Fans love artists for their hit songs and incredible live sets, but in between their own works, they often lend their talents to other projects and spaces. Dive into some of the biggest tracks that featured some additional production and writing from dance’s biggest names.
Morten and ARTBAT – Hollow (feat. Bonn)
Already featuring two massive star producers in Morten and ARTBAT, this powerful track was further helped along by Anyma. From the opening notes, his influence and style can be heard and felt, and while the track isn’t released under his moniker, it speaks to the connection that artists in the scene feel for each other as they are willing to create music and allow their fellow producers to take their tracks for their own branding.
Britney Spears – Toxic
Britney Spears is more than a pop star, she is a cultural icon and staple of the music industry which she conquered at the turn of the century. While her work with super producer Max Martin mostly defines her hits, others shared in the load for crafting her music, including Christian Karlsson of Galantis. Karlsson’s work on a major hit like Toxic speaks to the massive amount of talent and versatility that comes from so many producers in the dance scene.
David Guetta and Sia – Titanium
Within the dance community, David Guetta is certainly amongst the most recognized for his crossover success and mainstream hits. Perhaps he is most famous for his work alongside Sia, who is also infamous for her vocal work and writing for other stars herself. Their most famous collaboration, and one of the most iconic songs of this century is their massive collaboration Titanium. While Guetta and Sia are certainly superstars, many would be surprised to learn that the track also featured work from Afrojack in order to craft it’s timeless sound.
Justin Bieber – Sorry
Outside of the dance community, Skrillex is probably most famous for his work alongside Justin Bieber. The two stars have several tracks together, including the massive Jack Ü hit, Where Are Ü Now, but some may be surprised to find that Skrillex also helps out behind on the scenes on Bieber’s albums, including his solo hit song, Sorry. While he is renowned for his dubstep productions and sound design, Skrillex is equally as respected for his generally music knowledge, song writing, and versatility across a wide range of genres.
Rihanna – Rude Boy
As a billionaire pop star and entrepreneur, Rihanna has captured the world’s attention throughout every phase of her career. Along the way, she has had many cow-writers and producers, among them Rob Swire of Pendulum and Knife Party fame. The Australian artist is an icon of both drum and bass and dubstep, but his talents extend far beyond those genres as his work on Rihanna’s hit single Rude Boy show.
Lady Gaga – Free Woman
Lady Gaga has always brushed shoulders with the dance community, borrowing her flashy style and public persona from a wide variety of sources and inspirations. As her career has continued to grow, she has tapped further into the electronic music scene, getting help in the studio from the likes of Skrillex, Gesaffelstein, and Axwell. The latter of which has plenty of success on his own and with his cohorts in the Swedish House Mafia, but teaming with Lady Gaga for this Chromatica track further showcased his talents.
Coldplay – A Sky Full Of Stars
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has never been afraid to cross genres and co-create with a wider variety of artists. As the band continued to expand their own sound and style, they joined forces with Avicii for a hypnotic anthem that continues to resonate with rock and dance music fans today. A Sky Full Of Stars allowed both groups to showcase their talents and vision for crafting infectious music and continues to serve as a great reminder of the boundless abilities of the late Avicii.
Usher – Numb
Initially finding success thanks to his smooth R&B hits and incredible dance moves, Usher has grown into a larger icon as he continues his music career while also managing talent (he delivered Justin Bieber to the world), and other businesses that he now finds himself involved in. Of course, with such a long career, he has had plenty of opportunities to work with different producers and writers. For Numb, he received help from the Swedish House Mafia and Alesso, providing all three artists with a great opportunity to deliver a massive hit.
This is just a short list of the many hit singles that were helped along by dance producers. It is exciting to get to hear an artist work outside of their lane and put their full range on display!
