It comes as no shock that many artists enlist the help of songwriters to create masterpieces. However, hardly any come close to Justin Tranter’s treasure trove of hits. From Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” to Imagine Dragon’s “Believer,” the Illinois native is a repeat Billboard chart-topper. He’s now earned a second GRAMMY nomination. This time, for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical.
By 2006, Tranter already released two solo albums before becoming the frontman of glam-punk band Semi Precious Metals. The Berklee alumni’s hardcore music and zany stage theatrics from frontman Tranter saturated New York clubs, ultimately landing opening gigs on tours for then-rising stars: Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour (2009-2011) and Kesha’s Warrior Tour (2013).
After three albums, Semi Precious Metals disbanded in 2014, leaving LA-bound Tranter with a solid publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music to write songs for other artists. After gushing over working with Britney Spears on “Slumber Party” (2016), little did Tranter know 2017 would be a career highlight. Who knew his endless supply of Billboard AirPlay chart-toppers (Selena Gomez’s Talking Heads-sampled “Bad Liar” and Maroon 5’s “Cold”) would end with Tranter’s first-ever GRAMMY nomination for Song of the Year—co-writing Julia Michaels’ breakout single “Issues”?
Out of his most streamed Spotify singles, Tratner also co-wrote DNCE’s “Cake By The Ocean,” Imagine Dragon’s “Enemy”(featuring JID), Selena Gomez’s “Lose You To Love Me,” and Fall Out Boy’s “Centuries”—all of which surpassed one billion streams each.
Beyond being an award-winning songwriter, the 43-year-old has been a longtime advocate of HIV/AIDS awareness. He became a GLAAD board member in December 2017. During his time at Berklee, his college band founded Musicians with a Mission, a scholarship fund for LGBT youth education.
If you liked Justin Tranter, read about Shane McAnally.
