From Console to Crown
Producer of the year (nonclassical) could award a newcomer — or Finneas
Omer Fedi
The Tel Aviv-born, Los Angelesbred Fedi is arguably the breakout hip-hop producer of . The -year-old has landed three No. s this year with “Mood” by kgoldn featuring Iann Dior, Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” and The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber’s “Stay.” The latter two are possible contenders in marquee categories, as are Lil Nas X’s album and Machine Gun Kelly’s “Tickets for My Downfall,” both of which Fedi co-produced.
Finneas
The -year-old has won eight Grammys including the top producer (non-classical) honor in . He will, no doubt, be in contention again thanks to his production on Billie Eilish’s chart-topping sophomore album “Happier Than Ever.” His work on Justin Bieber & Benny Blanco’s “Lonely” as well as two contributions to Kid Cudi’s “Man in the Moon III: The Chosen” add weight to the possibility of a repeat.
Aaron Dessner
In many ways, Dessner, a founding member of the National, was conspicuously absent from ’s race considering his key role in crafting the sound of Taylor Swift’s “Folklore.” (Co-producer Jack Antonoff was nominated, however.) Things might go Dessner’s way in given that his fingerprints are all over “Evermore,” working on all but one song. Swift’s latest is also a strong contender for album of the year, which could provide more ammo for the -year-old’s bid.
Tainy
Puerto Rico’s Tainy has arguably shaped the sound of Latin music more than any other producer over the last couple of years with credits on several crossover hits. His hot streak continued in with Kali Uchis’ “Telepatía,” a feature on Shawn Mendes’ “Summer of Love” as well as helming Ozuna and Anuel AA’S collaborative album “XYZ.” Tainy also worked on Bad Bunny’s “El Último Tour Del Mundo” and crafted Gomez’s Latin music debut, “Revelación.”
Dan Nigro
Nigro’s role in crafting Olivia Rodrigo’s sound on the superstar-making “Sour” — a practical shoo-in for an album of the year nom — may make him the leading contender in the producers race. Contributing to his bonafides: singles “Drivers License” and “Good U” were both chart-toppers, with “Deja Vu” and “Traitor” not far behind.