Tag: songwriting

Songwriter Jin Jin Gets Collaborative at Spotify’s Riffs and Runs Sessions

February 7, 2023

It takes just the right amount of creativity, collaboration, and inspiration to write a powerful song. And Jin Jin knows quite a bit about that. The British songwriter has seen success writing hit tracks like “Hold My Hand” by Jess Glynne and “You Don’t Know Me” from Jax Jones.

And recently, Jin Jin put her skills to work at Spotify’s Riffs and Runs sessions. The intimate two-day event was a series of songwriting sessions focused specifically on R&B, and it provided a chance for Black songwriters, producers, and artists to come together and connect in a setting where they felt inspired to collaborate. 

The sessions took place at the iconic Metropolis Studios in London and were attended by both established and emerging talent. Production legend Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins—famous for hits such as “Say My Name,” “The Boy Is Mine,” and “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay”—and ThankGod4Cody, known for producing some of SZA’s hits, worked with artists and songwriters, like Jin Jin, to get the creative juices flowing.

The creators met in the studio, where they first got to know each other over coffee and snacks. After building a rapport, the next step was to determine a concept and start on chords. Then, the magic happened.

For the Record caught up with Jin Jin to learn more about her Riffs and Runs experience, and to get a look behind the scenes at how she collaborates with others to create songs fans love.

Can you tell us about your Riffs and Runs session?

This was the first time that I’ve been involved in the Riffs and Runs sessions. I’ve done other Spotify camps before, but this one was particularly special because it was throwing different artists, producers, and writers in the room and they were all from different places and different cultures. 

It was brilliant—I really enjoyed it. Metropolis Studios, in Chiswick, is an amazing venue and it’s a really creative space. I was working with ThankGod4Cody, and I also worked with two artists Bellah and Äyanna. They’re both amazing vocalists, so that was a treat. For this session, we all wrote it together, and then it ended up being Äyanna who laid down the first verse, and then Bellah laid down the second verse. And then they both sang the chorus.

What was the song you wrote about?

It had bad b*tch energy. The general story was, they thought that a relationship was gonna go one way. But then, it went another way because both people in the relationship have different perspectives. So it’s an example of women calling a guy out.

What was your favorite part of the Riffs and Runs experience?

My favorite part is when you’re getting to know each other and you’re in the very early stages of creation. It’s where everyone’s a little bit nervous, but really open to each other’s ideas, and you don’t know what you’re gonna make. So it’s pretty nerve-racking as well, but it gets rid of any ego in the room. It’s like, this is a fresh idea, and we don’t know if we’ll be able to make an amazing song but everybody’s there, you know, new to the experience and to that day. 

What’s the secret to a successful collaboration with others while working on a new piece?

I think it’s kind of almost like forgetting what you’ve done before. If you’ve ever had any success or any previous [track] release, just forget about that because the past doesn’t really matter. All that matters is what you create on the day, with these new people—if you’ve got synergy, if you can build a nice relationship with them, and if you can find some sort of common ground and way to communicate so that you can make an amazing song. I think that it’s super important to be open, you know. Somebody might have a different musical style than you, or be from a different background, or be into different things, but maybe that’s their story. 

Is there a particular songwriter who inspires you, or whom you admire?

Oh there’s a lot of different ones. A current, more mainstream, newer writer I love is Tems. She’s amazing at writing and an amazing artist as well—I really love her sentiments. I love the fact that she operates in the Afrobeat world, and her songwriting is beautiful. 

What do you think is your biggest challenge as a songwriter?

I think the biggest challenge is, sometimes, you can get pigeonholed into a certain genre. Or, a lot of people are just holding on to what you did before, sort of thing. I also think it’s a challenge to not fall into a safe space for yourself as a songwriter. It’s really important to keep pushing yourself as well and try new things.

What advice do you have for aspiring songwriters?

