Ep. 4 : Jesse Shatkin

Grammy-nominated producer Jesse Shatkin takes us behind the curtain of chart-topping pop music, revealing the winding path from his beginnings as a teenage hip-hop DJ to crafting global hits with artists like Sia, Kelly Clarkson, and Rihanna.

For anyone fascinated by how the music that shapes our lives comes together, Jesse offers rare insight into the invisible craftsmanship behind iconic songs. His journey challenges our assumptions about overnight success - spending years working minimum wage jobs at recording studios, cleaning toilets at Electric Lady Studios, and absorbing knowledge from established professionals before his breakthrough moment co-writing "Chandelier" with Sia .

What stands out is his lifelong commitment to growth and learning. Despite achieving remarkable success, Jesse maintains a beginner's mindset, watching tutorials from teenage producers on YouTube and approaching each project with fresh curiosity. This adaptability explains his longevity in an industry where many producers quickly become obsolete as trends evolve.

Perhaps most compelling is how Jesse moved beyond the judgmental constraints of what's considered "cool" in underground music circles to embrace pop production. "Cool is the enemy of creativity," he observes, noting how fear of judgment limits artistic possibilities. This liberation allowed him to apply his talents across genres without self-imposed restrictions, focusing instead on making music that resonates regardless of category.

Whether you're a music industry insider or simply curious about how hit songs come together, Jesse's insights reveal the human craftsmanship, technical expertise, and emotional intelligence required to create the soundtrack to our lives.