[Musicians’ Galore] Candice Nelson

Photo Credit: Dae Howerton

Candice Nelson is an American singer/songwriter, who is known for co-penning Britney Spears’ “Radar,” Keri Hilson’s “Return the Favor,” Mary J. Blige’s “Take Me As I Am,” Brandy’s “Who is She to You,” LeToya Luckett’s “She Don’t,” Bobby Valentino’s “Anonymous,” Kiley Dean’s “Make Me a Song”, Ciara’s “That’s Right,” and Sunshine Anderson’s “Something I Wanna Give You.”

Her extensive resume boasts further works for Karina Pasian (“Official Girl”), Fantasia (“I Nominate You”), Jennifer Hudson (“Pocketbook”), Nikki Flores (“Pain Killer”), Bayje (“Mean Girlz”), Jennifer Lopez (“Brave”), Katharine McPhee (“Open Toes”), Marie Digby (“Daybreak”), Alicia Keys (“Heartburn”), Teyana Taylor (“Translation”) and Victoria Beckham (“Resentment”).

Among the producers Nelson has teamed up with are Bloodshy & Avant, Walter Millsap, Timbaland, Bryan Michael Cox, Mr. Bangladesh, Eric Hudson, HIT-BOY, Darhyl Camper, RedOne, Jim Beanz, Midi Mafia, J-Roc, Warren Felder, Da Internz, Antonio Dixon, Danja, Happy Perez, Detail, Scott Storch, Jonathan Rotem, Bernard “Focus” Edwards Jr., Rich Harrison, and Dre & Vidal.

She has also collaborated with fellow songwriters including Kara DioGuardi, Andre Merritt, Makeba Riddick, Dewain Whitmore, Erika Rose, Justin Timberlake, Marcella “Ms. Lagoo” Araica, Eric Dawkins, LaKeisha Gamble, Jasper Cameron, Ericka J. Coulter, and her former team The Clutch (Balewa Muhammad, Keri Hilson, Patrick “J.Que” Smith, & Ezekiel Lewis).

Nelson’s debut album “Moments” is now available via iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon, Google Play, Tidal and all other digital streaming platforms.

Hope you enjoy the following playlist dedicated to Nelson’s work!

[Musicians’ Galore] Ester Dean

Ester Dean is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress.

She has co-written songs for Britney Spears (“Selfish”), Katy Perry (“Firework”), Beyoncé (“Countdown”), Nicole Scherzinger (“Wet”), Mary J. Blige (“I Am”), Nicki Minaj (“Super Bass”), Kelly Clarkson (“Mr. Know it All”), Kelly Rowland (“I’m Dat Chick”), Keri Hilson (“Lose Control”), Rihanna (“You Da One”), Selena Gomez (“Come and Get it”), G.R.L. (“Ugly Heart”), Teyana Taylor (“Google Me”), Little Mix (“Always Be Together”) and Pia Toscano (“This Time”).

Among the fellow songwriters Dean has worked with are Traci Hale, Penelope Magnet, Kandi Burruss, Makeba Riddick, Crystal Nicole, Julie Frost, MoZella, Kelly Sheehan, Stacy Barthe, Laura “LP” Pergolizzi, Starrah, Jasper Cameron, Sam Martin, Claude Kelly, Sean Douglas, Thabiso Nkhereanye, Johnta Austin, Corey Williams, Giorgio Tuinfort, Ne-Yo, and The-Dream.

The “Crazy Youngsters” star has collaborated with top producers including Stargate, Polow Da Don, Tricky Stewart, Jazze Pha, Rodney Jerkins, Dapo Tormiro, Benny Blanco, Hit-Boy, Sermstyle, Jim Jonsin, Ammo, JMIKE, Scott Storch, Mike WiLL Made It, Warren “Oak” Felder, Andrew “Pop” Wansel, Ronald “Flip” Colson, Brian Kennedy, RedOne, Sandy Vee, DJ Frank-E, Kane Beatz, Shellback, Calvin Harris, John Hill, Cirkut, and Dr. Luke.

Her mini-album “Miss Ester Dean” – featuring “Jealous,” “Any Other Way” and “That Girl” – is now available ia iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon, Google Play, Tidal and all other digital streaming platforms.

Hope you enjoy the following playlist dedicated to Dean’s work!

