Greg Kurstin

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Lore & Background

Kurstin's collaboration with Adele began during the making of her third studio album, 25 (2015). He co-wrote and produced "Hello," which became a massive breakthrough for both artists. The song reached number one in over 30 countries and was the first record to exceed 1 million in digital sales over a 7-day period. Adele later reflected on the collaboration, noting that working with Kurstin helped unlock her creative flow. Kurstin played bass, guitar, drums, piano, and keyboards on the track. Their partnership continued with Adele's 2021 album 30, where he co-wrote and produced "Easy on Me," which debuted at number one on the US Hot 100 and broke all-time Spotify records with 24 million plays within 24 hours.

In Their Own Story

In the studio, Kurstin brings his jazz-trained ear to every session, often building tracks from simple piano demos rather than complex digital beats. When working on "Hello," he handled multiple instruments himself, creating a sonic landscape that supported Adele's powerful vocals without overwhelming them. The production process was deliberate, focusing on emotional resonance over technical complexity. Kurstin's background as a jazz pianist influenced his approach, noting in a 2013 interview: "It's really important to me that the notes I'm choosing strike the right emotional chord." This philosophy became evident in their recordings, where every note served the narrative of heartbreak and resilience. Their trust allowed for deep vulnerability in the final releases, creating timeless pop ballads that resonated with millions worldwide.

Reader's Guide

Kurstin's production on Adele's albums demonstrates a masterful balance between minimalism and grandeur. He often plays all instruments himself—guitar, bass, keyboards, drums—and engineers his own productions. His work on "Hello" showcased this hands-on approach, with the track becoming a cultural phenomenon. The collaboration extended to 30's lead single "Easy on Me," which achieved unprecedented streaming numbers. Kurstin's ability to create spacious arrangements allowed Adele's voice to remain the focal point while maintaining emotional depth. This approach resulted in records that felt both intimate and massive simultaneously, influencing how pop ballads are produced today. Their partnership remains a benchmark for successful artist-producer relationships in contemporary music.

Did You Know?

• Kurstin co-wrote "Hello," which was the first record to exceed 1 million in digital sales over a 7-day period.
• His production on "Easy on Me" broke all-time Spotify records with 24 million plays within 24 hours of release.
• Adele has credited Kurstin as a key collaborator who helped her writing process flow more freely.
• Kurstin won Producer of the Year (Non-Classical) at the 2017 Grammy Awards for his work with Adele and others.
• He played bass, guitar, drums, piano, and keyboards on Adele's "Hello" while also engineering the track.

Collaborative Beginnings and Early Development

Adele's musical journey began in earnest after signing with XL Recordings in September 2006, leading to the creation of her debut album, 19. While she penned many tracks alone, including her debut single "Hometown Glory," this era also introduced her to key collaborators who would shape her sound. She worked closely with Eg White on "Chasing Pavements" and other songs like "Melt My Heart to Stone." Additionally, she contributed guest vocals to Jack Peñate's 2007 album Matinée and later appeared on his second release in 2009. These early partnerships laid the groundwork for her future success, proving that while she was a formidable solo writer, strategic collaborations could elevate her songwriting even further before she achieved global superstardom.

The Breakthrough Era of Album 21

Released in 2011, Adele's second studio album, 21, marked a monumental shift in her career through high-profile partnerships. The record featured the massive hit "Rolling in the Deep," co-written with Paul Epworth, which earned two Grammy Awards and an eight-times platinum certification from the RIAAA. Beyond this anthem, she reunited with Epworth for tracks like "He Won't Go" while also collaborating with Dan Wilson on the emotional ballad "Someone Like You." The album showcased a diverse range of creative minds, including Fraser T Smith, Ryan Tedder, and Eg White, blending Adele's raw vocal power with sophisticated production. This period solidified her status as a global icon, demonstrating how working with top-tier producers could amplify her personal storytelling into universal anthems.

The Strategic Partnership with Greg Kurstin

A pivotal chapter in Adele's discography involves her recurring collaboration with producer and songwriter Greg Kurstin, beginning with her third album, 25. On this record, they co-wrote three significant tracks: "Hello," "Million Years Ago," and "Water Under the Bridge." This partnership proved so fruitful that it continued into her fourth studio album, 30, released in late 2021. The lead single from this later project, "Easy on Me," was also a joint effort between Adele and Kurstin. Their work together highlights a consistent creative synergy, moving from the introspective themes of 25 to the personal reflections found in 30, establishing Kurstin as one of the most important architects behind her modern sound alongside other frequent collaborators like Paul Epworth.

Evolution Through Diverse Songwriting Partners

Throughout her career, Adele has demonstrated a remarkable ability to select the right creative partners for specific projects, evolving from solo writing on her debut to complex collaborations later on. From the early days of 19 to the introspective nature of 30, her discography reflects a deliberate curation of talent that complements her unique voice and songwriting vision.

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