Lady Gaga has high praise for Mayhem executive producer and co-writer Andrew Watt, calling him a “uniquely gifted producer and musician” in an exclusive statement to People magazine.
Known for his work with music legends such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne, The Rolling Stones and a host of modern stars such as Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, Post Malone and Pearl Jam, Watt brings a deep-seated passion to every project.
“Everything he does is rooted in a deep love for music and for the people who make it. You can feel how deeply it has shaped his life. He lives and breathes it in a way that is rare even among artists,” says Gaga, 39.
She continues: “He can really play, which opens up a whole different dimension in the studio.” She concludes her praise by calling Watt “one of the most dynamic collaborators in modern music,” acknowledging his instincts, taste and understanding of sonic history.
Watt co-wrote and produced Mayhem with Gaga and her fiancé and creative partner, Michael Polansky.
Watt recalls the beginning of the album, saying, “Gaga and Michael Polansky invited me to their house before we started the album. It was after we did the Stones collaboration together. I sat with them and played a few songs I had, and things started pouring out of her.”
With Gaga’s diverse musical background, Watt notes that they touched on all the genres she has explored throughout her career.
“She’s played so many different types of music… there’s nothing she can’t do,” he says. Calling Gaga a “visionary,” Watt adds, “It was the most exciting album I’ve ever been a part of, and we worked on it longer than any album I’ve ever worked on – a year straight without stopping.”