[Musicians’ Galore] Kandi Burruss

Kandi Burruss-Tucker is an American singer-songwriter, television personality, actress, record producer and business woman. She is a member of the group Xscape, who scored hit singles including “My Little Secret,” “Understanding,” “Just Kickin’ It,” and “Feels So Good.”

She currently stars in the Bravo reality television series “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” since its second season premiere on July 30, 2009.

As a songwriter, Burruss has co-penned singles for other acts/artists including TLC’s “No Scrubs,” Destiny’s Child’s “Bills, Bills, Bills,” Pink’s “There You Go,” Usher’s “Pop Ya Collar,” Samantha Mumba’s “I’m Right Here,” Blu Cantrell’s “Make Me Wanna Scream,” and Isyss’ “Single for the Rest of My Life.”

Her extensive resume boasts further works for Whitney Houston (“Tell Me No”), Faith Evans (“Best Man”), Mariah Carey (“X-Girlfriend”), Alicia Keys (“Jane Doe”), Mya (“How You Gonna Tell Me”), 3LW (“Never Let Go”), Zena (“Pull Your Brakes”), Monica (“Uh Oh”), Yasmeen (“Blue Jeans”), Eden’s Crush (“No Drama”), N’Sync (“Makes Me Ill”), Fantasia (“Girl Like Me”), Karina Pasian (“They Ain’t Gotta Love You”) and Tommi (“Like What”).

Among the fellow songwriters Burruss has worked with are Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, Katrina Willis, Traci Hale, Ester Dean, Jessyca Wilson, Brandon Beal, Shaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith, Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd, and Phillip “Taj” Jackson.

On the production front, the winner of ASCAP’s “Songwriter of the Year” award in 2000 has collaborated with Soulshock & Karlin, Tricky Stewart, The-Dream, Babyface, Jermaine Dupri, She’kspere, Bryan Michael Cox, Jazze Pha, Dallas Austin, Blac Elvis, Scott Storch, Malay, Arnthor Birgisson, Lil Jon, Anders Bagge, Bloodshy & Avant, Carl Lowe, Don Vito, Manuel Seal, Leland, Drumma Boy, Jevon Hill, Focus, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

Hope you enjoy the following playlist dedicated to Kandi Burruss’ work!

[Musicians’ Galore] Richard X

Richard X (born Richard Phillips) is an English record producer and songwriter known for helming singles including Sugababes’ “Freak Like Me,” Rachel Stevens’ “Some Girls,” Liberty X’s “Being Nobody,” Sophie Ellis Bextor’s “Starlight,” and Annie’s “I Know Your Girlfriend Hates Me.”

His debut studio collection, 2013’s “Richard X Presents His X-Factor Vol. 1,” delivered guest appearances from Caron Wheeler (“Lonely”), Kelis (“Finest Dreams”) and Javine Hylton (“You Used To).

Other artists/acts Richard X has collaborated with are M.I.A. (“10 Dollar”), Alesha Dixon (“Ting-a-Ling”), Kylie Minogue (“Can’t Beat the Feeling”), Roisin Murphy (“Parallel Lives”), Little Boots (“Staring at the Sun”), Chase & Status (“Midnight Caller”) and The Knocks (“Love Me Like That”).

On the songwriting and production front, Richard X has teamed up with fellow musicians Hannah Robinson, Cathy Dennis, Karen Poole, Victoria Horn, Lisa Greene, Nicola Roberts, Martina Sorbara, Clare Maguire, Whinnie Williams, Richard “Biff” Stannard, Jim Eliot, Pascal Gabriel, and Matt Prime.

Hope you enjoy the following playlist dedicated to Richard X’s work!

[Musicians’ Galore] Greg Kurstin

Greg Kurstin is an American record producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose credits include Adele’s “Hello,” Sia’s “Chandelier,” Rita Ora’s “Radioactive,” Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Girl Problems,” Sky Ferreira’s “Red Lips,” Charli XCX’s “Famous,” Ellie Goulding’s “Burn,” Sophie Ellis Bextor’s “Catch You,” Kylie Minogue’s “Wow,” Lily Allen’s “Not Fair,” Pink’s “Try,” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Piece by Piece.”

