Isaac Hasson has worked on hit songs with Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez amongst others. He talks exclusively about his breakout into the music industry, his successes and where it has taken him and the future for him and his music.
The Early Years
Q. Tell us about the early years, including where you were born, early childhood memories, and how you got started in the Entertainment Business?
A. I remember sitting at my piano lesson refusing to play the sheet music because I wanted to write my own songs. The teacher was not amused. Once someone gave me a guitar, it was all over. From that point on, music was my life.
Q. You are originally from Boston. Is the Boston music scene similar or different from the LA scene?
A. Boston scene is completely different from L.A. It’s a very college-driven indie market with no frills. Pop is almost looked down upon.
Q. Who did you look up to or admire, artist and non-artist wise, when you were growing up?
A. My favorite artists were Jimi Hendrix and Freddy Mercury. Both because they were masters at what they did as well as experimental. Muhammed Ali was another because of his swagger, confidence and fearlessness.
Q. You were a guitar player/singer in rock bands. Tell us about the “artist experience.” How does it differ from being a songwriter/record producer?
A. I loved being an artist and still am. I apply the same artistic approach to writing and producing. Always looking to come up with something new and different.
Q. How did you get your first big break in the industry as a songwriter/producer?
A. It started by getting a lot of licenses with my music. Second moment would be meeting Jon Lind and working with Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez. The release of the single “Here We Go Again” made things move pretty quickly.
The Current
Q. What is a typical day like for you? Walk us through a 24-hour period/day.
A. I get up at 9AM, drink a ton of coffee, try to sneak in a morning work out, start working in the studio around noon and keep going til whenever. That’s just about every day.
Q. We know you are a musician/track guy/producer but do you also topline (write lyrics and melody)?
A. I was actually a songwriter before I was ever a producer, so yes, I definitely top-line both lyric and melody.
Q. Take us through the writing process and how it affects you physically, mentally, & emotionally.
A. My best writing happens when I’m not trying to write. Songs hit me at the most random times. I just let it flow. Production on the other hand…I am much more obsessive about. Finding the perfect snare drum can keep me up at night.
Q. Who are on your team and how important are they to you with regards to your overall success?
A. Good support is important. Definitely family as well as my manager, Jeff Gordon; my publisher, Bicycle Music and my go-to fellow writers, which are too many to mention. I completely embrace the team philosophy. The Successes
Q. You have had a lot of success as a writer/producer, working with some of the biggest names in the business, including Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and Hot Chelle Rae. Can you tell us about some of your most successful songs and what success has meant to you?
A. I’d say Demi Lovato’s “Here We Go Again” is at the top of the list as well as the other Demi and Selena Gomez cuts. Success has just made me hungry for more.
Q. How many records, singles, downloads that you have been involved with sold (the total number of sales)?
A. I have no idea of that number. Both Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez records went at least Gold. There have been other artists that have had good sales I just don’t know the numbers. Probably should pay more attention, but I’m always focused on the music.
Q. One name stands out; Demi Lovato – you worked on a #1 Billboard Hot 100 Hit Record with her. How did you get to work with her and what was it like to collaborate with one of the biggest artists in the world?
A. Jon Lind, A&R at Hollywood Records basically heard an album I did with Cassie Steele called “Destructo Doll.” After our meeting I sent him a track I had kick’in around. He liked it and played it for Lindy Robbins who happened to be at his office at the time. We put together a writing session and the rest is history.
The Collaborations
Q. Who are you currently working with (artist, songwriters, producers, collaborators, etc.)?
A. Working with a lot of different people right now too many to name.
Q. Do you have any artist in particular that you enjoy/love to work with? If so, tell us why?
A. I always enjoy working with Cassie Steele – we just have great writing chemistry. Same goes for Mandy Rain, Natalya Rose, Joshua Bass and Delta Rose. All artists have a unique perspective.
Q. Do you always focus on writing/producing a hit song? Do you ever write with a specific artist in mind, or do you write a great song and then see where it will get placed?
A. I never focus on writing a hit song because it encourages the wrong side of my brain to get involved. I just let the music do its thing and figure it out from there. I do write with specific artists in mind but have had more luck just writing and placing the songs later.
Q. Tell us about other writers and producers you like to work with and why you like working with them.
A. There are so many writers and producers that I like to write with but some standouts would be: Lindy Robbins, Shelly Pieken, Jules Larson, Neffu, Billy Schleifer, Danny Score, Abram Dean.
Q. Do you support artists that you have worked with?
A. Many of the artists that I develop or work with a lot become part of my family, so I definitely support my musical brothers and sisters.
Q. Do you have any music executives that you like working with?
A. Jon Lind is at the top of that list. He mentored me in a lot of ways. I enjoy talking shop with Randy Jackson. Executives with a musician background are the ones I seem to vibe with the best.
Q. Who are your current musical influences and why?
A. Lorde, Imagine Dragons, Daft Punk and Eminem. I definitely bump those tracks in the car. Lots of good stuff out there. I never dismiss and the classics either: the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and of course, Jimi Hendrix, Queen and Nirvana. Can’t forget Stevie Wonder and James Brown!
Q. Have you ever mentored any young songwriters or producers?
A. I’ve been doing some mentoring recently. That’s definitely something I want to do more of in the future.
Q. If a young writer or producer wanted to get advice from you, how can they reach out to you?
A. I’m happy to give advice. Reach out to my manager. The Other Businesses
Q. Besides writing/producing, do you have any other businesses and if yes, what are they?
A. Music business is plenty to focus on.
Q. Do you work with any companies/products and do you want to endorse/work with any, and why?
A. Studio One and Personus have been cool to me. I would love a Native Instruments endorsement because I really like their software. Jeff get on that please!
Q. Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do in your spare time?
A. I used to have hobbies like play tennis and photography, but music takes up most of my time. Sundays in the fall I definitely put aside for football season. Going to the movies definitely helps me chill. Hanging by the ocean and spending time with friends and family is also good for the soul.
The Future
Q. Are there any artists, songwriters, or producers you would like to work with in the future? Out of all the artists in the world, who is currently on your “short list” to work with (artist that you have not yet worked with)?
A. Artists on my short list: Trent Reznor, Paul McCartney, Kelly Clarkson, Sia, Bruno Mars, David Guetta, Lana Del Rey to name a few. There’s actually many so it’s more like the long list.
Q. What is “next” for Isaac Hasson?
A. I just want to keep growing as a musician. I’m also looking to build a production team of writers and producers. I would like to create a situation where we all inspire each other. I want to make music that breaks new ground and becomes the sound of the future. Let’s do this!
Q. Any shout-outs to anyone?
A. Shout out to all the artists and writers that allow me to do music for a living. I never take it for granted.
Music Publishers: Bicycle Music
Management: Jeff Gordon
Twitter: @IsaacHasson1
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