Andrew Watt (record producer)

Andrew Watt was born in New York City in 1990 and grew up in a musical family; his father is a musician and his mother a singer. He began playing guitar at age 12 and later attended the Berklee College of Music, though he dropped out to pursue a career in Los Angeles.¹ His early work included performing with the band California Breed and co-writing with artists such as Sean Kingston and Cody Simpson.

Watt's breakthrough came when he co-wrote and produced "Cake by the Ocean" for DNCE in 2015, which reached the top 10 in several countries.² This success led to collaborations with major pop and rock acts, establishing him as a sought-after producer.

Watt's production work spans multiple genres, from pop and hip-hop to rock. He produced Post Malone's 2019 album Hollywood's Bleeding, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and included the hit "Circles," which topped the Billboard Hot 100.³ He also produced Miley Cyrus's 2020 album Plastic Hearts, which featured collaborations with Billy Idol and Joan Jett.

In 2020, Watt produced the Rolling Stones' single "Living in a Ghost Town," their first original release in eight years, and later worked on their 2023 album Hackney Diamonds, the band's first album of new material since 2005.⁴ His work with Dua Lipa on the song "Break My Heart" contributed to her album Future Nostalgia.

Watt has received numerous accolades, including the Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical in 2021, and Album of the Year for his work on Hackney Diamonds in 2024.⁵ He has also been nominated for Song of the Year for "Circles" and "Break My Heart."

In addition to Grammys, Watt has won BMI and ASCAP awards for his songwriting. His ability to blend rock, pop, and hip-hop has made him a versatile figure in contemporary music production.

Beyond his high-profile work, Watt has produced for lesser-known artists and contributed to soundtracks. He co-wrote and produced tracks for the 2018 film A Star Is Born, including the Oscar-nominated song "Shallow" (though he was not credited on the final version).⁶ He also played guitar on several recordings, including for Ozzy Osbourne's 2020 album Ordinary Man.

Watt is known for his hands-on approach, often playing multiple instruments in sessions. He has cited influences such as Jimi Hendrix and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Notably, he co-wrote the song "Take What You Want" with Post Malone and Ozzy Osbourne, bridging rock and hip-hop.

Watt's production style is characterized by a blend of live instrumentation and modern pop production, often incorporating guitar-driven hooks and analog warmth. He frequently collaborates with a core team including songwriter Ali Tamposi and producer Louis Bell.⁷

His influence extends to reviving rock sounds in mainstream pop, as seen in his work with Miley Cyrus and the Rolling Stones. Watt has been praised for his ability to adapt to artists' visions while maintaining a cohesive sonic identity.

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical

A Grammy Award category recognizing the overall production work of a producer in non-classical music during the eligibility year.

Billboard Hot 100

The music industry standard record chart in the United States for songs, published weekly by Billboard magazine.