Shellback (record producer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shellback
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Shellback in 2015
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Karl Johan Schuster |
| Born | 1 February 1985 Karlshamn, Blekinge, Sweden |
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| Years active | 2003–present |
Karl Johan Schuster (born on February 1, 1985) is a famous Swedish music producer and songwriter. He is known by his professional name, Shellback. In 2012, Billboard magazine named him the top producer of the year. He also won four Grammy Awards for his work.
Shellback started his music journey playing heavy metal guitar. Later, he switched to making and writing pop music.
Shellback often works with another famous songwriter, Max Martin. Together, they have created songs for many popular artists. These include P!nk, Taylor Swift, Adam Lambert, Britney Spears, Usher, Avril Lavigne, Ariana Grande, Adele, and Maroon 5. Shellback has also worked with producer Benny Blanco. He has even produced songs by himself, like "Want U Back" by Cher Lloyd and "Animals" by Maroon 5. He helped write and produce "Can't Stop the Feeling!" with Max Martin and Justin Timberlake. This song was for the movie Trolls (2016) and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2017.
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Shellback's Early Life and Music Career
Karl Johan Schuster grew up in Karlshamn, Sweden. He first played drums in local indie rock bands. In 2004, he joined a hardcore-metal band called Blinded Colony as a singer. He recorded two albums with them before leaving in 2007.
When he was 16, Schuster met Max Martin through a friend. At first, Schuster liked only indie rock and metal music. He was not interested in pop music. But his friend kept sending Schuster's demos to Max Martin. Martin became curious about what pop music Schuster could create.
In 2006, Max Martin invited Schuster to his studio in Stockholm. They recorded a demo together. Since 2007, Shellback has been signed to Martin's music company, Maratone.
Making Hit Songs: Shellback's Success
Some of the first songs Shellback co-wrote with Max Martin became big hits. These include Pink's 2008 song "So What" and Britney Spears' 2008 song "If U Seek Amy". In 2012, Shellback won the STIM Platinum guitar prize for his songwriting.
In 2014, Shellback produced "Problem" with Max Martin and Ilya. In 2015, Shellback worked with the Swedish hardcore punk band Refused. He was a fan of their music and friends with their drummer. Shellback helped arrange two of their songs, "Elektra" and "366." The band's singer said Shellback's versions were "far more Refused" and "were better" than their own. These songs appeared on Refused's album Freedom.
Shellback's Famous Collaborations
Shellback has worked on many popular songs. Here are some of the well-known artists he has helped:
- Pink: "So What", "Raise Your Glass", "Just Like Fire"
- Britney Spears: "If U Seek Amy", "I Wanna Go", "Criminal"
- Usher: "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love", "Scream"
- Avril Lavigne: "What the Hell", "Wish You Were Here", "Smile"
- Maroon 5: "Moves like Jagger", "Payphone", "One More Night", "Animals"
- Taylor Swift: "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together", "I Knew You Were Trouble", "22", "Blank Space", "Style", "Shake It Off", "Bad Blood", "Wildest Dreams", "...Ready for It?", "Delicate"
- Christina Aguilera: "Your Body"
- One Direction: "Kiss You"
- Ariana Grande: "Problem"
- Adele: "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)", "Can I Get It"
- Justin Timberlake: "Can't Stop the Feeling!", "Hair Up"
- Katy Perry: "Bon Appétit"
- Ed Sheeran: "I Don't Care", "Beautiful People", "Eyes Closed"
- Jonas Brothers: "Only Human", "X"
- Sam Smith: "Diamonds"
Awards and Achievements
Shellback has won several prestigious awards for his music work.
- Album of the Year for 1989 by Taylor Swift
- Best Pop Vocal Album for 1989 by Taylor Swift
- Album of the Year for 25 by Adele
- Best Song Written for Visual Media for "Can't Stop the Feeling!" from the movie Trolls
See also
In Spanish: Shellback para niños
