Photo Credit: Patrick Williamson / CC by 4.0
TikTok launches #BehindTheSong with songwriter-producer Fraser T Smith.
To celebrate producers and songwriters and help bring them to the forefront of the cultural zeitgeist, TikTok has announced the launch of #BehindTheSong, featuring Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Fraser T Smith. The hashtag will serve as a hub for the latest videos from the songwriting community, encouraging creators to share stories about their music-making process.
Bringing his extensive experience as a multi-platinum producer and world-renowned songwriter to #BehindTheSong, Fraser’s stint as the inaugural featured songwriter for the hashtag coincides with the return of his own music project, Future Utopia. Hot off the launch of his latest single, “Your Love,” the producer has announced his new EP, We Were We Still Are, the first release under his Future Utopia moniker, out June 9 from The Orchard.
Fraser has collaborated with artists like Adele, James Morrison, Stormzy, Dave, Bastille, and Idris Elba, kicking off the campaign with videos that break down some of the hits he’s produced, including Adele’s Grammy Award-winning track “Set Fire to the Rain.”
He discusses how he first came up with the beat, followed by the piano chords, and Adele then wrote the melody on top of this framework. Fraser has also curated his own playlist featuring some of his biggest tracks. Additionally, he’s discussing his work with emerging artists, including partnering on new music and setting lyrical challenges for them to complete.
“I have been fortunate to be able to collaborate with some of the world’s most talented and influential artists, and I’m really thrilled to be partnering with TikTok on the #BehindTheSong campaign,” says Fraser. “I’m a big fan of the work they do in the music world and can’t wait for you to get an insight into my journey behind the song as an artist, writer, and producer.”
With over 2.2 billion views, the #BehindTheSong hashtag is immensely popular on TikTok, hosting content from songwriters and music makers and inspiring prolific songwriters like Kamille, Noel Gallagher, and Guy Chambers to share the ways they create their unique sounds and globally-renowned tracks, such as Guy Chambers’ work with Robbie Williams on the award-winning track, “Angels.”
“It’s so exciting to create a dedicated space to amplify the work of songwriters, producers, and artists to help them tell the stories #BehindTheSong,” adds Tara Brady, Music Publishing Partnerships at TikTok. “There is a real appetite for this type of educational behind-the-scenes style content on TikTok, which enables music lovers and fans to feel even closer to the creative process.”
“I can’t wait to see a variety of content from across the music industry and want to thank Fraser T Smith and (the) team, along with all the songwriters who have gotten involved so far.”