To just keep exploring. Try and reach out to as many other songwriters and producers as you can and collaborate as much as you can. Also, listen to genres of music that you wouldn’t necessarily listen to. So if you’re in the space where you only make, like, drill or trap, then maybe listen to some rock music. Listen to some country music. Listen to lots of different genres because as a songwriter, it’s important to understand and appreciate other genres as well.

What represents a successful songwriting session to you?

I think, obviously, coming out with a song that you absolutely love is important, but then if you don’t come up with the song, that’s fine as well. I think it’s about the relationships and the future possibilities of creating music with these newfound colleagues.

 

Check out the video to learn more about the Riffs and Runs experience.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bellah (@ibebellah)

Get more of Jin Jin by listening to some of the songs she’s written in the playlist below. 

‘Spotify: Mic Check’ Welcomes Fresh Finds Artist Julia Wolf To Share Her Story

October 21, 2021

If you love hearing artists and creators tell their stories in their own words, you’re in luck. One of our new podcasts, Spotify: Mic Check, connects creators with fans by doing exactly that. In each episode, artists and podcasters share exclusive recordings and personal stories in their own words.

In the inaugural Spotify: Mic Check, you’ll hear from Julia Wolf—a rising star from Queens, New York, whose refreshing indie-pop sound is influenced by her classical training and love of hip-hop. She’s a recent graduate of Spotify’s Fresh Finds program, which provides up-and-coming artists with the tools to build a long-term career. 

In the episode, Julia speaks about how she overcame her severe shyness to become an artist. 

“I only started writing because my music teacher at the time said, ‘If you want to participate in the final showcase, it has to be an original song,’” shared Julia. “And I was mortified, like so embarrassed. For me, I just thought no one wanted to hear what I had to think. I went home and wrote it anyway because I wanted to participate. And that’s when I really fell in love with the music and being able to let people know what’s going on in my head without having to talk to them.”

This past weekend, Julia sold out her first hometown show—something she had strived for despite the naysayers. And over the years, she’s learned a lot about her music and herself. 

Listen to everything Julia has to say on Spotify: Mic Check.

 

Spotify’s New Fresh Finds Program Helps Independent Artists Build Their Careers

May 26, 2021

For independent artists, sometimes all it takes is having a song in the right place at the right time for a legion of new fans to discover your music. Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlist serves as this type of launch pad for up-and-coming artists who are beginning their careers. 

The playlist, which started in 2016, now has 10 accompanying playlists that have specific focuses, like Fresh Finds: Experimental and Fresh Finds: Latin. These playlists are the place for fan and industry tastemakers alike to find the next big thing in music. Since its launch, Fresh Finds has featured more than 25,000 artists, like Clairo, Omar Apollo, and 100 gecs, who have seen their music take off after their songs were included on the list. Spotify data even shows that artists featured on Fresh Finds see their average monthly listeners increase by 108% in the 28 days following their addition to the playlist. 

Now, Spotify is taking its support of these independent artists to the next level with the Fresh Finds program. Building off the success of the playlist, this new program focuses on giving developing artists the tools and educational resources needed for long-term career success. 

“Independent artists are at the forefront of what’s next in music,” says Rachel Ring, Music Marketing Manager at Spotify. “It’s vital that we continue to create space and opportunities for this wide-ranging group of artists, meet them where they are, provide tools for them to have agency over their careers, and give them a voice in our marketing campaigns.” 

Over the span of six to eight weeks, artists in the program have access to one-on-one mentorship with members of Spotify and a personalized Masterclass to learn how to best use Spotify for Artists tools (like Canvas and Marquee). There will also be collaboration opportunities with songwriters and producers set up in partnership with Noteable, Spotify’s Songwriter and Publishing Relations team. At the end of the program, each of the four groups of artists and producers/songwriters will release an original Spotify Singles track. The collaboration process will be documented through a social content series so fans can follow along as the tracks are created and see the songs come to life.

“It was important for us to build an ecosystem around the artists we’re working with to ensure they have the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in the short and long term,” continues Rachel. “At the end of this program we want our Fresh Finds artists to leave with a fluency in Spotify’s tools, a connection with other creators, growth across a wide range of new fans, and deeper engagement within their existing fan base.”