His extensive resume boasts further works with Beyonce (“Standing on the Sun”), John Legend (“Penthouse Floor”), Britney Spears (“Rock Me In”), Selena Gomez (“Whiplash”), Katy Perry (“Spiritual”), Taylor Swift (“I Wish You Would”), Lana Del Rey (“Money Power Glory”), Natasha Bedingfield (“Backyard”), Jessie J (“Flashlight”), Gwen Stefani (“Rare”), Pixie Lott (“Mama Do”), Frances (“Say it Again”) and Shakira (“Chasing Shadows”).

Among the tracks Kurstin produced but were not officially released are Shirley Manson’s “Lighten Up,” Emma Bunton’s “Sex Ain’t Love,” Neon Hitch’s “Poisoned with Love,” Eliza Doolittle’s “Typical Story,” SoShy’s “Different Kinda Girl,” Livvi Franc’s “She Loves Love,” Esmee Denter’s “Life Saver,” Mutya Buena’s “My Love Story,” and Sugababes’ “Schizophernia.”

He has also worked with top songwriters including Cathy Dennis, Kara DioGuardi, Lindy Robbins, Nina Woodford, Karen Poole, MoZella, Hannah Robinson, Nicole Morier, Tiffany Fred, Lauren Evans, Jennifer Decilveo, Bonnie McKee, Kelly Sheehan, Ali Tamposi, Priscilla Renea, Julia Michaels, Wayne Hector, Johnta Austin, Claude Kelly, Ed Drewett, and Justin Tranter.

Fellow producers Kurstin has collaborated with are Christopher Braide, Jesse Shatkin, Samuel Dixon, Jack Splash, Rick Nowels, Billy Steinberg, Josh Alexander, Samuel Watters, Louis Biancaniello, Jonas Quant, Ryan Tedder, Noel Zancanella, David Hodges, Jason Evigan, Mitch Allan, Justin Parker, Richard “Biff” Stannard, Ash Howes, John Hill, Diplo, and Bloodshy & Avant.

Hope you enjoy the following playlist dedicated to Greg Kurstin’s work!

[Musicians’ Galore] Richard “Biff” Stannard

Richard “Biff” Stannard is an English record producer and songwriter who worked with a number of high-profile artists, including Kylie Minogue (“Please Stay”), Ellie Goulding (“Lights”), Leona Lewis (“One More Sleep”), Little Mix (“Change Your Life”), Sophie Ellis Bextor (“Heartbreak”), Melanie C (“Goin’ Down”), Emma Bunton (“What Took You So Long”) and Melanie B (“Lullaby”).

His extensive resume boasts further with Gabrielle (“Falling”), Sarah Whatmore (“When I Lose You”), Atomic Kitten (“If You Come to Me”), Hear’Say (“Everybody”), Alesha Dixon (“Ting-a-Ling”), Sonique (“You’re the Reason”), Holly Valance (“Connect”), Pixie Lott (“Paper Planes”), Chloe Howl (“Nervous Breakdown”), Ella Henderson (“Billie Holiday”), Little Boots (“No Brakes”), Marina Diamandis (“Jealousy”), and Medina (“We Survive”).

Amongst the tracks Stannard co-wrote and produced but were not officially released are Spice Girls’ “Feed Your Love,” Geri Halliwell’s “Once Upon a Time,” Sam Smith’s “You Never Loved Me,” Nicole Scherzinger’s “Forbidden Love,” Ella Eyre’s “Thinking it Over,” Chloe Howl’s “Nervous Breakdown,” Fleur East’s “Missiles,” Paloma Faith’s “You’re Gonna Want Me Back,” Nikki Flores’ “Could You Ever Love Me That Way,” Karen Harding’s “Louder,” Alex Reid’s “Junkie,” Laura Welsh’s “Armour,” Rebecca Ferguson’s “Unconditionally,” Kerli Koiv’s “Heartline,” and Mutya Keisha Siobhan’s “I’m Alright.”

Furthermore, Stannard has collaborated with top songwriters including Andrea Martin, Lindy Robbins, Karen Poole, Shelly Poole, Hannah Robinson, Lisa Greene, Mima Stilwell, Shaznay Lewis, Autumn Rowe, Maiday, Camille Purcell, Ana Diaz, Ruth-Anne Cunningham, Nicola Roberts, Emma Rohan, Rachel Furner, Chelcee Grimes, Ayak Thiik, Cozi Costi, Shep Solomon, Ali Tennant, Wayne Hector, Iain James, Ed Drewett, and Jimmy Napes.

