Pictured Top (L to R): Blake Slatkin and Amy Allen. Bottom: Theron Thomas and Dan Nigro.
On November 18, 2024, Songwriters Hall of Fame and the GRAMMY Museum, co-hosted “Chart-Toppers: Today’s Hitmaking Songwriters/Producers” in Los Angeles at the museum's Clive Davis Theater. The panel featured some of today’s renowned songwriters and producers at the top of their game including Blake Slatkin (24kGoldn, The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber, Lil Nas X, Lizzo, Sam Smith), Amy Allen (Sabrina Carpenter, Selena Gomez, Halsey, Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Styles), Dan Nigro (Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Rhianna, Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo), and Theron Thomas (Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Lizzo, Nikki Minaj, Saweetie and Doja Cat). Moderated by Blake, the insightful discussion was a deep and revealing conversation about the creative process, collaboration, and how unrelenting passion, resilience, and trust is all part of the secret sauce to songwriting success.
On Inspiration: The session kicked off with a discussion about where inspiration comes from. Dan said that looking inward, rather than chasing trends, has been the key to his best work. “Whatever I listened to growing up, those things are embedded in my DNA at this point," he said. Similarly, Amy emphasized the dangers of overthinking audience expectations, noting, “The second I start tuning in too much to what people will like, I get lost in the sauce.” Theron explained, “I love to hear new music. It motivates me. It makes me run to the studio and write 10 songs.”
Amy also shared a story about co-writing with Theron for an artist who was teaching her how to do a Korean drinking game. In the spontaneous moment, Theron suggested it as the hook for a hit song. "That was such a learning experience for me," Amy explained, showing the audience how ideas can be crafted from anywhere if the room allows for creative freedom.”
Facing Self-Doubt and Staying Resilient: Another theme that resonated strongly was overcoming self-doubt in the creative process. Amy said that even successful songwriters often face creative doubt, and what separates good writers from great ones is the ability to be fearless and get back up on the horse and try again. Blake echoed this by sharing how some of his biggest hits were born from “Hail Marys” at the end of the day. Amy explained how she has “input periods” living a life outside of music, and encouraged the audience of up-and-coming songwriters to "Go places, live, and take it all in. That’s where inspiration grows.” Theron emphasized that “music should be made from clarity...whatever the feeling is that you're trying to evoke in this song, make sure that you are clear about that feeling and do that.”
Collaboration and Trust: Whether through exchanging ideas, standing by a song you believe in, or trusting your gut, collaboration often leads to breakthroughs. Blake advised, "Find people who bring the best out of you, and that you bring the best out of them." Theron stressed, “You really have to trust yourself. If you do something that you like, it has to start with you and end with you, and let the word world decide. I think confidence is important in yourself. You have got to believe in yourself. It's your dream.”
Where the Magie Comes From: One of the most captivating moments came when the group reflected on where the magic comes from when creating iconic hits. Blake and Theron shared their experience co-writing Lizzo’s GRAMMY-winning Record of the Year “About Damn Time” which Blake also co-produced. They described how it connected to people emerging from the pandemic. "I think everybody felt that statement, even if the song wasn't about that, everybody was like, it's about damn time that we get outside. We can party, we can have a good time," said Theron.
After an engaging Q&A, the panel left the audience with valuable lessons and insight. As part of the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s ongoing mission, the organization and GRAMMY Museum have produced together events such as these since 2010 to shine a light on contemporary hit songwriters and the mastery of their craft. Proceeds benefit both SHOF and GRAMMY Museum educational programs.