission of celebrating the songwriters and producers of the music industry. This year, honorees of the global initiative will include:

  • Ali Tamposi (US): Songwriter for Camila Cabello, Selena Gomez, Liam Payne
  • Ben Billion (US): Producer for The Weeknd, Maroon 5, Beyoncé
  • Benny Blanco (US): Producer and Songwriter for Ed Sheeran, Halsey, Justin Bieber, Kanye West
  • Frank Dukes (Canada): Producer for Cardi B, The Weeknd, Camila Cabello
  • Ina Wroldsen (Norway): Songwriter for Calvin Harris, Clean Bandit, Jess Glynne
  • Jamie Scott (UK): Producer for Rudimental, Niall Horan, Major Lazer
  • Murda Beatz (US): Producer for Drake, Migos, Travis Scott
  • Shane McAnally (US): Songwriter for Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett
  • Sky A. Ramirez (US): Producer for J Balvin, Juanes, Karol G
  • Tayla Parx (US): Songwriter for Janelle Monáe, Demi Lovato, Julia Michaels

To honor the new class of Secret Genius Ambassadors, Spotify hosted a dinner at the home of Troy Carter, Global Head of Creator Services. There, some of the most influential names in music gathered to toast an incredible group of visionaries including legends and rising stars such as Quincy Jones, Halsey, and Bebe Rexha. “Hard work pays off,” noted songwriter Ben Billion at the dinner. “Thank you Spotify Secret Genius for acknowledging the craft behind the scenes.”

“Last year our vision of creating a community of songwriters became a reality and we aim to inspire the next generation by announcing a new class of ambassadors as we continue our commitment to music creators,” explained Tiffany Kumar, Spotify’s Global Head of Songwriter Relations. “With Secret Genius, Spotify is able to reveal, celebrate and bring these talents together to foster more creativity.”

Various upcoming Secret Genius Ambassadors noted how excited they were for the opportunity.

“I’m honored to be one of the Spotify Secret Genius Ambassadors this year. It’s great to be part of a program designed to give songwriters and producers more recognition,” said Scott. “I’m looking forward to the year ahead and trying to help make a difference with the Secret Genius team, in what is an extremely exciting time in the music industry.” – Jamie Scott

“I am incredibly excited and honored to be a Secret Genius Ambassador and I am very much looking forward to working with Spotify.” – Ina Wroldsen

“I’m very pleased to be chosen as a Spotify Ambassador, and join the amazing group of writers and producers who have come before me. I look forward to working with Spotify and continuing to build new and exciting ways to work with the songwriting community.” – Ali Tamposi

Celebrating these songwriters and visionaries is a year-round responsibility. In just the last few weeks, Secret Genius has hosted several songwriting experiences, including a partnership with Keep Cool Records (RCA) that led to the first-ever artist-led three-day songshop. This songshop brought together an incredible group of songwriters and producers from London on da Track to Jude Demorest to work on Normani’s upcoming debut album.

Additionally, Motown and Secret Genius hosted an intimate listening experience with NE-YO in which he played songs from his upcoming albumGood Man. He was joined by Tayla Parx, writer for Khalid, Janelle Monáe and Christina Aguilera, to discuss the creative process and songwriting. Following the success of Spotify’s first Secret Genius 360 Live event in London, Spotify expanded the event to Stockholm where attendees were able to play demos for feedback from local managers and publishers.

Check out SecretGenius.com for more information on the program.