American singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, and composer Blake Mills is widely recognized for his distinctive production style and collaborative work across various genres with artists including Alabama Shakes, Fiona Apple, Bob Dylan, John Legend, Perfume Genius, Jim James, Moses Sumney, Laura Marling, Phoebe Bridgers & Cass McCombs.

Cultural impact

• Mills' work on Aurora for Daisy Jones & The Six brought together artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Marcus Mumford, and Jackson Browne, creating a cultural moment that bridged television and music, and introduced a fictional band to real-world chart success.

• In September 2025, Mills performed live at The Ford in Los Angeles with Pino Palladino, Sam Gendel, and Chris Dave, showcasing his influence in bringing together top-tier musicians for innovative live collaborations.

Critical response

• Pitchfork praised Mills' collaborative album That Wasn't a Dream with Pino Palladino as "a sparse, enchanting record where time passes circuitously and phrases brush against each other like branches in the wind." Read full review

• Rolling Stone noted Mills' production on Perfume Genius' Glory, stating, "the tones and sounds aren’t immersive and adventurous, but they tend to linger and keen, rather than leap and cry out. It’s a sonic mood to match Hadreas’ explorations of the depression that consumed him during the pandemic." Read full review

The GRAMMY-winning producer's work includes producing Lady Gaga's Album of The Year nominated album 'Mayhem' and K-pop sensation ROSÉ's 'APT.' featuring Bruno Mars, adding to his two-decade career producing for major artists. Cirkut has co-produced for Jung Kook, Sam Smith, Elton John & more.

Cultural impact

• Cirkut has been behind dozens of songs that have captured the spirit of the decade including hits like Katy Perry's "Part of Me" & "Roar," Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball," and more.

• "APT." has been recognized for preserving and celebrating Korean pop culture while bridging global audiences, with critics noting its influence on the international perception of K-pop collaborations.

Critical response

• Pitchfork noted that the production by A. G. Cook and Cirkut on the 'Brat' remix album's 'Rewind' was "radiant." Read full review

• WRGC highlighted Cirkut and Andrew Watt's work on Lady Gaga's single 'Disease,' which melded heavy guitars with industrial synth dance. Read full review

Dan Auerbach's prolific year included producing albums for Robert Finley, Early James, Miles Kane, and The Velveteers, as well as releasing The Black Keys' album No Rain, No Flowers and an instrumental record with The Moonrisers.

Cultural impact

• The Black Keys launched the No Rain, No Flowers Tour in 2025 in support of their album, with dates across North America and Europe, including stops at major venues such as the Choctaw Grand Theater and Blossom Music Center.

• The band made festival appearances at Pal Norte in Monterrey, Mexico, and Estéreo Picnic Festival in Colombia, further expanding their global reach.

• A seasoned producer, Dan Auerbach continues to work with rising talent in the alternative rock space and across other genres.

Critical response

• The Los Angeles Times highlighted Auerbach's role as producer, stating he "merged the man with the myth by directing the project, compiling the band, playing guitar and setting a course," and called his work on Dr. John's Locked Down "stunning." Read full review

• Billboard noted Auerbach's versatility, observing that "many of the artists he produces deliver similar sound in terms of grit and edge," but also praised his ability to branch out and work with artists who are more sonically diverse, leaving a distinct mark on each project. Read full review