Stannard has also helmed songs with fellow producers Julian Gallagher, Matt Rowe, Ash Howes, Martin Harrington, Bradford Ellis, Tim Powell, Jason Nevins, Stuart Crichton, Calvin Harris, The Freemasons, Alan Nglish, Jonas Quant, Cass Lowe, Steve Robson, Ryan Tedder, Fernando Garibay, Jim Eliot, Rob Davis, Greg Kurstin, Jonas Jeberg, Cutfather, Jez Ashurst, TMS, Matt Prime, Richard X, Starsmith, Jonny Lattimer, Carl Ryden, and BURNS.

Hope you enjoy the following playlist dedicated to Richard Stannard’s work!

[Musicians’ Galore] The Neptunes

The Neptunes are an American production duo, composed of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, who are credited with contributing the sound for many successful hip hop and R&B artists in the late-1990s and 2000s.

Their notable credits include Kelis’ “Caught Out There,” Britney Spears’ “I’m a Slave 4 U,” Faith Evans’ “Burnin’ Up,” Foxy Brown’s “Candy,” Usher’s “U Don’t Have to Call,” Beyonce’s “Work it Out,” Justin Timberlake’s “Senorita,” LL Cool J’s “Luv U Better,” Toni Braxton’s “Hit the Freeway,” Mariah Carey’s “Say Something,” and Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl.”

Amongst the tracks The Neptunes produced but were not officially released are “Save the Babies” (Brandy), “My Big Secret” (Janet Jackson), “Switch it Up” (Teyana Taylor), “Beat U” (Kylie Minogue), “Friends Are” (Vanessa Marquez), “I’m Still Here” (Nicole Scherzinger), “What a Thug Like” (Amerie), “Dope Boy” (Natasha Ramos), “All Night Long” (Eve) and “Go Deeper” (Ashanti).

In 2009, Billboard ranked The Neptunes number one on their list of the top 10 producers of the decade. Readers of Vibe named The Neptunes as the third greatest hip-hop producers of all time behind Dr. Dre and DJ Premier.

Hope you enjoy the following playlist dedicated to The Neptunes’ work!

[Musicians’ Galore] Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo (born Shaffer Smith) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actor. He gained fame for his songwriting works with Mario (“Let Me Love You”), Beyonce (“Irreplaceable”), Rihanna (“Unfaithful”), Jennifer Hudson (“Spotlight”), Janet Jackson (“Rock With You”), RaVaughn (“Better Be Good”), Paula DeAnda (“Walk Away”), Keri Hilson (“Pretty Girl Rock”), LeToya Luckett (“Not Anymore”), Mack Wilds (“Own It”) and Lindsay Lohan (“Bossy”).

His extensive resume boasts further works with Celine Dion (“Thank You”), Lionel Richie (“I’m in Love”), Brandy (“Good Night Good Morning”), Fantasia Barrino (“Man of the House”), Alexis Jordan (“Laying Around”), Tiffany Evans (“Impossible”), Jessica Sanchez (“Plastic Roses”), Luke James (“Make Love to Me”), Nicole Scherzinger (“Happily Never After”), Paula Campbell (“Ain’t Nobody Stupid”) and TLC (“Meant to Be”).

Amongst the tracks that Ne-Yo penned but did were not officially released are Megan Rochell’s “Murderer” (re-recorded by Rihanna), Tynisha Keli’s “Stay or Go” (re-recorded by Monica), Natasha Ramos’ “Insult My Intelligence,” Bayje’s “Happy Endings,” Nina Sky’s “Electricity,” Mario’s “If You Let Her Take Me” (re-recorded by Beyonce), Christina Milian’s “Peep Show,” Kelly Rowland’s “Grown Woman,” and Monica’s “Always By Your Side.”

On the production front, Ne-Yo has worked with Stargate, Chuck Harmony, Shea Taylor, Jesse “Corporal” Wilson, Stephan Moccio, Bloodshy & Avant, Sandy Vee, Darhyl Camper, Jonathan Rotem, Salaam Remi, Ryan Leslie, Eric Hudson, Jack Splash, Scott Storch, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Bryan Michael Cox, Jim Jonsin, Luke Laird, Jermaine Dupri, Tricky Stewart, and Benny Blanco.

