How a Los Angeles teenager transformed from local guitarist to global chart-topping producer

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Born in 1997, Blake Slatkin transitioned from playing guitar in Los Angeles bands to becoming a Grammy-winning architect of modern pop. By mastering the collaborative landscape of the music industry, he has secured seven Billboard Hot 100 top-ten singles, proving that early mentorship and relentless production can redefine contemporary sound.

Blake Slatkin’s journey began in Los Angeles, where he started playing guitar at age 10. His early years were defined by performing in local bands and singing at various venues, but his trajectory shifted significantly at age 16 when he secured an internship with producer Benny Blanco. This foundational experience preceded his move to New York City to attend New York University. While at university, Slatkin began shaping the debut projects of artists like Gracie Abrams and Omar Apollo, eventually choosing to drop out to pursue music production in Los Angeles full-time.

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic served as a pivotal period for Slatkin’s career. Collaborating with artists such as The Kid Laroi, Lil Nas X, and 24kGoldn, he achieved his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit with 24kGoldn’s 'Mood,' which remained at the top for eight weeks. His momentum continued with 'Without You' by The Kid Laroi and the massive success of 'Stay,' a collaboration between The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber. 'Stay' reached number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200, spending seven weeks at the top of the latter while setting records for pop radio longevity.

Slatkin’s professional recognition has grown rapidly. He was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2022 and recognized as a Hitmaker of the Year by Variety in 2021. His work has earned significant critical acclaim, including a Record of the Year Grammy for Lizzo’s 'About Damn Time' at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. Additionally, he received awards for his contributions to 'Unholy' by Sam Smith and Kim Petras. With four of his seven top-ten singles reaching the number-one spot, Slatkin has established himself as a central figure in the current music industry landscape.

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