How a jazz-trained pianist became the architect behind the world's biggest pop hits
In short: Greg Kurstin is a multi-instrumentalist whose background in jazz piano informs his approach to modern pop production. From Adele to the Foo Fighters, his ability to play almost any instrument allows him to realize his creative vision independently, making him one of the most sought-after producers in the music industry today.
Born in Los Angeles in 1969, Kurstin began his musical journey at age five. By his teenage years, he was already co-writing songs and performing in bands. His formal education at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and the California Institute of the Arts grounded him in jazz, a discipline he credits for his success in pop. Kurstin maintains that his jazz training is vital, as it helps him choose notes that strike the right emotional chord in his compositions.
Kurstin's career evolved from session work and his own projects, such as the indie pop duo the bird and the bee, into a powerhouse production career. His versatility is a defining trait; he often engineers, programs, and plays multiple instruments—including guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums—on the tracks he produces. This hands-on capability allows artists to rely on his singular vision, a quality praised by collaborators like Kelly Clarkson and Dave Grohl.
His impact on the charts is substantial, having contributed to five songs that reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100. His work with Adele on the albums 25 and 30 produced record-breaking hits like 'Hello' and 'Easy on Me.' Beyond pop, his production credits span diverse genres, including work with Paul McCartney, Kendrick Lamar, and the Foo Fighters. With nine Grammy Awards to his name, including multiple wins for Producer of the Year, Kurstin continues to shape the sound of contemporary music across global charts.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Greg Kurstin
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