Hope you enjoy the following playlist dedicated to Ne-Yo’s work!

[Musicians’ Galore] Traci Hale

Traci Hale is an Atlanta-based American pop and R&B songwriter and vocalist who’s known for co-writing Mya’s “Case of the Ex,” Britney Spears’ “Selfish,” Nivea’s “Okay,” Rihanna’s “What’s My Name,” Brandy’s “Top of the World,” Nicole Scherzinger’s “Wet,” and Neon Hitch’s “Bad Dog.”

Hale’s extensive resume boasts further works with Usher (“Love Em All”), Keri Hilson (“Perfect World”), Sean Kingston (“Dutty Love”), Chante Moore (“You Can’t Leave Me”), Ginuwine (“How Far Will You Go”), Blu Cantrell (“The One”), Ray J (“Why I Lie”), Kandi Burruss (“Sucka for You”), Charlie Wilson (“I Can’t Let Go”), and Conor Maynard (“Word for Life”).

Fellow songwriters Hale has worked with are Ester Dean, Erika Nuri, Keri Hilson, Lucie Silvas, Penelope Magnet, Hillary Lindsey, Midian Mathers, LaShawn Daniels, J. Que, Thabiso Nkhereanye, Rico Love, and Ezekiel Lewis.

Hale also teamed up with producers Tricky Stewart, The-Dream, Jazze Pha, Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins, Polow Da Don, Soundz, The Corna Boyz, Lil Jon, Benny Blanco, Future Cut, Syience, Bryan Michael Cox, Kendrick “Wyldcard” Dean, Scott Storch, Kwame Holland, Brett James, Nathan Chapman, Troy Verges, Sandy Vee, Cutfather, Peter Wallevik, and Stargate.

Hope you enjoy the following playlist dedicated to Traci Hale’s work!

[Musicians’ Galore] Max Martin

Max Martin (born Martin Sandberg) is a Swedish songwriter, record producer and singer who is known for his works with Britney Spears (“Baby One More Time”), Kelly Clarkson (“Since U Been Gone”), Taylor Swift (“Shake it Off”), Ariana Grande (“Problem”), Katy Perry (“Roar”), Ellie Goulding (“On My Mind”), Pink (“So What”) and Justin Timberlake (“Can’t Stop the Feeling”).

His extensive resume boasts further works with Celine Dion (“That’s the Way It Is”), Avril Lavigne (“Wish You Were Here”), Christina Aguilera (“Your Body”), Leona Lewis (“I Will Be”), Tori Kelly (“Nobody Love”), Kelis (“I Don’t Think So”), Nick Jonas (“Under You”), Demi Lovato (“Confident”), The Weeknd (“Can’t Feel My Face”), Usher (“Scream”) and Jennifer Lopez (“First Love”).

Amongst the songwriters Max Martin has worked with are Shelly Peiken, Cathy Dennis, Sia Furler, Bonnie McKee, Ester Dean, MoZella, Laleh Pourkarim, Sarah Hudson, Tove Lo, Julia Michaels, Noonie Bao, Camela Leierth, Katerina Loules, Tiffany Amber, Jorgen Elofsson, Savan Kotecha, Ross Golan, Evan Bogart, Ammar Malik, Justin Tranter, Rickard Goransson, Jacob Kasher, Clarence Coffee Jr., Magnus Lidehall, Adam Baptiste, and Herbie Crichlow.

The Grammy-award winning musician also teamed up with fellow producers Andreas Carlsson, Kristian Lundin, Rami Yacoub, Arnthor Birgisson, Peer Astrom, Dr. Luke, Cirkut, Benny Blanco, Shellback, Johan Carlsson, Christian Karlsson, Carl Falk, Tobias Carlsson, Oscar Holter, Ali Payami, Ilya Salmanzadeh, Billboard, Alex Purple, MAG, Emanuel Kiriakou, DJ Frank E, Ammo, Martin Johnson, Doc McKinney, Peter Svensson, Klas Ahlund, Zedd, The Cataracs, Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso, Danja, and Mattman & Robin.

Hope you enjoy the following playlist dedicated to Max Martin’s work!