Spotify has announced the inaugural four independent artists chosen for the Fresh Finds program. Get to know them below.

Wallice

Wallice, who first started writing songs in middle school, has a sweet and nostalgic sound with a rowdy edge. After completing a year at the New School’s Jazz Vocal Performance program in NYC, the California native moved back to the West Coast to focus on her music. Her first single, 2020’s “Punching Bag,” was influenced by the favorites of her youth (Weezer and Lana Del Rey), as well as her current role models (Vampire Weekend and The Drums). Wallice will be paired with songwriter and producer marinelli and producer Ariel Rechtshaid for the Fresh Finds program’s song collaboration.

 

Unusual Demont

Unusual Demont is a Wisconsin native whose music is effortlessly forward-thinking. His grandfather, who was the drummer for R&B and soul legend Curtis Mayfield, has influenced his work, but the artist also finds inspiration from other sources, ranging from K-Pop to Frank Ocean. Unusual Demont originally started honing his skills as a rapper, but has shifted to singing with a more eclectic pop sound, which can be heard in his 2020 single “Amber.” Unusual Demont will be collaborating with producer Kieran Watters, professionally known as “The Idiot,” for the Fresh Finds program’s song collaboration.

 

Julia Wolf

Julia Wolf hails from Queens in New York City. She’s a singer-songwriter and visual artist whose confident and left-of-center vision for pop music has built her an already rabid fan base since she released her music on social media in 2019. The classically trained pianist had her breakout moment with the single “Hoops,” defying genre conventions with her stream-of-conscious lyrics and unforgettable hooks. Julia will be working with songwriter and producer Jackson Foote for the Fresh Finds program’s song collaboration.

 

EKKSTACY

Canadian singer-songwriter EKKSTACY has found refuge in his music. After a challenging youth that included his parents’ divorce and alcohol abuse, the artist turned to writing and recording music as a way to share his thoughts and feelings. EKKSTACY, who was influenced by the work of Elliott Smith, Bon Iver, and Bedroom, describes his music as fusing elements of indie, post-punk, and synth wave. The artist’s unique sound can be heard in tracks like “i walk this earth all by myself.” EKKSTACY will be paired with Jonny Pierce of The Drums for the Fresh Finds program’s song collaboration.

These artists are only the first to benefit from Fresh Finds, and they won’t be the last. But how to choose who’s next? 

“To select these artists, we utilized a combination of data and editorial decision-making, with our Editorial and Artist & Label Partnerships teams choosing artists for the program that are showing momentum both on and off Spotify,” says Rachel. “Ultimately, we don’t have formalized qualification criteria because being a developing artist is undefinable, and career growth can mean different things to different artists. Our gut instincts are based on what we think is the beginning of an amazing career.”  

Alongside the program’s launch, Spotify is releasing 13 new regional Fresh Finds playlists in Brazil, Spain, Australia/NZ, UK/IE, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore/Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Italy, Germany/Switzerland/Austria, South Korea, and Turkey to further our mission of disseminating the music of developing artists on a global scale.

Follow the four Fresh Finds artists to be the first to hear their new Spotify Singles, releasing on June 23. In the meantime, discover new music from independent artists in our Fresh Finds playlist below. 

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.

Sam and Moa Had Never Met, But Spotify’s Soundtrap Helped Them Create Something Awesome

November 6, 2018

It all started with a beat. Smooth, slinky, and undeniably chill, “Don’t Miss Me” has the sweet flow of any world-class pop hit. But if you haven’t heard of the new duo behind the song, $AMoA, it’s for good reason–they hadn’t even heard of each other until Soundtrap, Spotify’s new platform brought them together.

Moa Michaeli, a pop songwriter and artist, and Sam Alaish, a rock songwriter with a background in classical cello, live in different parts of Sweden. Using Soundtrap for the very first time, they came together remotely to create something reflective of both their talents.

“We were paired together by Spotify with the goal of writing a song using Soundtrap in three days,” Moa explains. “Sam and I had never met before. Before using Soundtrap, I’d never thought about the idea of working with someone who lives in a different time zone.”

With Soundtrap, we hope to help erase borders and make collaboration easy and accessible for artists and creators across the globe. For Sam and Moa, it was as natural as wearing pajamas on the couch—here’s more of what they shared with Spotify about working together.

How did “Don’t Miss Me” get off the ground?

Sam: We started off by talking on the phone. We talked about ideas and tried to find the right approach to get started. We decided who was going to do what. It all started with a beat, and that laid the groundwork for what the song became.

It’s hard to start with a blank canvas, but once you add just one element, it’s easy to go from there. After that, everything just flowed.

Have you collaborated with other people before?

Sam: Yes, but not remotely, and not with a stranger.

Moa: Exactly!

What’s the main difference between in-person and remote collaboration?

Moa: When you write in person, you can’t try your ideas out first before you present them to the people you’re working with. But when you work remotely, you can collect your thoughts and think things through before you present them.

Sam: You can present much bigger ideas.

Since you hadn’t met, did you find working together awkward or weird?

Moa: Not really. I was at home with a fever, so I was speaking to him from my couch while wearing pajamas. I felt pretty comfortable!

Sam: I felt bad calling Moa because she was so sick! But we had an initial comfort level. No communication problems.

Moa: I felt like I already knew him. That was pretty cool.

What was your experience using Soundtrap for the first time?

Moa: For me, collaborating in person can be a bit tricky, because I’m reserved and shy. Soundtrap helped me let go of my fears. This was my first time working to produce a song, and so Soundtrap felt like a game-changer.

How do you now use Soundtrap?

Sam: I’ve made some demos on it.

Moa: I use it for myself when I get an idea—I usually record a voice memo. But now I record it directly into the studio on Soundtrap. That makes it easier to invite someone to come work on it, or just use it myself to add a synthesizer, or a beat. It just keeps the creative process going.

How will Soundtrap change the way artists collaborate across the globe?

Sam: The more seamless you make things work for artists, and the more you create a flow, that helps allow you to work with anyone. Soundtrap gives you everything you need. So if you’re in New York, and another person is in Stockholm, Soundtrap makes it easier to just make things happen right now.

Would you work with each other again?

Sam: Yeah, I want to!

Moa: Yay! Let’s make it happen.

Ready to make your own hit collaboration? Try Soundtrap today at Soundtrap.com.

Mark McKinnon Connects the Dots Between Politics and Playlists

October 24, 2018

Colorado native Mark McKinnon has worn many hats: songwriter, journalist, presidential political advisor, television consultant, and nonprofit cofounder—as well as his signature white cowboy hat.

Currently, he’s cocreator, cohost, and producer for The Circus: Inside the Wildest Political Show on Earth, a nonpartisan, behind-the-scenes look at the present U.S. political climate. What started as solely an election-year feature has exceeded even its producers’ expectations, now trapezing through a third season and making waves as the first real-time documentary of its kind.

We caught Mark before his JFK→LAX flight for an exclusive Spotify interview. But with a jack-of-all-trades, you don’t just talk politics—you connect the dots between songwriting, speeches, and storytelling.

Q: You’re best known for your work in politics, but before that, you were a songwriter in Nashville with Kris Kristofferson. How did you make the switch?

I ran away from home to Nashville when I was in the middle of high school. Kris Kristofferson was very generous and let me live in his apartment for about three years. It was when he was taking on a lot of films, so he wasn’t around a lot. It was a wonderful chapter in my life. The only problem was that I was not a very good songwriter. One of the toughest decisions I ever made was to sort of admit that I sucked.

I ended up in Austin playing music and had to come to grips with the fact that on the road I was on, if I was lucky, I was gonna be the second act at the Austin Holiday Inn when I was 50. And I just thought, ‘Maybe I should try something different.’

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